RULES...
GET THE BEAT RULES AND REGULATIONS
NOTE: Competition Director(s) can over-rule any of the below rules and guidelines at any time where they see fit. Especially if it is a matter of safety.
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NEW (FOR 2025 EVENTS)
Event Transfers - A charge of $10 per solo will apply for any transfers between events before the transfer deadline (once program is numbered and finalised no transfers can be offered)
Music not uploaded by the deadline - $5 charge for each bulk entry
Music not uploaded by the deadline, handed in on the day - $15 per act (you are interrupting the entire competition)
Program changes after finalisation (numbering) - $10 per change fee. Also applies to any changes at the event.
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GENERAL
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Competitors Enter at OWN RISK, GTB Pty Ltd and its Directors/Staff accept no responsibility for any accidents or injury to any dancer, audience member or anyone else at any time.
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For Age Cut off dates,
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ALL GROUP AGES ARE AS AT JANUARY 1 of the competition year (The Group age limit is determined by the oldest dancer, although we will allow a maximum of 2 performers in each group to be no more than 1 year older than the entered age group. Example - 10&U under acts can have 2 performers who are 11 years of age as at Jan 1 of the same year) This has change from previous years - it used to be 2 years older, we have reduced it to 1 year older from 2025.
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SOLO/DUO/TRIO AGES are as at the the first day of the competition you are attending. Exact age cut offs are on the entry form specific to the competition you are entering.
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Get the Beat is a Dance competition for Amateur dancers only* (definition – competitor is not working full time as a dance teacher or performer)
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ENTRIES CLOSE WHEN COMPETITION IS FULL.To assist the office, please submit entries as early as possible online. Online payment will be by paypal, credit card, or direct debit.
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Enter online at www.gtbdance.com. For assistance in entering contact the Get The Beat office please email via the address on the contact page
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Submissions will not qualify or be recognized as an “entry” until PAID IN FULL by verified funds (particular to Bank Transfer entries) and ALL necessary information is provided, including: Full Name of competitor, Date of birth, contact information.
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Please let us know if entries are incorrect before the event. We will do our best to correct any mistakes made by entrants
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The Management Team has the right to amend the program at any time.
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Bullying during the competition is not acceptable and any evidence of such bullying will result in instant dismissal from the competition. Sportsmanlike behaviour is expected at all times. Failure to display proper decorum could result in immediate disqualification. This includes attempting to recruit students from other studios to attend yours at one of our events.
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CHOREOGRAPHY OWNERSHIP - Parents, Dancers and Teachers/Choreographers must all be aware of what routines are being performing on GTB Stages. If a student has left a Dance studio please ensure you have permission from past choreographers/teachers to be able to continue to perform routines whose ownership may be in question at GTB events. Disputes in regards to this must be mediated and handled with class (outside of social media or the event itself) by the parties involved - but not involving any GTB staff or Directors - we will not get involved in this, we simply ask that you do the right thing.
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CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event of a Venue or Government directed cancellation of an event due to anything that affects the running of an event (eg COVID-19), Get the Beat will do the following:
1. The event will become an online event whereby each dancer will supply a video of each performance to be judged online with audio feedback and the same prizes we would have handed out, mailed to each contestant. This will be well communicated to all competitors.
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REFUND POLICY
Please note, GTB events are prepared months in advance, your entries into our events weeks or months before we run them are invested into an entire year of tour which may include - Prizes, Non refundable Venue Deposits, Staff Travel and Accommodation, Flooring, Judges and their travel, Fixtures, Administration, etc.
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No refunds are given for change of mind, other commitments, or clash with another competition.
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If a dancer becomes injured, an event transfer will become available, or credit for the following year will apply. Medical proof will be required.
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If GTB is forced to cancel an event (State or Federal Government direction or venue enforced cancellation) the event will become an online regional and we will accept old videos or newly created studio or home videos from dancers.
2025 REGIONAL VIEWING FEES
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All solo sessions there will be NO CHARGE for spectator viewing
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All group or special event sessions there may be a small door charge for viewing, unless otherwise directed
DIGITAL PROGRAMS ONLY FOR REGIONALS
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In 2025 we will be printing less paper and doing our bit for the environment. All Regional programs will be digital! We will still email out a draft copy (for checking and alterations), a final version, and also posting a final version on our monitored app "GTB Dance". The Finals Program will still be printed in A5
FIRST AID
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BE SAFE and come prepared! Not all venues have the facilities for ice-packs etc
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Each Studio (entered in groups) MUST provide their own first aid person, ice, and first aid kit. GTB Staff are not responsible for providing any first aid equipment or ice/heat products.
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YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN FIRST AID AT ANY EVENT, SOLOISTS INCLUDED.
ENTRIES
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No mail in, phone, or fax entries will be accepted, unless authorised by the competition organiser. All entries must be registered online.
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Late entries will be considered at the organiser’s discretion.
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Entry fees are non refundable.
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Groups must consist of at least four competitors.
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'Age' of a competitor is defined on entry page.
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The competition is open to ‘Amateur’ competitors (definition – competitor is not working full time as a dance teacher or performer)
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Music, lyrics, costumes and dance content must be age and event appropriate.
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Any one item may be performed once only during the duration of the Competition, unless the section allows, eg My First Solo, Beginner Solo, Miss/Mr GTB, Champion Solo.
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If a style is not available for the age group of the competitor, he/she may dance up an age group, unless they can perform in the Open section.
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The definition of 'FULL TIME DANCE STUDENTS' for the purpose of competing in dance groups in this Event will be any dancer who is enrolled in a dance course offering full time education in any dance discipline regardless of actual hours involved. These students are not paid professionals and still classed as amateur, therefore are still able to compete at our competitions.
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If you enter or part enter, you may be subject to email campaigns (newsletters etc) until you unsubscribe (if necessary)
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GROUP ENTRIES - EXTRA TO ABOVE
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AGE OF DANCERS - Age is based on JANUARY 1 of the year we are in
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1 YEAR ALLOWANCE *NEW From 2025 - The Group age limit is determined by the oldest dancer, although we will allow a maximum of 2 performers in each group to be no more than 1 year older than the entered age group. Example - 10&U under acts can have 2 performers who are 11 years of age as at Jan 1 of that same year.
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AGE GROUPS AVAILABLE - 6&U, 8&U, 10&U, 12&U, 14&U (Sydney only), 15&U (N/A in Sydney), 16&U (Sydney only), OPEN AGE - see specific rules for Open age routines in main rules page.
Small Groups = 11 or less dancers, Large Groups = 12 or more. Small Groups are for Lyrical, Contemporary + Jazz only.
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STYLES AVAILABLE - Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre/Broadway Jazz, Open, Song & Dance, Tap, Acro, Classical (inlcudes Demi), Production
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MUSIC
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Music is via our website MUSIC UPLOAD system, We do not accept CD's at our events anymore, If you cannot supply music via the online system please bring USB's early in your session so we can add to the music playlist, you must notify prior to the music upload deadline.
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All music must be uploaded before the event cut of time, late fees apply.
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All music must be age appropriate and free of any apparent profanity or vulgar language. Disqualification may occur if it is deemed the music is of this nature.
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Time limits stated are maximum allowed. A solo performance is 3 minutes, song and dance is 3.30 minutes, duos/trios are 3 minutes, groups are 5 minutes.
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Copyright Laws must be adhered to at all times. Entrants must be aware of their copyright responsibilities. Get The Beat is in no way responsible for personal breach of copyright. If in doubt contact APRA & AMCOS. Entrants are responsible for royalty payments if any.
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Get the Beat is not responsible for any music that is not reclaimed at the completion of an event (we basically chuck it out).
PERFORMANCE
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You may only perform a certain routine up to 2 times at any event. We allow you to repeat a dance in certain sections, but the maximum amount of times a particular solo can be performed is twice.
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A competitor cannot compete against her/himself in any solo category. If a contestant has two routines of the same style, they are permitted to dance up an age group, but not in an age group below.
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Dancers under the age of 13 (as at January 1 of the year competing) are NOT ABLE to dance in Open Age Group categories EXCEPT for Acro and EXCEPT if prior approval by GTB Management - this is mainly for Senior routines that are "senior" in style - just contact us, most acts will be fine...
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The decision of the adjudicator(s)/judge(s) is final.
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While a dancer is eligible to dance up an age group, the dancer is only eligible to receive overall awards (top 10, Top 5, runner up, winner, dream jr etc) for their own age group, if they are competing in their own age group at the same competition (i.e. in the program).
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Prompting, except by adjudicator(s)/judge(s), is not be permitted.
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Please respect the adjudicator(s)/judge(s) and refrain from speaking to him/her/them during the competition. If you need help with anything related to the adjudicator(s)/judge(s) please see the competition organisers in the first instance.
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Should a competitor leave the stage as a result of having forgotten their routine or the music is corrupted, they will be asked to perform again just once, if the track has less than 30 seconds left - the judge will be asked if what they saw was sufficient, and no repeat will be necessary.
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No microphones to be used in any section, unless Directors decide to use them at a particular event.
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All performances must be on the stage provided. No jumping off the stage or audience participation is allowed. Points/Placings may be deducted/lowered if the adjudicator feels the song choice or the movements are inappropriate for the category.
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All competitors must be ready to perform at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time. If the competition is running ahead of schedule, they are expected to be ready earlier.
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Studios may compete "against each other" in group sections - e.g. have more than 1 routine in any particular section.
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NO ONE IS TO CHANGE COSTUME SIDE STAGE, NO ROUTINE SHOULD ALLOW A CHANGE OF COSTUME WHICH INVOLVES NUDITY OF ANY KIND (IN WINGS) CHANGING IN ANY PUBLIC AREA WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION (INCLUDING PUBLICY ACCESSIBLE BACKSTAGE AREAS). CHANGE ROOMS AND PRIVACY TENTS ARE ALWAYS PROVIDED AT GTB EVENTS.
STUDIO GROUPS 12-18 MONTH GRACE PERIOD
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Any new studio must comply with a 12-18 month grace period in which to enter studio groups at a GTB competition. This means a studio opening cannot enter group acts until 12-18 months (GTB Director discretion) after being in business. This rule is out of respect to loyal studios whom have been in business and attending GTB for many years. We are highly aware of poaching tactics and negative studio culture disrupting events and damaging supporting businesses and ultimately damaging the GTB culture. This also acts as a safety barrier for any new studios for any pre-conceived before-mentioned acts of negativity.
BACKSTAGE
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Competitors must check in with the backstage stage manager prior to dancing.
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Competitors must change in dressing rooms. Public areas are not be utilised as change rooms.
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Absolutely no rehearsing in corridors or passageways.
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All backstage personnel will be required to carry a current Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian's bluecard.
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Please use glitter and hairspray outside and not in a closed area where it could be a health hazard to other competitors.
PARENT/CARE GIVER RESPONSIBILITY
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GTB is in no way any form of care / child care facility
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Every under age competitor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who accepts full responsibility for the child at all times
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Any child seen to be without a guardian will result in GTB contacting authorities to respond.
DRESSING ROOMS
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Groups must be supervised at all time.
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You must adhere to the venues policies and procedures at all times (eg Smoking, alcohol etc)
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Dressing rooms will be allocated on the day and is discretion of the competition organisers.
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In shared dressing rooms all competitors and associated parties are expected to demonstrate respect for the space, 
costumes and belongings of others at all times.
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All electrical equipment used must be tagged and tested by a certified electrician.
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Please be mindful of what you bring into a dressing room, hot drinks etc will be not allowed backstage.
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Music/vocal volumes for rehearsals must be kept to a minimum at all times in all areas.
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Please be mindful of rubbish and any mess created by a studio/school backstage or in any dressing rooms. Any excess cleaning required could result in a fine to the studio up to $200.
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Any individual/studio/school found to have caused damage to their dressing space will be charged relevant repair costs. If preexisting damage is noted when you arrive in your dressing area the convener must be advised immediately.
PROPS
Get the Beat welcomes the use of props. Please be aware the transportation, set-up and tear-down of props are the sole responsibility of the studio or individual utilizing these props. For the dancers safety please ensure that any props used during our events are non-dangerous and not likely to injure/harm or potentially end anyones life. Get the Beat will not be held responsible for any potential injury or death resulting from a prop or props. It is the Studio or individuals responsibility to clean up after any prop use and ensure the stage is ready for the next act. Any props left at the completion of the event will be disposed of.
All props backstage must be labeled with studio name for identification purposes.
VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHY 

Absolutely no cameras, camcorders, or any other recording devices are permitted to use within the performance or dressing areas unless otherwise specified by the event organisers. Repeat offenders will be asked to leave the venue. The purpose of this guideline is to protect the dancers and the intellectual property of the choreographers/studios.
All contestants grant permission to the directors of Get the Beat to use their photographs or to appear on local and/or national television to promote its competitions.
SAFETY
Every care will be taken for competitors' safety, but the Management Team will not be responsible for any injuries sustained by any competitor or to property during the competition. Any performing dancer in these competitions takes certain risks in order to perform, these may include Strains, Sprains, Bruises, Broken Bones, Pulled muscles, and more. Participation in any Get the Beat competition indicates acceptance of such risks by performers. By accepting our terms and conditions every entrant will not hold Get the Beat, Shannon Cliff, Felicity Cliff, or any other staff members or volunteers responsible for illnesses, injuries, damages sustained by participating in any activity relating to Get the Beat dance competition, workshop, or related.
GTB competitions are NOT a baby-sitting service, every dancer attending must be in the full care of a parent or legal guardian who accepts all responsibility for the dancer.
CATEGORIES & DESCRIPTIONS
CAN ONLY PERFORM ONE SOLO PER SECTION
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BALLET- Routine which must include classical steps and ballet technique. Ballet or pointe shoes only. THIS IS CLASSED AS "CLASSICAL" FOR ENTRY PURPOSES.
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COMMERCIAL CONTEMPORARY- A routine which combines both lyrical and modern movements. Routine must show balance and control, commercial will also include innovative, cutting edge themes
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TRADITIONAL CONTEMPORARY - A routine which combines both lyrical and modern movements. Routine must show balance and control, Traditional includes classically based, foundation training, inspired by artists such as Alvin Ailey
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MUSICAL THEATRE – Routine is theatrical in nature and is choreographed to music from broadway or a cinematic musical. Singing and/or lipsyncing is permitted, but not compulsory. Can be a Cabaret Dance
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MUSICAL THEATRE (VOCALS ONLY)- Singing and/or Characterisation/Acting only, dance is NOT permitted in this section. THIS STYLE CAN BE PERFORMED IN THE MUSICAL THEATRE OR THE OPEN SECTION
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SONG & DANCE- Routine must contain both singing & dancing. Singing or vocals not permitted on backing track. However, we do allow for some backing vocals and full vocals on the dance section only.
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HIP HOP- A dance which consists of the latest street or break dance style, as seen in current dance videos.
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SLOW MODERN/LYRICAL- Routine is choreographed utilising lyrical technique and maintains the theme of the music in a slow, controlled movement that demonstrates a close connection to the musical piece. Dancers must display balance, flexibility and control.
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TAP– Routine is choreographed utilizing traditional or contemporary techniques/steps and/or rhythm patterns. No tap sounds are permitted in the music to aide the dancer. Dancers must wear tap shoes. Any style or tempo is permitted.
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STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY- Must be produced by the student with no teacher assistance.
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SPEED TAP - A Tap routine with a very fast tempo. No tap sounds are permitted in the music to aide the dancer. Dancers must wear tap shoes. THIS CAN BE PERFORMED IN THE OPEN SECTION
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SONG & TAP - Routine must contain both singing & dancing. Singing or vocals not permitted on backing track. However, we do allow for some backing vocals and full vocals on the dance section only. Dance style must be Tap. THIS CAN BE PERFORMED IN THE SONG & DANCE OR THE OPEN SECTION
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MODERN EXPRESSIVE EN POINTE - A modern routine to commercial music, combining modern dance elements and the classical ballet elements. Pointe shoes must be worn. THIS CAN BE PERFORMED IN THE OPEN SECTION
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BROADWAY JAZZ - A broadway themed jazz routine to a song from a Broadway or Cinematic Musical THIS STYLE CAN BE PERFORMED IN THE MUSICAL THEATRE OR THE OPEN SECTION
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DEMI CHARACTER- Routine portraying an easily recognizable character throughout, such as a cat, clown, etc. with music, costume and dance. Can incorporate any form of dance or gymnastics/acrobatics. Routine may include 50% acrobatics/gymnastics. THIS STYLE CAN BE PERFORMED IN THE CLASSICAL OR THE OPEN SECTION
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JAZZ (also known as MODERN) – Routine is choreographed utilizing jazz technique and movement. This involves moves such as splits, kicks and isolations.
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ACRO– Routine is comprised of gymnastic and/or acrobatic work with any amount of dance choreography.
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PRODUCTION- Studio's choice, normally the opening group number to a concert or end of year performance. Time limit is up to 10 minutes and can encompass many different songs or mixes or ages. FOR GROUPS ONLY, PERFORM IN THE ANY STYLE SECTION
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IMPROV - Get the Beat hosts an improv competition at selected regionals! The Improv competition is divided up by age category where possible. Formatted much like an audition, the dancers are each assigned a number and perform their improv for the adjudicators in groups as large as 30. Following the preliminary, semi-final, and final rounds, the adjudicators determine the top 3 competitors and they are awarded the prizes. This style of Improv is quite ruthless and we advise that competitors enter at their own risk, parents be advised of the nature of "being cut" on stage - although this can be similar to real world audition processes.
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OPEN- Can be a 2nd routine in the same genre already performed or to be performed. Cannot just do it in this section If we have the style available in other sections. Can be a routine we don't have a section for also. CANNOT BE A REPEAT DANCE FROM ANOTHER GENERAL SOLO SECTION
*Open Age Hip Hop Groups/Troupes/Crews has no age or amateur status requirements. GTB welcomes competing Hip Hop crews that compete at HHI or similar and thus rules for this section, and this section only, have been relaxed to allow teachers/professionals to compete alongside students as they do in other Hip Hop crew competitions.
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DUOS/TRIOS - Maximum of 2 Duos/Trios with the same partner at a Regional or Finals. The routine must be a different genre than the other one performed.
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STORY-TELLING SOLO - In this section dancers MUST utilise a prop to aide in the narrative of the story of the dance they are portraying. This single prop is to be a small carry on prop, no large stage set up is allowed. This is an all styles section and aims to encourage artistry and story-telling through dance. Demi Character solos are welcome - but please note all of the info above, especially the "one small prop" rule.​
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STUDIO REPRESENTATION:
If dancer has left their studio after their qualifying regional and before Finals, there must be 6 months minimum of training at the new studio to be able to represent them at Finals. All dancers with less than 6 months at their new studio will be classed as Independent at Finals and also in USA (if they win the National Title as an Independent).
PRIZES/AWARDS (GTB ONLY)
REGIONAL AWARDS + FINALS QUALIFYING
From 2020, we are making some exciting positive changes for everybody involved. After the continued overwhelming positive feedback and gratitude from families for our finals awards system we will be implementing a similar structure for our regional tour, therefore increasing our generosity towards competitors.
NEW REGIONAL AWARDS SYSTEM
All solo sections: 1st place: Custom GTB Award, 2nd/3rd place: GTB Custom Mega Medal
4th place onwards (eg everyone else in the section): Custom GTB medallion
Each dancer will have their score level announced during awards, not the actual score.
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HIGH GOLD no qualification for GTB or World Finals
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PLATINUM will qualify you for National Finals Competition at GTB or World Finals
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DBL PLATINUM will qualify you for National Finals Competition at GTB or World Finals plus the prestigious Champion of Champions
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DIAMOND will qualify you for National Finals Competition at GTB or World Finals plus the prestigious Champion of Champions
HIGH POINT: If you make the High Point of your age group you qualify for HIGH POINT DANCE OFF at GTB or World Finals + Champion of Champions (if not already qualified)
If a dancer receives different score rankings for different solos (eg HIGH GOLD for Lyrical and PLATINUM for Tap) it will come down to the teachers discretion and consultation with GTB Directors as to what level to compete at finals.
All CHAMPION of CHAMPION qualifiers MUST enter the top level of competing at GTB FINALS
For Solos/Duos/Trios you will compete at Finals as at the age you first qualified and entered finals in the 2025 season (irrespective of age at next regional - unless you did not enter at the time of qualifying younger)
OTHER PRIZE INFO
The Studio that receives the Overall Highest scoring Group act, at the National Finals, will receive an invitation directly to the next years Finals (with half price entry fees) to defend their title. This Studio can enter any routines they wish. They do not have to qualify via regionals.
Gala night performances at Nationals may be packaged as a complete sellable DVD/Downloadable File at the commencement of the competition and sold to the general public. You give your permission for this to occur by simply entering our competition. All performances that are a part of the Gala night will be included in this DVD/Downloadable File.
GTB National Champion of Champion Winners are able to compete and win at Regionals in the following years. They can also compete in Solo/Duo/Trio and Group sections, and Top 5 Dance Off, but cannot compete in Champion of Champions at Finals the year after they win. We would like the previous year winners to perform a handover dance and present the new winner with their prize. However, if a dancer wins Champion of Champions in Asia, they are able to compete in Australia finals Champion of Champions the following year, and vice versa.
A regional winner (Highest Scoring Soloist) is eligible to win a National Finals Major Prize and vice versa.
The winners of the Major Prizes (if the trip is a flight) must be able to make it to the take-off destination the following year, eg if leaving from Brisbane you will be expected to get your own way to Brisbane for the flight. Anyone accompanying the winner(s) of the Major Prizes (if they are flights) must pay their own way there, including flights, accommodation, transfers, etc - but we will make it easy for you and combine a lot of the cost.