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Competition Rules

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1. Age Categories

A dancer’s age is determined based on January 1st of the school year in which the competition takes place.

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Categories

  • Kids: 9 to 11 years

  • Junior: 12 to 14 years

  • Teen: 15 to 17 years

  • Adult: 18 years and older

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For duos, trios, and groups, the average age of all dancers is calculated and rounded to the nearest whole number.

Example:
Date of birth: 22/09/2012
Age on January 1st, 2026 = 13.28
Rounded = 13 years

This system ensures that dancers remain in the same category throughout the entire school year.

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Age Differences Within a Group

A group’s category is determined based on the average age of the dancers.
Dancers who are younger than the minimum age of the category will not be included in this calculation.

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Example

Category: 15–18 years

Group of 5 dancers:

  • 16 years old

  • 17 years old

  • 15 years old

  • 16 years old

  • 12 years old

The 12-year-old dancer is below the minimum age and will therefore not be included in the average age calculation.

The calculation will then only include:
16 + 17 + 15 + 16 = 64
64 ÷ 4 = average age of 16

The group therefore remains in the 15–18 age category.

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However, if a dancer is older than the maximum age limit of the category, the organization may decide to move the entire act to the next age division.

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2. Formations

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  • Solo → 1 dancer

  • Duo → 2 dancers

  • Trio → 3 dancers

  • Group → 5 dancers or more

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3. Dance Styles

The Movement Cup welcomes performances in the following styles:

  • Modern

  • Contemporary

  • Jazz

  • Lyrical

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Style combinations and creative fusions are allowed, provided the choreography fits the artistic vision of the competition.

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4. Music

Performance Time Limits

  • Solo: minimum 1:30 – maximum 2:30

  • Duo & Trio: minimum 1:30 – maximum 3:00

  • Groups: minimum 2:30 – maximum 4:30

A maximum overtime tolerance of 10 seconds is permitted.

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Music Upload

All music must be uploaded digitally through the participant’s Dancecomp Genie account.

Please note:

  • only MP3 files are accepted;

  • music must be submitted no later than 14 days before the competition date;

  • changes after the deadline will not be possible.

Participants are required to bring a backup copy of their music on USB.

Music sent by email will not be accepted.

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5. Registration

Registrations are completed online through Dancecomp Genie in collaboration with The Movement Cup.

An entry is only confirmed once payment has been received within the stated deadline.

Registration fees are non-refundable in case of cancellation or absence.

By registering, all participants agree to the official competition rules.

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6. Choreography & Creativity

Creativity and originality are essential values at The Movement Cup.

All choreographies must be the dancer’s or choreographer’s own work. Copying routines from other competitions, videos, or creators is strictly prohibited.

Drawing inspiration from classes or workshops is allowed, as long as the final performance clearly reflects an original creation.

Acts may be disqualified if plagiarism is detected.

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Props

Props are allowed when:

  • approved in advance by the organization;

  • safe to use;

  • quick to set up and remove.

The following are not permitted:

  • fire or open flames;

  • liquids;

  • confetti or materials that could damage the dance floor.

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7. Judging

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Scoring System

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  • Movement Quality

  • Musical Interpretation

  • Creativity & Concept

  • Team Connection

  • Stage Energy

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In the event of a tie, priority will be given to:

  1. choreography 

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Jury Panel

The judging panel consists of experienced and independent dance professionals.

Direct contact with judges during the competition is not permitted.

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8. Awards

Standard Awards

The top 3 acts in each category will receive awards.

  • Solo / Duo / Trio → medals and trophies

  • Groups → trophies

  • Winning group acts will also receive a cash prize

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Special Awards

🏆 Highest Score Award
Presented to the act with the highest score of the competition day.

🎭 Choreography Award
Awarded during the Choreo Challenge to the dancer who performs the taught choreography most successfully.

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9. Competition Day

The official schedule will be shared with all participants in advance.

Participants must be present and ready backstage at least 20 minutes before their performance time.

Late arrivals may result in disqualification from participation.

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10. Coaches & Assistants

Each act is allowed one coach backstage.

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11. Practical Information

Dance Floor

A professional dance floor will be provided. Stage dimensions are available on the official website.

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Dressing Rooms

Shared dressing rooms will be available for all participants. Respect, cleanliness, and organization are expected at all times.

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12. Photo & Video Policy

Photos and video recordings may be taken during The Movement Cup for promotional and social media purposes.

By participating, dancers and participants automatically grant permission for the use of this material.

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13. Liability

The organization cannot be held responsible for:

  • lost or stolen belongings;

  • injuries, accidents, or damages.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own insurance coverage.

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14. Conduct & Penalties

Respect, sportsmanship, and professional behavior are expected from all participants, coaches, and supporters.

The organization reserves the right to:

  • apply penalty points;

  • disqualify participants in case of rule violations or inappropriate behavior.

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15. Final Decision

Any situation not specifically covered in this rulebook will be resolved by the organization of The Movement Cup.

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