Line Dance Association
Of Australia

11th Australian Line Dance Championships
Tamworth, 18-25 January 2003

Ph/fax. (02) 9981 2778 or Fax: (02) 8569 0970
PO Box 451 Narrabeen NSW 2101 Web: http://aldc.linedancing.org e-mail: aldc@linedancing.org


Printed version PDF

EVENT RULES

Click on names below for quick reference
FREESTYLE
- TWO STEP- CHOREOGRAPHY - INTERPRETIVE

Appication forms

PROGRAM CLOSING DATE - 31 DECEMBER 2002

Questions?? - Go to our ALDC Discussion board
and place a request

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

    Team members may:

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

  • Team members may not:

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)

TWO STEP RULES Printed version PDF

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

CHOREOGRAPHY COMPETITION RULES Printed version PDF

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.
  • The music:

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

INTERPRETIVE SECTION RULES Printed version PDF

  • 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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Last modified: 16 September 2003