COMPETITION RULES

Age Calculation: Based on age on January 1st, 2026.

Oldest Dancer Rule: For Duos, Trios, & Groups, the category is defined by the oldest performer. No averages.

Merge & Split: Under 3 entries? We merge categories. Over 15 entries? We split into heats (in ages from youngest to oldest).

Proof of Age: Keep it honest. Please be prepared to show your ID if requested.

Refunds: Strictly non-refundable.

Admin Fee: £10 per change (spelling, music, swaps) for any updates requested within 2 weeks of the event.

Force Majeure: If the event is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control (acts of God, strikes, pandemic restrictions, venue closure), entry fees will be credited to a future event. No cash refunds will be issued.

Deadline: Upload tracks 14 days prior. No upload = no dance.

The Safety Net: You must bring a USB backup. If the system fails and you don't have a USB, you don’t compete.

Vocal Rule: No lead vocals on backing tracks for Singing or Song & Dance. Harmonies are fine.

File Format: All tracks must be uploaded in MP3 or WAV format only. We do not accept links to Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.

Run Early: We reserve the right to run up to 60 minutes early.

Check-In: Be backstage 1 hour before your slot. If you aren’t there when called, you don’t compete.

Performance Time: Don’t risk the win for an extra chorus.

• Solo2-minute max 
• Duo/Trio/Quartet3-minute max 
• Small Group (5–10)5-minute max 
• Large Group (11+)5-minute max 

Props: 20 seconds to set up, 20 seconds to clear.

Set: Minimal set only due to backstage restrictions. The 20-second setup and clearance rule remains in effect.

Copyright: Don’t steal choreography. Exact replicas of Broadway or Music Video routines are prohibited without written permission.

Content: No profanity, suggestive moves, or sensitive themes (self-harm, suicide, graphic violence).

Costumes: Dress your age. Inappropriate fits = score drop.

Mess Policy: No glitter, liquids, oil, confetti, or powder. If it changes the floor, it’s banned.

Debris: If you drop it (feathers, pins), you pick it up.

Safety: No fire, live animals, or sharp objects.

The Media Ban: Strictly NO photography or video recording is permitted from the audience. This is for child safeguarding and copyright protection. Anyone caught filming will be asked to delete the footage and may be removed from the venue. Professional high-res photos and video of every routine are available for purchase.

-1 Point: Per 10 seconds over time limit.

-2 Points: Costume malfunction or coaching from the wings.

-5 Points: Acro tricks in non-Acro categories.

-5 Points: Tap sounds on a Tap backing track.

-5 Points: Lead vocals on a Singing backing track.

-5 Points: Taking too long with props (over 20 seconds).

-10 Points: Inappropriate music, language, or choreography.

-10 Points: If a dancer competes in Novice when they clearly meet Open criteria, they will be moved to Open immediately and receive a -10 Points Penalty.

Disqualification: Re-starting a routine (unless our fault) or displaying bad sportsmanship.

Judges: Three industry adjudicators. Your result is the average of their scores.

Lineup Changes: Advertised judges are subject to change at any point.

Disputes: Judges’ decision is final. No parents or competitors may speak to judges.

Protests: Must be submitted in writing within 30 minutes and may only concern rule violations — no artistic critiques.

Medals: Collect your awards or nominate someone to do it. Unclaimed medals are not posted.

Risk: Participation is at your own risk. We are not liable for injury or loss unless caused by proven negligence.

Backstage: Wristbands only. One teacher or chaperone per school in the wings. No parents.

Cleanliness: Leave the venue as you found it or face a £50 cleaning fee.

Zero Tolerance: Bullying or aggression from parents, competitors or staff results in immediate removal.

Liability: We do not provide personal injury insurance. Studios must have their own cover.

Media: Entry grants us promotional rights for photos and video. Opt-out must be submitted in writing 14 days prior.

Chaperones: It is the responsibility of the Studio Principal to ensure all students are always supervised by a licensed chaperone (suggested ratio 1:10). Broadway Breakthrough staff are not responsible for unsupervised children outside of the stage area. 

Data & Privacy: By entering, you agree that your data may be shared internally within By the Collectives for the purpose of talent scouting and recruitment opportunities. We do not sell data to third parties.

Likeness Rights: Entry grants Broadway Breakthrough and By the Collectives full rights to use any images or video captured during the event for marketing, website, and social media purposes in perpetuity, without financial compensation.