We are an independent dance competition and are passionate about what we do we want to give dancers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to showcase their talents and build their confidence in a relaxed, fun environment.
We work with industry professional judges with a breadth of knowledge. We choose judges who encourage and bring out the best in the dancers, allowing them to relax and enjoy the valuable feedback on offer.
We now have more awards and more opportunities to impress the judges with our improv and titles.
Our events are inclusive for everyone from tiny dancers to adults.
We are proud to welcome SEN/D dancers to our events.
Join us, we promise a fun and fabulous day!
2025 (Pt 1)
Staffordshire University Academy
January TBC February
Saturday 22nd March
Sunday 9th
Sunday 29th April
Saturday 26th June
Saturday 7th
Sunday 29th
2025 (Pt 2)
Staffordshire
University Academy
July
Sunday 27th
August
Sunday 10th
September
Sunday 21st
October
Sunday 26th
November
Saturday 22nd
December
Saturday 6th
How To Enter
Dance Schools
Please fill in the form below to reserve your school’s space. If you wish to book more than one event please submit the form for each date.
https://form.jotform.com/230490678139362
A non refundable £50 deposit is required to secure your schools space. Your place will not be reserved until the deposit has been received.
You will be provided with a spreadsheet to fill out detailing all of your entries. Please submit your entries before the date specified late entries may not be entered. Please refer to our T&Cs for our cancellation policy.
Independent Entries
Please use the booking form to reserve your space:
https://form.jotform.com/230490678139362
Email entries to: info.particip8events@gmail.com
Please include dancers name, age and the genres.
The full amount is due upon booking
Bank Details:
Debra Rutherford
Account Number: 19824769
Sort Code: 04-06-05
Categories
Ballet, Tap, Lyrical/Contemporary, Acro,
Street/Commercial, Song and Dance
Theatre/Character, Modern/Jazz, Open.
Solos, Duets, Trios, Teams.
NB: We will separate novice and open dancers if there are enough novice entries. Judges will be informed of all novice dancers. This can be indicated on the spreadsheet. SEN/D dancers can also be indicated on the spreadsheet.
Novice: A dancer who has entered a competition fewer than 3 times. This is based on the dancer not the style of dance.
Age Groups Solos, Duets and Trios
Tinies: 3-5
Minis: 6-8
Juniors: 9-10
Inters: 11-12
Teens: 13-15
Seniors: 16+
Adults
Age Groups Teams
Age groups for team entries are based on the average age of the dancers in the team. Where a team consists of dancers spanning over 3 or more age groups a mixed age category may be added. We will look at each competition individually and group team entries together in the fairest way possible.
We reserve the right to merge or change age groups in the interest of competition.
Improv Challenge
The adjudicator's favourite part of the day! Where they get to see the dancers individuality.
We have 2 sections Lyrical and Open (open features jazz and commercial music).
Each section is split into age groups on the day.
Dancers in each age group will take to the stage and dance all together while the judges make their decision. Depending on the number of dancers this may go to heats.
A Champion and Runner Up will be crowned in each section and age group.
Improv is £5 per dancer per style. Numbers can be purchased on the day from the refreshments.
This is open to anyone, we have lots of siblings taking to the floor and sometimes even the grown ups!
Prices Per Dancer*
Solos
£14
Duets
£12.50
Trios
£10
Small Groups (4-7 dancers) £7
Large Groups (8+ Dancers) £6
Improv challenge £5 (to be purchased on the day)
Titles £5
Spectators
£12*
Once all entries are submitted an invoice will be sent.
Spectator tickets will be available to purchase online. A link will be shared with principals. There will be a small booking fee.
A reminder will be sent when entries and fees are due. Fees must be paid no later than 2 weeks prior to the event.
We endeavour to keep our prices as competitive as possible.
*Valid for Part 1 of 2025 booking now.
Judging Criteria
Medals will be awarded for 1st - 3rd place. 4th place may be added for some categories at the judges discretion. Placements are based on scores.
Placements will be presented after each age group performs in each category.
Each dance will be judged on:
Technique/Execution /20
Musicality /20
Performance /20
Presentation (costume, grooming etc) 10
Choreography /15
Judges decisions are final.
Awards
Judges Choice Awards
Awarded at the judges discretion these are given out after a performance. They are not based on scores.
Placements
Awarded to the highest scoring 3(sometimes 4) routines in each section. These are based on the judges scores.
Title Awards (£5)
Awarded at the judges discretion for each age group for dancers who shine. These awards are not based on scores.
Improv Champion/Runner up (£5)
Awarded to the champion and runner up in each section and age group of the improv challenge
Overall Awards - Awarded at the judges discretion and can include: Stand out dancers of the day, Group of the Day, Sportsmanship Award, Up and Coming Dancers, Up and Coming School, Choreography Award.
RULES
Solos should be no longer than 2 minutes.
Duets and trios should be no longer than 2.5 minutes. Groups should be no longer than 4 minutes.
We endeavour to estimate the running time of the day as accurately as possible based on the above times.
Excessive tricks may result in a dance being moved to the acro section. This is at the judges discretion.
Judges decisions are final.
Photography during dances is not permitted unless communicated otherwise. Photography of awards and improv is welcomed please do not publish photos that may feature other dancers.
One person per routine may film. Under no circumstances should anyone film a school that is not their own.
Entries must be submitted using the entry spreadsheet provided by the date given.
Late entries may be excluded due to time constraints. Please check the running order for omissions or errors to avoid delays on the day.
Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice. No later than 2 weeks before the event. Please see T&Cs for more information.
Spectator tickets must be purchased online before the event. They are priced at £12 each plus a small booking fee. 2 teachers passes are included with every schools entry.
Venues should be treated with respect at all times and kept in a tidy condition. Please use bins provided and take all belongings at the end of the day. We cannot be responsible for the loss of belongings.
Any fines incurred will be passed onto schools.
The venues we use are schools and have CCTV in all areas except the changing areas.
All dancers must be supervised at all times by a parent, guardian, coach or chaperone.
Only chaperones or DBS holders are allowed to help all dancers in the changing areas as per Staffordshire CC safeguarding rules. Parents must only assist their own dancer if they are not a DBS holder. DBS/Chaperone details will be requested prior to the event or you will be asked to bring a copy.
We promote a relaxed environment so spectators can come and go, grab a coffee etc, however please be mindful of moving around too much in the auditorium while dancers are performing as it can be a distraction.
Please encourage your spectators to cheer and clap as much as they like! We expect respect and support of all schools and dancers at all times.
Non sportsmanship behaviour will not be tolerated. From dancers, parents or coaches.
Most important of all HAVE FUN!
Categories and Age Groups: Organisers reserve the right to merge or change age groups and/or categories. This is always done with the dancers enjoyment and fulfilment in mind.
Venue Respect: Any fines that are incurred for the mistreatment of venues will be passed onto the schools.
Deposit and Reservation: A £50 deposit is required to reserve a space. Reservations are not confirmed until the deposit is received.
Cancellation Policy: Schools must cancel at least 4 weeks prior to the event to avoid charges. Cancellations within 4 weeks will incur charges.
Cancellation Between 4 weeks and when entries are submitted£200
Date Changes: Before 4 weeks schools can move their deposit to another date if they cannot attend the original date. If the event date is changed by the organiser and the new date is unsuitable, the deposit can be refunded or moved.
Minor Changes: Minor changes, such as swapping dancer categories or replacing injured dancers, are allowed.
Significant Changes: Schools removing more than 10% of the original entries or cancelling after entries are received must pay the full amount of the original entries.
Legal Agreement: Agreeing to attend an event constitutes a legally enforceable contract.
