DEFINITION
- A linedance is a set of step patterns that
are repeated with all dancers moving on the same foot, at the same time,
in the same direction.
- A choreographed dance requires the step
pattern to be repeated at least once.
- Competitors must use choreography as appropriate
for line dancing as defined in definition of a line dance
ENTRIES
- Entrants may compete ONLY ONCE in any section.
Members of a duo may not team up with someone else and enter the duo
section again, however they may enter with the same or a different partner
in the age category if they meet the age requirements
- Competitors may only dance in their appropriate
age section. No dancing up or down.
- A small group consists of a minimum of FOUR
dancers and a maximum of TEN and they must dance in a formation of at
least two lines from the beginning of the dance proper (choreographed
entry onto the floor to introductory music is allowed) and must maintain
this formation, without change, for whole of the dance. NOTE: a diamond
formation is deemed to be three lines -
- A large group consists of a minimum of ELEVEN
dancers and a maximum of TWENTY and they must dance in a formation of
at least two lines from the beginning of the dance proper (choreographed
entry onto the floor to the introductory music is allowed) and must
maintain this formation, without change, for the whole dance
- Entry is open to all line dancers including
teachers/instructors in their appropriate category.
- A minimum of three entries are required
per section. (Competitors who enter sections that do not meet this requirement
will be contacted by the organisers as soon as possible after the closing
date to discuss options)
- Entry (per section) may be limited at the
discretion of the organisers.
- Entries must be made on
the appropriate forms supplied by the ALDC management committee
- Entries close on the 31
December 2002. late entries may occur a late penalty fee (updated
11Nov02)
DRESS CODE
- Entrants should wear Country / Western clothing
except in the comedy section. Skirts, if worn, should be no shorter
than 10cm above the centre of the knee. Fringe and lace cannot compensate
for skirt length.
- Provocative clothing is not permitted G/strings,
crop tops etc..
- Use of obscene or overly suggestive body
movements are not allowed
- Western style hats and boots
are mandatory for all standard and freestyle sections.(updated 11Nov02)
- In the two-step section,
"The Leader" must wear a hat - hat optional for follower.(updated
11Nov02)
PROOF OF AGE
- Age is determined as of day of competition
- Proof of age is required on request for
competitors in age sections
- In Duos Trios etc. ALL competitors must
meet the age criteria.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
- Competitors enter at their own risk and
MUST be in good physical condition and health being capable of competing
or officiating in the number and type of events for which they have
entered.
- It is the competitor’s responsibility to
know the rules and be aware of infringement penalties. A copy of the
rules will be sent to competitors on receipt of their entry form. Rules
can also be viewed on the LDAA web site
- Competitors must dance in order as published
in the official program unless otherwise organised with the Event Co-coordinator
or the Stage Manager
- Competitors must be ready to compete when
called. Failure to do so after two calls will result in disqualification.
- No competitor will restart a dance after
a breakdown unless by the request of the judges.
- The judges decision is final. No correspondence
or discussion will be entered into.
- A one off registration fee of $5 per competitor
is payable - LDAA members exempt
- Entry fees: Juniors - 12 and under, $4 per
competitor per section
- All other competitors (over 12) $6 per competitor
per section
Entry fees, including the registration fee,
must accompany all entries.
CHOICE OF DANCE / MUSIC
- Entrants may choose their own music / dance
for all standard sections.
- Music must be country
in all standard sections except (updated 11Nov02) those
specifically defined as Non country, and may be from any category -
traditional bluegrass, country blues, country rock, Bush ballad, instrumental,
contemporary and traditional Irish music is not generally accepted as
country while much of Daniel O’Donells material is. Many Irish and UK
singers/performers fall into the country music classification. A country
artist singing a non country song does not make it a country song unless
it is performed in a country style. There
is a 30% non-country allowance for freestyle duo, trios and teams sections.(updated
11Nov02) The majority of country
music patrons recognise country material. If in doubt the suggestion
is to contact your local country music club or country radio music program.
The head judge will determine the music classification
- Music for interpretive sections may be either
country or non country or a combination of both
- The time limit is 6 minutes
for duos and trios and 10 minutes for teams. Minimum time is 2 minutes
30 seconds. Time limits will be strictly adhered to, competitors exceeding
the time limit may face disqualification. (Updated 11Nov02)
- In all Standard Sections the full sequence
must be repeated at least once - bridges, restarts etc. are only permitted
where the music indicates a need and / or to maintain the phrasing of
the dance.
MUSIC
- Music must be provided on CD or mini disc
- All CD’s must be clearly marked with the
entrants name, section number and the track number of their dance.
- It is the competitors responsibility to:
A/Hand in music at the sound desk when
requested
B/Collect CD at the completion of their
dance
C/Provide a backup copy of their music,
this may be on cassette - cued, CD or on mini-disc
- Music for dances in the freestyle solos
and two-step sections will be provided by the event organisers.
CHOREOGRAPHY (DANCE SECTIONS)
- Judging starts from the beginning of the
music through to the end of the music
- No mirror imaging or contra movements or
hand holds are allowed EXCEPT for the introduction time before the dance
starts
- No athletic movements such as flips or splits
allowed - Note: at the end of a dance dancers may drop to one knee on
the stage
- Hat and skirt work is permitted however
the emphasis must be on the dancing itself and the footwork.
- Hand/arm positions may differ between male
and female competitors except if both are wearing jeans in which case
hand positions should be identical
- No props allowed except in comedy and maverick
section
- No joining of hands is permitted
- Competitors may enter from either or both
sides of the stage
- Hands should generally be in the waist area,
or on the buckle, in belt loops, in pockets or on the waist. Marks will
be deducted for loose or sloppy hand and arm movements. However there
will be no deduction of points if arm movements are choreographed to
add to the performance of the routine provided they return to the specified
area
- Should a contestant’s hat fall to the floor
it should be picked up
- Foot movements may not cease for more than
8 counts
- In the comedy section the dance must resemble
a line dance with unlimited variations such as hand holds, mirror imaging
and the like. Athletic and gymnastic moves are not allowed
- Obscene or overly suggestive body movements,
abusive or bad language will lead to disqualification
Please note that Mixed Age trios may include
ONE junior entrant with two seniors but it is NOT a requirement to include
a junior.
SOLO FREESTYLE SECTION
- Entrants in the Freestyle section are required
to dance the specified dances for their category.
- Dance sheets will be forwarded to contestants
on receipt of entry and will also be available from the LDAA web site
http://www.linedancing.org
- Competitors may choose to compete in only
one dance - for the experience - but will not be eligible for a place
unless both required dances are performed
- In solo non variation sections there
will be TWO specified dances and should be danced EXACTLY as
written on the official step description provided by the organisers.
Hat and skirt work is allowed and will be scored under execution
- For
solo with variations
they are required to dance the first TWO
VANILLAS (sequences) EXACTLY as written on the official
step description provided by the organisers. They may add their
own variations and interpretation ONLY AFTER these first two sequences
are completed, providing that:
a/ the dance remains recognisable as the
original dance
b/ the flow and direction of variations
remain the same as the original dance. ie. If the original dance moves
to the Right, dance variations MUST move to the right, not over or
under emphasising step length to purposely move out of line with other
dancers.
- Solo competitors must be careful to retain
personal dance space, not intentionally or carelessly intruding on another
dancer’s area
- Variations should enhance the original dance.
Competitors must remain aware that overuse of variations, particularly
one type of variation - eg. Pantomime, turns, syncopations, or the dance
becoming unrecognisable will result in point loss.
FREESTYLE DUO, TRIO, SMALL AND LARGE GROUPS
a/ Dance facing each other, or in opposite
directions - Contra and/or mirror image
b/ Split or separate provided they follow
an organised and/or choreographed flow of movement
c/ Dance in rounds (the wave or cannon
motion)
d/ Have differing hand movements providing
that all ladies and/or persons wearing skirts, and all men and/or
persons wearing jeans execute the SAME hand movements
a/ Touch for more than 4 counts
b/ Stop footwork for more than 8 counts
c/ Lower knee(s) to floor for more than
8 counts
d/ Skid or slide across the floor
e/ Form "couples" type movements
MIXED AGE SECTIONS
- Allows competitors from at least 2 separate
age categories to dance together.
Example:
Duo could be: one competitor 16 (16
& under) + 17 (17-29)
or one competitor 16 (16 & under)
+ 40 (40 & over)
or one competitor 12 (12 & under)
+ 16 (16 & under)
1. Two Step Dance Description
- A Two-Step pattern has a generally forward
anti-clockwise progression around the floor and contains the standard
six-count two-step rhythms using four weight changes to six beats of
music, counted as 1,2,3-,5- (quick, quick, slow, slow). Judge’s will
be aware of regional differences and the pattern counted as 1-,3-,5,6,
(slow, slow, quick, quick) will also be allowed. The chosen pattern
must be continued throughout the dance, except for limited steps - see
section 4 on variation to basic pattern.
- Double timing the six (6) count basic pattern
throughout the entire song is not allowed and will result in
loss of execution points on all judges ballots.
- A BASIC STEP PATTERN is deemed to
be ONE six COUNT Two Step rhythm.
2. Variations To Basic Pattern
- A dancers head shall not be placed lower
than waist level nor feet rise above waist level
- No lifts allowed
- A rock-step may only be used as a
preparatory step in executing a turn or movement but must not be repetitive.
- Any other allowances for rhythm breaks-
e.g. quick, quick, slow, quick, quick, slow may occur for 8 beats
only at a time, and must not be repetitive.
I) Not To Exceed One Basic Step Pattern
(6 Beats)
- Pantomime/Mime - Series of actions
such as gestures and/or postures acting out and/or expressing the interpretation
of musical lyrics.
- Pause /Pose- To stop
dance movement temporarily for sake of expression or meaning of music
(break) and/or lyrics
Ii) Not To Exceed Two Basic Step Patterns
(12 Beats)
- Shine - To dance apart. Shine position
cannot exceed more than two basic step patterns. A temporary touch between
partners at the end of the 2 basic step pattern limitations followed
with another "shine" pattern will be cause for point loss.
- Syncopations - To step between beats,
two steps taken to one beat of music. Syncopations cannot exceed more
than two basic step patterns.
3. Competition Levels
- Under 16
- Beginner – 18 months or less experience
- Intermediate – 18 months or more
experience. Once an Intermediate couple have won gold, they then move
into Advanced
- Advanced - For advanced dancers and
Instructors of Two Step
4. Performance
There will be two performances of routines
in each category/level.
- FIRST PERFORMANCE will be to judge floorcraft,
with all couples in that level on the floor at the same time (head judge
may split into heats if there are too many couples for the floor in
any one section)
- SECOND PERFORMANCE will be to judge execution,
technique, presentation, styling, degree of difficulty, choreography,
styling, timing etc.(see scoring criteria). Only ONE couple on the floor
at a time in this performance.
5. Important Definitions
- Country Western Style: Basic Country
style is smooth. Overly flamboyant moves are not appropriate
- Floorcraft – Each couple is required
to show proper floor coverage, progression and etiquette. To include
passing on the outside, and moving to the centre for "stop and go" moves.
The ability to use the floor to enhance the dance without interfering
with other couples.
- Footwork will judged on the proper
use of foot placement. Control of and follow through of the free foot
and placement in relation to balance and body center are included.
- Framework - includes good posture,
a solid but flexible base, both individually and in connecting partners
in closed dance position and lead and follow techniqu
The nominated Line Dance should
be an original composition and no older than 12 months
- Entry must be accompanied by
a/ 10 signed copies of the step description
b/ Entry fee
c/ Completed entry forms
- Step description must be typed and
in a format suitable for teaching and include:
a/ Name of the dance
b/ Choreographers’ name and the date choreographed
c/ Song - artist and album and the track
time length
d/ Dance experience level
e/ Number of walls and total counts
f/ Choreographers contact details
- Competitors are required to report
to the Head Judge 15 minutes prior to their scheduled performance (as
per the program) and remain in the area until their dance demonstration
- The Line Dance should be country in style
ie. Smoothness of movement and no overly flamboyant moves.
a/ Must be provided by the competitor on
a commercial CD
b/ A backup copy of the music must be available
on CD, mini disc or cassette
c/ Is to be handed to the DJ on request
and must be clearly marked with the competitors’ name, name of the
dance, Track number and section number.
d/ Music may be country or non country
remembering that selected music may reflect upon the dance style
which is country
- Dance is to be performed by Two
dancers who are required to dress the same wearing either blue or black
jeans and a plain white shirt or T/shirt. Western hats are optional
but if worn they should be either black or white and both dancers must
wear the same.
- The dance should be presented as a regular
line dance without freestyle variations with the steps executed
exactly as choreographed and documented on the cue sheet provided. Extra
styling/hat work may be added to enhance the presentation of the dance
provided it is not excessive and as long as there are no variations
to the actual steps / choreography
- Overly suggestive movements will
be grounds for disqualification. Overly suggestive / offensive music
will also be grounds for exclusion from competition.
- Any person not abiding by the rules will
be liable to be disqualified.
- No restarts of dances will be permitted
unless requested by the judges.
- The judges’
decision will be final and no correspondence
will be entered into.
- There is no limit to the number of dances
that may be entered in each section provided they meet entry criteria
as in Rule 2. However the event organisers retain the right to limit
the total number in a section if it is deemed necessary and to limit
the time / length of the dance demonstration if/when necessary
Sections are:
Line dance suitable for:
i/ Beginner level
ii/ Intermediate level
iii/ Advanced level
Line dance in Waltz time
i/ Beginner level
ii/ Intermediate level
iii/ Advanced level
The dance will be adjudicated on presentation
of step description, dance content including suitability of dance for
level entered, flow of choreographed moves, suitability of steps for music/rhythm
selected, floorcraft and visual appeal
- This section is designed to allow competitors
'ultimate' creative license. Judged primarily on creativity (including
originality, staging and interpretation of the chosen music), presentation
(including costuming and performance) and entertainment value based
on a spectators perspective.
- Standard music and dress restrictions DO
NOT APPLY. Competitors are encouraged to use their showmanship abilities
and may express these through comedy and/or variety of dance styles
and/or the use of props and costume changes.
- Athletic and acrobatic moves are allowed
but no interactive lifts are permitted NO LIFTS OR JUMPS where
one persons weight is supported by another. Competitors should be aware
at all times of their own safety and that of others and not perform
any moves that could be considered dangerous
- Remembering that this is a family event
the use of obscene or overly suggestive moves or music will be grounds
for disqualification or severe point deduction.
MAVERICK
- The Solo Maverick section allows for one
performer only. Inanimate props may be used in this section.
- Inanimate props may be used in the Maverick
duo and teams section at the discretion of the ALDC management committee
DIVISIONS
Solo : 3-5 minutes time limit
Duo : 4-7 minutes time limit
Team : 7-12 minutes time limit
COMEDY SECTION
- The performance should be based on a linedance
/ linedancing - albeit loosely - a parody.
- Inanimate props may be used in the Comedy
section at the discretion of the ALDC management committee
- Time Limit is 3 - 10 minutes
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