UDC Rules & Regulations
Team Entry
Multiple Societies/Clubs
Multiple Societies and Clubs from the same university can compete in our competition.
Team Size
There is a minimum limit of 5 dancers per team, there is no maximum limit.
Student Competitors
All dancers within the team must be a university student. If you have non- students in your team, please contact us.
Category Levels
Societies/clubs can only register 1 team per category level (e.g you can only enter 1 team into Ballet Beginner).
If you are unsure of what level to enter, choose a lower level as you can only be moved up in the prelim round.
Dancer Participation
Dancers can only dance once per dance style but are allowed to compete in different levels of different styles. (e.g a dancer is not allowed to dance in Tap Beginner and Tap Intermediate, but they are allowed to dance in Tap Beginner and Street Intermediate).
Category Changes
GHGH UK reserves the right to add/merge/alter/remove categories should the need arise.
Wildcard
You cannot enter a team into Wildcard if that team could have entered any of the other categories.
You can enter fusions (mix of 2 or more styles).
Cultural Dances
If enough teams enter the Cultural Dances Category which do the same style of dance, that style will become it's own category.
Multiple Societies and Clubs from the same university can compete in our competition.
Team Size
There is a minimum limit of 5 dancers per team, there is no maximum limit.
Student Competitors
All dancers within the team must be a university student. If you have non- students in your team, please contact us.
Category Levels
Societies/clubs can only register 1 team per category level (e.g you can only enter 1 team into Ballet Beginner).
If you are unsure of what level to enter, choose a lower level as you can only be moved up in the prelim round.
Dancer Participation
Dancers can only dance once per dance style but are allowed to compete in different levels of different styles. (e.g a dancer is not allowed to dance in Tap Beginner and Tap Intermediate, but they are allowed to dance in Tap Beginner and Street Intermediate).
Category Changes
GHGH UK reserves the right to add/merge/alter/remove categories should the need arise.
Wildcard
You cannot enter a team into Wildcard if that team could have entered any of the other categories.
You can enter fusions (mix of 2 or more styles).
Cultural Dances
If enough teams enter the Cultural Dances Category which do the same style of dance, that style will become it's own category.
Music & Choreography
Time Limit
2.30 - 3.30 minutes.
Music
All music must be clean (no swearing/offensive language).
Props
Props are only allowed with permission from GHGH UK. You are not permitted to use anything that could hinder you or the next performance - e.g. flour, glitter, sand, confetti, water, etc. If you want to use props, please contact us.
Team Choreography
Your choreography can be inspired/influenced by other works of art and use signature moves/elements/routines to pay homage but as a whole, the performance must be unique.
K-Pop Choreography
You are not allowed to just do one cover dance for the whole performance. You are allowed to mix multiple cover dances together, or you can make up your own choreography to create your own unique performance. You do not have to match the number of dancers performing to the songs you use.
2.30 - 3.30 minutes.
Music
All music must be clean (no swearing/offensive language).
Props
Props are only allowed with permission from GHGH UK. You are not permitted to use anything that could hinder you or the next performance - e.g. flour, glitter, sand, confetti, water, etc. If you want to use props, please contact us.
Team Choreography
Your choreography can be inspired/influenced by other works of art and use signature moves/elements/routines to pay homage but as a whole, the performance must be unique.
K-Pop Choreography
You are not allowed to just do one cover dance for the whole performance. You are allowed to mix multiple cover dances together, or you can make up your own choreography to create your own unique performance. You do not have to match the number of dancers performing to the songs you use.
Category Level Definitions
Beginner Level Definition
These categories are for beginner dancers. If you have entered beginner/novice or intermediate categories at other competitions (only if intermediate is the lowest level to enter at those competitions), then you should enter in our beginner categories.
Intermediate Level Definition
These categories are for dancers who aren't really beginners, but may not be ready for the advanced category. If you have entered an Intermediate category at another competition but placed low, or you win beginner categories regularly or with a clear margin, then you should enter in our Intermediate categories.
Advanced Level Definition
These categories are for dancers competing to be the best bar none. If you enter advanced categories at other competitions, then you should enter in our advanced categories.
Open Level Definition
These categories are for all dancers of all abilities.
Category Move Restrictions
Our competition does not have any move restrictions because we use our Prelim round to ensure teams are in the correct category. If your routine contains a significant number of well executed, highly technical moves, it will be more likely your team will be moved to a higher level category.
These categories are for beginner dancers. If you have entered beginner/novice or intermediate categories at other competitions (only if intermediate is the lowest level to enter at those competitions), then you should enter in our beginner categories.
Intermediate Level Definition
These categories are for dancers who aren't really beginners, but may not be ready for the advanced category. If you have entered an Intermediate category at another competition but placed low, or you win beginner categories regularly or with a clear margin, then you should enter in our Intermediate categories.
Advanced Level Definition
These categories are for dancers competing to be the best bar none. If you enter advanced categories at other competitions, then you should enter in our advanced categories.
Open Level Definition
These categories are for all dancers of all abilities.
Category Move Restrictions
Our competition does not have any move restrictions because we use our Prelim round to ensure teams are in the correct category. If your routine contains a significant number of well executed, highly technical moves, it will be more likely your team will be moved to a higher level category.
Prelim round
Prelim Objective
Our prelim stage aims to make the competition fair, whilst also acknowledging the hard work teams have put in for our competition and respecting the category level choices teams have made.
Prelim Routine
You should send a recording of the routine you intend to use at the competition. This video should be of your team performing full out as if it was competition day (you do not have to be in costume). If your routine isn't finished, you must send what you currently have.
Prelim Methodology
Judges can either keep a team in the same level they registered in or move them up - Teams cannot be moved down. This stage is only to determine if you are in the right category and level and will not affect your final score/rank on the day. If you are unsure of what level to enter, choose a lower level as you can only be moved up in the prelim round.
Multiple Teams Per Level
Societies cannot have multiple teams competing in the same category level. If your 2nd team is moved up into the same level as your 1st team, your 1st team will be moved up.
Our prelim stage aims to make the competition fair, whilst also acknowledging the hard work teams have put in for our competition and respecting the category level choices teams have made.
Prelim Routine
You should send a recording of the routine you intend to use at the competition. This video should be of your team performing full out as if it was competition day (you do not have to be in costume). If your routine isn't finished, you must send what you currently have.
Prelim Methodology
Judges can either keep a team in the same level they registered in or move them up - Teams cannot be moved down. This stage is only to determine if you are in the right category and level and will not affect your final score/rank on the day. If you are unsure of what level to enter, choose a lower level as you can only be moved up in the prelim round.
Multiple Teams Per Level
Societies cannot have multiple teams competing in the same category level. If your 2nd team is moved up into the same level as your 1st team, your 1st team will be moved up.
Competition Format
Prelim Round
Each team will submit their performances for the judges to review before the competition.
The judges will determine whether the team is in the correct level and category. If a team is moved to a different level or category by the judges, they will be notified.
Running Order
The team running order will be randomised using Random.org. If a team is moved to a different category from the preliminary stage, their position will be randomised.
Before Performing
Teams will be ready to perform at least 1 category prior to their own.
Teams will go to the Level 1 Foyer waiting area at least 4 dances before their turn.
Teams will then have the opportunity to get their team photos taken before performing.
Teams will be taken to the back of the stage and then decide if they would like to enter from Stage Left or Stage Right.
Performance
Each team will walk on stage and get into a ready position. Once all dancers are still, their music will start. Teams can also start off stage.
Teams will perform in front of the judges once.
Teams should exit from stage left once their performance has finished.
Scoring
Each team will be scored by 3 dedicated judges out of 100 marks, leaving each team with 3 scores.
All team scores given by the same judge are then ranked against each other. (e.g. highest score given by Judge A = 1st, second highest given by Judge A = 2nd etc). This will leave every team with 3 ranks - 1 from each judge.
The 3 ranks for each team are then added up to give a final rank and the team with the highest total rank will be declared the winner. (e.g. Team A gets 2nd, 4th and 1st = 7th. Team B gets 3rd, 3rd, and 3rd = 9th. Team A has ranked higher).
Tie Breaker Methodology
In the event two or more teams have the same total rank, their combined score from all the judges is used as a decider with the team with the highest total score ranking higher.
If the total score is the same, we decide by who had the most higher rank positions among the judges. If the ranks are the same, we use the total of two highest scores. If the two highest score is the same, we use the highest individual score. If the highest individual score is the same, then it’s a draw.
Feedback
Each team will receive feedback and their scorecards, no later than Saturday 16th March 2024.
Each team will submit their performances for the judges to review before the competition.
The judges will determine whether the team is in the correct level and category. If a team is moved to a different level or category by the judges, they will be notified.
Running Order
The team running order will be randomised using Random.org. If a team is moved to a different category from the preliminary stage, their position will be randomised.
Before Performing
Teams will be ready to perform at least 1 category prior to their own.
Teams will go to the Level 1 Foyer waiting area at least 4 dances before their turn.
Teams will then have the opportunity to get their team photos taken before performing.
Teams will be taken to the back of the stage and then decide if they would like to enter from Stage Left or Stage Right.
Performance
Each team will walk on stage and get into a ready position. Once all dancers are still, their music will start. Teams can also start off stage.
Teams will perform in front of the judges once.
Teams should exit from stage left once their performance has finished.
Scoring
Each team will be scored by 3 dedicated judges out of 100 marks, leaving each team with 3 scores.
All team scores given by the same judge are then ranked against each other. (e.g. highest score given by Judge A = 1st, second highest given by Judge A = 2nd etc). This will leave every team with 3 ranks - 1 from each judge.
The 3 ranks for each team are then added up to give a final rank and the team with the highest total rank will be declared the winner. (e.g. Team A gets 2nd, 4th and 1st = 7th. Team B gets 3rd, 3rd, and 3rd = 9th. Team A has ranked higher).
Tie Breaker Methodology
In the event two or more teams have the same total rank, their combined score from all the judges is used as a decider with the team with the highest total score ranking higher.
If the total score is the same, we decide by who had the most higher rank positions among the judges. If the ranks are the same, we use the total of two highest scores. If the two highest score is the same, we use the highest individual score. If the highest individual score is the same, then it’s a draw.
Feedback
Each team will receive feedback and their scorecards, no later than Saturday 16th March 2024.
Judging Criteria
Performances are scored out of 100 based on the following criteria:
Choreography, Musicality, Execution and Performance.
Choreography:
Unique movement, Transitions, Levels, Use of space.
Musicality:
Originality, Creativity, Style, Complexity.
Execution:
Quality of movement, Precision, Synchronicity, Technique.
Performance:
Presentation, Stage Presence, Dynamics, Energy.
Score Bands:
Poor: 1–20 / OK: 21–40 / Good: 41–60 / Great: 61–80 / Excellent: 81-100
Choreography, Musicality, Execution and Performance.
Choreography:
Unique movement, Transitions, Levels, Use of space.
Musicality:
Originality, Creativity, Style, Complexity.
Execution:
Quality of movement, Precision, Synchronicity, Technique.
Performance:
Presentation, Stage Presence, Dynamics, Energy.
Score Bands:
Poor: 1–20 / OK: 21–40 / Good: 41–60 / Great: 61–80 / Excellent: 81-100
PRELIM Video Submissions
Video Titles
The title of each video submitted should be in the following format: University/Society/Category
Example - GHGH University - GHGH society - Ballet Beginner
Video Submissions
Please use the below file transfer sites to send your videos to Info@ghghuk.com.
Videos up to 2GB - We Transfer
Videos up to 5GB - Transfer XL
Cinematography
Videos should be shot from a fixed position from 1 camera/angle for the whole performance.
Videos are allowed to be set in any location (inside or outside)
There should be no editing other than overlaying with music.
You can use a phone to record your routine if you do not have access to a video camera or camcorder.
We advise using a tripod, or have someone standing still to record.
Please ensure everyone is within shot.
Acceptable Video Examples
Example 1
Example 2
Unacceptable Video Examples
Example 1
Example 2
Deadline
Video files should be sent by Monday 26th February 2024.
The title of each video submitted should be in the following format: University/Society/Category
Example - GHGH University - GHGH society - Ballet Beginner
Video Submissions
Please use the below file transfer sites to send your videos to Info@ghghuk.com.
Videos up to 2GB - We Transfer
Videos up to 5GB - Transfer XL
Cinematography
Videos should be shot from a fixed position from 1 camera/angle for the whole performance.
Videos are allowed to be set in any location (inside or outside)
There should be no editing other than overlaying with music.
You can use a phone to record your routine if you do not have access to a video camera or camcorder.
We advise using a tripod, or have someone standing still to record.
Please ensure everyone is within shot.
Acceptable Video Examples
Example 1
Example 2
Unacceptable Video Examples
Example 1
Example 2
Deadline
Video files should be sent by Monday 26th February 2024.
Awards
1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be given to every category including the following special awards:
Special Awards
Costume
Beginner Choreography
Intermediate Choreography
Advanced Choreography
Team Spirit
People's Choice
Special Awards
Costume
Beginner Choreography
Intermediate Choreography
Advanced Choreography
Team Spirit
People's Choice
Venue & Stage Information
Stage Dimensions
14m wide by 10m deep with wings on both sides
Stage Rabbit Run
The stage has a rabbit run which will allow you to enter from stage right or stage left. You can decide to begin your routine from either side.
Team Photos Area & Waiting Area
The team photos area and waiting area is located on Level 1 Foyer.
Catering
Hot food, drinks and snacks will be available at the venue all day from the Level 2 Foyer bar and the Yarn Bar. Please note no food or drinks are allowed in the main auditorium.
Staggered Entry
Teams will be allocated venue entry times in the morning to reduce congestion.
Quick Change Rooms
The venue has quick change rooms available for teams to use. Teams should only use these rooms when their categories are coming up. Please do not leave any belongings in these rooms
Bags
Bags should be kept with you in the main auditorium where you are sitting.
Quiet/Study Room
A quiet/study room will be available in the Cowens Suite on the Level 2 Foyer. Please feel free to use this room to relax or do some work.
Practice Area
Practice area is available to warm up and practice on the Level 4 Foyer.
Venue Tour
When your team arrives in the morning, you will be given a short tour of the venue so you know where everything is.
14m wide by 10m deep with wings on both sides
Stage Rabbit Run
The stage has a rabbit run which will allow you to enter from stage right or stage left. You can decide to begin your routine from either side.
Team Photos Area & Waiting Area
The team photos area and waiting area is located on Level 1 Foyer.
Catering
Hot food, drinks and snacks will be available at the venue all day from the Level 2 Foyer bar and the Yarn Bar. Please note no food or drinks are allowed in the main auditorium.
Staggered Entry
Teams will be allocated venue entry times in the morning to reduce congestion.
Quick Change Rooms
The venue has quick change rooms available for teams to use. Teams should only use these rooms when their categories are coming up. Please do not leave any belongings in these rooms
Bags
Bags should be kept with you in the main auditorium where you are sitting.
Quiet/Study Room
A quiet/study room will be available in the Cowens Suite on the Level 2 Foyer. Please feel free to use this room to relax or do some work.
Practice Area
Practice area is available to warm up and practice on the Level 4 Foyer.
Venue Tour
When your team arrives in the morning, you will be given a short tour of the venue so you know where everything is.
Payment & Refund Policy
Payments
Teams should pay for their competitors and supporters via invoice. (this will be sent you after registrations close).
Spectators can buy tickets online or on the door.
Refunds
All payments are non-refundable - If a person drops out, you can transfer their ticket to someone else.
Teams should pay for their competitors and supporters via invoice. (this will be sent you after registrations close).
Spectators can buy tickets online or on the door.
Refunds
All payments are non-refundable - If a person drops out, you can transfer their ticket to someone else.
PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMING POLICY
Please note that filming/photography is taking place at our events for promotional and archival purposes. The photographs and recordings made are likely to appear on our website and social media.
If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed please do not attend our events.
If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed please do not attend our events.