UDC Rules and Regulations

Eligibility & Categories​

1. Eligibility

• Dancer Eligibility: All competing dancers must be currently enrolled university students.
• Non-Student Exemptions: If your team wishes to include non-students (e.g., alumni or non-student society members), you must contact us in advance to request an official exemption before registering them.

2. Team Rules

• Team Size: Teams must consist of a minimum of five dancers. There is no maximum team size limit.
• Multiple Societies or Clubs: Multiple societies or clubs from the same university are welcome to submit independent entries.
• Dance Company Exclusion: The UDC division is strictly reserved for university-affiliated societies and clubs. Dance companies, studio teams, alumni teams, dance schools, and independent crews are not permitted to enter the UDC division under any circumstances; they must compete in the DTC division.​

3. Categories

• Official Categories: The competition features 11 distinct styles split across the weekend. Except for Wildcard, each style is offered in three skill levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Teams may enter any of the following categories:
  • Saturday Categories: Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Wildcard.
  • Sunday Categories: Commercial, Cultural Dances, Heels, K-Pop, and Street.
• Entering Categories & Levels: Societies or clubs may enter as many categories as they wish. If you are unsure of your team's appropriate skill level (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced), we recommend entering a lower level. Based on the preliminary round, teams may be promoted to a higher level (e.g., from Beginner to Advanced), but they cannot be moved down.
• Wildcard Entries: The Wildcard category is strictly for performances that do not fit into standard categories, such as multi-style fusions. You may not enter a routine in the Wildcard category if it is eligible for an existing standard category.
• Cultural Dance Promotions: If a high volume of teams in the Cultural Dances category perform the exact same dance style, we may promote that specific style into its own dedicated category.

​4. Dancer Limits

• Individual Dancer Limits: A dancer may only perform once per dance style within the UDC division. However, they may compete at different levels across different styles. (Example: A dancer may compete in K-Pop Beginner and Tap Intermediate, but they cannot compete in both K-Pop Beginner and K-Pop Intermediate).
• Crossovers: Dancers are permitted to compete for both a UDC (University) team and a DTC (Independent/Studio) team in the same style, provided they have paid the entry fee for both teams.

​5. Administration

• Right to Alter: We reserve the right to add, merge, split, alter, move, or remove teams or categories as necessary to ensure a fair and balanced competition.

Music & Choreography

1. Music

• Time Limit: Performances must be between 2 minutes 30 seconds and 3 minutes 30 seconds in length. We allow a strict 5-second grace period on either side of this limit.
• Music Content: All music must be strictly clean and free of swearing, slurs, or offensive language.
• Music Submission & Review Process: All music tracks must be submitted via the official Performance Music Form prior to the event. Every track is manually reviewed by the GHGH UK team. If your submitted track exceeds the time limit (including the grace period) or contains explicit language, it will be rejected and sent back to you to fix. Teams will not be permitted to perform with infringing music.

2. Choreography

• Originality: Choreography must be original, though it may draw inspiration or incorporate signature elements as a tribute. The routine must remain unique as a whole and not be a direct copy of an existing performance. Copied or cover choreography is strictly prohibited in all categories except K-Pop.
• Move Restrictions & Levelling: There are no specific move restrictions in this competition. However, during the Preliminary Round, judges will assess technical difficulty and overall performance quality to ensure teams are placed in the correct level.
  • Teams that include a notable number of well-executed, technically advanced movements may be promoted to a higher level (e.g., from Beginner to Intermediate/Advanced). Examples include: pointe work, triple pirouettes or fouetté turns, penchés or tilts, scissor leaps, or one-footed wings/toe slides.
  • Teams may also be promoted based on overall strength, cleanliness, creativity, and stage presence, even without advanced technical elements. Judges consider the complete performance picture, not just individual tricks.
• Props: Props are only allowed with prior permission from GHGH UK. Items that could affect the stage surface 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 intend to use props, you must contact us at least 14 days in advance for approval.

​3. Category-Specific Requirements

• Heels Category: To ensure a level playing field for balance and technique, all competitors must wear a slim or stiletto-style heel with a minimum height of 3 inches (7.5 cm). Block heels, flare heels, and platforms are not permitted.
• K-Pop Category:
  • The Mix Rule: Performances must not consist solely of a single full cover dance. Teams must create a unique routine by mixing two or more cover dances.
  • Original Sections: Small segments of original choreography are permitted (such as for intros, outros, transitions, or formation changes), provided the core of the routine remains a cover performance.
  • Acceptable Content: Any Hallyu-related dance (Global groups, K-Pop soloists, choreographers/crews, Korean dance/idol program choreography) is allowed. You are not required to match the number of dancers to the original group.
  • Original Choreo to K-Pop Music: Because K-Pop is a music genre rather than a specific foundational dance style, routines consisting primarily of original choreography set to K-Pop music cannot enter the K-Pop category. They must be entered into an appropriate stylistic category (e.g., Street, Commercial, or Wildcard). Please remember that cover choreography is strictly prohibited in all categories outside of K-Pop. ​​

Preliminary Reviews & Video Submissions

1. Preliminary Objective & Assessment

• The Objective: The preliminary round ensures a fair and competitive environment by placing teams in the most appropriate skill level.
• Assessment Process: Judges will evaluate your routine based on technical execution, difficulty, and overall quality. Teams may be kept at their registered level or moved up if their performance significantly exceeds the standard. Teams cannot be moved down under any circumstance.
• Scoring Impact: This assessment is solely for placement purposes and does not affect your competition day score. If your team is moved to a higher level, you will be notified in advance.
• Multiple Teams (Same Style): If your society or club enters multiple teams in the same style, please ensure each team has a clearly distinguishable skill level. If teams are too similar in ability, they may end up competing against each other in the same category.
• On-the-Day Promotions & Disqualifications: Teams must perform to their full ability in their submission video. If a team's competition day performance is deliberately and drastically more advanced than their preliminary video, the judges reserve the right to promote the team to a higher level on the spot or disqualify them entirely.

​2. Video Submission Guidelines

• Submission Method: All video files must be submitted via our official UDC Prelim Video Form. (See Key Dates & Deadlines).
• Deadline & Penalty: Failure to submit a preliminary video by the deadline will result in the team being disqualified and not allowed to perform(See Key Dates & Deadlines).
• File Naming: Files must be titled in the following format: University - Society - Category (Example: GHGH University - GHGH Society - Ballet Beginner).
• Performance: Dance full out, exactly as if it were competition day. Costumes are not required.
• Incomplete Routines: If your routine is not yet complete, submit whatever version you currently have. You may also submit footage from another recent event, even if the routine differs slightly.

3. Cinematography Rules
To maintain fairness and consistency, all video submissions must strictly follow these filming rules:

• Camera Angle: Videos must be recorded from a single, fixed camera angle throughout the entire performance.
• Visibility: The entire team must remain visible in the frame at all times.
• Editing: No editing is permitted, other than adding the clean audio track over the video for clarity.
• Equipment & Location: Filming with a smartphone is perfectly acceptable. We highly recommend using a tripod to keep the camera steady. You may film in any safe indoor or outdoor location.

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4. Video Examples

• Acceptable Video Examples
  • ​Example 1
  • Example 2​
• Unacceptable Video Examples
  • ​Example 1
  • Example 2​

Tickets, Payments & Refunds

1. Team Payments

• Securing Your Slot (No Deposits): Upon registration, teams will receive a confirmation email stating their place in the competition is reserved, no deposit needed. To officially secure your slot, all registration fees must be paid in full by the payment deadline. 
• Invoicing: All teams are required to pay for their competitors and team supporter tickets via invoice. Invoices will be issued directly to the Team Captains after the registration period officially closes.
• Deadlines & Penalties: Full payment must be received by Monday, 1st February 2027 (please refer to the Key Dates & Deadlines page). Failure to pay by this deadline will result in the team losing their competition slot. Note: Any team supporter tickets added or paid for after this deadline will lose the early bird discount.

​2. Competitor T-Shirts

• Free Swag: Every registered competitor receives a free official GHGH T-shirt.
• Sizing & Collection: Team Captains must submit all requested sizes via the T-Shirt Form (see Key Dates & Deadlines). T-shirt bundles will be packed together and distributed strictly to the Team Captain during morning registration.

3. Ticket Types & Access

• Team Supporter Tickets
  • Purchase: Must be bought in advance alongside competitor tickets. There is no maximum limit.
  • Arrival: Must arrive with the team during their designated morning slot (7:30 AM to 8:30 AM).
  • Seating: Must sit in the allocated team seating area, not the general spectator area.
  • Distribution: Team Captains receive these tickets at morning registration and are responsible for handing them out.
• General Spectator Tickets
  • Purchase: Can be purchased individually online in advance, or at the door on the day of the event (Card payments only; strictly no cash).
  • Arrival: Spectators may arrive at the venue any time after 8:30 AM.
  • Seating: Must sit in the general spectator area and cannot sit with the competing teams.
  • Distribution: Each spectator will receive their ticket directly from front-of-house staff upon arrival.

4. Workshops

• Capacity Limit: Due to venue capacity limits and the high volume of competing teams, access to the workshops is strictly limited to ONE dancer per registered team.
• Selection & Registration: It is the Team Captain’s responsibility to select which dancer will represent their team at the workshop. The chosen dancer must be explicitly named on your Dance Register submitted prior to the event (see Key Dates & Deadlines).
• Access: At morning registration, the designated dancer (or Team Captain) will be issued a specific workshop wristband based on the name provided on the register. No entry to the workshop will be permitted without this physical wristband.

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5. After Party
The official GHGH after party is strictly an 18+ event (as it is held in a nightclub venue). It is free for all daytime event attendees. You must bring your event wristband and a valid physical ID to gain entry.

• Saturday Ticket Holders: Access to the Saturday after party only.
• Sunday Ticket Holders: Access to the Sunday after party only.
• Weekend Ticket Holders: Access to both the Saturday and Sunday after parties.
• After-Party-Only Tickets: If you have friends who did not attend the competition but wish to come to the after party, they can purchase an after-party-only ticket at the door.

6. Refund & Transfer Policy

• Refunds: All payments are strictly final and non-refundable.
• Transfers: If a competitor, team supporter, or spectator is unable to attend the event, their ticket may be transferred to another person.

Competition Day Format & Scoring​

1. Running Order & Backstage Protocols

• Running Order: Performance order will be completely randomized 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.
• Important Backstage Warning (Quick Changes): The competition schedule will not be paused or delayed for any costume changes. If a dancer is competing in multiple routines, styles, or divisions, managing quick changes is strictly the responsibility of the dancer and the Team Captain. If a dancer is not in position when their team's music starts, the team must perform without them.
• Pre-Performance Process: To help the event run smoothly, teams must follow this flow:
  • Readiness: Your team must be fully ready to perform at least one full category before your own.
  • Check-In & Photos: Once there are five routines left before your team, you must report to the Level 1 Foyer waiting area. You will take your official group photos here.
  • Missed Call Times: Teams that completely miss their assigned performance slot will be disqualified.
  • Backstage: When it is time to perform, you will be escorted backstage. You will be asked to choose whether your team will enter from Stage Left, Stage Right, or both.

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2. On Stage

• Starting the Routine: Teams can start their routine either already on stage or off stage. Once dancers are in position and completely still, the music will begin. Each team performs their routine once.
• Prop Setup & Removal: Teams utilizing approved props have a strict maximum of 30 seconds to set them up on stage prior to their music starting, and 30 seconds to remove them after the performance. This must be done efficiently by the dancers themselves.
• Exiting: After the performance concludes, all dancers must exit via Stage Left in an orderly manner.

3. Scoring & Ranking System

• ​Judging Panels: To ensure judges remain fresh and focused across all 11 styles, the competition utilizes four separate judging panels, consisting of 12 expert judges in total. Your specific category will be evaluated by the dedicated three-judge panel assigned to that style.
• The Rubric: Each team will be scored by three qualified judges. Each judge will award a holistic score out of 100 points based on choreography, musicality, execution, and performance. (For a detailed breakdown of these elements, please see the Judging Criteria & Awards tab).
• How Ranking Works: Once all performances in a category are complete, an ordinal ranking system applies:
  1. Each judge's scores are used to rank the teams from highest to lowest (highest score = 1st place).
  2. Each team ends up with three rank placements (one from each judge).
  3. These three rankings are added together to calculate your team's final rank score.
  4. The team with the lowest combined rank wins the category. (Example: Team A ranks 2nd, 4th, and 1st = Total Rank of 7. Team B ranks 3rd, 3rd, and 3rd = Total Rank of 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 exact order:
  
  1. Best Two Ranks: The lowest sum of the team's top two rank placements (dropping their worst rank). This ensures the consensus of the majority of the judging panel is rewarded.
     
  2. If still tied: Highest Total Z-Score. If teams received the exact same three rank placements, the tie is broken using the sum of their Z-scores across all three judges. (Z-scores mathematically adjust for "harsh" vs. "nice" judges, ensuring raw points are compared fairly).
     
  3. If still tied: Highest Single Z-Score. The highest individual adjusted Z-score awarded by any single judge.
     
  4. If still tied: The result is declared a draw.

4. Judges' Feedback

• Receiving Feedback: We believe feedback is a vital part of growth. After the competition, each team will receive written comments from every judge along with digital copies of the individual scorecards.
• Timeline: All feedback will be distributed to Team Captains via email no later than 7 days after the competition (see Key Dates & Deadlines).

Judging Criteria & Awards

1. Scoring Overview Each performance is scored out of 100 points. Judges will consider four core areas to guide their evaluation. These areas are not individually weighted; instead, judges will assess the routine holistically, considering how all elements come together to create impact, quality, and cohesion.

2. The Four Core Areas

• 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?
  • 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?

3. Score Bands Judges will use the following standard to determine their final score out of 100:

• Excellent: 81 to 100 points
• Great: 61 to 80 points
• Good: 41 to 60 points
• OK: 21 to 40 points
• Poor: 1 to 20 points

4. Category Placements & Prizes

• Placements: Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in every single category.
• Trophies & Medals: Winning teams will receive one physical trophy for the society to keep. Individual dancer medals are not provided.

5. Special Awards In addition to the main category placements, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies will also be presented for the following Special Awards at the end of both Saturday and Sunday:

• Best Costume: Awarded to the teams with the most visually impactful, creative, and cohesive styling.
• Best Choreography: Awarded to the standout choreography across all styles on that day. (Note: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies will be awarded separately for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels).
• Team Spirit Award: Awarded to the societies that demonstrate the most support, sportsmanship, and positive energy on the day of the event, both in the audience and backstage.
• People's Choice Award: Voted for by attendees via the official event app. Voters must select their top three teams (you cannot vote for your own team). The poll opens immediately after the final performance and closes just before the awards ceremony. The teams with the highest overall votes win.

Venue & Stage Information

1. Arrival & Entry

• 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. If your team is delayed and misses your assigned slot, you may still enter upon arrival.

2. The Stage

• Dimensions & Surface: The performance stage measures 14 meters wide by 10 meters deep and features a hardwood base with a Marley floor surface.
• Wings & Access: The stage is equipped with four wings (two on each side), allowing for dynamic mid-routine entrances and exits. A backstage rabbit run also allows teams to cross between Stage Left and Stage Right unseen. You may choose either side to begin your routine.

3. Venue Facilities

• Quick Change Rooms (Nelsons Studio, Level 2 Foyer): There are 10 quick change rooms available. We recommend changing at least one hour before your performance. Do not leave personal belongings in these rooms, as they will be shared with other teams throughout the day.
• Large Bag Cloakroom (Nelsons Studio, Level 2 Foyer): Due to space limitations, only large bags will be accepted in the cloakroom. Smaller bags should be kept under your seats in the main auditorium. Please limit the number of large bags brought per team where possible. Note: Please keep all valuables with you. GHGH UK and the venue accept no liability for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
• Practice Areas (Level 2 & Level 4 Foyers): Two designated practice areas are available for warm-ups, stretching, and light rehearsal. Please be considerate of other teams and share the space respectfully.
• Quiet & Study Room (Cowens Suite, Level 2 Foyer): A dedicated quiet room is available for anyone needing space to relax, read, or study throughout the day.
• Team Photos & Waiting Area (Level 1 Foyer): When your team arrives at the waiting area (at least five performances before your scheduled time), you will first be directed to have your official team photo taken. Afterward, you will remain in this area until escorted backstage.
• Ear Protection (Front Desk): The main auditorium features concert-level acoustics. Free ear protection is available for all competitors and spectators, and can be collected from the Front Desk desk upon request.

4. Food & Drink

• Partner Discounts: We have partnered with a variety of local restaurants to offer exclusive discounts for all attendees. A full list of participating venues is available on our event app. Simply show your event wristband to redeem the offers.
• Venue Bars: Drinks and snacks will also be available throughout the day at the Level 2 Foyer Bar and The Yarn Bar.
• Auditorium Rules: Light, cold snacks (such as crisps, chocolate, and sweets) and bottled water are permitted inside the main auditorium. However, hot food and external takeaways (e.g., McDonald's, Burger King, KFC etc) are strictly prohibited in the auditorium to maintain the cleanliness of the venue.

Photography & Filming Policy

1. Official Event Media & Consent

• Official Photography & Recording: Official photography and video recording will take place throughout the competition for promotional and archival purposes. Images and footage captured may be used on our website, social media channels, and other marketing materials.
• Consent: By purchasing a ticket, registering, or participating in the event, you actively consent to being photographed and recorded.
• Opt-Out Limitations: Because we cannot guarantee exclusion from wide crowd shots, backstage content, or performance footage, if you absolutely do not wish to be photographed or recorded, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending the event.

2. Audience & Team Filming Guidelines

• Personal Filming & Live Streaming: Attendees are more than welcome to record routines on their smartphones and live stream the event to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube directly from their seats.
• Team Photographers & Videographers: Teams are permitted to bring dedicated media personnel, subject to strict venue rules:
  • Equipment: No tripods or large standing equipment are allowed in the main auditorium seating areas.
  • Access Limits: Team media personnel do not receive special access to backstage areas, side wings, or the official front-row media pit. They must film strictly from standard spectator areas.
  • Obstruction: You must not obstruct the view of the audience and must stay clear of the official GHGH UK media team at all times.
• Flash Photography: Strictly NO flash photography is permitted during any performances. Sudden flashes pose a serious safety hazard to dancers on stage.

3. Access to Official Media

• What You Get: GHGH UK provides all teams with completely free official media. This includes action shots, official team photos, full performance videos, and front-row videos.
• Distribution: Following the competition, official photos will be uploaded to our Facebook page, and all performance videos will be published on the official GHGH UK YouTube channel.
• Media Archive: All media files will also be uploaded to a dedicated cloud storage media archive, giving teams direct access to download high-quality files for their own promotional use.