Important dates:

• Deadline for registration and payment of the basic entry fee by April 30, 2024
• Submission of music and form with compulsory elements and technical bonus by April 30, 2024
• Announcement of semifinal categories by May 1, 2024
• Deadline for submission of semifinal video by May 20, 2024
• Publication of semifinal results on May 25, 2024
• Payment of final entry fee by May 31, 2024
• Competition held at STARS Třinec Hall on June 22, 2024

1. Participation conditions

1.1 General conditions

• • The minimum age of the competitor is 7 years on the day of the competition.
  • Anyone can participate in the competition regardless of their nationality.
  • Individuals under 18 years of age must submit a consent form from a legal guardian with their application.
  • The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the schedule and has the right to announce a qualification video round for competition categories where the capacity of 10 competitors will be exceeded.
  • The qualification video round will be announced no later than June 5, 2024.
  • By participating, the competitor confirms that they have read and agree to the competition rules.

1.2. Application process

• • Deadlines must be strictly adhered to.
  • Athletes must be in the correct age category and respective division.
  • The order of athletes will be determined by random draw conducted by the organiser.
  • Fill in the application form on the website www.acrodancerscompetition.cz
  • Pay the application fee according to the instructions in the application form. Fees are non-refundable.
  • Send the music in mp3 format to the email address info@acrodancersonline.cz within the specified deadline.
  • Send the forms with compulsory elements and technical bonus to the email address info@acrodancersonline.cz within the specified deadline. Note: handwritten forms will not be accepted.
  • All athletes who use grip gloves must provide a medical report confirming that they suffer from hyperhidrosis. Otherwise, gloves are prohibited.

  • Entry fee amount:

    • Basic entry fee: 25 EUR (single) / 32 EUR (doubles - competing pair) for all competitors with payment made by April 30, 2024.
    • Final entry fee: 32 EUR (single)/ 38 EUR (doubles - competing pair) for those competitors who advance to the final based on qualification video and also those who advance to the final automatically due to category capacity. Payment required by May 31, 2024.

  • Payment details:

    • Bank: Fio banka, a.s.
    • Account number: 2301978618 / 2010
    • Variable symbol: your phone number
    • Include the competitor's surname in the payment note.
    • IBAN: CZ8420100000002301978618
    • BIC: FIOBCZPPXXX
    • Any bank charges are the responsibility of the competitor.
    • The entry fee is non-refundable.

2. Distribution of competitors

2.1. Disciplines

• • Aerial Hoop 
  • Aerial Hoop Doubles
  • Aerial Hammock
  • Aerial Hoop Doubles
  • Aerial Silks

2.2. Divisions

• • Amateurs
  • Professionals
  • Elite

Amateurs:

Athletes with only basic experience in this discipline can apply to this division. No applicant may enter the amateur division if they:

• • • Have previously competed in a professional or elite division in any national, regional or international competitions.
    • Are winners of 1st to 3rd place in the amateur division.
    • Are sport coaches.

Professionals:

Athletes with extensive experience in this discipline can apply to this division. This may include athletes who are:

• • • Coaches.
    • Winners of 1st to 3rd place in the amateur division.
    • Competitors who have previously competed in the professional division but have never placed in the top three positions in domestic or international competitions.
    • Athletes who have never competed in the elite division and have never competed in the World Championships.

No applicant may enter the professional division if they:

• • • Have previously competed in the elite division in any domestic or international competitions.
    • Are the winner of 1st to 3rd place in the professional division.

Elite:

The elite division is reserved for top-level athletes.  This may include athletes who are:

• • • Winners of 1st to 3rd place in the professional division.
    • Athletes who have competed in elite divisions.
    • Athletes who have competed in the World Championships.

* Promotion to a higher division for winners of 1st to 3rd place in any other national/international competitions will only be considered if the deadline for registrations for ACRO DANCERS COMPETITION has not yet passed. This means if a competitor wins 1st to 3rd place in another competition before April 30, 2024 (the registration deadline), they are required to register for the higher category.

2.3. Age categories

• • Children 7–12 years old, mixed category
  • Juniors 13–17 years old, mixed category
  • Adults 18+ years old, mixed category

3. Competition system

3.1. Division of the competition

The competition will be divided into two rounds if there are more than 10 competitors registered in a given category as follows:

1. 1. Semifinals - through a video competition format. The top 10 competitors will qualify for the final.
   2. Final - live competition on June 22, 2024, at STARS Třinec Hall.

In categories with fewer than 10 registered competitors, advancement to the final is automatic. These competitors will only participate in the final round of the live competition on June 22, 2024.

3.2. Semifinal requirements

In the event that a category is filled with more than 10 competitors, you will be invited by email to participate in the semifinal round, which will take place online (via video submission). The videos will be judged by the judge panel, which will be listed on our website: https://www.acrodancerscompetition.cz/en/

The scoring criteria for the semifinal will be the same as the criteria for the final round, see Scoring. With the exception that compulsory elements and dynamic combinations will not be evaluated.

The top ten (10) performers will advance to the final.

Requirements for Video Submission:

• • Semifinalists are required to submit their video via a YOUTUBE link.
  • The qualification video must be sent to the email: info@acrodancersonline.cz
  • The deadline for sending the link to the video recording is May 20, 2024.
  • Name the video:
  • Name Surname Discipline Division Category Acrodancerscompetition2024
  • e.g., Silvie Novotná Aerialhoop Amateurs Children Acrodancerscompetition2024
  • Based on the semifinal video, 10 finalists with the highest score will be selected by the judge panel. Competitors advancing to the final, including substitutes, will be contacted by email and will also be published on the Acro Dancers Competition website in the Results section no later than May 25, 2024.
  • All participants in the semifinal round will be provided with the feedback by the judge panel.

Requirements for Video Recording

• • The video must be recorded statically from the frontal perspective in the landscape mode.
  • The video must be of a minimum quality of 720p under good lighting conditions with the original audio track.
  • The video must be between 2 min 00 s – 2 min 30 s in length.
  • The video does not have to be specifically recorded for the purpose of the ACRO DANCERS COMPETITION but must not be older than six months.
  • The video must not be edited or have additional audio tracks added.
  • Videos that do not meet these criteria will not be evaluated by the judge panel.
  • There must be no other person or distracting elements in the frame, such as conversations by other individuals.
  • Camera movement is not permitted.

3.3. Final

The final choreography will be evaluated by the judge panel consisting of four (4) judges, who will announce the three competitors with the highest scores. The final will take place publicly in front of the audience at STARS TŘINEC Hall, Tyršova 275, 739 61 Třinec.

• • All finalists, including those who automatically advanced to the final, must pay the final entry fee of 800 CZK. Payment required by May 31, 2024.
  • For finalists in categories up to 15 years old, there is the option of being accompanied by a  legal guardian to the dressing room and backstage. This person, including coaches, must have a valid ticket purchased.
  • Compulsory submission of forms with compulsory elements and dynamic bonus must be sent by May 31, 2024.
  • Submission of music must be sent by May 31, 2024.

3.4. Promotional videos and photographs

• • By registering, competitors agree to the use of photographs and video recordings for promotional purposes during and after the competition. They also consent to the publication of video footage from the competition performance, including their name and surname.
  • All recorded video footage and photographs are the exclusive property of the competition organiser.

3.5. Withdrawal from the competition

In the event of withdrawal from the competition after June 1, 2024, competitors may only withdraw for medical reasons without entitlement to a refund of the entry fee. In the event of withdrawal from the competition on the day of the competition, competitors may only withdraw for medical reasons, which must be confirmed by a medical report; otherwise, they will be disqualified from participating in future editions of the competition

4. Acrobatic equipment

Depending on the discipline, acrobatic equipment such as the Aerial Hammock, Aerial Silks and Aerial Hoop will be available.

4.1. Parameters of aerial hammock

The aerial hammock will be available with the following specifications:

• • Made from the highest quality aerial silk.
  • Elastic only in width and rigid in the direction of load.
  • Width of the hammock: 2.7 meters.
  • Length: 7 meters (usable length 3.5 meters).
  • Color: black.

Safety mattress: there will be a mattress with dimensions 150 cm x 200 cm x 6 cm.

Hanging the hammock:

1. Variant: the hammock will be tied to two lashings, i.e. two (2) rifles at each end of the net. These rifles will then be hung on daisy chains (straps with eyes) at a distance of 60 cm from each other. The hammock will be suspended statically without twisting.

2. Variant: the hammock will be tied to one tie, i.e. two (2) rifles at each end, the hammock tied to the anchor plate, the hammock will be tied to a war tie, i.e. two (2) rifles at each end, the hammock tied to the anchor plate, the hammock will be further attached to a twister and a rope (non-elastic).

4.2. Parameters of aerial silks

The aerial silks will be available with the following specifications:

• • Made from the highest quality aerial silk.
  • Width of the silks: 1.6 meters.
  • Length: 12 meters (usable length 6 meters).
  • Color: grey.

Safety mattress: there will be a mattress with dimensions 150 cm x 200 cm x 20 cm.

Hanging the silks:

The silks will be tied to a climbing figure eight and connected to a carabiner with a twist and another carabiner connected to a non-springing rope. The silks will be prepared so that 1 m of the silks will be loose on the ground.

4.3. Parameters of aerial hoop

Single-point hoops will be available in the following sizes (outer/inner diameter of the hoop):

• • 80/75 cm
  • 85/80 cm
  • 90/85 cm
  • 95/90 cm
  • 100/95 cm

GRIP DIAMETER: 25 mm. 

SURFACE OF THE HOOP: Wrapping made of textile tape or without (stated in the application form).

SUSPENSION HEIGHT: Individual according to the information provided in the application, rounded to the nearest tens in centimeters.

HOOP SUSPENSION: One single-grip hoop will be suspended on a carabiner, twister, carabiner, and non-elastic rope.

SAFETY MATTRESS: there will be a mattress with dimensions 150 cm x 200 cm x 6 cm.

4.4. Platform parameters

• • Platform dimensions: width 10 m x depth 6 m.
  • Performance, including the beginning and end, must not extend beyond the platform.
  • The platform is without elevation.
  • Background color: black.
  • Floor: balletizol.

5. Rules of the competiton

5.1. Music

Athletes can choose instrumental music as well as music with lyrics, and there can also be various mixes of multiple songs.

The music must be in mp3 format and submitted by the specified deadline, which is by May 31, 2024.

The music must be labeled with the discipline, division, category, and the athlete's name and surname in the following format: Name Surname Discipline Division Category.

Examples: 

• • Klára Vávrová Aerial hoop Professional Adults
  • Lucie Kotoučová Aerial hammock Amateurs Juniors

The length of the music varies for different categories. It is necessary to observe to the length of the music according to this table:

On the day of the competition, it is recommended to have copies of the music available on a USB drive.

5.2. Floorwork

• • Floorwork = dance segment on the floor (part of the choreography without apparatus contact).
  • The length of floorwork is not limited, but the choreography should be well-paced. A general recommendation is Floorwork within 40 seconds.

5.3. Props are prohibited

5.4. Costume

• • The costume must be sporty in character and can be one-piece or two-piece.
  • The costume must not extend beyond the ankles and palms.
  • The costume must not be loose; the body lines must be clearly visible.
  • Dancing in underwear, swimsuits, or erotic lingerie is prohibited. Loose pants (including bell-bottoms), skirts, dresses, and other ruffles and fringes are also prohibited.
  • Exposing intimate parts is prohibited, even if unintentional (e.g., a fallen top or other costume defect resulting in the exposure of intimate parts). If exposed, the contestant will be disqualified.
  • Footwear during the performance is prohibited.
  • Rings and other jewellery (necklaces, bracelets) are prohibited.
  • Violation of any prohibitions results in a penalty of -2 points by the head judge, or possible disqualification.

5.5. Make-up and hair style

• • Make-up should match the performance and must not conceal the contestant's facial expressions and mimics.
  • Hair must not cover the face and neck.
  • Hair accessories are allowed, but must not come loose. In case of detachment, a penalty of -2 points will be given from the head judge.

5.6. Gripping 

• • Athletes may use grips as long as they are applied to the body and are magnesium, alcohol based and other standard grips.
  • Wax based grips or liquid rosin equivalent wax e.g. Itac, Sticky Molly etc. are not permitted.
  • It is not permitted to apply grips to competition equipment.
  • The use of grips on a hoop wrapped in textile tape is strictly forbidden. Failure to comply with these rules will result in disqualification.

5.7. Disqualification

The contestant will be disqualified if:

• • They violate the rules and competition system.
  • They knowingly register in a lower division and category.
  • They demonstrate unsportsmanlike behaviour during the competition.
  • They attempt to consult with the judges.
  • They expose intimate parts.
  • They endanger the life and health of competition participants.
  • They fail to appear on the stage at the time of their performance or at the announcement of the results (with serious reasons, such as health issues, exceptions can be made by the organiser, who will inform the head judge, who will decide on disqualification).
  • They use grip on hoops wraped in textile tape or cause any other damage to acrobatic equipment.
  • They fail to adhere to the music length for the respective category.

A contestant may repeat their performance only if:

• • There is a technical issue (incorrectly played music, problems with equipment).
  • The decision to repeat the performance is made by the head judge.

6. Evaluation

The competition evaluation consists of four (4) sections: Compulsory Elements, Dynamic Bonus, Penalties, Artistic Impression. Each contestant will be evaluated in all four sections. The total score of the contestant is the sum of the results from all four sections. A contestant can receive a maximum of 100 points (Compulsory Elements - max. 25 points, Technical Bonuses - max. 25 points, Penalties - max. 25 points, Artistic Impression - max. 25 points). It is not possible to have negative scores in any section (the minimum number of points in each section is 0). The winner is the contestant with the highest score in their category. In case of a tie in scores, the winner will be the contestant with the highest score in technical penalties. If there is still a tie, the winner will be the contestant with the highest score in technical bonus.

6.1. Winner rewards:

• • Winners of each category and division will receive a gold medal and a diploma.
  • The second-best contestant will receive a silver medal with a diploma.
  • The third-best contestant will receive a bronze medal with a diploma.
  • The top three winners will receive valuable prizes from our sponsors. The list of current sponsors can be found in the Partners section on our website www.acrodancerscompetition.cz
  • All competition participants will receive a certificate of participation.

6.2. Results

• • All results will be published immediately after the competition in the Results section on our website www.acrodancerscompetition.cz
  • The results will also be published on social media.

6.3. Judges

1. • The panel of judges consists of 4 judges:
     1. The main judge assessing compulsory elements
     2. The judge assessing technical bonuses
     3. The judge assessing penalties
     4. The judge assessing artistic impression

• • The expert panel includes the main judge, who awards penalties for violations of the competition system and decides on possible disqualification.
  • The panel of judges must be composed of certified judges from international federations and must not have any conflicts of interest.

6.4. Compulsory elements

A maximum of 25 points can be achieved.

In each division and category, there are always 5 compulsory elements, of which two (2) are flexibility elements, two (2) are strength elements, and one (1) is a balance element. Each compulsory element has 5 criteria that the competitor must fulfill. Each criterion of the compulsory element is worth 1 point. Therefore, if the element is executed 100% correctly and meets all 5 criteria, the competitor receives 5 points for the compulsory elements. If all 5 compulsory elements are executed correctly, the competitor receives the full score of 25 points from the judge.

A competitor can receive 0–5 points for each compulsory element. The number of points for a compulsory element depends on the fulfillment of the precisely defined criteria of that compulsory element.

All competitors must fill in a form with the compulsory elements, which they will perform in the order they occur on the form. 

The list of compulsory elements and the form with compulsory elements to download are available in the download section at: www.acrodancerscompetition.cz

Example of evaluation: The competitor chooses "One knee hang cross one hand" as the flexible compulsory element, which has the following criteria:

Element name: One knee hang cross one hand

Criteria:

1. 1. Endurance: 2 seconds.
   2. Contact points: one knee, opposite hand.
   3. Range: Front split in legs 180° and more.
   4. Arm and leg position: both arms fully extended, legs are bent.
   5. Body position: at least one shoulder is lower than hips.
      • If the competitor executes all 5 criteria correctly, they receive the full score of 5 points in the judges' evaluation.
      • If the competitor does not execute all 5 criteria correctly but only executes 3 out of 5 correctly, they receive a reduced score in the judge evaluation, i.e., 3 points, etc.

Specific case of judge evaluation:

• • For this compulsory element, the contestant will only receive 3 out of 5 points from the judge because they did not meet two criteria.

6.5. Dynamic bonus

A maximum of 25 points can be achieved. This section assesses the level of difficulty of combinations of dynamic movements such as acrobatic transitions, drops, spins, rolls, jumps, or dismounts from apparatus. Each dynamic bonus has its limitations on how many times it can occur in the choreography, as shown in the table below.

The dynamic bonus is not compulsory.

In the case of Doubles, only one of the partners can make the Dynamic Bonus.

All contestants must fill in a form where they record dynamic elements in the order they appear in the routine. The form is available for downloading in the download section at: www.acrodancerscompetition.cz

Scoring of the dynamic bonus:

Definition of Dynamic Bonuses:

• • • Acrobatic Transitions = must involve a change in body position and are defined as sudden release of all contact with the apparatus (there must be a moment of flight without body contact with the apparatus). Also, there must be no contact with the floor.
    • Drops = fast, controlled movement (fall) from one element to another without the hand contact with the apparatus. Contact with the apparatus by the body is allowed, but the movement must involve a change in the contact point.
    • Spins = involve rotating the apparatus and subsequently rotating 2x by 720° in two spinning positions. Each spinning position must rotate by 720°, and before transitioning to the next spinning element, there must be a change in body position. It may not involve changing contact points. The transition between the first 720° spin and the second 720° spin must be direct.
    • Rolls = performing rotational elements on the apparatus involving a combination of two rotational elements in the same position, where there is a complete rotation of 360° at least 2x. Rolls must be dynamic and without stopping. Each roll must fully rotate by 360° without the body contact with the floor. Rolls can be performed forward or backward.
    • Jumps on/Jumps out = There must be a visible phase of flight between the starting and final positions, where there is no contact with the apparatus or the floor. There must also be a noticeable jump on/ jump out from a greater distance. It can be a jump from the floor to the apparatus or from the apparatus to the floor.

6.6. Technical deduction

It is possible to achieve a maximum of 25 points. Points are deducted for improper execution of elements (including compulsory elements). Points are also deducted for loss of balance, falls, improper direction of elements, incorrect transitions, failure to maintain lines, hand wiping, repetition of elements, costume/hair issues, and also for speaking during the performance. The number of points deducted depends on the degree of violation.

Definitions of technical deduction (TD):

• • Failure to maintain lines = a TD is given especially for imperfectly straightened knees, toes, and arms. Knees and toes should be in the same line, i.e., from the knee to the big toe. Also, arms and wrists should be in one line. Proper body posture is also required. Elements, transitions, and floorwork must be performed with correct lines, if not choreographically depicted otherwise.
  • Improper direction of elements = a TD is given in cases where the element is incorrectly directed towards the jury and audience, even on the floor during floorwork or on the equipment. For example, a flexible element where the criterion is a 180° split is performed statically with the back to the judge, making it impossible to see the range of execution.
  • Improper transitions = a TD is given in transitions from one element to another, from the apparatus to the ground or from the ground to the apparatus, which are not smooth. It may also involve unnecessary transitions, getting stuck in movement, or with the apparatus.
  • Hand wiping = a TD is given when the competitor visibly wipes their hands on the costume or floor during the performance.
  • Hair/costume issue = a TD is given if the competitor adjusts their hair or costume during the performance. A TD also includes cases where the hairstyle or costume becomes loose during the performance. For example, a fallen bun, falling ornaments, etc.
  • Speaking = the competitor attempts to communicate with anyone during the performance, such as a coach/parent. The same applies if the coach/parent or anyone else whispers/speaks/articulates to the competitor.
  • Loss of balance = a TD is given if there is a sudden deviation from the center of gravity, such as staggering during dynamic landings or stumbling on mats, etc.
  • Falls = a TD is given if there is a rapid, uncontrolled fall to the floor from any position on the apparatus or on the floor.

Deductions for technical deduction are made for each occurrence, as shown in the table below:

6.7. Artistic impression

A maximum of 25 points can be achieved. This section assesses the artistic expression, interpretation, and performance on stage. Artistic expression is the way in which the athlete presents themselves to the judge and the audience. It involves how the performer expresses emotions and expressions through movement, as well as their confidence, entertainment value, and originality. The costume, makeup, and music should complement each other and relate to the performance. The overall performance of the competitor should appear smooth and effortless.

A total of 5 criteria is evaluated, and each criterion is scored from 0 to 5 points based on the level of creativity.

If the competitor finishes the choreography before the end of the music or continues the choreography after the music ends, a one-time deduction of 5 points will be applied.

Criteria Evaluation:

Scoring of creativity for each criterion:

Definition of criteria:

1. 1. 1. Emotion and artistic expression = includes facial expression, expression of emotion through facial expressions and body movement. Throughout the performance, the performer should appear confident and execute the entire choreography without hesitation.
      2. Music interpretation = expression of music through movement. Ability to depict the dynamics of the music (feeling the rhythm).
      3. Flow = the entire choreography should appear smooth, without any "dead spots".
      4. Storytelling = Ability to captivate the audience and draw them into one's story. The costume and makeup should correspond to the performance.
      5. Balance = the choreography must be well-balanced. It should contain an equal amount of flexible, strength, balance, and dynamic elements and integrate them into the choreography with artistic content.

It is prohibited to depict political events and situations through choreography. Encouraging political or religious views, promoting violence, or racist opinions is prohibited.

6.8. Organiser's rights

The organiser reserves the right to change the date of the competition in the event of force majeure. The registration fee is non-refundable in this case. If the entire year of the competition is cancelled, the organiser undertakes to return the registration fee in full.

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