rules and regulations
pole performer
SECTIONS
1 Introduction
2 Applications & Entries
3 Details for competing
4 Heats & Live events
5 Entry videos
6 Presentation and props
7 The titles and awards
8 Division breakdowns & criteria
9 Movement rules
10 Judging criteria
1) Introduction:
Please also see “General T&C’s” & “Pole Info”; these 3 documents make the full rules and regulations for competing in the AAPC’s.
2) Applications and Entries:
To enter, Contestants are required to submit an application form (via google forms), $35 application fee and supply 1 professional photograph plus “entry video” in the first instance.
Heats are via “Studio Shows” (in-house performances – available Aus wide)
“Stage heat” (a live theatre heat held in SA [Vic TBC])
PLUS Video entry (essential for Duo and Junior competitors)
All live heats and videos will be viewed and judged by a panel to the same criteria.
HEATS
Video entries are required to allow us to choose the top ranking competitors to go on to compete in the stage heats; or be judged AS the heats for states where no live heats are available.
SA and Vic – a maximum of 15 competitors per division (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Amateur) will be chosen from the video entries to move onto the live heats.
States where no studio heat or live heat is unavailable; the videos will be scored to the same criteria as these heats and top scoring videos will be counted towards finals selection.
Competitors may elect to enter a state heat they do not reside in. (IE- participant from WA may elect to compete in the SA staged live heats)
FINALS
Top scoring finalists across all video & studio heats + winner of each stage event held will be invited to compete in the SA Grand Finals.
7 each division – Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Amateur
(Possibility of up to 1 wildcard per division also selected)
5 each division – Junior, Duo
Competitors are to be amateur only. Semi-professional is permitted but no professional.
Under the Australian Standard of Pole Competitions – we are ranked as a social comp.
Competitors may be studio or self taught. Performers can be male or female.
Pole performers must be 18+ or have the permission and signature of parent/guardian.
All successful finalists will receive a registration pack and you will be notified of further details closer to the date.
3) Details for competing:
i) The Performer may choose the music/costume/styling etc for his/her show
ii) The Performer may enter multiple categories but only one skill based division. A separate application must be received for each category. (IE- Duo and Amateur but not Beginner and Amateur)
iii) Competitors may compete again in the same division to “defend their title” if skill level does not permit them to move up a division.
iv) Competitors will not be paid for any part of the competition; nor compensated for travel and expenses.
v) An expert judging panel from pole and related industries will score the competitors performance to a set criteria to determine the winner. Their decision is final.
vi) The Organiser reserves the right to expel or to disqualify any individual at any time from participation at any stage of the program with reason, including, without limitation, threatening behaviour or harming another person, violating the official rules or other rules in effect or the standards and practices and policies of the competition. Disqualification may result in, amongst other things, immediate forfeiture of any prize otherwise awarded or award-able.
vii) During the competition, the performer must abide by the rules and arrive in advance as stated by the Competition Organizer. Any failure to abide by the above mentioned rules will result in immediate disqualification.
viii) All performers must show skill through tricks and combinations on both floor, through movement (dance, acro) and on the pole throughout their routine.
ix) On the day of competition; there will be a semi-dress rehearsal. This is a time for each person to run through their routine/parades. We will run through any choreography and standing positions on the day.
4) Live events, semi finals and the grand final:
Finalists for the grand final will be selected via winner of theatre shows in each division, and top scores across all the heats. This includes studio shows, stage heats and video entries. All formats will be judged to the same criteria. Submitting an entry does not guarantee competing in a live event.
i) The poles for studio shows will depend on each studio’s previous setup. This will either be 45mm Stainless or 40mm brass or similar. The poles used in the stage heats (SA, other states TBC) and finals will be 38mm brass Pussycat poles at a height of 3.5mtr. There will be one spinning and one static pole. All pole setups will be - stationary stage right and spinning stage left. *When standing on the stage, looking at the crowd, the static pole is on your right.
ii) Competitors may join the audience after their performance provided they have purchased a reserved seat.
iii) Performers may not communicate with members of the judging panel before, during or after the designated times of Heats, Semi-finals or the Grand Final Competition;
iv) Dressing rooms are for competitors and staff only – they are off limits to family members or friends of the Performers.
v) Performers are not permitted to drink alcohol or take drugs (unless prescribed) before or during the night of the Competition.
5) Entry Videos:
ALL PHOTOS/VIDEO MUST BE CLEARLY LABELED WITH CATEGORY AND ENTRANT NAME.
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 2.5 minutes. Videos with footage exceeding 5 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 do not need to be the routine you intend on competing; but it must show your approximate skill level. 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.
6) Presentation / Costume & Props:
PLEASE NOTE: there is a difference between heats and grand finals props/cleanup.
i) Clothing removal is OK. Pole Performer competitors may not perform nude or partially nude
ii) Footwear is optional. You may wear heels, boots, sneakers or have bare feet.
iii) There is to be NO fire/flames or live animals. No exceptions.
iv) Performers are not permitted to use members of the crowd, or leave the stage and during their show.
v) 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.
vi) 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)
7) The titles and awards
i) The Pole Performer award is an official title valid for one year commencing from the date of the Competition.
ii) The title must be used exactly as printed on the sash. Deviation from this is not accepted. You must include AAPC and the year of title.
iii) An AAPC Pole winner is considered to be an ambassador of that style in Australia and in your winning state.
iv) It is expected the prize winners will co-operate with the promotion of the competition and activities. This may include pre, during and post competition media interviews, performances and photographs; to take on several promotional activities. This occurs in consultation with the Organisers and may be financially remunerated for such activities.
v) The Organiser reserves the right to retract the title if the Performer causes any damages to the Competition. In the case of retraction, the runner up will become the new elected title holder
Finals - Official titles available for 2019:
AAPC Australian Junior Pole Performer
AAPC Australian Beginner Pole Performer
AAPC Australian Intermediate Pole Performer
AAPC Australian Advanced Pole Performer
AAPC Australian Amateur Pole Performer
AAPC Australian Pole Performer Group
Finals - Supplement Awards:
AAPC Pole Performer Media Mogul
AAPC Pole Performer Judges Choice
AAPC Pole Performer Sponsors Choice
AAPC Pole Performer Trixter Award
AAPC Pole Performer Best Dance Award
AAPC Pole Performer Costume Award
Titles will be available for state heats with a theatre show
~ IE: AAPC Pole Performer (division) South Australia/Victoria/Queensland (etc)
Winner in each division (begin/inter/adv/open) at studio heats will receive the award of
~ AAPC Pole Performer (division) 2019 – (state) heat winner (multiple available)
8) Division breakdowns:
AAPC’s Australian Junior Pole Performer
JUNIOR–open to male/female competitors age 6-16 years-Parent/Guardian must accompany to event and signoff.
Minimum 6 months training. May perform moves upto and including an advanced level (IE: Handsprings OK)
Routine length: upto 3 mins (minimum 2mins)
AAPC’s Australian Beginner Pole Performer
BEGINNER– open to male and female competitors.
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).
Routine length: upto 3 mins (minimum 2mins)
AAPC’s Australian Intermediate Pole Performer
INTERMEDIATE– open to male and female competitors.
Dancers may invert and leg hang but not handspring in this category. There are rulings on upside down movement. This section is open to entrants who may have previously competed in a state competition in an intermediate or upto an amateur division. Instructors and paid performers are permitted to enter this category.
Routine length: upto 3.5 mins (minimum 2.5mins)
AAPC’s Australian Advanced Pole Performer
ADVANCED– open to male and female competitors.
There are rulings on movement within this category.
This section is open to entrants who may have previously competed in a state and/or national competition upto an amateur or semi professional division. Instructors and paid performers are permitted to enter this category.
Routine length: upto 4 mins (minimum 3mins)
AAPC’s Australian Amateur Pole Performer
OPEN (high level ADVANCED/ELITE semi-pro)
This section is open to entrants who may have previously competed in a state and/or national competition upto a semi-professional division. Instructors and paid performers are permitted to enter this category. There is no restriction on movement in this category. Routine length: upto 4 mins (minimum 3mins)
AAPC’s Australian Duo/Group Pole Performers
Duo/Group pole – This division is open to any groups under a national level.
Routine length: upto 4 mins (minimum 3mins)
9) Movement rules
While the rulings are quite generalized for moves allowed in the divisions, we have compiled a list of moves that will be penalized if performed within them to assist. Please note this list is always growing and changing.
Advanced movements not allowed:
Somersault style flips on or off the pole (please note: small tumbles are excluded from this - IE Butterfly flip OK)
Rainbow Marchenko
Spatchcock
Shoulder pops
Fonji/Kamikaze
Phoenix
Bird of Paradise
Intermediate movements not allowed:
Suspended walks (while rising or lowering. IE-Shoulder mounting or staircase spin)
Suicide spins
Gargoyle
Caterpillar climbing
Parallel handstands (pole assisted allowed – body must rest against the pole, no walkovers)
Pole cartwheels
Drops and tumbles (basic slides OK)
Iron X and levers, Deadlifts, Flag lifts
Iguana/Darryl Hannah
Handsprings into Ayesha/elbow grip – Basic Ayesha and variations allowed in all grips (true/split, twisted and cup)
Russian split
Tabletops, Back hold planches
Marion Amber
Broken doll/Jallegra style movements
Inverted hand near face grips (Pegasus)
Elbow grips (other than upright spins with 2 point of contact assist or double embrace)
Back of the knee grips (Jeanie, Martini, Butt stag etc)
Unassisted hold cupid
Stomach grips
Beginner- movements not allowed:
Ragdoll spin
Sunwheel spins
Superman
Hood orniment with pit grip (One hand must ne on)
Elbow spins
Handstands
10) Judging Criteria
Performances may be in any pole style the competitor chooses (IE- Storytelling, Contemporary, Comedy, Artistic, Hiphop, Themed, Exotic etc)
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 what ever style or genre they choose to perform through artistic expression and cohesion of performance.
SCORING BREAKDOWN
Parade Introduction
Performance /100
TECHNICAL ABILITY /50
/10 Fluidity and Transitioning - Does the whole routine flow smoothly or feel start/stop
/10 Strength and Control - Does the performer showcase the routine with ease?
/15 Lines and Extensions - Posture, Point, Full extension, Clean lines
/15 Full Execution - Are moves fully completed?
ARTISTIC IMPRESSION /50
/10 Costuming and Music - Does the theme fit together, Effort
/15 Dance/Theatrics - Includes movement with and without the pole, floorwork, Embodiment/Commitment to character
/15 Creativity and Originality - X factor, Uniqueness in presentation
/10 Stage Presence - Awareness of audience and judges, eye contact, Engagement,
Crowd reaction
DUO + 20 - syncronicity
pole performer
SECTIONS
1 Introduction
2 Applications & Entries
3 Details for competing
4 Heats & Live events
5 Entry videos
6 Presentation and props
7 The titles and awards
8 Division breakdowns & criteria
9 Movement rules
10 Judging criteria
1) Introduction:
Please also see “General T&C’s” & “Pole Info”; these 3 documents make the full rules and regulations for competing in the AAPC’s.
2) Applications and Entries:
To enter, Contestants are required to submit an application form (via google forms), $35 application fee and supply 1 professional photograph plus “entry video” in the first instance.
Heats are via “Studio Shows” (in-house performances – available Aus wide)
“Stage heat” (a live theatre heat held in SA [Vic TBC])
PLUS Video entry (essential for Duo and Junior competitors)
All live heats and videos will be viewed and judged by a panel to the same criteria.
HEATS
Video entries are required to allow us to choose the top ranking competitors to go on to compete in the stage heats; or be judged AS the heats for states where no live heats are available.
SA and Vic – a maximum of 15 competitors per division (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Amateur) will be chosen from the video entries to move onto the live heats.
States where no studio heat or live heat is unavailable; the videos will be scored to the same criteria as these heats and top scoring videos will be counted towards finals selection.
Competitors may elect to enter a state heat they do not reside in. (IE- participant from WA may elect to compete in the SA staged live heats)
FINALS
Top scoring finalists across all video & studio heats + winner of each stage event held will be invited to compete in the SA Grand Finals.
7 each division – Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Amateur
(Possibility of up to 1 wildcard per division also selected)
5 each division – Junior, Duo
Competitors are to be amateur only. Semi-professional is permitted but no professional.
Under the Australian Standard of Pole Competitions – we are ranked as a social comp.
Competitors may be studio or self taught. Performers can be male or female.
Pole performers must be 18+ or have the permission and signature of parent/guardian.
All successful finalists will receive a registration pack and you will be notified of further details closer to the date.
3) Details for competing:
i) The Performer may choose the music/costume/styling etc for his/her show
ii) The Performer may enter multiple categories but only one skill based division. A separate application must be received for each category. (IE- Duo and Amateur but not Beginner and Amateur)
iii) Competitors may compete again in the same division to “defend their title” if skill level does not permit them to move up a division.
iv) Competitors will not be paid for any part of the competition; nor compensated for travel and expenses.
v) An expert judging panel from pole and related industries will score the competitors performance to a set criteria to determine the winner. Their decision is final.
vi) The Organiser reserves the right to expel or to disqualify any individual at any time from participation at any stage of the program with reason, including, without limitation, threatening behaviour or harming another person, violating the official rules or other rules in effect or the standards and practices and policies of the competition. Disqualification may result in, amongst other things, immediate forfeiture of any prize otherwise awarded or award-able.
vii) During the competition, the performer must abide by the rules and arrive in advance as stated by the Competition Organizer. Any failure to abide by the above mentioned rules will result in immediate disqualification.
viii) All performers must show skill through tricks and combinations on both floor, through movement (dance, acro) and on the pole throughout their routine.
ix) On the day of competition; there will be a semi-dress rehearsal. This is a time for each person to run through their routine/parades. We will run through any choreography and standing positions on the day.
4) Live events, semi finals and the grand final:
Finalists for the grand final will be selected via winner of theatre shows in each division, and top scores across all the heats. This includes studio shows, stage heats and video entries. All formats will be judged to the same criteria. Submitting an entry does not guarantee competing in a live event.
i) The poles for studio shows will depend on each studio’s previous setup. This will either be 45mm Stainless or 40mm brass or similar. The poles used in the stage heats (SA, other states TBC) and finals will be 38mm brass Pussycat poles at a height of 3.5mtr. There will be one spinning and one static pole. All pole setups will be - stationary stage right and spinning stage left. *When standing on the stage, looking at the crowd, the static pole is on your right.
ii) Competitors may join the audience after their performance provided they have purchased a reserved seat.
iii) Performers may not communicate with members of the judging panel before, during or after the designated times of Heats, Semi-finals or the Grand Final Competition;
iv) Dressing rooms are for competitors and staff only – they are off limits to family members or friends of the Performers.
v) Performers are not permitted to drink alcohol or take drugs (unless prescribed) before or during the night of the Competition.
5) Entry Videos:
ALL PHOTOS/VIDEO MUST BE CLEARLY LABELED WITH CATEGORY AND ENTRANT NAME.
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 2.5 minutes. Videos with footage exceeding 5 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 do not need to be the routine you intend on competing; but it must show your approximate skill level. 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.
6) Presentation / Costume & Props:
PLEASE NOTE: there is a difference between heats and grand finals props/cleanup.
i) Clothing removal is OK. Pole Performer competitors may not perform nude or partially nude
ii) Footwear is optional. You may wear heels, boots, sneakers or have bare feet.
iii) There is to be NO fire/flames or live animals. No exceptions.
iv) Performers are not permitted to use members of the crowd, or leave the stage and during their show.
v) 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.
vi) 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)
7) The titles and awards
i) The Pole Performer award is an official title valid for one year commencing from the date of the Competition.
ii) The title must be used exactly as printed on the sash. Deviation from this is not accepted. You must include AAPC and the year of title.
iii) An AAPC Pole winner is considered to be an ambassador of that style in Australia and in your winning state.
iv) It is expected the prize winners will co-operate with the promotion of the competition and activities. This may include pre, during and post competition media interviews, performances and photographs; to take on several promotional activities. This occurs in consultation with the Organisers and may be financially remunerated for such activities.
v) The Organiser reserves the right to retract the title if the Performer causes any damages to the Competition. In the case of retraction, the runner up will become the new elected title holder
Finals - Official titles available for 2019:
AAPC Australian Junior Pole Performer
AAPC Australian Beginner Pole Performer
AAPC Australian Intermediate Pole Performer
AAPC Australian Advanced Pole Performer
AAPC Australian Amateur Pole Performer
AAPC Australian Pole Performer Group
Finals - Supplement Awards:
AAPC Pole Performer Media Mogul
AAPC Pole Performer Judges Choice
AAPC Pole Performer Sponsors Choice
AAPC Pole Performer Trixter Award
AAPC Pole Performer Best Dance Award
AAPC Pole Performer Costume Award
Titles will be available for state heats with a theatre show
~ IE: AAPC Pole Performer (division) South Australia/Victoria/Queensland (etc)
Winner in each division (begin/inter/adv/open) at studio heats will receive the award of
~ AAPC Pole Performer (division) 2019 – (state) heat winner (multiple available)
8) Division breakdowns:
AAPC’s Australian Junior Pole Performer
JUNIOR–open to male/female competitors age 6-16 years-Parent/Guardian must accompany to event and signoff.
Minimum 6 months training. May perform moves upto and including an advanced level (IE: Handsprings OK)
Routine length: upto 3 mins (minimum 2mins)
AAPC’s Australian Beginner Pole Performer
BEGINNER– open to male and female competitors.
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).
Routine length: upto 3 mins (minimum 2mins)
AAPC’s Australian Intermediate Pole Performer
INTERMEDIATE– open to male and female competitors.
Dancers may invert and leg hang but not handspring in this category. There are rulings on upside down movement. This section is open to entrants who may have previously competed in a state competition in an intermediate or upto an amateur division. Instructors and paid performers are permitted to enter this category.
Routine length: upto 3.5 mins (minimum 2.5mins)
AAPC’s Australian Advanced Pole Performer
ADVANCED– open to male and female competitors.
There are rulings on movement within this category.
This section is open to entrants who may have previously competed in a state and/or national competition upto an amateur or semi professional division. Instructors and paid performers are permitted to enter this category.
Routine length: upto 4 mins (minimum 3mins)
AAPC’s Australian Amateur Pole Performer
OPEN (high level ADVANCED/ELITE semi-pro)
This section is open to entrants who may have previously competed in a state and/or national competition upto a semi-professional division. Instructors and paid performers are permitted to enter this category. There is no restriction on movement in this category. Routine length: upto 4 mins (minimum 3mins)
AAPC’s Australian Duo/Group Pole Performers
Duo/Group pole – This division is open to any groups under a national level.
Routine length: upto 4 mins (minimum 3mins)
9) Movement rules
While the rulings are quite generalized for moves allowed in the divisions, we have compiled a list of moves that will be penalized if performed within them to assist. Please note this list is always growing and changing.
Advanced movements not allowed:
Somersault style flips on or off the pole (please note: small tumbles are excluded from this - IE Butterfly flip OK)
Rainbow Marchenko
Spatchcock
Shoulder pops
Fonji/Kamikaze
Phoenix
Bird of Paradise
Intermediate movements not allowed:
Suspended walks (while rising or lowering. IE-Shoulder mounting or staircase spin)
Suicide spins
Gargoyle
Caterpillar climbing
Parallel handstands (pole assisted allowed – body must rest against the pole, no walkovers)
Pole cartwheels
Drops and tumbles (basic slides OK)
Iron X and levers, Deadlifts, Flag lifts
Iguana/Darryl Hannah
Handsprings into Ayesha/elbow grip – Basic Ayesha and variations allowed in all grips (true/split, twisted and cup)
Russian split
Tabletops, Back hold planches
Marion Amber
Broken doll/Jallegra style movements
Inverted hand near face grips (Pegasus)
Elbow grips (other than upright spins with 2 point of contact assist or double embrace)
Back of the knee grips (Jeanie, Martini, Butt stag etc)
Unassisted hold cupid
Stomach grips
Beginner- movements not allowed:
Ragdoll spin
Sunwheel spins
Superman
Hood orniment with pit grip (One hand must ne on)
Elbow spins
Handstands
10) Judging Criteria
Performances may be in any pole style the competitor chooses (IE- Storytelling, Contemporary, Comedy, Artistic, Hiphop, Themed, Exotic etc)
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 what ever style or genre they choose to perform through artistic expression and cohesion of performance.
SCORING BREAKDOWN
Parade Introduction
Performance /100
TECHNICAL ABILITY /50
/10 Fluidity and Transitioning - Does the whole routine flow smoothly or feel start/stop
/10 Strength and Control - Does the performer showcase the routine with ease?
/15 Lines and Extensions - Posture, Point, Full extension, Clean lines
/15 Full Execution - Are moves fully completed?
ARTISTIC IMPRESSION /50
/10 Costuming and Music - Does the theme fit together, Effort
/15 Dance/Theatrics - Includes movement with and without the pole, floorwork, Embodiment/Commitment to character
/15 Creativity and Originality - X factor, Uniqueness in presentation
/10 Stage Presence - Awareness of audience and judges, eye contact, Engagement,
Crowd reaction
DUO + 20 - syncronicity
