GROUPS EVENT DETAILS 

(The groups event details are solely for the groups event only and do not apply to any other CUO events)

DANCE STYLES  

Streetdance, Commercial, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Modern Jazz, Musical Theatre, Themed Studio Group Challenge. 

Please be advised: Tap Shoes are not permitted and we do not use mats for Acrobatics in this event. 

Please note: Depending on the entries received, we may consider merging certain dance styles and ages together. This includes the potential merging of Contemporary and Lyrical styles, as well as Street and Commercial styles. However, the decision to merge dance styles and ages will only be made once all entries have been submitted and assessed. Our aim is to ensure a fair and balanced competition. Any potential merging of dance styles or ages will be communicated clearly and in a timely manner to all participating studios concerned.

GROUP SIZES: from a min of 5 dancers to a maximum of 28 dancers only

MUSIC TIME LIMITS

Beginner: max 3 mins

Open: max 3 min 30 secs

GROUP CATEGORIES 

BEGINNER

UNDER 8, UNDER 12, UNDER 16, 16&OVER

OPEN

UNDER 8, UNDER 12, UNDER 16, 16&OVER

SEN (special educational needs)

UNDER 8, UNDER 12, UNDER 16, 16&OVER

THEMED STUDIO GROUP CHALLENGE  - This section comes with a THEME , and only 1 entry per school.

THE STUDIO GROUP CHALLENGE THEME AT THIS EVENT (22nd October 2023)

IS "POWER"

Only 1 entry per school.

Group size min 15-50 dancers

Music Time Limit: 4 mins max

OPEN ABILITY 

ALL AGES 

Dancers can enter as many teams as wanted, excluding supergroups - only 1 entry per school.

TEAMS/GROUPS

BEGINNER 

Under 8, Under 12, Under 16, 16&Over

OPEN

Under 8, Under 12, Under 16, 16&Over

Costume Rules

Competitors must wear plain dancewear (minimal sparkle/sequins are permitted) with no gems/rhinestones/feathers. Outfits MUST be style and age-appropriate.

TEAM RULES

Routine length: Beginner 3min

Open: Max 3:30 mins.

- A Team, minimum of 5, maximum of 35 dancers performing a contemporary style choreographed routine to music of their choice.

- Your prepared music must be sent 7 days prior to the event. Please bring a backup.

- Some aerial moves are allowed in Open categories only and must be kept within the context of the performance dance performance and performed at the dancers’ own risk.

- Lifts are permitted if they are controlled and executed safely.

- Props are allowed however nothing that will take time to clear up after your performance e.g. Dust/Glitter/Water.

- Clothing should be suitable for contemporary and suitable footwear is advised.

- 75% of the team must be within the age category, up to 25% of the team maybe above age. Adults must dance in the adult section and numbers are ALWAYS rounded up.

- CUO may choose to split a category if there are > 8 teams in a category. CUO also reserves the right to merge categories together if there are < 3 teams in a category. 

- Dancers can enter as many dances as they wish 

- Each school is permitted to enter as many teams as they wish in each division, and each team must be named. (Please do not use the name of your school!). 

- All dancers in a team must be from the same school. Any evidence of poaching dancers will result in the school concerned being disqualified.

- NO bad language or inappropriate movement for age is permitted in your recorded music or piece - team points will be deducted.

- Teachers/parents are not permitted to intervene, coach or demonstrate movement from the sidelines once the music has started without permission from the event organisers this may lead to a deduction.

Judges’ Criteria

Judges will score each team from 1 to 10 to total out of 50 in the following subcategories:

- Musicality

- Spacing and Formations

- Choreography

- Technicality

- Performance 

Points may be deducted for the following: 

- Use of foul language (3 points per judge)

- Crashes and dance style mistakes (1 point per judge)

- Loss of clothing or other mistakes (1 point per judge)

- Music running over the specified time (1 point per 5 seconds per judge)

- CUO choreography used in routine (2 points per judge).

SUPERGROUPS

Note: only 1 entry per school.

Group size 15-50 dancers.

Music: 4 mins max

OPEN ALL AGES

Supergroups are similar to large groups/mega crews but ALL SIX dance styles compete together to be named the top supergroup of the day!

This section comes with a THEME. 

The supergroup that the judges feel interpreted the theme the best will win!

Note: Due to the scale of entries, we may split the supergroups based on ability thresholds from our cloud ( your entries) and/or age volumes to ensure groups get a fair chance of placing. We won't know this information until all entries are in which is normally 1 to 2 weeks before the event date.

2024 SUPERGROUP THEME: DECEMBER "FAMILY"

2025 SUPERGROUP THEME: March " Yin & Yang"

Competition Levels for GROUPS(When deciding what to enter for the first time) 

GROUPS RULES 

Ability levels, Placing and Changing Status. 

Guidance for Dance Teachers Entering Students at the Groups Event

Exclusion of Professional Dancers and Teachers: As there is only beginner and open categories. In the Groups Event, professional dancers and teachers are not permitted to participate in Beginner or open level. This ensures a fair and level playing field for participants, providing an opportunity for emerging talent and aspiring dancers to shine.

Beginner - Beginner group dancers are individuals who have limited or minimal experience in dance and are relatively new to group performances. This category is specifically designed for dancers who are at the early stages of their dance journey and may have limited technical training or performance experience. If 75% of the group of dancers have placed top 3 in any previous competitions they must compete in open. 

Open - Open group dancers are individuals who have competition experience and have entered calling u out and numerous other competitions and achieved placements or wins at Beginner level. Inclusion of Student Teachers, College, and University Dancers: Open level allows for the participation of student teachers, college-level dancers, and university-level dancers. This inclusion encourages the growth and development of students. 

SEN - The SEN section is a dedicated category within the group competition that welcomes individuals with Special Educational Needs to enter their own section. It provides an inclusive platform for dancers to showcase their abilities, creativity, and passion for dance. To qualify for this section, dancers must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility: Dancers must fulfil one or both of the following conditions: a. Hold an EHCP (Educational Health & Care Plan) b. Attend a SEN (Special Educational Needs) school

Team Entry Requirements: In the team category, all dancers must have SEN and can be accompanied by individuals who directly support the dancers. This ensures an inclusive and supportive environment where dancers with SEN can shine.

Scoring and Evaluation: The scoring in the SEN Section focuses solely on the performance of dancers with SEN. Their skills, creativity, and expression are evaluated separately to provide a fair and comprehensive assessment that recognizes their unique talents.

For more information about the SEN Section, please feel free to contact us. We are available to provide further details and address any inquiries you may have regarding this inclusive category.

Multiple Group Routines: Dance schools are permitted to enter as many routines as they wish in the competition. Dancers are allowed to participate in multiple routines across different categories or genres, showcasing their versatility and talent. However please see the multiple group routine ability crossover policy below.

However, it is important to note that dance schools are limited to entering only one themed studio group challenge routine 

Age Percentage Policy:  To ensure fair and accurate categorisation in our team/group competitions, we have established the following age percentage guidelines:

75% Within Age Category: The majority of the team, specifically 75% of the members, must fall within the designated age category for that competition. This policy ensures that the core composition of the group aligns with the specified age range.

Up to 25% Above Age: Teams are allowed to include up to 25% of members who slightly exceed the age limit. This flexibility accommodates dancers who may have just surpassed the age requirement but still wish to participate with their team.

Rounding Up Numbers: When calculating the age percentages, any fractional percentages are always rounded up. This approach ensures a transparent determination of the team's eligibility within the specified age category.

All our regional events are all qualifiers for our annual championships, click here for information on our qualifying criteria.

Multiple Group Routines: Dance schools are permitted to enter as many routines as they wish in the competition. Dancers are allowed to participate in multiple routines across different categories or genres, showcasing their versatility and talent, please see the multiple group routine ability crossover policy below.

However, it is important to note that dance schools are limited to entering only one themed studio group challenge routine 

Multiple Group Routine Ability Crossover Policy: 

Dancers are allowed to enter and participate in multiple group routines of the same and other genres. However, it is important to observe the 60/40 rule in terms of ability within each group.

To clarify, if you have a group of 10 dancers classified as beginners, only a maximum of 4 dancers from that group can also participate in the open category. Similarly, if you have an open-level group, a maximum of 4 dancers from that group can crossover and participate in the beginner category.

This policy ensures a fair distribution of abilities within each group and maintains the competitive balance among dancers in different categories. It allows dancers to experience different levels of challenge and promotes growth and development within their respective abilities.

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this policy and ensuring a level playing field for all dancers involved in the competition. 

PRIZES & AWARDS 

We only place groups 1st-5th (We will place up to 6th place, only if there are 6 teams)

All dancers will receive a medal and certificate. Teachers will need to collect them from the desk upon arrival.

SPECIAL AWARDS 

Grand Championship Award: Celebrating the two groups that achieve the highest overall score out of all the participating groups in the ability section (beginner & open), showcasing extraordinary talent, exceptional skill, and an outstanding performance that sets them apart as the ultimate champions of the competition.

Most Creative Costume Award: Recognising the group with the most innovative, eye-catching, and imaginative costumes that enhance their performance and bring their concept to life.

Sportsmanship Excellence Award: Recognising the dance school that consistently demonstrates exemplary sportsmanship towards other participating schools, displaying respect, integrity, and a positive attitude throughout the competition.

Adjudicator's Choice Award: This prestigious award is bestowed upon one group per adjudicator that embodies the essence of hard work, dedication, and passion, as recognized by the adjudicators. It celebrates the outstanding effort and commitment demonstrated by the group, regardless of their placement.

Judging Criteria

Judges will score each team from 1 to 10 to total out of 50 in the following subcategories:

- Musicality

- Spacing and Formations

- Choreography

- Technicality

- Performance 

Points will be deducted for the following: 

- Use of foul language or inappropriate content (3 points per adjudicator)

- Music running over the time limit (1 point per 5 seconds)

- Sideline Intervention (3 points per adjudicator)

Prizes and awards

Placing 1st-5th and each dancer will receive a medal and certificate which will be given to their teacher. 

Special Awards

Group of the day for:

1)Showing the best sportsmanship to other schools

2)Best performance

3)Most unique routine

4)Judges award

5) Overall school and Highest scoring team award on the total score by teams entered (beginner 1*0.7 and open 1*1.0)* 

*based on the average score per school on entries average and 0.7/1.0 if tie breaker