Australian Amateur Performer Competition
AAPC australian pole performer 2020
2020 EVENT INFORMATION OVERVIEW - CHANGES TO COMPETITION
It's been a tough few months with Covid-19 and restrictions not only with venues for live shows, but with training itself.
We will no longer be bringing heats for 2020, but will still be holding a live event Grand Final in South Australia.
We are also bringing an online competition for those unable to travel or take part in the "standard" AAPC Pole Performer.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW TO APPLY? WHAT ARE THE CHANGES FOR 2020?
We have removed the duo/group division for 2020.
Dates: Entries have been extended and close October 1st. Finalists will be contacted in the first week of September to confirm event details, and announcements for competitors will start September.
Levels: You may enter a lower division than previously competed, as long as there are no first place wins within a 2 year period. You may also enter the same division if there is no change in skill level.
Videos: Requirements have been relaxed. We are aware some people may need to submit a video entry from a home studio, so rules surrounding content and length have been relaxed.
Routines: All routines lengths for live performance are to be a maximum 2 mins 30 secs.
Poles: Junior, Beginner and Intermediate performers are only required to use one pole, either static, or spinning. Advanced and Amateur are also permitted to use one pole for their routines in the 2020 season, but the 2 pole standard is preferred.
www.facebook.com/AAPCPolePerformer
#AAPCPole #AusAmateur
Entries open January 20th 2020
Entries Close October 1st
Announcements start September
Grand Finals November 29th, SA
HOW TO ENTER
To enter, Contestants are required to submit an application form including entry video via google forms, $40 application fee and supply 1 professional photograph for promotions. All pieces of application must be completed for the entry to be deemed successful
Registration forms from finalists must be received at latest 2 weeks before the event. This is to ensure we can process all documents and send the appropriate information to each staff member.
Initial Selection Criteria
i) The Performer must have at least 6 months of training and experience
ii) The Performer must be at least 18 years of age OR have guardian sign-off
iii) The Performer must be an Australian citizen or Australian resident.
iv) Competitors can be studio trained or self taught.
Entry Videos
The video must be well lit, with the performer and stage area/pole easily visible. The video may not be edited in any way, it must show a continuous performance of the applicant for a minimum of 2 minutes. Videos with footage exceeding 4 mins will not be viewed beyond this point. Video entry must be clearly labelled with ‘AAPC Pole Performer’, Performer name and division applying for and year of submission. Videos may be uploaded to youtube/vimeo or dropbox, and link sent to organiser. Videos may be studio or previous performance and does not need to be the routine you intend on competing; but it must show your approximate skill level.
It is expected videos will be in costume but HMUA is not required. Video entries will be judged in the first instance by the Organiser and a panel of judges. The top ranking competitors from each division will be invited to compete in live heats or the finals competition. If you are a successful finalist you will receive a registration pack and you will be notified of further details closer to the date.
DIVISION BREAKDOWNS
Please note, it is not expected that you have competed or performed previously. The explanations below is only a guideline and pertains to the maximum level you can reach for that division before moving to the next.
AAPC’s Australian Junior Pole Performer
JUNIOR–open competitors age 6-16 years-Parent/Guardian must accompany to event and sign off.
Minimum 6 months training. Limited skill level. No handprings, Iron X, Extreme flex or acro, No elite moves. Movements upto and including and Intermediate/Advanced level.
AAPC’s Australian Junior Elite Pole Performer
JUNIOR ELITE–open to competitors age 6-16 years-Parent/Guardian must accompany to event and sign off.
Minimum 12 months training. Open skill level.
AAPC’s Australian Beginner Pole Performer
BEGINNER
Minimum 6 months training. NO INVERTING. Floor work, spins and climbing permitted; hips must remain below shoulders at all times during pole work, with the exception of a head/forearm stand (back against pole). One hand must remain on the pole at all times during pole work/spins with the exception of "angel seats" and "twisted crucifix".
Acro and floorwork is permitted at a beginner-intermediate level.
AAPC’s Australian Intermediate Pole Performer
INTERMEDIATE
Dancers may invert and leg hang and Aysha, but not handspring in this category. There are rulings on upside down movement. Instructors at a beginner teaching level and previous performers/competitors are permitted to enter this category.
Acro and floorwork is permitted at an intermediate level.
AAPC’s Australian Advanced Pole Performer
ADVANCED
Dancers may handspring and perform advanced tricks and flex moves in this category, but no elite movement or extreme flex.
There are rulings on movement within this category. Instructors at an Intermediate level and previous performers/competitors are permitted to enter this category. This section is open to entrants who may have previously competed in a competition upto and including an amateur/semi pro division; and not placed first.
AAPC’s Australian Amateur Pole Performer
AMATEUR (high level ADVANCED/ELITE movement allowed)
This section is open to entrants who may have previously competed in a competition upto and including an amateur/semi pro division; and placed. (Placement is not required, but you may have placed in the top 3 of an Amateur division) Instructors and paid performers are permitted to enter this category. There is no restriction on movement in this category.
AAPC’s Australian Duo/Group Pole Performers (upto 5 people)
Duo/Group pole – This division is open to any groups under a national level. Open skill level.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
(Please note: this section has been lifted straight from the rules and regulations page)
ROUTINE REQUIREMENTS
6.i Pole details
The poles used in the stage heats (SA/Vic) will be 38mm brass Pussycat poles at a height of 3-3.5mtr. Poles are set approximately 2.4 mtrs apart and 2.5 inset from stage front and each wing. All pole setups will be 2 poles. Stationary stage right and spinning stage left.
*When standing on the stage, looking at the crowd, the static pole is on your right. With the exception of Duo/Group where both poles will be set to spin.
They will be dry wiped between each performance. Metho upon request, Dry Hands can also be applied prior to performance if requested. Please advise if you have a different preference of grip aide or preparation. Itac and similar long prep/cleanup times cannot be used – sorry.
Junior/Beginners may use one or both poles. Intermediate and above must use both poles.
(The poles for studio shows will depend on each studio’s previous setup. This will either be 45mm Stainless or 40mm brass or similar.)
6.ii Routine Components
The performance is a routine of competitor’s choice and choreography. Routines are permissible in any category or ‘genre’ of pole dancing. Presentations must be within PG/M guidelines as we have underage competitors within the pole competition. Please use language and trigger warnings if you have strong themes, sexual references and coarse language.
Length - Routine lengths for all divisions = Minimum 2.00 min - Maximum 2.30 min
(Duo/Group Maximum routine length 3.00 min)
Compulsory – All competitors must include minimum 1 minute of total pole work in their routine. This includes tricks, transitions, spins, jumps and balance; interaction on, around and using the pole.
DUO/GROUP - routines must include unison spins/movements as well as interaction movements.
HEATS
There will be 1 section to the competition
There will be 2 sections to the competition
6.iii Presentation
i) Clothing removal is OK but Pole Performer competitors may not perform nude or partially nude
ii) Footwear is optional. You may wear heels, boots, sneakers or have bare feet.
Parade: This will be a catwalk style parade in division, to our chosen music.
Can be formal, themed or costume – it’s the competitor’s choice. This is not scored; it is an introduction to the judges. If not parading in your competition costume, please choose outfits fitting a black/white/gold theme.
6.iv Props
PLEASE NOTE: there is a difference between heats and grand finals props/cleanup.
HEATS - No large props, hand held and small easy setup only. Absolutely NO multiple prop setup. If you can’t carry your props on yourself; they are too big. No “mess” cleanups (IE glitter, petals, confetti.)
Human props/Back up dancers are permitted.
FINALS - May use larger props with setup and props that are considered messy (IE large confetti, petals, easy sweep things. No small glitter or powder, large amounts of liquid or animals) but no long cleanups please. Any longer than 90secs will incur a 5 point loss for every 30 seconds over. Please note all confetti/glitter use must be approved by organiser before use.
Judging criteria
Performances may be in any pole style the competitor chooses (IE- Storytelling, Contemporary, Comedy, Artistic, Hiphop, Themed, Exotic etc) While we allow all style of performance, please be aware that this is an all ages competition and we cannot allow overly lewd gestures, behaviour, heavily explicit music or themes.
First place in each division will be awarded to the competitor who, via the highest scores from the judges, shows a unique combination of sound technical skill and ability in their division through full execution of tricks and technique; plus demonstrates a high level of performance value through dance and/or theatrics, musicality & costuming, stage presence, showmanship and overall embodiment, whatever style or genre they choose to perform through artistic expression and cohesion of performance.
The AAPC Pole Performer competition is a performance based competition, not highest degree of difficulty. Failure to execute moves without proper technique and full execution will be penalized.
SCORING BREAKDOWN
Parade Introduction (Finals only)
Performance /100
Please note: AAPC is a performance based competition. Degree of difficulty is not taken into consideration.
TECHNICAL ABILITY /60
/15 Fluidity and Transitioning - Does the whole routine flow smoothly or feel start/stop
/15 Strength and Control - Does the performer showcase the routine with ease?
/15 Lines and Extensions - Posture, Point, Full extension, Clean lines
/15 Full Execution - Moves cleanly executed and fully completed. Adhere to times.
ARTISTIC IMPRESSION /40
/10 Costuming and Props - Does the theme fit together, Effort, Overuse of props?
/5 Musicality - Cohesion of music, moves and theme
/5 Dance/Theatrics - Includes movement with and without the pole, floorwork, acro
/10 Creativity and Originality - Uniqueness in presentation
/10 Stage Presence - Awareness of audience/judges, Eye contact/Engagement, Xfactor
DEDUCTIONS AND PENALTIES APPLICABLE:
Banned moves in division or Non-adherence to rules
– 1 point per move or application. Taken per judge, per occurrence.
Overly lewd gestures/behaviour/tone
– 2 points per occurrence. Tallied by head judge each time agreed by full panel and taken from overall score.
Costume fails and slips/falls are not deducted as points loss, but marked within the sections of “Costuming and Music” and “Full execution”/”Strength & Control” respectively.
AAPC Pole Movement Rulings - 2020
This is an open working document, subject to change.
Advanced Movements not allowed: Any trick considered “elite”
Somersault style flips on or off the pole (Butterfly flip and Ragdoll pop over excluded)
Extreme flex - Rainbow Marchenko, Spatchcock, Eagle
Shoulder pops, Fonji/Kamikaze
Phoenix
Bird of Paradise
Intermediate movements not allowed: Any trick considered “advanced”/extreme flex
Knee grip without point of contact assist (IE One hand must remain in moves like ‘Marley’, ‘Jeanie’ and ‘Jasmine’
Drops and tumbles (basic slides OK. IE- NO Holly, Jade, Martini drop. Lowering down into movement ok, but no dynamic drops/tumbles.)
Suspended walks (while rising or lowering. IE-Shoulder mounting or staircase spin)
Handsprings into Ayesha – Basic Ayesha and variations allowed in all grips (true/split, twisted and cup; fang N/A)
Elbow grips and inverted elbow tricks (other than upright spins with 2nd point of contact assist or double embrace)
Suicide spins
Gargoyle, Super passe, Stargazer release, Russian layback. Remi layback (seat OK)
Caterpillar climbing, Pantera climb
Parallel handstands (pole assisted allowed – point of contact must rest against the pole, must not perform walkovers)
Pole cartwheels (parallel to pole OR shoulder mount)
Chest Press
Yogini, Reverse pit grips
Iron X and advanced strength; Press ups, Levers, Deadlifts, Hunter press, Flag lifts
Tulip, Bow and Arrow (Butterfly press)
Iguana/Darryl Hannah
Russian split, Allegra box split
Tabletops, Back hold/support (planches, dragon tail etc)
Marion Amber, Sneaky V
Broken doll/Jallegra style movements
Inverted hand near face grips (Pegasus)
Vortex, Machine gun, Janiero,
Cocoon, Bui bend
Unassisted hold cupid
Stomach grip without hand assist/Hiplock roll to Jade
Beginner- movements not allowed: Any trick considered “intermediate”
One hand must remain on the pole during moves with the exception of an “angel seat” or “crucifix twist”
Hips must remain level or below shoulders. No extreme flex.
Ragdoll spin, Sunwheel spins, Ankle hold side spin, Flares
Superman
Hood orniment with pit grip (top hand must remain)
Elbow spins
Pit grips and Teddy holds
Handstands
Stomach grips/Hip grips without hand support
Reiko split, Banana split, Vertical split on pole
Chopstix
Flag arm hold variations (pit tuck with hand and down grip only. No full side extension or side straddle. Front straddle and side, passe OK)
Hip lock drops
For further clarification, please contact the organisers.
#AAPCPole #AusAmateur
Entries open January 20th 2020
Entries Close October 1st
Announcements start September
Grand Finals November 29th, SA
HOW TO ENTER
To enter, Contestants are required to submit an application form including entry video via google forms, $40 application fee and supply 1 professional photograph for promotions. All pieces of application must be completed for the entry to be deemed successful
Registration forms from finalists must be received at latest 2 weeks before the event. This is to ensure we can process all documents and send the appropriate information to each staff member.
Initial Selection Criteria
i) The Performer must have at least 6 months of training and experience
ii) The Performer must be at least 18 years of age OR have guardian sign-off
iii) The Performer must be an Australian citizen or Australian resident.
iv) Competitors can be studio trained or self taught.
- It is assumed that the performer is ready for performance.
- The entrant declares they have no contracts of obligation to other organizations or persons related to performance, modelling or entertainment.
Entry Videos
The video must be well lit, with the performer and stage area/pole easily visible. The video may not be edited in any way, it must show a continuous performance of the applicant for a minimum of 2 minutes. Videos with footage exceeding 4 mins will not be viewed beyond this point. Video entry must be clearly labelled with ‘AAPC Pole Performer’, Performer name and division applying for and year of submission. Videos may be uploaded to youtube/vimeo or dropbox, and link sent to organiser. Videos may be studio or previous performance and does not need to be the routine you intend on competing; but it must show your approximate skill level.
It is expected videos will be in costume but HMUA is not required. Video entries will be judged in the first instance by the Organiser and a panel of judges. The top ranking competitors from each division will be invited to compete in live heats or the finals competition. If you are a successful finalist you will receive a registration pack and you will be notified of further details closer to the date.
DIVISION BREAKDOWNS
Please note, it is not expected that you have competed or performed previously. The explanations below is only a guideline and pertains to the maximum level you can reach for that division before moving to the next.
AAPC’s Australian Junior Pole Performer
JUNIOR–open competitors age 6-16 years-Parent/Guardian must accompany to event and sign off.
Minimum 6 months training. Limited skill level. No handprings, Iron X, Extreme flex or acro, No elite moves. Movements upto and including and Intermediate/Advanced level.
AAPC’s Australian Junior Elite Pole Performer
JUNIOR ELITE–open to competitors age 6-16 years-Parent/Guardian must accompany to event and sign off.
Minimum 12 months training. Open skill level.
AAPC’s Australian Beginner Pole Performer
BEGINNER
Minimum 6 months training. NO INVERTING. Floor work, spins and climbing permitted; hips must remain below shoulders at all times during pole work, with the exception of a head/forearm stand (back against pole). One hand must remain on the pole at all times during pole work/spins with the exception of "angel seats" and "twisted crucifix".
Acro and floorwork is permitted at a beginner-intermediate level.
AAPC’s Australian Intermediate Pole Performer
INTERMEDIATE
Dancers may invert and leg hang and Aysha, but not handspring in this category. There are rulings on upside down movement. Instructors at a beginner teaching level and previous performers/competitors are permitted to enter this category.
Acro and floorwork is permitted at an intermediate level.
AAPC’s Australian Advanced Pole Performer
ADVANCED
Dancers may handspring and perform advanced tricks and flex moves in this category, but no elite movement or extreme flex.
There are rulings on movement within this category. Instructors at an Intermediate level and previous performers/competitors are permitted to enter this category. This section is open to entrants who may have previously competed in a competition upto and including an amateur/semi pro division; and not placed first.
AAPC’s Australian Amateur Pole Performer
AMATEUR (high level ADVANCED/ELITE movement allowed)
This section is open to entrants who may have previously competed in a competition upto and including an amateur/semi pro division; and placed. (Placement is not required, but you may have placed in the top 3 of an Amateur division) Instructors and paid performers are permitted to enter this category. There is no restriction on movement in this category.
AAPC’s Australian Duo/Group Pole Performers (upto 5 people)
Duo/Group pole – This division is open to any groups under a national level. Open skill level.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
(Please note: this section has been lifted straight from the rules and regulations page)
ROUTINE REQUIREMENTS
6.i Pole details
The poles used in the stage heats (SA/Vic) will be 38mm brass Pussycat poles at a height of 3-3.5mtr. Poles are set approximately 2.4 mtrs apart and 2.5 inset from stage front and each wing. All pole setups will be 2 poles. Stationary stage right and spinning stage left.
*When standing on the stage, looking at the crowd, the static pole is on your right. With the exception of Duo/Group where both poles will be set to spin.
They will be dry wiped between each performance. Metho upon request, Dry Hands can also be applied prior to performance if requested. Please advise if you have a different preference of grip aide or preparation. Itac and similar long prep/cleanup times cannot be used – sorry.
Junior/Beginners may use one or both poles. Intermediate and above must use both poles.
(The poles for studio shows will depend on each studio’s previous setup. This will either be 45mm Stainless or 40mm brass or similar.)
6.ii Routine Components
The performance is a routine of competitor’s choice and choreography. Routines are permissible in any category or ‘genre’ of pole dancing. Presentations must be within PG/M guidelines as we have underage competitors within the pole competition. Please use language and trigger warnings if you have strong themes, sexual references and coarse language.
Length - Routine lengths for all divisions = Minimum 2.00 min - Maximum 2.30 min
(Duo/Group Maximum routine length 3.00 min)
Compulsory – All competitors must include minimum 1 minute of total pole work in their routine. This includes tricks, transitions, spins, jumps and balance; interaction on, around and using the pole.
DUO/GROUP - routines must include unison spins/movements as well as interaction movements.
HEATS
There will be 1 section to the competition
- Performance
There will be 2 sections to the competition
- Parade (not judged – introduction only)
- Performance
6.iii Presentation
i) Clothing removal is OK but Pole Performer competitors may not perform nude or partially nude
ii) Footwear is optional. You may wear heels, boots, sneakers or have bare feet.
Parade: This will be a catwalk style parade in division, to our chosen music.
Can be formal, themed or costume – it’s the competitor’s choice. This is not scored; it is an introduction to the judges. If not parading in your competition costume, please choose outfits fitting a black/white/gold theme.
6.iv Props
PLEASE NOTE: there is a difference between heats and grand finals props/cleanup.
- A competitor may use props in their show. In any heat, only hand held props accepted, no setups or cleanups. For Grand finals, larger props and cleanups permitted (No long cleanups – penalties may apply)
- There is to be NO fire/flames or live animals, and no large amounts of liquid. No exceptions.
- Performers are not permitted to use members of the crowd, or leave the stage and during their show.
- Back up dancers or other people are permitted on stage during the performer’s show. A plant in the audience may be used, but crowd participation is not permitted.
HEATS - No large props, hand held and small easy setup only. Absolutely NO multiple prop setup. If you can’t carry your props on yourself; they are too big. No “mess” cleanups (IE glitter, petals, confetti.)
Human props/Back up dancers are permitted.
FINALS - May use larger props with setup and props that are considered messy (IE large confetti, petals, easy sweep things. No small glitter or powder, large amounts of liquid or animals) but no long cleanups please. Any longer than 90secs will incur a 5 point loss for every 30 seconds over. Please note all confetti/glitter use must be approved by organiser before use.
Judging criteria
Performances may be in any pole style the competitor chooses (IE- Storytelling, Contemporary, Comedy, Artistic, Hiphop, Themed, Exotic etc) While we allow all style of performance, please be aware that this is an all ages competition and we cannot allow overly lewd gestures, behaviour, heavily explicit music or themes.
First place in each division will be awarded to the competitor who, via the highest scores from the judges, shows a unique combination of sound technical skill and ability in their division through full execution of tricks and technique; plus demonstrates a high level of performance value through dance and/or theatrics, musicality & costuming, stage presence, showmanship and overall embodiment, whatever style or genre they choose to perform through artistic expression and cohesion of performance.
The AAPC Pole Performer competition is a performance based competition, not highest degree of difficulty. Failure to execute moves without proper technique and full execution will be penalized.
SCORING BREAKDOWN
Parade Introduction (Finals only)
Performance /100
Please note: AAPC is a performance based competition. Degree of difficulty is not taken into consideration.
TECHNICAL ABILITY /60
/15 Fluidity and Transitioning - Does the whole routine flow smoothly or feel start/stop
/15 Strength and Control - Does the performer showcase the routine with ease?
/15 Lines and Extensions - Posture, Point, Full extension, Clean lines
/15 Full Execution - Moves cleanly executed and fully completed. Adhere to times.
ARTISTIC IMPRESSION /40
/10 Costuming and Props - Does the theme fit together, Effort, Overuse of props?
/5 Musicality - Cohesion of music, moves and theme
/5 Dance/Theatrics - Includes movement with and without the pole, floorwork, acro
/10 Creativity and Originality - Uniqueness in presentation
/10 Stage Presence - Awareness of audience/judges, Eye contact/Engagement, Xfactor
DEDUCTIONS AND PENALTIES APPLICABLE:
Banned moves in division or Non-adherence to rules
– 1 point per move or application. Taken per judge, per occurrence.
Overly lewd gestures/behaviour/tone
– 2 points per occurrence. Tallied by head judge each time agreed by full panel and taken from overall score.
Costume fails and slips/falls are not deducted as points loss, but marked within the sections of “Costuming and Music” and “Full execution”/”Strength & Control” respectively.
AAPC Pole Movement Rulings - 2020
This is an open working document, subject to change.
Advanced Movements not allowed: Any trick considered “elite”
Somersault style flips on or off the pole (Butterfly flip and Ragdoll pop over excluded)
Extreme flex - Rainbow Marchenko, Spatchcock, Eagle
Shoulder pops, Fonji/Kamikaze
Phoenix
Bird of Paradise
Intermediate movements not allowed: Any trick considered “advanced”/extreme flex
Knee grip without point of contact assist (IE One hand must remain in moves like ‘Marley’, ‘Jeanie’ and ‘Jasmine’
Drops and tumbles (basic slides OK. IE- NO Holly, Jade, Martini drop. Lowering down into movement ok, but no dynamic drops/tumbles.)
Suspended walks (while rising or lowering. IE-Shoulder mounting or staircase spin)
Handsprings into Ayesha – Basic Ayesha and variations allowed in all grips (true/split, twisted and cup; fang N/A)
Elbow grips and inverted elbow tricks (other than upright spins with 2nd point of contact assist or double embrace)
Suicide spins
Gargoyle, Super passe, Stargazer release, Russian layback. Remi layback (seat OK)
Caterpillar climbing, Pantera climb
Parallel handstands (pole assisted allowed – point of contact must rest against the pole, must not perform walkovers)
Pole cartwheels (parallel to pole OR shoulder mount)
Chest Press
Yogini, Reverse pit grips
Iron X and advanced strength; Press ups, Levers, Deadlifts, Hunter press, Flag lifts
Tulip, Bow and Arrow (Butterfly press)
Iguana/Darryl Hannah
Russian split, Allegra box split
Tabletops, Back hold/support (planches, dragon tail etc)
Marion Amber, Sneaky V
Broken doll/Jallegra style movements
Inverted hand near face grips (Pegasus)
Vortex, Machine gun, Janiero,
Cocoon, Bui bend
Unassisted hold cupid
Stomach grip without hand assist/Hiplock roll to Jade
Beginner- movements not allowed: Any trick considered “intermediate”
One hand must remain on the pole during moves with the exception of an “angel seat” or “crucifix twist”
Hips must remain level or below shoulders. No extreme flex.
Ragdoll spin, Sunwheel spins, Ankle hold side spin, Flares
Superman
Hood orniment with pit grip (top hand must remain)
Elbow spins
Pit grips and Teddy holds
Handstands
Stomach grips/Hip grips without hand support
Reiko split, Banana split, Vertical split on pole
Chopstix
Flag arm hold variations (pit tuck with hand and down grip only. No full side extension or side straddle. Front straddle and side, passe OK)
Hip lock drops
For further clarification, please contact the organisers.
