Competition Standards

Below are the standards and expectations that competitors at JL Dance agree to adhere to.

A JL Dance Competitor:

Plans Ahead:

• Ensures no new routines are set less than one month prior to a competition.
• Aims to attend at least one private lesson in the lead-up to each competition (excluding troupe members).
• Understands that choreographing a new routine requires at least one hour of private lessons, and depending on the complexity of the routine, a minimum of two hours may sometimes be necessary—this is especially true for duets, trios, or older students.

• Makes themselves available for all dates of the competition. If unavailable, does not enter.

Follows Teacher Guidance:

• Accepts that new routines and partnerships are decided by teachers.
• Understands that all competition teams are formed by teachers.
• Agrees to consult with a teacher prior to choosing a costume for a routine.
• Recognises the significant effort teachers put into selecting music, themes, and choreographing routines.
• May make suggestions and requests but ultimately respects the teacher’s decision regarding routines and partnerships.
• Ensures that routines (other than own arrangements) are set by a JL Dance Teacher. Seniors may set their own solos with prior agreement from a teacher on a case-by-case basis.

Takes Responsibility for Their Performance:

• Understands that their own effort and technique account for 95% of their results, with costumes, music, and choreography playing a minor role.
• Discusses any decision to not perform a submitted entry with their teacher prior to withdrawing.
• Recognises that commitment to the Competition Team and partners takes precedence over external performances or associate programmes.

Adheres to Competition Rules:

• Submits entries on time and understands that late entries will not be accepted.
• Does not withdraw entries once submitted.
• Knows that entries not performed by choice will not be refunded.
• Understands that JL Dance will not negotiate schedule changes with event organisers to fit personal availability.
• Does not enter any competitions independently without express permission from the principal.
• Does not approach festival organisers to add/withdraw routines.

Maintains Proper Attire and Prepares Well:

• Arrives at the competition at least 1 hour prior to section start time to allow time for warming up.
• Wears JL Dance uniform at all times when not in costume while on-site at dance competitions.
• Ensures they are adequately fed, hydrated, warmed up and stretched prior to competing.
• Practices with their partners prior to going on stage when time/space allow. Does not sit out when having an opportunity to practice/warm-up together.

Demonstrates Excellent Behaviour:

• Holds themselves to the highest behavioural standards at all times during dance competitions.
• Understands that their behaviour reflects on JL Dance, regardless of location or time, and always behaves respectfully and professionally.
• Ensures that young children are not left unattended at any time and are always accompanied by an adult, not an older student.

Values their teammate’s commitment:

• Does not withdraw their commitment until the end of the current competition season as this severely impacts their team, and understands that withdrawal from the team mid-season carries and 18-month cooling off period before being invited to re-join.