Rules Of The Competition

The closing date for 2026 Regional Final entries is 31 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.

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 this website: 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

• AED may record or photograph performances for professional purposes. Permission to use captured images is assumed unless you opt out via Festival Connect at registration.
• 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.

15. Group Size

• A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 dancers constitutes a small group, while 11 to 30 dancers form a large group.

16. Entry Limits for Performers

• Performers may not enter more than once in any solo, duet or trio/quartet section.
• Performers may participate in five Solo, four Duet, and four Trio/Quartet sections.

17. Entry Limits for Schools

• Schools are limited to 20 Junior, 25 Intermediate, and 25 Senior Groups overall.
• Schools may enter twice in their age group in a Group Section (2 x Small Groups and 2 x Large Groups)

18. Amendments to Entries

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

19. Substitution

• Each dance routine performed at the Competition must be the same as that which qualified at a Nominated Festival in an ordinary section.
• Solo dancers cannot be substituted under any circumstances.
• In the case of Duets, Trios or Quartets, one substitution is permitted in the event of unavoidable absence.
• For Groups, up to 40% of performers may be substituted.
  (We recognise that under exceptional circumstances, such as illness, injury or unavoidable personal commitments, may occasionally result in a greater number of absences within a group. In such rare cases, substitutions of up to 60% may be considered, subject to AED’s discretion. Approval will only be granted if the integrity of the original choreography is maintained.)
• All substitution requests in any section must be submitted in writing in advance of the competition. Requests should be addressed to the Administration Manager, lynne.casey@all-england-dance.org.uk, and must clearly explain the reason for the substitution. AED will review the request and provide written confirmation of the outcome before the event. No substitutions will be accepted on the day without prior approval.
• For Duets, Trios or Quartets, where a substitution has occurred between the Nominated Festival and the Regional Final, any further substitution before the National Final must return to the original formation.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. Adjudicator Contact

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

25. Dance Restrictions

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