Performers must not extend body parts or props over the stage edge.
Use the backstage crossover; there is no access behind the LED screen. Beware of costume and footwear hazards for quick crossovers. Crossover-route videos for each venue can be found on the Dance Live! Resource site/app.
Performances are restricted to the stage; no auditorium entry or exit.
Be mindful of limited wing space for costume changes. Quick changes must be out of audience view and wing space will vary by venue. If you have any questions or concerns about wing space and quick changes please contact hello@dancelive.co.uk.
Performances should be ‘PG’ rated and suitable for performers’ ages. Themes must be factual, especially if sensitive.
A Concept/Theme synopsis is required by in Autumn term each year to be checked for family-friendly themes. We advise that schools keep references for any sensitive themes and show education of source material in your Journey to Dance Live! video.
Resources will be provided to help choose appropriate themes. Cultural appropriation is not allowed, and the Dance Live! Team may request changes to hair/makeup/costume on the day of your event if deemed inappropriate. For a copy of our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy, please contact hello@dancelive.co.uk.
Performances that are centred around the Coronavirus outbreak, conflicts within the last 5 years (e.g. the Russia and Ukraine conflict) and Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral will not be permitted themes. Screen content must not contain footage from these events.
The ‘Journey to Dance Live!’ video should reflect your school’s journey, be under 2 minutes (overruns will be penalised).
Schools must list the first names and year groups of any young people that contributed to the creation of your Journey Video and Screen Content. We understand that some of these young people may not be present on the day of your event and would like them to be acknowledged during your performance. This addition is not included in your 2min time limit. Any videos that do not contain credits will not be eligible for the Video Journey Award.
It should not reference other dance competitions, except previous Dance Live! events. A ‘Journey to Dance Live Video Structure’ resource will be provided. The video must be submitted by the deadlines specified each year.
Content: All images, film, graphic design, and animation in LED Screen Content must be royalty-free, copyright-free, or original content. Any schools found to be breaking copyright regulations will not be eligible for any awards or to attend a finals event.
YouTube Videos: Dance Live! recommends that schools avoid using YouTube videos as they are rarely copyright-free or royalty-free.
AI Use: We will be providing more information and guidance around AI within Dance Live! Performance pieces but we strongly encourage making original content as we have noticed that performances where AI has featured heavily have not been favoured by the judging panel.
Copyright Permission: While Dance Live! has obtained a license for music tracks, it does not have a license for images/film. Therefore, all images and video used must be copyright-free, royalty-free, or original content.
Soundtrack: Participants should be considerate about the soundtrack. Any unsuitable pieces (e.g., featuring explicit language or songs of a sexual nature) may be muted.
Recording Consent: By participating in Dance Live!, your school consents to being recorded by audio, visual, and/or other means for marketing purposes.
Recording Restrictions: Schools or members of the public are not permitted to record or photograph any part of the performance.
Performance Copies: A digital copy of your school’s performance video will be able to access for free post-event. Photographs will be made available for purchase also. Photography costs will be sent to schools in Autumn term.
LED Screen: The LED screen is to be used as the set and backdrop. All schools must use the screen to support their performance. The screen will be the majority of the width of your performance area, with the exact size varying depending on venue capacity.
Audio and Video: All audio must be embedded into your video, and videos must be submitted in MP4 format. The minimum length of the video and thus the performance is 5 minutes, and the maximum length is 7 minutes. A 10-second leeway is allowed; any content that runs over 7 minutes 10 seconds will be cut, and the stage will go to blackout, along with a five-point deduction from your performance mark.
Content: Music and text used on the screen must not contain explicit language and must be appropriate for a family audience (e.g. no references of a sexual nature). The songs ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears, ‘Game of Survival’ by Ruelle and ‘Run Boy Run’ by Woodkid are not permitted for 2026 events. Sound effects, spoken word, song and voiceovers are permitted.
Resolution: It is suggested that videos and images have a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, also referred to as ‘Full HD’.
Live Music: No live music produced by electrical instruments is allowed, however, drums and percussion are permitted.
Solid Flats are not permitted. A Solid Flat consists of ‘a frame covered with scenic canvas or plywood’ and/or ‘a painted wooden, cardboard or plastic board’ that is usually built in a rectangular or square shape or the shape of an object or scenery (e.g. a tree or furniture) and positioned on stage so as to give the appearance of a specific scene or hide a stage background.
Stage decorations must move during the performance and enhance it.
Decorations should be safely movable, ideally by one person.
Maximum size for a solid decoration piece is 2m high, 1.2m wide, 1m deep (including wheels). Five points will be deducted from your overall performance mark for any stage decoration over this measurement.
Fabrics are allowed but must be flame-retardant and not exceed stage width or 2m height.
Off-stage storage area for decorations and props is 1.5m x 2m.
Decorations over 1m high to be stood on must have handrails.
Decorations must be sturdy and safe for performers.
No scaffolding allowed.
2 minutes for pre-performance setup, 1 minute for post-performance removal.
Stage crew must wear full-foot-covering footwear.
Decorations and props must be transferred to transport after use.
Large decorations and props should arrive 30 minutes before rehearsal.
Parking arrangements are available in Venue Information Packs.
USE OF PROPS
Performers can hold or wear props, but worn props must not exceed 5m in height. Five points will be deducted from your overall performance mark for any props over this measurement.
No authentic weaponry, roller skates, blades, skateboards, bikes, or other forms of transport.
Props must be removed post-performance and comply with health and safety regulations.
All props must be fire retardant and may be tested for fire safety.
All schools must provide a video director to call the shots within your individual school’s video production. This can either be a student or a teacher.
