Rules Of The Competition

The closing date for 2026  Regional Final entries is 31st March 2026.

 

1. Eligibility

  • This competition is open to amateurs and students who do not derive the majority of their income from teaching or performing dance.
  • Entries from Novice, County, or other Championship classes are not eligible.
  • Performers studying on a vocational dance programme must ensure that permission is sought from the Principal and/or Course Leader.

2. Age Requirements

  • The age will be determined as of 31st August in the preceding year to National Finals. Accurate birth dates are essential.
  • Incorrect age information may lead to disqualification; in cases of uncertainty, a birth certificate may need to be produced.
  • Performers in a solo section may not compete in a higher age category.

3. Qualification

  • Entry to the AED Regional Final is accessed via qualification at AED-nominated festivals situated throughout the country. (https://all-england-dance.org.uk/competitions/nominated-festivals/).

4. Regional Finals

  • AED will attempt to allocate you to a Regional near you; however, for operational purposes, AED reserves the right to allocate you according to supply and demand in the area.

5. Respecting Policies and Values

  • By entering the competition, all performers, teachers, and choreographers confirm that they have read and understood the competition’s policies and agree to uphold the values of AED.
  • All policies can be found via the website: https://all-england-dance.org.uk

6. Copyright and Licensing

  • The Competition does not accept liability for copyright infringement arising from a teacher/performer’s choice of accompaniment, choreography, or performance.
  • AED contributes to a Group License to cover fees for recorded music used at its events.
  • According to the British and International Federation of Festivals, AED is not covered by the blanket copyright agreement for music/songs from shows. Teachers must ensure they obtain any necessary copyright permissions.

7. Plagiarism

  • The use of professional repertoire is forbidden within any AED competition. Any teacher or choreographer found in breach of this could face further sanctions.

8. Media and Photography

  • Photography, filming, and the use of mobile phones during performances are prohibited.
  • Consent is requested at the time of entry, and performers have the ability to opt-out if they wish.
  • We encourage tagging AED on social media; however, any post that does not align with our values or code of conduct could result in an investigation and further action.

9. Performance Order

  • Performers must adhere to the programme order and report to the stage management team 30 minutes before their performance. Absentees risk disqualification.

10. Music Submission

  • Music must be uploaded via the entry system on the AED Portal.
  • Teachers are responsible for ensuring the correct music is uploaded and adheres to outlined time limits, which can be verified through the portal.
  • AED competitions do not take responsibility for incorrect music tracks that are uploaded.

11. Pre-recorded Music

  • Pre-recorded music in Musical Theatre sections must not include singing or chanting.
  • Music in Tap sections must not include recorded tap or similar sound effects.

12. Time Limits

  • Dances must not exceed specified time limits, with timing beginning from the first note, word, or movement.
  • Every dance at Regional Finals will be timed; if the music is more than 5 seconds over the stipulated time limit, qualification for National Finals will be withheld.

13. Re-Dancing

  • Performers will not be permitted to re-dance their performance except in Pre-Junior sections or in cases of technical issues.

14. Group Age

  • The age of the eldest competitor in a Duet, Trio/Quartet, or Group determines the age group.
  • A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 dancers constitutes a small group, while 11 to 30 dancers form a large group.

15. Entry Limits

  • Performers may participate in five Solo, four Duet, and four Trio/Quartet sections.
  • Schools are limited to 20 Junior, 25 Intermediate, and 25 Senior Groups overall.

16. Amendments to Entries

  • Any changes required after the closing date will incur a £5 administration fee per entry.

17. Substitution

  • Substitutions are allowed only for Duets, Trios, Quartets, or Groups in cases of necessity.

18. Props

  • Props are allowed, but any prop that needs assembling on the side of the stage and any glass or breakable props will not be permitted.
  • The weight limit is 10kg, and all props should be reinforced and suitable for physical use. All props must be rendered fire-resistant before arrival at the theatre.
  • Props are used at your own risk; AED takes no responsibility for their use or any accidents caused on or off the stage.
  • AED is not responsible for providing any props, and furniture from the venue is prohibited for use.
  • All props must be brought at the start of the session in which they are required and removed at the end of the same session.
  • There are no facilities for storage unless agreed in advance.
  • The stage management will be responsible for setting and striking the stage, with a 20-second time limit that will be rigorously enforced.

19. Announcements and Titles

  • When requested in advance, the announcer will read the title of the dance, and a short synopsis (maximum 30 words) may be included (for Contemporary, Classical Greek, Global, and Narrative/Character only).
  • Additional spoken or recorded narratives are included within the time limit.

20. Adjudication Criteria

  • Adjudicators will evaluate the entire performance beyond choreography, including music choice, interpretation, recording quality, and suitability of recorded vocals. Please see the genre descriptors for further guidance.

21. Adjudication

  • The Adjudicators’ decision is final, and no discussion or correspondence regarding the decision will be entertained.
  • Adjudicators reserve the right to withhold qualification if the standard of dance is deemed insufficient or there is a violation of rules or requirements as outlined in genre descriptors.

22. Adjudicator Contact

  • Any contact with the Adjudicators, prior to or during the competition, by performers, teachers, or other interested parties, is strictly prohibited.

23. Dance Restrictions

  • Pointe work is prohibited for competitors under 13 years old. Please refer to genre descriptors for further rules and guidance.