Qualification for Team UK Performing Arts takes place virtually via video submission. Entries will be judged by a qualified panel of judges (3 judges).   To qualify to attend an IDO competition: A minimum mark of 78 must be achieved. The top 3 or 5 entries (depending on the Event Participation Number (EPN) for the competition) will qualify.   Entries must be submitted by a dance teacher or studio.

Videos must be uploaded with the entry form via Team UK Performing Arts website. Entries must be fully completed and paid for. Incomplete or unpaid entries will not be judged. Videos must be recorded in one continuous take and must not be edited. The full dancer(s) must always be clearly visible and filmed in landscape orientation. Videos can be used from another competition/event, provided all rules are met. Lighting must be sufficient and dancers must be clearly seen including facial expressions. Videos must not exceed 4GB File size and be MP4 format. The submitted video should be the dance intended for performance at the IDO Competition. If a different routine is requested after qualification, additional fees may apply for re-evaluation.

Dancers must reside in the United Kingdom and/or be a citizen of the United Kingdom.

Team UK Performing Arts follows the marking system of the IDO to ensure consistency with international competitions.   Any differences in scoring between qualifiers and IDO competitions may occur due to difference in judging panels and due to number of judges (there will be less judges for the UK qualifiers). In the event of a tie, the judging panel’s decision is final. Qualification results are final and cannot be challenged. All entries will receive a score sheet. The IDO use a 3-D system for marking, this means a numerical score is given in 3 dimensions – Technique, Composition and Image. This mark is out of 10. A minimum of 3 and maximum of 30 points can be awarded. Please see separate scoring breakdown information sheet for UK qualifiers. At the IDO World or European Championship, at the end of each preliminary or semifinal round, each Adjudicator must count the total points awarded to each competitor and then give the prescribed number of X’s (crosses) to the competitors with the highest points (total TCI).

Children: 12 and under (born 2014 and after) Junior 1: 13 – 14 (born 2013 2012) Junior 2: 5 – 16 (born 2011 2010) Adults: 17 and over (born in 2009 and before)   The age of the dancer is determined by their age on 31st December 2026.

A dancer may not compete in the same discipline and category in more than one age division during a calendar year. A dancer may compete in two age divisions (by dancing up) but it must not be in the same category. For example: If a dancer competes in Acro Children solo he/she cannot compete in Acro Junior Solo category but can compete in Acro Junior Formation. For duos: The eldest dancer determines the age division. There must not be an age gap of more than 3 years between partners. Dancers may move up an age division but may not move down. Once competing in a higher division, they must remain there for that discipline for the entire competition year. For groups and formations:  Dancers up to 3 years younger than the lower age limit may compete in the higher division. No more than 50% of the group or formation may fall into this category.

Soloists: May defend their World Championship title in the same discipline in the following year. If they move up an age division, they will defend their title in the higher age division. Duos: May defend their title under the same conditions. Groups/Formations: Titles are defended by the team (not individuals) in the same discipline, age division and category.

6.1 Team Management   A Team Captain will be appointed. All communication must go through the Team Captain. Responsibilities include: Registration and check in Managing the start lists Collecting start numbers and passes Submitting music if required Communicating schedule updates and results   6.2 Competition Rounds   Competitions typically consist of:   Quarter final (all dancers) Semi-final (approximately 12 – 18 dancers) Final (approximately 5 – 7 dancers).   Results will be announced or displayed after each round   6.3 Props    Props are allowed (except in Acro) Strict time limits apply for set up and removal   6.4 Replacements at Competition   Allowed only in cases of injury, illness or exceptional circumstances. Must be approved via the Team Captain and event moderator. Soloists and duos may not be replaced.   6.5 Proof of age   Dancers may be asked to show proof of age. Please ensure passport is easily accessible once at the competition.   6.6 Stage Requirements   The competition stage will meet IDO standards: For solos and duos – minimum 8x8 meters. For groups and formations 14 meters wide by 12 meters deep.

Costumes must be age appropriate and comply with IDO regulations. Make-up must also be age appropriate. Music and theme must be appropriate for the age of dancers and must not include explicit lyrics and violent, inappropriate or disturbing themes.   Please see separate IDO guidelines (after UK qualification) to ensure rules are adhered to.

8.1 Fees and payment   Entry fees must be paid in full before judging All Team UK fees are non-refundable once paid. IDO fees become payable once official registration is submitted. A Team UK membership fee is required upon qualification. Defending champions will need to pay an admin fee payable to process entry.   8.2 Travel and Accommodation   Dancers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. Costs may still apply in case of withdrawal. Name changes for travel may incur additional charges.   8.3 Music Submission   Music must be submitted to Team UK Performing Arts by the given deadline. Late submissions may incur a fee.

9.1 Responsibility   Teachers/studios are responsible for ensuring correct dancer information has been entered, including age. Errors may result in disqualification.   9.2 Media and Promotion   By entering, dancers, parents, guardians and studios consent to: Results being published Media (photos/videos) being used for promotional purposes.   Requests to exclude individuals must be submitted in advance.   9.3 Dancer Changes After Qualification   Soloists cannot be replaced Duos may replace one dancer. Groups/formations must retain at least 50% of original dancers.   9.4 Insurance and Liability   Dancers are responsible for their own insurance. Team UK Performing Arts and the IDO are not liable for: Injuries Loss or damage Event cancellation or postponement due to circumstances beyond control ( e.g. Natural causes, conflict, government restrictions, advise against social interactions or sporting events).

All participants (dancers, teachers, families and supporters) are expected to:   Show respect to judges, organisers and fellow competitors Always demonstrate good sportsmanship Avoid inappropriate behaviour, including bullying or harassment Represent Team UK Performing Arts in a professional manner, including on social media

Please refer to the official IDO documents (after UK qualification) for detailed rules relating to each dance discipline.