Rules

ATHENS DANCE SPORT OPEN FESTIVAL RULES

RESTRICTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

  • Cross-Category Participation: Competitors in the 3 DANCE & 5 DANCE LATIN-STANDARD categories are prohibited from participating in 1 DANCE categories, with the exception of ONE DANCE SALSA, ARG. TANGO, and BACHATA.

  • Professionals: PROFESSIONAL LATIN & STANDARD dancers are prohibited from participating in ONE DANCE categories, except for PRO/AM or T/S (TEACHER/STUDENT) categories.

  • Age Categories: Competitors in one age category may also participate in up to two (2) additional higher age categories.

  • Proof of Age: Competitors in JUVENILE, JUNIOR, and YOUTH categories (whether competing as a couple, team, or solo) are requested to carry proof of age. In the event of an objection regarding age and failure to provide documentation, the competitor will automatically be ranked in last place, regardless of the judges’ scores.

  • Team Age Rules: In group categories, only one (1) person older than the age limit is allowed. If there are two older members, the team automatically moves up to the next age category.

  • Mega Crews (13+ persons): Up to three (3) persons who do not meet the age requirements are allowed, provided the age deviation does not exceed one age category.

  • Adult Groups (Teachers): Teachers may participate in adult groups according to the following ratios:

    • 4–8 members: 1 teacher

    • 9–12 members: 2 teachers

    • 13–16 members: 3 teachers

    • 17–20 members: 4 teachers, etc.

  • Floor Maintenance: It is strictly forbidden to use anything in group choreographies that may damage or soil the competition floor.

MUSIC

  • Group Duration: Maximum 3 minutes. A tolerance of 25 seconds is allowed; beyond this, the music will be faded out.

  • Submission: Groups choose their own music, which must be 75% relevant to the dance style they are competing in. Music must be submitted to the music coordinator at least 2 hours before the start of the category via CD or USB stick. A backup CD must also be available.

  • Content: Music must not contain inappropriate content, racist or abusive comments, or offensive language. Please use “Clean Versions” of your tracks.

  • Solos & Duos: Music duration is up to 2 minutes. The organization selects the music. For STREET DANCES, music may be provided one month in advance for practice (this does not apply to LATIN & STANDARD categories).

DRESS CODE & FOOTWEAR

Competitors are advised to maintain a decent and aesthetically acceptable appearance.

LATIN & BALLROOM JUVENILE I & II

  • Girls:

    • Monochrome dress (any color). Different fabrics of the same color are allowed (no lamé). Length must be to the knee with matching color underwear.

    • Sleeves: Long (to the wrist), elbow-length, or short (no thin or wide straps).

    • Design: Closed back. NO stones, Swarovski crystals, glitter, or sequins. No jewelry or accessories.

    • Hair/Makeup: Hair in a bun (one small flower of the same color as the dress allowed, no feathers/stones). Light or no makeup.

    • Shoes: Low, wide heel (not exceeding 1.5 inches). Must be worn with white short socks.

  • Boys:

    • Black fabric trousers, white or black shirt, bowtie or black tie. Black dance shoes with a heel not exceeding 1.5 inches. Black socks.

Failure to comply with the dress code may result in a request by the Chairman to change costumes or move to a higher age category.

ALL LADIES & ALL LADIES SHOW

  • All Ladies: Strictly LATIN or STANDARD costume. No outfit changes or accessories allowed. Ideally, use all 5 Latin or Standard dances. Lifts are prohibited. Latin/Ballroom shoes are mandatory.

  • All Ladies Show: Themed choreographies, outfit changes, accessories, and thematic music are allowed. Latin/Ballroom shoes are mandatory.

ORIENTAL / BELLY DANCE

  • Juvenile Solo/Duo I & II: ONLY leggings, full-body leotard, and a coin scarf are allowed. No accessories for Duos.

  • Teams: Costumes and accessories are permitted.

  • Junior, Youth & Adult Solo: Costumes are allowed but no accessories (veils, canes, etc.).

  • Duo (except Juvenile) & Teams: Accessories are permitted. In the BABIES & JUVENILLE SOLO SHOW categories, a costume WITHOUT accessories is ALLOWED.

  • General: Minimum of 4 people for group categories. Dancers perform barefoot.

CONTEMPORARY / MODERN

Dancers may perform barefoot or wearing “contemporary/rhythmic shoes” (typically hybrid sock-shoes).

HIP HOP SOLO

No accessories allowed. Knee pads are permitted and are not considered accessories.

ETHICS & ATHLETE CONDUCT (FAIR PLAY)

“Fair Play” is a fundamental element of the competition.

  • Core Principles: Fair competition, respect for rules, respect for opponents and officials, personal integrity, and focus.

  • Sanctions: Any behavior inconsistent with these values will result in a reprimand, followed by immediate and irrevocable sanctions for non-compliance or repetition. These rules apply to athletes, coaches, teachers, and school representatives.

OBJECTIONS

Athletes are not permitted to intervene in disputes. Only a designated representative may submit a written objection to the Chairman if a rule violation is noticed. Objections can only be made during the competition. Once the competition ends and the judges have departed, no objections will be considered.

DISCLAIMER: THE ORGANIZERS BEAR NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LOSS OF PERSONAL ITEMS WITHIN THE COMPETITION VENUES.