FAQ’s

All our frequently asked questions.

Please find below answers to our most commonly asked questions about the Festivals, Requirements, Finals and some general questions to help you when competing in AED Festivals.

AED Qualifying Festivals

What is All England Dance?
All England Dance is a national organisation that promotes dance and organises competitions for dancers of various ages and abilities in the UK. The organisation hosts qualifying regional festivals leading to a national competition.
Who can participate in All England Dance competitions?

Dancers of all ages and levels are welcome to participate in AED Qualifying Festivals. However, to qualify for the All England Dance Regional and National Finals, dancers must first compete in an AED Qualifying Festival and meet the necessary performance criteria.

What styles of dance are included in the competitions?

All England Dance competitions include a wide range of dance styles, such as ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, global, musical theatre and narrative.

How do I find a AED Qualifying Festival near me?

A list of AED Qualifying Festivals and locations can be found here, where you can also access festival dates, organiser contact details, and entry information.

How do I register for a AED Qualifying competition?

Entry is accepted through the AED Qualifying Festivals themselves. You’ll need to visit the festival’s website or contact the organisers for registration details, deadlines, and fees.

Can I compete in multiple festivals?

Yes, dancers are allowed to compete in multiple AED Qualifying festivals. However, they must qualify in one of these festivals to participate in the All England Dance Regional and National Finals.

Are there age categories in the competition?

Yes, competitions are divided into various age categories, allowing dancers to compete within their age group. Specific age group details are available here.

Can I perform the same routine in different festivals?

Yes, dancers are permitted to perform the same routine in multiple AED Qualifying festivals. However, judges may provide new feedback, and marks may vary by festival.

What are the judging criteria?

Judging is based on technique, artistry, musicality, presentation, and the dancer’s overall performance. The criteria are outlined here.

Are there any specific music rules?

Yes, music should be appropriate for the category and the age of the performer. There are also time limits for each dance, so please consult the guidelines for your specific style and age group here.

Regional & National Finals

How do dancers qualify for the All England Dance Regional National Finals?

To qualify for the Regional and National finals, dancers must participate in a AED Qualifying festival and receive a qualifying score. Only qualified dancers can advance to the finals.

Where are the All England Dance National Finals held?

The location of the National Finals is announced in advance on the All England Dance website and social media channels.

Can I enter the Regional Finals directly without participating in an AED Qualifying festival?

No, all participants must qualify through an AED Qualifying Festival to enter the Regional Finals.

Awards & Recognition

What types of awards are given in the competitions?

Awards vary by festival but often include medals, trophies, certificates and other forms of recognition for outstanding performances in each dance category.

Are there scholarships or further opportunities for winners?

Some festivals or the AED National Finals may offer scholarships, additional training opportunities, or special recognition. Specific details will be available at the event.

Group Size & Genre Limits

If a group qualifies as a small group, can it switch to a large group for the National Finals?

No, a group that qualifies as a small group must remain in the small group category, and similarly, a large group cannot switch to a small group category after qualifying.

Is there a limit on how many groups a school can enter per genre?

Yes, each school is limited to a maximum of two large groups and two small groups per genre (e.g., Jazz/Modern, Ballet) in the Regional and National Finals.

Solo Qualification & Time Limits

If a solo qualifies in Section B with a 1.5-minute dance, can the length be extended if the dancer moves up to Section C?
If a solo qualifies in Section B at 1.5 minutes, it must remain the same length for the finals, even if the dancer advances to Section C, which allows a longer time limit. However, if you want to increase the length, you would need to requalify the piece with the new time limit in a different competition.

Regional Allocations

How is our regional allocation determined if we qualify at festivals in different areas?
Your regional allocation for the Regional Finals is determined by the location of your school, not by the location of the qualifying festival. For example, a school based in Worcester would be assigned to the West region regardless of where they qualified.
Are we required to participate in a specific Regional Final if we qualify in multiple regions?
Yes, each school is assigned to a specific region based on its location. Schools are expected to attend the Regional Final that corresponds to their assigned region, even if they qualify at festivals in different regions.

AED Qualifying Festivals

Qualifying Festival Entry Requirements

What are AED Affiliated Festivals?
AED Affiliated Festivals are regional dance competitions and events approved by All England Dance. They provide dancers with the opportunity to showcase their talent and, if eligible, qualify for the All England Dance Finals.
How can I find an AED Affiliated Festival near me?

You can find a list of AED Affiliated Festivals on our website under the Festivals Directory section. The directory includes festival locations, dates, and contact information for each event.

Who can participate in an AED Affiliated Festival?

Dancers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate, provided they meet the entry requirements set by the individual festival. Festivals typically cater to a wide range of dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, tap, and more.

How do I register for an AED Affiliated Festival?

Registration is handled directly by the festival organisers. Visit the specific festival’s website or contact the organisers using the details provided in the Festivals Directory to inquire about registration deadlines, fees, and requirements.

Who adjudicates AED Affiliated Festivals?

Adjudicators are experienced and qualified dance professionals who provide constructive feedback and scores. All adjudicators follow AED’s standards to ensure consistency and fairness across festivals. View our AED Adjudicators here.

How are results and feedback provided?

Results are announced during the festival, and participants typically receive a certificate or report with feedback from the adjudicators. Some festivals may also provide score sheets or digital feedback.

Do I need to be an All England Dance member to participate?

No, you do not need to be an AED member to participate in an Affiliated Festival. However, if you qualify for the All England Dance Finals, you will need to comply with specific AED membership or entry requirements.

Are there fees to enter AED Affiliated Festivals?

Yes, entry fees vary by festival and category. Contact the festival organisers for details about pricing and payment methods.

How can my festival become AED Affiliated?

Organisers interested in affiliating their festival with AED can contact us via the Affiliation Enquiry Form here. We will guide you through the application process and requirements.

Can I watch performances at an AED Affiliated Festival as an audience member
Yes! Most festivals welcome spectators. Tickets or entry fees may be required, so check with the individual festival for audience guidelines and availability.
Are there restrictions on which schools can enter qualifying festivals?

Yes, entry requirements vary by festival. All England Dance does not directly govern entry policies for affiliated festivals; each festival has its own guidelines, which may include prioritising local schools, limiting entry to past supporters, or other entry criteria. It’s best to contact the festival organiser for specifics on entry.

Other General Questions

What happens if a dance school qualifies in one region but relocates before the finals?
If a school’s location changes before the Regional Finals, they should inform All England Dance. Depending on the timing and circumstances, adjustments may be made to Regional allocations as needed.
Are festival organisers required to communicate qualification rules clearly?
While AED provides general rules, individual festivals are responsible for communicating their own entry guidelines and qualification rules. Schools are encouraged to review all provided information and contact festival organisers for any clarifications.
How can I stay updated with All England Dance news and announcements?

You can follow All England Dance on their official social media channels (Instagram), (Facebook), (LinkedIn) for the latest news, updates, and event announcements.

Who can I contact for more information?

For general inquiries, you can contact info@all-england-dance.org.uk. For AED Qualifying festival-specific questions, please reach out directly to the organisers of the respective festival.