Solo Piano – [Section 20] Contemporary Piano Solo
2026-04-09 | Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood, Southern Cross Catholic College, 17 Comer St, Burwood, NSW, 2134
Event Name: Contemporary Piano Solo
Location: Southern Cross Burwood – Recording Studio
Section Number: 20
General Category Guidelines:
The following participation guidelines are specific to Piano Solos. It is important to enter the appropriate section according to the student’s age and grade. For the purpose of this Eisteddfod, age levels are based on the age they are as of 1st January 2026.
Please be advised these sections are based first on grade, then age. For example if a section comprises students in Grade 3 between ages 10-13, they are considered to be of the same playing standard and may compete together. The Eisteddfod Team will endeavour to group similar ages together where possible.
Eisteddfod grades are based upon grade levels of the Australian Music Examinations Board (A.M.E.B.). Performers may select their grade level from Grade 1 – A.Mus.A./L.Mus.A.
Section Specific Guidelines:
Time stipulations – performances must not exceed:
Grade 1-5: 4 minutes
Grade 6-8: 5 minutes
1 piece or 1 movement from a piece only to be performed.
Repertoire must be selected from the appropriate genre for the section.
The repertoire of this section is based on the style of the music rather than the period in which it was written. If you have any questions about a piece of music feel free to email the Eisteddfod Team via the Contact Us tab.
Students will be given up to 1 minute at the piano to set themselves for their performance.
Entrants may be asked to announce the name of their piece prior to commencing the performance.
Page-turners are permitted.
Entrants must bring their own additional equipment if required (eg. pedal extender).
Provided Equipment:
Grand Piano and Piano Stool
Judging Criteria:

Technical fluency and facility.
Intonation – pitch, tuning, tone quality.
Rhythm, timing, overall structure.
Solo performance awareness and communication.
Stylistic awareness and appropriate stylistic choices for the appropriate section/genre.
Dynamics and articulation.

Immediate Point Deductions:

2 point deduction per 20 seconds over time.

Solo Dance - [Section 48] Folk | Cultural Dance Solo
2026-04-09
Event Name: Folk | Cultural Dance Solo
Location: Southern Cross Burwood – Auditorium
Section Number: 48
General Category Guidelines:
1 piece only to be performed.
Dance solos and ensembles may be performed with or without accompaniment. Accompaniment must be provided in the way of a backing track. No live accompaniment is permitted, unless this has been previously arranged with Eisteddfod organisers.
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 association.
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.
Culturally appropriate costumes that may be considered inappropriate as per the costuming guidelines are permitted as long as a reasonable standard of modesty and individual dignity are maintained.
Work is to be original. It cannot be a copy of an established dance.
Section Specific Guidelines:
Time stipulations – performances must not exceed:
Years 3-12 (ages 7 – 18): 3 minutes
Performances will be stopped at 1 minute over time
Judging Criteria:

Technique appropriate to the dance style
Choreography Quality
Performance Quality (expression, execution and confidence)
Use of Dance Elements appropriate to style (SPACE, TIMING, DYNAMICS)
Overall Presentation (musical accompaniment, entertainment value, spatial awareness)
Creativity and Originality

Originality of movement and choreography.
Demonstrates innovative and creative use of space, music, and emotions.

Technique and Skill

Execution of dance techniques (e.g., leaps, turns, extensions) with precision.
Mastery of various dance styles and genres.
Control, balance, fluidity and strength of movements.

Musicality

Alignment with the music’s rhythm, tempo, and dynamics. Interpretation of the music through movement.
Ability to capture the essence of the music and convey it to the audience.

Expressiveness and Emotion

Ability to convey a story, message, or emotion through dance.
Connection with the audience through facial expressions and body language.
Depth of emotional engagement and authenticity.

Stage Presence

Confidence and charisma on stage.
Effective use of the stage space.
Engagement with the audience and judges.

Transitions and Flow

Smooth and seamless transitions between movements and sequences.
Consistency in maintaining the flow of the dance.
Avoidance of awkward pauses or disruptions.

Costume and Presentation

Appropriate costume choice that complements the dance.
Overall presentation, including grooming and stage presence.
Attention to detail in costume and appearance.

Improvisational Skills

Ability to adapt and respond to changes in the music or environment.
Creativity in incorporating unexpected elements into the dance.
Attention to creative transitions between movements, styles or emotional states.

Immediate Point Deductions:

2 point deduction per 10 seconds over time.
2 point deduction for inappropriate costume (midriff, cut away, high cut).
100% deduction if backing track contains slurs or swearing.

Solo Dance - [Section 49] Classical Ballet Dance Solo
2026-04-09
Event Name: Classical Ballet Dance Solo
Location: Southern Cross Burwood – Auditorium
Section Number: 49
General Category Guidelines:
1 piece only to be performed.
Dance solos and ensembles may be performed with or without accompaniment. Accompaniment must be provided in the way of a backing track. No live accompaniment is permitted, unless this has been previously arranged with Eisteddfod organisers.
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 association.
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.
Work is to be original. It cannot be a copy of an established dance.
Section Specific Guidelines:
Time stipulations – performances must not exceed:
Years 3-12 (ages 7 – 18): 3 minutes
Performances will be stopped at 1 minute over time
Judging Criteria:

Technique appropriate to the dance style
Choreography Quality
Performance Quality (expression, execution and confidence)
Use of Dance Elements appropriate to style (SPACE, TIMING, DYNAMICS)
Overall Presentation (musical accompaniment, entertainment value, spatial awareness)
Creativity and Originality

Originality of movement and choreography.
Demonstrates innovative and creative use of space, music, and emotions.

Technique and Skill

Execution of dance techniques (e.g., leaps, turns, extensions) with precision.
Mastery of various dance styles and genres.
Control, balance, fluidity and strength of movements.

Musicality

Alignment with the music’s rhythm, tempo, and dynamics. Interpretation of the music through movement.
Ability to capture the essence of the music and convey it to the audience.

Expressiveness and Emotion

Ability to convey a story, message, or emotion through dance.
Connection with the audience through facial expressions and body language.
Depth of emotional engagement and authenticity.

Stage Presence

Confidence and charisma on stage.
Effective use of the stage space.
Engagement with the audience and judges.

Transitions and Flow

Smooth and seamless transitions between movements and sequences.
Consistency in maintaining the flow of the dance.
Avoidance of awkward pauses or disruptions.

Costume and Presentation

Appropriate costume choice that complements the dance.
Overall presentation, including grooming and stage presence.
Attention to detail in costume and appearance.

Improvisational Skills

Ability to adapt and respond to changes in the music or environment.
Creativity in incorporating unexpected elements into the dance.
Attention to creative transitions between movements, styles or emotional states.

Immediate Point Deductions:

2 point deduction per 10 seconds over time.
2 point deduction for inappropriate costume (midriff, cut away, high cut).
100% deduction if backing track contains slurs or swearing.

Solo Dance - [Section 52] Dance for Two
2026-04-09
Event Name: Dance for Two | Pas de Deux
Location: Southern Cross Burwood – Auditorium
Section Number: 52
General Category Guidelines:
1 piece only to be performed.
Performances must not exceed 3 minutes duration.
Dance solos and ensembles may be performed with or without accompaniment. Accompaniment may be provided in the way of a backing track. No live accompaniment is permitted, unless this has been previously arranged with Eisteddfod organisers.
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 association.
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.
Work is to be original. It cannot be a copy of an established dance.
Section Specific Guidelines:
Time stipulations – performances must not exceed:
Years 3-12 (ages 7 – 18): 3 minutes
Performances will be stopped at 1 minute over time
Entrants must share equal time on the stage and both be integrally involved in the routine.
Crash mats are not provided for any dance sections, any lifts or jumps must be done safely and rehearsed without mats.
This section must be entered by a Teacher who will seek parental consent. Within that registration both performer names must be listed.
Entrants must be from the same school.
Judging Criteria:

Technique appropriate to the dance style
Choreography Quality
Performance Quality (expression, execution and confidence)
Use of Dance Elements appropriate to style (SPACE, TIMING, DYNAMICS)
Overall Presentation (musical accompaniment, entertainment value, spatial awareness)
Creativity and Originality

Originality of movement and choreography.
Demonstrates innovative and creative use of space, music, and emotions.

Technique and Skill

Execution of dance techniques (e.g., leaps, turns, extensions) with precision.
Mastery of various dance styles and genres.
Control, balance, fluidity and strength of movements.

Musicality

Alignment with the music’s rhythm, tempo, and dynamics. Interpretation of the music through movement.
Ability to capture the essence of the music and convey it to the audience.

Expressiveness and Emotion

Ability to convey a story, message, or emotion through dance.
Connection with the audience through facial expressions and body language.
Depth of emotional engagement and authenticity.

Stage Presence

Confidence and charisma on stage.
Effective use of the stage space.
Engagement with the audience and judges.

Transitions and Flow

Smooth and seamless transitions between movements and sequences.
Consistency in maintaining the flow of the dance.
Avoidance of awkward pauses or disruptions.

Costume and Presentation

Appropriate costume choice that complements the dance.
Overall presentation, including grooming and stage presence.
Attention to detail in costume and appearance.

Improvisational Skills

Ability to adapt and respond to changes in the music or environment.
Creativity in incorporating unexpected elements into the dance.
Attention to creative transitions between movements, styles or emotional states.

Immediate Point Deductions:

2 point deduction per 10 seconds over time.
2 point deduction for inappropriate costume (midriff, cut away, high cut).
2 point deduction for additional Tap sounds in Tap backing tracks
100% deduction if backing track contains slurs or swearing.
