Rules and adJudicatioN - Registration and Entry Process:

Registration for Competitors

To secure your place in the Australasian Adult Ballet Competition (AABC), participants must complete the official entry form for their chosen division via the Registration page on this website. Entry must be accompanied by full payment or approved payment plan registration and acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of Entry.

We encourage early registration to ensure your place in this exclusive event:

Early Bird Registration Opens on 1 May 2025 and closes on 1 August 2025, offering priority placement and reduced entry fees. Payment plans are not available with Early Bird pricing.

Final Entry Deadline: All entries must be received no later than 30 November 2025 unless categories are filled prior. Standard pricing applies after 1 August 2025.

Capacity & Waitlist If a section reaches capacity before the closing date, a waitlist will be established. Waitlisted dancers will be notified if a position becomes available on Sunday, 30 November 2025.

Payment Options

To offer flexibility for our dancers, AABC provides two registration options:

1. Full Payment – Submit the complete entry fee at the time of registration. Eligible for Early Bird discount (if within the Early Bird window).

2. Four-Part Payment Plan – Available for standard entry fees only (not Early Bird). This plan divides your entry fee into four equal instalments, paid monthly from the time of registration. All payments must be completed by 1 December 2025 to confirm your place.

Instructions for selecting the payment plan option are available during the registration process.

Early registration is strongly encouraged to guarantee your position in this prestigious event. For all enquiries, please contact:

contact@aabcompetition.com.au

You have several options for entry into the competition:

1. Ballet and Contemporary Dance (all sections): Compete in both genres

2. Ballet Only: Compete solely in ballet

3. Contemporary Dance Only: Compete solely in contemporary dance

4. Group and Pas de Deux section and Ballet and/or Contemporary - for example, Pas de Deux and solo of choice or Group and solo of choice

5. Group/Pas de Deux/ Pas de Tois

Eligibility:

The competition is open to adult dancers of all levels. Participants must be 18 years or older on the day of the competition.

2. Music Requirements: After completing and submitting payment for your registration, you will receive a Google Drive link to upload your music, this will be released on October 1 to be populated by participants, you will be guided and be sent instructions. All submissions must be in MP3 format and finalised, as the AABC and our stage technician do not provide editing services. Ensure your music is edited for your performance.

Submission of music:

• All music must be in MP3 format (personal backup on a USB device should be brought with you to the AABC Festival).

Label the backup USB with:

• Full Name

• Contact Details

• Registered Section

• Name of Piece

• Teacher/Coach

• Submission Options/files

Two days of masterclasses and seminars: Friday and Saturday

• Participants will be enrolled in adult ballet and dance masterclasses tailored to their level that you identified in your registration and payment form.

Private Coaching, added cost:

• Limited private coaching sessions (30 mins) are available at the VCASS studios before the competition. Before the AABC event, participating studios and professional nominated teachers by AABC in Melbourne are available to you; this will be sent to you upon registration and payment for your ticket.

• Sessions are designed to provide personalised guidance to refine your performance, ready for the competition.

• Booking is required, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. A link will be provided to all registered/enrolled participants.

4. General Rules:

• Punctuality: Participants must arrive on time for all scheduled masterclasses, rehearsals, and performance times. Latecomers may forfeit their spot.

Dress Code:

• Appropriate ballet or contemporary dance attire must be worn during masterclasses, rehearsals, and performances.

• Costumes for the competition should reflect the chosen piece and adhere to respectful and professional standards.

Backstage Etiquette:

• Only participants and registered staff are allowed in the backstage area.

• Respect and support for fellow dancers, holding to the spirit of the competition, staff, and adjudicators are always expected. Disruptive behaviour may result in disqualification.

5. Adjudication will be held by expert and current adult ballet coaches, former professional ballet artists, contemporary dance professionals, who specialise in their field. The full adjudication panel will be announced in due course.

Judging Criteria:

• Technique: Precision, control, and execution of movements.

• Artistic Interpretation: Expression, musicality, and emotional connection to the music and piece.

• Presentation: Stage presence, confidence, and overall performance quality.

• Choreography: Originality, structure, and suitability of the chosen piece for the performer.

Feedback:

• Adjudicators will provide constructive feedback to each level to help participants improve and develop their skills.

• The adjudicators' decisions are final and will be based on the outlined criteria.

6. Prizes & Awards:

Categories:

• Prizes will be awarded in various categories based on age groups, skill levels, and dance genres.

• Special awards for outstanding performances, artistic excellence, and promising talent may be given.

Winners:

Each level will be announced at the end of the competition, and top performers will have opportunities to participate in future events, workshops, or showcases. TBA

7. Health & Safety:

Medical Disclosure:

• Participants must disclose any relevant medical conditions affecting their performance, safety and participation.

• The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse entry if safety concerns arise.

Liability:

• Participants perform at their own risk, and the organisers are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the competition.

Participants agree to abide by these rules and regulations by entering the Australasia Adult Ballet Competition. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.