Event Name: Self Devised Choreography Dance Ensemble
Location: Mount St Joseph – ALH
Section Number: 44
Section Guidelines
Performer Limit:
3-20 Dancers
Junior (Years 7–9 / Ages 12–14)
Senior (Years 10–12 / Ages 15–18).
Time stipulations – performances must not exceed: 3 minutes
A 30-second grace period applies
Performances will be stopped at 1 minute over time
1 piece only to be performed per ensemble.
This section celebrates student creativity, collaborative composition, and artistic ownership. It provides a platform for student-led groups to present original works without teacher, commercial, or external choreographic input.
Works must be 100% student-devised. Choreography, staging, music selection, and spatial design must originate entirely from the participating students.
Ensembles may draw from Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop genres only
Student choreographers may perform with their dance ensemble however this is not mandatory.
Teachers/tutors/non-students are not permitted to perform with dance ensembles. This includes dancing side stage or at the back of the hall.
Dance ensembles may be performed with or without accompaniment.
Accompaniment can be provided in the way of a backing track or live accompaniment. Should you choose to incorporate a live accompanist in your performance, this must be noted in your registration and confirmed by the Eisteddfod team.
Performance music must contain appropriate themes and lyrics for the age and stage of the performer/s, in line with the mission, vision and values of SCS.
Music must not contain swearing or slurs.
All music and dance movements are to be congruent with the Catholic ethos of the system.
Submission requirements include a concept statement.
The teacher submitting the entry must be able to provide a brief digital log or video diary demonstrating rehearsal progression and/ or to verify student ownership upon request.
Handheld props are permitted if essential to the concept and set up within 30 seconds. No elaborate stage props, theatrical lighting cues, or visual projections are allowed.
Costuming is an optional requirement but MUST adhere to appropriate modesty standards for the age. Costumes must preserve the dignity of the performer. No midriff or cut away tops. High cut costumes (cut out from the leg to the waist) are not acceptable for any individual or group.
Should you choose to not wear a costume please ensure the dance attire is appropriate to the style and the ensemble is uniform eg: all blacks.
Teachers/tutors/non-students are not permitted to perform with dance ensembles. This includes dancing side stage or at the back of the hall.
Judging Criteria:
- Choreographic Structure & Innovation: Originality of movement vocabulary, spatial design, transitions, and narrative/abstract development.
- Performance & Execution: Technical precision, musicality, dynamic variation, and performance energy.
- Group Cohesion & Expression: Synchronicity, spatial awareness, and collective commitment to the artistic concept.
- Concept Realisation : How effectively the performance aligns with and communicates the submitted Concept Statement.
Immediate Point Deductions:
- 2 point deduction per 30 seconds over time.
- 2 point deduction for too many performers.
- 2 point deduction for inappropriate costumes (midriff, cut away, high cut).
- 100 point deduction if the backing track contains slurs or swearing.