Rules and Regulations
Team Entry
Multiple Societies or Clubs
Multiple societies or clubs from the same university are welcome to compete in the competition.
Team Size
Each team must have a minimum of five dancers. There is no maximum team size.
Dancer Eligibility
All dancers on a team must be current university students.
If your team includes non-students, please contact us in advance to request an exemption.
Categories
Societies or clubs may enter as many categories as they wish.
If you are unsure of the appropriate level for your team, we recommend entering a lower level—teams may be moved up during the preliminary round, but not down.
Individual Dancer Limits
Each dancer may only perform once per dance style, but they may compete in different levels of different styles.
Example: A dancer may not compete in both K-Pop Beginner and K-Pop Intermediate, but they may compete in K-Pop Beginner and Tap Intermediate.
Category Changes
We reserve the right to add, merge, split, alter, move, or remove teams or categories if necessary.
Wildcard
Teams may not enter the Wildcard category if they are eligible for any of the other categories.
Wildcard is intended for performances that do not fit into other categories, such as fusions (e.g. combining two or more distinct dance styles).
Cultural Dance Categories
If enough teams in the Cultural Dances category perform the same dance style, that style may be promoted to its own category.
Multiple societies or clubs from the same university are welcome to compete in the competition.
Team Size
Each team must have a minimum of five dancers. There is no maximum team size.
Dancer Eligibility
All dancers on a team must be current university students.
If your team includes non-students, please contact us in advance to request an exemption.
Categories
Societies or clubs may enter as many categories as they wish.
If you are unsure of the appropriate level for your team, we recommend entering a lower level—teams may be moved up during the preliminary round, but not down.
Individual Dancer Limits
Each dancer may only perform once per dance style, but they may compete in different levels of different styles.
Example: A dancer may not compete in both K-Pop Beginner and K-Pop Intermediate, but they may compete in K-Pop Beginner and Tap Intermediate.
Category Changes
We reserve the right to add, merge, split, alter, move, or remove teams or categories if necessary.
Wildcard
Teams may not enter the Wildcard category if they are eligible for any of the other categories.
Wildcard is intended for performances that do not fit into other categories, such as fusions (e.g. combining two or more distinct dance styles).
Cultural Dance Categories
If enough teams in the Cultural Dances category perform the same dance style, that style may be promoted to its own category.
Music & Choreography
Time Limit
Performances must be between 2 minutes 30 seconds and 3 minutes 30 seconds in length.
Music
All music must be clean and free of swearing or offensive language.
Props
Props are only allowed with prior permission from GHGH UK.
Items that could affect the stage or interfere with other performances are strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: flour, glitter, sand, confetti, water, or anything similarly messy or hazardous.
If you'd like to use props, please contact us in advance for approval.
Team Choreography
Choreography must be original, though it may draw inspiration from other works or incorporate signature elements as a tribute. However, the routine must remain unique as a whole and not be a direct copy of an existing performance.
K-Pop Choreography
Performances in the K-Pop category must not consist solely of a single full cover dance.
To maintain creativity and diversity, teams are expected to create a unique routine by doing one or more of the following:
Any Hallyu-related dance from Global groups, K-Pop Soloists, choreographers/crews, Korean dance/idol program choreography is allowed in this category. If you are unsure if a dance is Hallyu-related please contact us for confirmation.
You are not required to match the number of dancers to the original songs used.
Please note: Copied or cover choreography is only permitted within the K-Pop category. All other categories must feature original choreography.
Move Restrictions
There are no specific move restrictions in this competition.
However, during the Preliminary Round, judges will assess each routine to ensure teams are placed in the correct level based on both technical difficulty and overall performance quality.
Teams that include a notable number of well-executed, technically advanced movements may be moved up to a higher-level category. Examples of such movements include (but are not limited to):
That said, teams may also be moved up based on overall strength, cleanliness, creativity, and stage presence, even if they do not include advanced technical elements. Judges will consider the full picture of the performance—not just individual moves/tricks.
Performances must be between 2 minutes 30 seconds and 3 minutes 30 seconds in length.
Music
All music must be clean and free of swearing or offensive language.
Props
Props are only allowed with prior permission from GHGH UK.
Items that could affect the stage or interfere with other performances are strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: flour, glitter, sand, confetti, water, or anything similarly messy or hazardous.
If you'd like to use props, please contact us in advance for approval.
Team Choreography
Choreography must be original, though it may draw inspiration from other works or incorporate signature elements as a tribute. However, the routine must remain unique as a whole and not be a direct copy of an existing performance.
K-Pop Choreography
Performances in the K-Pop category must not consist solely of a single full cover dance.
To maintain creativity and diversity, teams are expected to create a unique routine by doing one or more of the following:
- Mix multiple cover dances,
- Blend cover choreography with original choreography, or
- Create a fully original routine.
Any Hallyu-related dance from Global groups, K-Pop Soloists, choreographers/crews, Korean dance/idol program choreography is allowed in this category. If you are unsure if a dance is Hallyu-related please contact us for confirmation.
You are not required to match the number of dancers to the original songs used.
Please note: Copied or cover choreography is only permitted within the K-Pop category. All other categories must feature original choreography.
Move Restrictions
There are no specific move restrictions in this competition.
However, during the Preliminary Round, judges will assess each routine to ensure teams are placed in the correct level based on both technical difficulty and overall performance quality.
Teams that include a notable number of well-executed, technically advanced movements may be moved up to a higher-level category. Examples of such movements include (but are not limited to):
- Pointe work
- Triple pirouettes
- Penchés
- Fouetté turns
- Scissor leaps
- Tilts
- One-footed wings
- On-toe/pointe sequences
- One-toe slides
That said, teams may also be moved up based on overall strength, cleanliness, creativity, and stage presence, even if they do not include advanced technical elements. Judges will consider the full picture of the performance—not just individual moves/tricks.
Prelim round
Prelim Objective
The purpose of the prelim round is to ensure fair competition by placing teams in the most appropriate level, while also recognizing the effort teams have invested and respecting their initial level choices.
Prelim Routine Submission
You must submit a video of the routine your team intends to perform at the competition.
If possible, you may also submit footage from another competition or event, even if the routine differs slightly.
Prelim Assessment Process
Judges will evaluate your routine to determine whether your team is in the correct level.
📌 Tip: If you're unsure which level to enter, register at a lower level—you can only be moved up, not down.
Multiple Teams in the Same Style
If your society/club enters multiple teams in the same style, please ensure each team has a clearly distinguishable skill level.
The purpose of the prelim round is to ensure fair competition by placing teams in the most appropriate level, while also recognizing the effort teams have invested and respecting their initial level choices.
Prelim Routine Submission
You must submit a video of the routine your team intends to perform at the competition.
- This video should feature your team dancing full out, as if it were competition day.
- Costumes are not required.
- If your routine is not yet complete, submit whatever version you currently have.
If possible, you may also submit footage from another competition or event, even if the routine differs slightly.
Prelim Assessment Process
Judges will evaluate your routine to determine whether your team is in the correct level.
- Teams can either be kept at their registered level or moved up.
- Teams will not be moved down under any circumstance.
- This assessment does not affect your competition day score or ranking; it is solely for placement purposes.
📌 Tip: If you're unsure which level to enter, register at a lower level—you can only be moved up, not down.
Multiple Teams in the Same Style
If your society/club enters multiple teams in the same style, please ensure each team has a clearly distinguishable skill level.
- Judges will place teams based on their actual performance level.
- If teams are too similar in ability, they may end up competing in the same level category.
Competition Format
Prelim Round
All teams must submit a video of their routine prior to the competition for review by our judging panel. This helps us ensure teams are placed in the most appropriate level and category, creating a fair and competitive environment for everyone.
Judges will assess the routine based on technical execution, difficulty, and overall quality. Based on this review, a team may be moved to a higher level or different category if their performance significantly exceeds the standard of their current placement.
Teams cannot be moved down following prelim review, only up. If a change is made, your team will be notified in advance.
Running Order
Performance order will be randomised using Random.org to ensure fairness. If your team is moved to a different category after the preliminary review, you will be assigned a new random position in that category’s running order.
Pre-Performance Process
To help the event run smoothly and on time, please follow the guidelines below:
On Stage
Scoring
Each team will be scored by three qualified judges, with each judge awarding a score out of 100 points. These scores are based on the following criteria: choreography, musicality, execution and performance.
Your team will receive three individual scores — one from each judge.
How Ranking Works
Once all performances are complete:
Team A ranks 2nd, 4th, and 1st → total rank = 7
Team B ranks 3rd, 3rd, and 3rd → total rank = 9
Team A places higher.
Tie Breaker Process
If two or more teams have the same total rank score, the following tie-breaking steps will be used in order:
Feedback
We believe feedback is a vital part of growth and development, so after the competition, each team will receive:
All teams must submit a video of their routine prior to the competition for review by our judging panel. This helps us ensure teams are placed in the most appropriate level and category, creating a fair and competitive environment for everyone.
Judges will assess the routine based on technical execution, difficulty, and overall quality. Based on this review, a team may be moved to a higher level or different category if their performance significantly exceeds the standard of their current placement.
Teams cannot be moved down following prelim review, only up. If a change is made, your team will be notified in advance.
Running Order
Performance order will be randomised using Random.org to ensure fairness. If your team is moved to a different category after the preliminary review, you will be assigned a new random position in that category’s running order.
Pre-Performance Process
To help the event run smoothly and on time, please follow the guidelines below:
- Your team must be fully ready to perform at least one category before your own.
- Once there are five routines left before your team, report to the Level 1 Foyer waiting area.
- At this point, your team will have the opportunity to take official group photos.
- When it’s nearly your turn, your team will be escorted to the backstage area.
- You will be asked to choose whether you’d like to enter from Stage Left, Stage Right or both.
On Stage
- Teams can start their routine either on stage or off stage.
- Once dancers are in position and completely still, the music will begin.
- Each team performs their routine once, in front of the judging panel.
- After the performance, please exit via Stage Left in an orderly manner.
Scoring
Each team will be scored by three qualified judges, with each judge awarding a score out of 100 points. These scores are based on the following criteria: choreography, musicality, execution and performance.
Your team will receive three individual scores — one from each judge.
How Ranking Works
Once all performances are complete:
- Each judge’s scores are used to rank the teams from highest to lowest. (e.g. Judge A’s top score = 1st place, second highest = 2nd, and so on.)
- Each team ends up with three rank placements, one from each judge.
- These three rankings are then added together to calculate your team’s final rank score.
- The team with the lowest combined rank wins the category.
Team A ranks 2nd, 4th, and 1st → total rank = 7
Team B ranks 3rd, 3rd, and 3rd → total rank = 9
Team A places higher.
Tie Breaker Process
If two or more teams have the same total rank score, the following tie-breaking steps will be used in order:
- Highest total judge score (sum of all three scores)
- If still tied: Highest combined score from the top two judges
- If still tied: Highest single judge score
- If still tied: The result is declared a draw
Feedback
We believe feedback is a vital part of growth and development, so after the competition, each team will receive:
- Written comments from each judge
- Copies of your individual scorecards
Judging Criteria
Each performance is scored out of 100 points. Judges will consider the following four core areas to help guide their evaluation:
These areas are not individually weighted — instead, judges will assess the routine as a whole, considering how all elements come together to create impact, quality, and cohesion.
Choreography
Does the routine feel creative, structured, and visually engaging?
Musicality
Does the choreography reflect and respond to the music in interesting and meaningful ways?
Execution
Is the performance technically strong and consistently well-rehearsed?
Performance
Does the team connect with the audience and deliver the routine with energy and presence?
Score Bands:
Poor: 1–20 / OK: 21–40 / Good: 41–60 / Great: 61–80 / Excellent: 81-100
- Choreography
- Musicality
- Execution
- Performance
These areas are not individually weighted — instead, judges will assess the routine as a whole, considering how all elements come together to create impact, quality, and cohesion.
Choreography
Does the routine feel creative, structured, and visually engaging?
- Originality & Creativity – Are the movements unique and memorable?
- Transitions – Do dancers move smoothly between sections and formations?
- Use of Levels & Dynamics – Are height changes and varied energies used to add interest?
- Spatial Awareness – Is the stage space used effectively through formations and direction?
Musicality
Does the choreography reflect and respond to the music in interesting and meaningful ways?
- Interpretation – Are the movements clearly connected to rhythms, lyrics, or musical textures?
- Stylistic Cohesion – Does the movement style complement the music?
- Creativity – Are musical accents or shifts interpreted in an original way?
- Complexity – Are layers, tempo changes, or phrasing used thoughtfully?
Execution
Is the performance technically strong and consistently well-rehearsed?
- Technique – Is movement clean, controlled, and appropriate for the style?
- Precision – Are lines, shapes, and placements intentional and well defined?
- Synchronicity – Where required, do dancers move in time with each other?
- Overall Quality – Is there consistency across the group and throughout the routine?
Performance
Does the team connect with the audience and deliver the routine with energy and presence?
- Stage Presence – Do dancers perform confidently, engage the audience and command attention?
- Expression & Storytelling – Is there emotional expression, character, or narrative?
- Energy & Commitment – Is the routine performed with intention from start to finish?
- Overall Presentation – How well do elements like costuming, projection, and cohesion enhance the performance?
Score Bands:
Poor: 1–20 / OK: 21–40 / Good: 41–60 / Great: 61–80 / Excellent: 81-100
PRELIM Video Submissions
Video Title Format
Each video file must be titled using the following format:
University – Society – Category
Example: GHGH University – GHGH Society – Ballet Beginner
Please ensure all three elements are included in the title for easy identification.
Video Submissions
Please send your video files via our google form.
Cinematography
To maintain fairness and consistency, all video submissions must follow these filming guidelines:
Acceptable Video Examples
Example 1
Example 2
Unacceptable Video Examples
Example 1
Example 2
Each video file must be titled using the following format:
University – Society – Category
Example: GHGH University – GHGH Society – Ballet Beginner
Please ensure all three elements are included in the title for easy identification.
Video Submissions
Please send your video files via our google form.
Cinematography
To maintain fairness and consistency, all video submissions must follow these filming guidelines:
- Videos must be recorded from a single, fixed camera angle throughout the performance.
- You may film in any location (indoor or outdoor), as long as it is safe and appropriate for the routine.
- No editing is permitted, other than adding music to the video.
- Filming with a smartphone is acceptable if a video camera or camcorder is not available.
- We recommend using a tripod or having someone record while keeping the camera steady.
- Ensure the entire team remains visible in the frame at all times.
Acceptable Video Examples
Example 1
Example 2
Unacceptable Video Examples
Example 1
Example 2
Awards
Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in every category. In addition to category placements, the following Special Awards will also be presented on both Saturday and Sunday:
Special Awards
Special Awards
- Best Costume
- Best Choreography – Beginner
- Best Choreography – Intermediate
- Best Choreography – Advanced
- Team Spirit Award
- People’s Choice Award
Venue & Stage Information
Stage Dimensions
The performance stage measures 14 meters wide by 10 meters deep and includes wings on both sides. A rabbit run allows teams to enter from either stage left or stage right. You may choose either side to begin your routine.
Team Photos Area & Waiting Area
The Team Photo and Waiting Area is located in the Level 1 Foyer.
Food & Drink
We’ve partnered with a variety of local restaurants to offer exclusive discounts for all attendees.
Staggered Entry
To reduce congestion, each team will be assigned a specific entry time in the morning.
Quick Change Rooms
There are 10 quick change rooms available, located via the Nelsons Studio (Level 2 Foyer).
Large Bag Cloakroom
The Large Bag Cloakroom is also located in the Nelsons Studio (Level 2 Foyer).
Quiet/Study Room
A dedicated Quiet/Study Room is available in the Cowens Suite (Level 2 Foyer).
Practice Area
There will be two designated practice areas available throughout the day, located on the Level 2 Foyer and the Level 4 Foyer.
The performance stage measures 14 meters wide by 10 meters deep and includes wings on both sides. A rabbit run allows teams to enter from either stage left or stage right. You may choose either side to begin your routine.
Team Photos Area & Waiting Area
The Team Photo and Waiting Area is located in the Level 1 Foyer.
- When your team arrives, you will first be directed to have your official team photo taken.
- After your photo, you’ll remain in the waiting area until it is your turn to be taken backstage.
- Please arrive at the waiting area at least 5 performances before your scheduled time to ensure everything runs smoothly and on time.
Food & Drink
We’ve partnered with a variety of local restaurants to offer exclusive discounts for all attendees.
- A full list of participating venues will be available on our event app.
- Simply show your event wristband to redeem the offers.
- Drinks and snacks will also be available throughout the day at:
- Level 2 Foyer Bar
- The Yarn Bar
Staggered Entry
To reduce congestion, each team will be assigned a specific entry time in the morning.
- Arrival times can be found in the event app under the running order section.
- Please adhere to your assigned slot to help the day run smoothly.
Quick Change Rooms
There are 10 quick change rooms available, located via the Nelsons Studio (Level 2 Foyer).
- We recommend changing at least 1 hour before your performance.
- Please do not leave personal belongings in the quick change rooms, as they will be shared with other teams throughout the day.
Large Bag Cloakroom
The Large Bag Cloakroom is also located in the Nelsons Studio (Level 2 Foyer).
- Due to space limitations, only large bags will be accepted.
- Smaller bags should be kept under your seats in the main auditorium.
- Please limit the number of large bags brought per team where possible.
Quiet/Study Room
A dedicated Quiet/Study Room is available in the Cowens Suite (Level 2 Foyer).
- Feel free to use this space to relax, read, or study throughout the day.
Practice Area
There will be two designated practice areas available throughout the day, located on the Level 2 Foyer and the Level 4 Foyer.
- These spaces are available for warm-ups, stretching, and light rehearsal.
- Please be considerate of other teams and share the space respectfully.
Payment & Refund Policy
Payment Policy
Refund Policy
- All teams are required to pay for their competitors and supporters via invoice, which will be issued after the registration period closes.
- Spectator tickets can be purchased either online in advance or at the door on the day of the event.
Refund Policy
- All payments are final and non-refundable.
- If a participant or spectator is unable to attend, their ticket may be transferred to another person.
PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMING POLICY
Please be aware that photography and video recording will take place during our events for promotional and archival purposes. Images and footage captured may be used on our website, social media channels, and other marketing materials.
If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending the event.
If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending the event.