THE COMMITTEE SHALL ENFORCE THE RULES LISTED IN 2026

  1. Placing Decisions: The Adjudicator’s decision is final.
  2. Risk: All competitors dance completely at their own risk.
  3. Proof of Age: The Committee reserves the right to ask for a birth certificate or proof of age at any time during the competition.
  4. Age and Novice/Open Entry: Competitors entering solo sections must enter their own age group only as either Novice or Open, not both.
  5. Definition of “Novice”: A “Novice” is a dancer who has never been placed (1st., 2nd. or 3rd.) in any competition at any time. The only exception to this ruling is the Under 6 Years classification. Competitors coming out of this age group may enter Novice sections. Once a competitor has won a 1st, 2nd or 3rd. prize in a section at any competition prior to our entry closing date each year, they must enter the Open division for that section/style at Casey Comps or any other competition in the future offering Open/Novice sections.
  6. Competitor Registration/Checking In: All competitors must be checked in at the foyer check-in desk prior to the commencement of their section. This allows for knowledge of their intent to compete to be sent to the Bio-Box, Backstage

And the Adjudicator. Competitors arriving after the commencement of their section may be allowed to dance at the end of their section for a report only, if time and the Adjudicator allow.  

  1. Dance in Order: Competitors must appear in the order in which their names appear in the program and may appear once only in any section. This includes solos, duos/trios and troupes. No exceptions will be made to these rules unless the Committee allows a change of order to accommodate reasonable time for costume change of a competitor between consecutive sections – or any other reason deemed to be valid by the Committee.
  2. Late arrivals/re-starts: Late arrivals and Competitors restarting their dances may dance at the end of their Section for a report only, unless the issue proves to be at the fault of the Committee or Theatre equipment which would not be at the fault of the Competitor. Ultimately, both opportunities for presentation would be allowed at the Adjudicator’s discretion, if not counter to any other rule of the Eisteddfod.
  3. Report Only: Teachers and Competitors should note that performances dancing for a report only will not be considered as contributing toward qualification requirements for Championships, Aggregate or other awards.
  4. Entry Fee Refunds: Competitors are not entitled to a refund of fees in cases of non-appearance, regardless of the reason.
  5. Combining Sections: The Committee reserves the right to combine similar sections (e.g. Novice/Open) if insufficient entries are received. Sections are only cancelled if no competitors present/enter. If only one competitor presents, they will be awarded a placing as the Adjudicator deems appropriate.
  6. Song and Dance sections – Vocal backing. The Committee will not permit music with vocal backing to be used in these sections. This includes vocal content in the dance part of the choreography. The competitor will be immediately disqualified.
  7. Performance Music through ‘MyCompHQ’ Upload: After closing of entries and preparation of the Program/Running Sheet, information will be sent out to competitors as to how they might upload their performance music as digital audio files to their appropriate section and competitor number. In 2026 all music is to be uploaded by Saturday,19th September. There is no additional charge for the upload of performance music. Competitors are advised to have available a back-up copy at the venue in USB/Phone format – just in case – but this is not an excuse to expect using back-ups at the venue. A link to an upload demonstration of the new process will be sent to competitors using the email given in their entry.
  8. Protests: are to be made in writing within 15 minutes of adjudication and before the beginning of the next section, where possible, and to be accompanied by a deposit of $20.00, which will be forfeited if deemed frivolous.
  9. Communication with the Adjudicator/s: It is strictly prohibited for the Competitors or those associated with the Competitors and/or participating dance schools to communicate with the Adjudicator/s during the Competition.  The Committee reserves the right to disqualify any person from the competition, being dancers, teachers or other interested parties, following communication with the Adjudicator/s.
  10. Item Rehearsal: Rehearsal of any item at the venue must be restricted to the areas set aside for this purpose.  Rehearsal on the venue stage will not be permitted excluding Championship sections who will be allowed 10 minutes on stage to practice, with the curtain closed before the start of the section.
  11. Timing: Please note that items will be timed using the audio equipment or manually. Competitors will be disqualified if they are over the time limit. This may involve disqualification later or to have the music stopped at the expiration of the applicable time limit for the section.
  12. Private audio/video recording or the taking of photographs is not permitted within the auditorium, change spaces or side stage: Under Child-Safe provisions, the use of video recording equipment and/or cameras by members of the audience within and backstage at the theatre and/or change spaces is prohibited. Photos may be taken in the foyer only. A backing banner has been provided, should you wish to use it for this purpose.  Offenders may be removed and recorded material may be forfeited to the Committee, or the competitor/s concerned disqualified. This includes presentations.

Teachers entering students should advise their students’ families of this rule.

  1. Troupe Minimum: Troupes must have a minimum of 5 members. (any less will dance for a report only). Hip Hop Crew can consist of minimum 4 members
  2. Check your Entries against your ‘MyCompHQ Invoice when the Running Sheet becomes available! We have allowed two weeks for changes to be made due to error after the Running Sheet is published.

 CHANGES WILL NOT BE MADE ONCE THE PROGRAM IS PREPARED.

  1. Presentations/Clear Stage: Once a competitor has performed, he or she and those accompanying are to leave the stage area immediately unless asked to remain for the purpose of presentations. All Solo, Duo/Trio Sections and Championships, will be presented on stage. Only 2 performers from each Troupe competing in their respective section will represent their entire troupe on stage for on stage presentations, and the Sheila Daniells Entertainment Item will be presented on stage.
  2. Authority of the Stage Manager: Competitors, Teachers, Parents and others associated with competitors must obey the directions of the Stage Manager when in the stage area. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification of the competitor/group.
  1. Coaching during a performance: Coaching competitors from the wings is not permitted. Failure to observe these rules is at the risk of the competitor’s/group’s disqualification. This rule is applied at the discretion/perception of the Stage Manager.

    One pers

  1. Prop Storage: Props must be stored at the direction of the Stage Manager or Committee and be removed from the backstage area as soon as is practicable following the conclusion of the section concerned.
  2. Definition of a Teacher: This competition is intended for Students, but Teachers are able to perform in Duos/Trios and Troupes as per the rules for these sections
  3. Dandenong Festival of Music and Art for Youth Scholarship Section Finalists in the Scholarship must have presented during the Eisteddfod in at least three Open Sections. Previous winners are not able to qualify.\
  4. Competitors’ Passes will be issued in 2026, even as door entry to the theatre is free. In sessions where the audience is at capacity, e.g. Troupe sections, competitors may be requested to not enter the theatre.
  5. 28. Championship Entrants Please Note: Each competitor participating in a Championship section must have a   representative complete a full rostered position for, ideally, a session in the days preceding this section or they   will forfeit their championship eligibility/entry or any money award earned. If no spaces are available on   the roster prior to the Championship section, it is hoped the family will still meet this commitment in days following   or be liable not to have their entries accepted in the future. No person under the age of 18 can fill any rostered position.
  6. Those filling a rostered position must obtain a Working with Children Check/Card. Dandenong Eisteddfod/Casey Comps can be cited as the volunteer organisation for the purposes of having the check undertaken. Volunteer checks are free and are completed online. Please supply a copy of the card or its number to the Secretary on secretary.caseycomps@gmail.com by the 20th of September 2026.
  7. Respectful Conduct Casey Comps has a long history of being known as a “Friendly Eisteddfod”. We achieve this by being welcoming and courteous to all. We expect competitors to demonstrate sportsmanlike and respectful behaviours to each other, to the committee and to the volunteer helpers, and for the audience to show courtesy to all competitors, including not using phones or distracting competitors while they are on stage.

31.Improvisation:All competitors will hear the music once directly before performing on stage. Music will be chosen by the Adjudicator. Time length could range from 30 seconds-90 seconds, at the Adjudicators discretion. All performers in a section will be given the same piece of music. All competitors will be kept separate for the

32.Own Choreography: Must be 100% student produced, no teacher or choreographer assistance.

33.TROUPES: Performers deriving an income from part time or occasional professional dance or attending a full-time dance course or teaching for more than 6 hours per week will be eligible to compete in Troupe Sections providing that these performers make up no more than 25% of the overall troupe. If you are unsure of your individual status, Please contact the committee.

34.Duo/Trio Eligibility – Teacher Participation

A maximum of one (1) performer, within a Duo/Trio entry may be classified as a teacher, student teacher, or dance instructor, or Full-time Student.  All other performers must be eligible student competitors.  Entries not complying with this rule may be deemed ineligible at the discretion of the competition committee.

35. CASEY COMPS CHAMPIONSHIPS – Qualification Requirements

To enter a Championship, competitors must have entered and performed the required Open sections during the Eisteddfod.

Ballet Championship (Junior & Senior)

• Perform 2 dances:
• Classical Ballet Solo (short tutu)
• Character or National Solo
• Must have competed in:
• Open Classical
• And one other open section

Tap Championship (Junior & Senior)

• Perform a continuous Slow and Fast Tap routine (without leaving the stage)
• Must have competed in:
• Open Tap
• One other Open Solo section

Modern Championship (Junior & Senior)

  • Perform 2 dances:
  • Neo-Classical, Contemporary or Lyrical
  • Modern Jazz/Musical Comedy – 
  • Must have competed in:
  • Open Modern Jazz/Musical Comedy
  • Open Neo-Classical, Contemporary or Lyrical 

Theatrical Championship (Any Age)

• Perform either:
• Song & Soft Shoe and Tap, OR
• Song & Tap and Modern Jazz/Musical Comedy
• Must have competed in at least 2 Open Solo sections including:
• Song
• Tap
• Jazz/Soft Shoe

Championship dances must be different to those previously during the Eisteddfod.

36.All Abilities Section Rules & Guidelines for Casey Comps

  1. Eligibility & Classifications
    Inclusive Participation
    The All-Abilities Section welcomes dancers living with physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental, or neurodivergent disabilities. Competitors may perform routines in any dance genre including, but not limited to:
    Ballet
    Neo-Classical
    Jazz
    Contemporary
    Tap
    Musical Theatre
    Customized or adaptive routines
    Section Format

Due to the diverse needs and abilities of competitors, the All-Abilities Section will operate as:
Encouragement awards
This format is designed to provide a supportive, inclusive, and pressure-free performance environment.
Repeat Performances
Competitors are not permitted to perform the same routine in both:
The All-Abilities Section; and
An Open Age or Standard Competitive Section.
Competitors may perform routines across multiple sections where eligible.

  1. Performance Accommodations
    Stage Adaptations
    Wheelchairs, mobility aids, sensory tools, communication devices, and adaptive equipment are fully permitted.
    Competitors or studio representatives must notify organisers in advance of any required accommodations, including:
    Side-stage assistance
    Additional time for stage entry or exit
    Use of mobility or communications aids
    Adjustments to lighting or sound levels
    Access to seating or quiet spaces backstage
    Permission for support personnel where required

Music Requirements
All music must:
Be edited appropriately for competition use
Contain no offensive or explicit language
Be submitted within the competition guidelines
Suggested performance times:
Solos: 2–3 minutes
Duos/Trios: Up to 4 minutes
Groups: Up to 5 minutes

Adjudication Criteria
Adjudication within the All-Abilities Section focuses on:
Musicality
Emotional connection
Performance quality
Confidence and stage presence
Creativity and individual achievement
Adjudicators will recognise each performer’s individual abilities, artistry and personal achievement.

  1. Environment & Venue Accessibility
    Sensory Considerations
    To support performers with sensory sensitivities, organisers may provide reasonable adjustments including:
    Reduced stage lighting intensity
    Lower music volume
    Sensory-conscious audience practices where appropriate
    Additional time for entering or exiting the stage
    Competitors requiring sensory accommodations should advise organisers prior to the event.
    Quiet Zones
    Where venue facilities permit, a designated quiet space may be available backstage or within the venue for dancers requiring a calm environment before or after performances.
  2. Supervision & Safety
    Support Personnel
    Teachers, carers, aides, or approved support personnel may be permitted side-stage where required for:
    Cueing assistance
    Emotional support
    Mobility transitions
    Safety assistance
    All adults accessing backstage or dressing room areas must comply with venue child safety requirements, including holding a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) where applicable.
    Costume & Prop Safety
    Costumes must be safe, secure, and appropriate for performance.
    Permitted items include:
    Soft ballet shoes
    Adaptive footwear
    Comfortable dancewear
    Sensory-friendly costume modifications
    For safety and venue maintenance, the following are strictly prohibited:
    Loose glitter
    Excess sequins likely to detach
    Open flames or pyrotechnics
    Hazardous props or materials
  3. Commitment to Inclusion
    Casey Comps is committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment where every performer can experience the joy of dance, performance, and artistic expression in a safe and supportive setting.
    All competitors, teachers, audience members, and volunteers are expected to uphold the values of inclusion, kindness, respect, and accessibility throughout the event.

37.Elite Sections
Rules & Eligibility:

  • Eligibility: Dancers (aged 17-25)

Teachers, studio managers, full time dance students and professional dancers         under 25 are welcome to enter the Elite sections without needing to qualify.

  • Age Verification: Proof of age is required for all participants to ensure eligibility for young teachers (17–25 years) and professional dancers under 25.
  • Teaching Requirements: Teachers or studio managers who teach 30 minutes or more per week for at least 6 months are only eligible to compete in the Elite sections.
  • Fair Play & Verification: All entries will be reviewed to ensure accuracy and fairness.
  • Disqualification: Any dancer found competing in a regular solo section while eligible for the Elite section—including Studio Managers, Teachers, and Professionals—will be disqualified from that category, if a dancer is entered in more than one section the committee may disqualify the studio and revoke all aggregate points.

 

  1. Note: In all situations not directly covered by the above rules, the Committee’s decision should be considered final.

GENRE DEFINITIONS
Character: a clear portrayal of a character or story by acting ability and expressive dancing using classical technique. Use of props is allowed.
Classical Ballet: A performance that must include classical steps and ballet technique. Ballet or Pointe shoes only to be worn. Only short tutus may be worn in Classical solo items.
Contemporary: Contemporary dance incorporates abstract and extreme concepts using unpredictable changes in direction, speed and dynamics. It combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz and classical ballet.\
Hip Hop: A routine that utilizes Hip Hop / Breakdance or Rap movements.
Jazz: A routine using jazz technique including moves such as strong and sharp movements, splits, kicks, isolations, jumps etc.
Lyrical: Lyrical is expressive dance, focusing on conveying musicality and emotion through movement. It combines the many technical elements of classical ballet with aspects of jazz, acro and contemporary.
Musical Theatre/Broadway Jazz: A form of theatrical dancing that combines the music from a musical or film with the movements of classic jazz styles. Music does not have to be from the original soundtrack.
National: a theatrically choreographed presentation of a dance from a country. Dance, costume and music must be authentic to the country portrayed.
Neo Classical: Slow controlled ballet movements, set to slow music or ballad. Routine must demonstrate balance, flexibility and control utilizing the mood of the music.
Own Choreography: Must be 100% student produced, no teacher or choreographer assistance.
Song & Dance: can be either Song & Soft Shoe or Song & Tap. No pre-recorded vocals allowed in any part of the solo and no pre-recorded tap beats allowed.
Song & Soft Shoe: Routine that must contain both singing and dancing. No pre-recorded vocals allowed in any part of the solo.\
Song & Tap: Routine that must contain both singing and tapping. No pre-recorded vocals allowed in any part of the solo and no pre-recorded tap beats allowed.
Tap: Any style or tempo of tap permitted. No pre-recorded tap beats are allowed.
Variation/Repertoire: Routine must be from a Classical Ballet. Competitor must nominate which variation they will be performing. Appropriate costume for the variation to be worn.
Improvisation: All competitors will hear the music once directly before performing on stage. Music will be chosen by the Adjudicator. Time length could be between 30 seconds-90 seconds, at the Adjudicators discretion. All performers in a section will be given the same piece of music. All competitors will be kept separate for the duration of the section,               including no teachers of student or support person to be backstage during this section. Competitors to wear Black Dance Attire with appropriate footwear. Girls – Black leotard with no headpiece. Boys – Black fitted top with Black Tights or Bike Shorts.