1. General Guidelines

• Family-Friendly Event:
  Coastal Thrive Dance Festival is a family-friendly event. All routines, music, and performances must be appropriate for all audiences, including children.

• Age-Appropriate Content:
  All routines and music must be age-appropriate and free of any inappropriate or suggestive content, profanity, or vulgar language.

• Content Restrictions:
  Any performance or music that contains inappropriate or offensive content may result in the deduction of points or disqualification at the discretion of the judging panel and the Director of Coastal Thrive Dance Festival. All decisions made by the panel and director are final.

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2. Conduct and Behavior

• Sportsmanship:
  Dancers, instructors, and parents are expected to conduct themselves with the highest level of sportsmanship. A positive and respectful attitude towards fellow competitors, staff, and judges is essential.

• Respect for Others:
  Any form of unsportsmanlike behavior, including but not limited to, verbal or physical abuse, bullying, or disrespect, will not be tolerated. Such behavior may result in disqualification from the event, or future events, at the discretion of the event organizers.

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3. Music and Routine Regulations

• Music Submission:
  Music for routines must be submitted by the designated deadline. Ensure that the music is properly formatted (MP3 or other accepted file types).

• Music Appropriateness:
  Music containing explicit lyrics, offensive language, or inappropriate content will result in a deduction of points or disqualification. Edited versions of songs are acceptable as long as the content remains appropriate.

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4. Performance Rules

• Costumes:
  Costumes must be appropriate for the age group and style of the routine. Costumes that are revealing, offensive, or inappropriate for a family-friendly audience will not be permitted.

• Props:
  Props are allowed, but they must be pre-approved and must not interfere with the performance or safety of the dancers. Props should be easy to move on and off stage in a timely manner.

• Routines with Advanced Dancers:
  Routines that contain advanced dancers (e.g., in the Pre-Competitive Division) may be moved to a higher division at the discretion of the event organizers to ensure fair competition.

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5. Judging Criteria

• Scoring:
  Judges will score based on technical ability, artistic expression, choreography, stage presence, and overall performance. Each of these components is equally important in determining the final score.

• Deductions:
  Deductions in score may be made for violations, such as:

  • Inappropriate behavior or language in performance.

  • Routines exceeding time limits.

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6. Disqualification and Penalties

• Disqualification:
  Disqualification can occur if the rules are violated, including but not limited to, inappropriate content, unsportsmanlike conduct, or failure to meet the technical standards outlined by the competition.

• Penalties:
  Penalties may be imposed, such as:

  • Deductions in score for inappropriate music, attire, or behavior.

  • Removal from the competition if the severity of the violation warrants disqualification.

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7. Age and Division Guidelines

• Division Eligibility:
  Dancers must register and compete in the appropriate division based on their age and skill level. If a dancer is registered in the wrong division, they may be moved to the appropriate division at the discretion of the event organizers.

• Age Group Compliance:
  Routines must adhere to age guidelines. A dancer may not perform in a division that is not suitable for their age group, as outlined in the division descriptions.

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8. Registration and Fees

• Registration Deadline:
  All registration forms, fees, and music must be submitted by the posted deadline. Late registrations or incomplete submissions will incur additional fees or may not be accepted.

• Refunds:
  No refunds will be issued for registration fees after the submission deadline. Please review all rules before registering.

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9. Health and Safety

• Warm-Up:
  Dancers are required to warm up before performing. The event organizers are not responsible for injuries sustained during routines or warm-ups.

• Injury Reporting:
  Any injury that occurs during the competition must be reported immediately to the event staff. The safety and well-being of all participants are of utmost importance.

• COVID-19 Protocols (if applicable):
  All dancers, staff, and attendees must comply with the current health guidelines in place for the competition, including but not limited to masks, social distancing, and sanitization.

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10. Final Decisions

• Event Organizers and Judges’ Authority:
  All decisions made by the judges, competition staff, and event organizers are final. Disputes or questions regarding scoring, judging, or any other aspect of the competition will be resolved by the event organizers.

• Rule Changes:
  The event organizers reserve the right to amend, update, or change the competition rules at any time prior to or during the event if necessary. Any changes will be communicated to participants as soon as possible.

 

11. Safety Guidelines

Safety is the top priority at the Coastal Thrive Dance Festival. All dancers, staff, and spectators are expected to adhere to the following safety guidelines to ensure a secure environment for everyone.

a. General Safety

• Physical Safety:
  All dancers must take proper precautions to avoid injury, including warming up thoroughly before routines and stretching appropriately. The event organizers are not responsible for any injuries sustained during rehearsals, warm-ups, or performances.

• Personal Belongings:
  Dancers should be mindful of their personal belongings. The event organizers are not responsible for lost or stolen items. It is recommended to keep all valuable items, such as phones, jewelry, and wallets, secured and out of sight when not in use.

b. Stage and Equipment Safety

• Props and Stage Setup:
  Any props used during performances must be safe, stable, and pre-approved by event staff. Props should be lightweight and designed to be moved easily on and off stage without obstructing movement or presenting a risk to performers.

  • Approval: Props should be submitted for approval at the time of registration. Large or heavy props that may compromise the safety of dancers or the integrity of the performance space will not be permitted.

  • Safety Checks: All props and stage equipment will be checked for safety before performances. Dancers and choreographers should be aware of the size, weight, and complexity of their props to avoid accidents.

• Clear Stage and Backstage Area:
  Ensure the backstage area and performance space are free from clutter. Dancers should move with caution and awareness when entering and exiting the stage to avoid tripping or colliding with objects or other performers.

c. Behavior and Conduct

• Respectful Behavior:
  Dancers, instructors, and attendees must maintain respectful behavior towards one another. Aggressive or dangerous behavior will not be tolerated and may result in immediate disqualification or removal from the venue.

  • Physical Contact: Physical contact between dancers, especially in partner or group routines, should be respectful, appropriate, and performed with consideration for the safety of all participants.

• Emergency Situations:
  In the event of an emergency (e.g., injury, fire, or other emergencies), follow the instructions of competition staff immediately. First aid kits will be available onsite, and medical personnel will be present if needed.

d. Health and Wellness

• Injury Reporting:
  Any injuries that occur during rehearsals, performances, or backstage should be reported immediately to event staff or a designated health and safety officer.

  • First Aid: Trained first aid personnel will be available on-site during the competition. If you sustain an injury, please inform a staff member for assistance.

  • Rest Periods: Dancers are encouraged to take appropriate rest periods between performances to avoid fatigue or strain. Hydration and energy-boosting snacks are recommended to maintain peak performance levels.

e. COVID-19 or Other Health Protocols (if applicable)

• Health and Safety Protocols:
  In light of potential health concerns, dancers, staff, and attendees must follow any COVID-19 protocols that are in effect during the competition, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and frequent hand sanitizing.

• Symptom Screening:
  Any individual who exhibits symptoms of illness, including fever, cough, or respiratory distress, is encouraged to stay home to protect the health and safety of all attendees. Health checks or symptom screenings may be required before entry to the venue.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  If applicable, dancers, staff, and spectators may be required to wear personal protective equipment, including masks or face shields, to minimize the risk of viral transmission.

f. Safe Environment for All

• Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Bullying:
  Coastal Thrive Dance Festival is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. Harassment, bullying, or any form of discrimination, whether verbal or physical, will not be tolerated.

  • Disciplinary Action: Any dancer, parent, or staff member who engages in inappropriate behavior may be immediately disqualified from the competition or removed from the venue.

• Dancer Privacy and Comfort:
  Dancers should feel comfortable in their environment at all times. Dressing rooms and other facilities should be respected as private spaces, and appropriate conduct is expected in these areas to ensure comfort and dignity for all participants.

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PARENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN BOTH THE BACKSTAGE AREA AND THE DRESSING ROOMS! ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE RECIEVED A BACKSTAGE PASS AND DANCERS ARE ALLOWED IN THESE AREAS.