RISE - Pole & Aerial Art Championship
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Competition Guidelines

1. ENTRY PROCESS

The RISE Championship is open to all nationalities residing in South Africa, whether entering individually or as representatives of a studio.

1.1         ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • A signed indemnity form is required upon entry.
  • A valid copy of your ID or passport must be submitted with your entry and payment.
  • Entry Fees:
    • R450 per solo entry
    • R600 per duet (total, not per person)
  • Entrants may enter both Pole and Hoop divisions; however, each apparatus requires a separate entry form and separate entry fee.
  • Entry fees are payable at the time of submission and cover the video adjudication process.
  • Entry fees are non-refundable, including in cases where the entrant does not advance beyond the video selection round.

1.2         VIDEO ENTRY (ALL DIVISIONS)

All entrants are required to submit a video audition by the deadline: 5th July 2026. This video will be used for finalist selection and division placement only.

Finalists will then be given a dedicated four-month window (July to October) to further develop and refine their final routine — including choreography, music, costuming, and staging. This preparation period ensures that every competitor has the time and support to present their most polished, expressive work on the RISE stage.

Video Submission Guidelines:

  • Maximum duration: 2 minutes
  • The routine does not need to match your final performance piece
  • The video must be recorded within the past 6 months
  • Content should align with the RISE judging criteria (see scorecard). Video submissions will be evaluated based on both technical skill and overall performance quality on the chosen apparatus.
  • No edits allowed — the routine must be captured in one continuous take
  • The competitor must be clearly visible at all times
  • Upload the video to YouTube and provide the video link with your entry form

1.3 FINAL SELECTION

 Finalists for the RISE Championship will be selected based on the highest-scoring video submissions, with consideration given to the overall number of entries received.

The judging panel and organisers reserve the right to reassign a competitor to a more appropriate division if their video submission reflects a skill level different from the one originally entered. This ensures fairness, consistency, and the integrity of the competition.

2. DIVISIONS AND AGE CATEGORIES

Competitors must select the division most appropriate to their experience.

2.1 DIVISIONS

All divisions are mixed gender. Where three (3) or more competitors of a single gender are registered within a division, the organisers reserve the right to create separate gender categories.

Competitors must enter the division that accurately reflects their current skill level. If a competitor’s level changes after submission of their RISE entry — including achieving a podium placement in another competition — the organisers must be notified, and the division may be adjusted accordingly. The organisers reserve the right to make final determinations regarding appropriate division placement.

Any competitor who has achieved 1st place in a division at a previous RISE Championship may not re-enter that same division and is required to progress to the next appropriate level of difficulty.

Any division with fewer than three (3) registered entrants may be merged with an adjacent level of difficulty at the organisers’ discretion.

2.1.1 Amateur Division

Recommended Training Experience: 3 months – 2 years

  • Suitable for students who are new to pole or aerial arts and are still developing foundational strength, flexibility, and confidence.
  • Competitors must not be instructors or professional performers in any aerial discipline.
  • May include those with local showcase experience, but not prior competition rankings.

2.1.2 Intermediate Division

Recommended Training Experience: 1–2.5 years

  • For those who have a solid foundation in pole or aerial arts and have started to explore more complex transitions and combinations.
  • May include instructors at a Beginner level or those who have competed at Beginner / Amateur level.

2.1.3 Advanced Division

Recommended Training Experience: 1.5–4+ years

  • Designed for those with significant training history and stage experience.
  • Includes instructors teaching advanced classes, or competitors with results in Advanced or Professional competitions.

2.1.4 Elite Division

Recommended Training Experience: 4+ years (or equivalent professional-level experience)

  • For seasoned instructors, professional performers, or athletes competing at the highest national or international levels.
  • Includes those who have placed in the top 3 of national competitions at Elite, Advanced, or Professional levels.

AGE CATEGORIES

Age categories are selected during the entry process and are defined as follows:

  • Junior: 13–17 years
  • Senior: 18–39 years
  • Masters: 40 years and older

Where an age category has fewer than three (3) registered entrants, the organisers reserve the right to merge that category with the most appropriate adjacent age group.

3. COSTUME & PROPS

To uphold the artistic and professional standards of the RISE Championship, the following costume and prop guidelines apply to all competitors:

  • Competitors may perform barefoot, or wear ballet shoes, jazz shoes, or other footwear that complements their theme. Boots and high heels are permitted but must be pre-approved by the organisers, provided they are relevant to the theme and overall artistic expression.
  • Lingerie and G-strings are not permitted as part of any costume. Standard underwear may be worn underneath the costume, but it should not be visible or intentionally incorporated into the performance attire.
  • Female competitors must not perform topless. Male competitors may perform topless. All competitors are expected to ensure their costumes provide sufficient coverage and uphold a professional, family-friendly standard.
  • Costumes must not expose nipples (female), excessive breast tissue (female), buttocks, or the groin area. Non-compliance with these costume standards may result in disqualification.
  • Removable outer costume pieces (e.g., jackets, capes, hats) are allowed, provided the competitor is appropriately dressed underneath.
  • Props are allowed if they:
    • Can be set up and cleared within 1 minute,
    • Do not leave any mess or residue on the stage, and
    • The stage space can safely accommodate it.
  • The use of fire, liquids, powders, or any potentially hazardous materials is strictly prohibited.
  • Human props are permitted, but:
    • They may not use or interact with the apparatus, and
    • Must remain supportive and non-distracting to the main performer.

4. GRIP AID GUIDELINES

The following grip products (and similar) are permitted for use:

  • Cat’s Claws
  • Infinity Grip
  • Mighty Grip Chalk
  • Dry Hands
  • Chalk
  • Liquid Chalk

Grip enhancers that leave a sticky or hard-to-clean residue on the apparatus are strictly prohibited. This includes products such as ITAC, ProGrip, Stickum, and similar.

5. MUSIC GUIDELINES

All competitors must adhere to the following music submission requirements:

  • Each competitor must submit one continuous music track with a duration of 2 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes 45 seconds.
  • Music may be instrumental or contain lyrics, but explicit or offensive language is strictly prohibited.
  • If multiple competitors select the same track, they will be notified and may either retain their selection or submit an alternative piece.
  • Music must be submitted in MP3 format via email, WeTransfer, or Dropbox by 18th October 2026.
  • All files must be clearly labelled with the competitor’s full name, division, and apparatus. Example: JaneSmith_Amateur_Pole

6. JUDGING 

The RISE Championship is adjudicated by an experienced panel of judges under the following terms:

  • The winner in each division will be the competitor with the highest overall score.
    In the case of a tie, the competitor with the highest Artistic score will be declared the winner.
  • Judges and organisers reserve the right to stop a performance at any time in the event of:
    • A breach of rules or regulations
    • Health and safety concerns
  • To maintain fairness:
    • A minimum of two judges will score each section of the scorecard
    • The Errors / Deductions section will be assessed by one designated judge
  • The judges’ decisions are final and will not be open to discussion or appeal.
  • Winners will be announced during the final event awards presentation.
  • Competitors may not engage with judges before or during the competition.
    Any questions or concerns must be directed to the organisers or an assigned liaison.
  • Competitors may request a copy of their individual scorecard following the event.
  • Overall rankings may be made public at the discretion of the organisers.

7. STAGING AND APPARATUS

To ensure all competitors are adequately prepared, the following apparatus and stage layout details apply:

7.1 POLES

  • Two 3.5m high Chrome X-Poles will be provided, approximately 3m apart.
  • Competitors are encouraged to demonstrate proficiency on both static and spinning poles.
  • Stage orientation:
    • The static pole will be on the competitor’s right,
    • The spinning pole will be on the competitor’s left — when facing the audience from centre stage.

7.2 AERIAL HOOP

  • A standard hoop will be provided. There will be 2 diameters to choose from: 90cm or 95cm.
  • Hoop height will be set during rehearsals for each competitor.
  • A thin safety mat will be placed beneath the hoop. Please take this into account when choreographing your piece.

8. RIGHTS OF THE ORGANISERS

The RISE Championship organisers reserve the right to:

  • Amend judging criteria, division structures, apparatus specifications, and event regulations as necessary.
  • Reassign competitors to a different division where deemed more appropriate based on skill level or competition history.
  • Record, photograph, publish, and distribute event material for promotional, marketing, and archival purposes.
  • Exclude or decline publication of any material considered unsuitable.
  • Implement reasonable changes to rules, regulations, scheduling, or division structures up to one (1) month prior to the event. Written notice will be provided where applicable.
  • Disqualify any competitor who fails to comply with competition rules, safety standards, or professional conduct requirements.

All decisions made by the organisers and judging panel are final.

9. PHOTOS & VIDEOS

Competitors acknowledge that their performances may be photographed and recorded by an official event photographer and videographer appointed by the Organisers.

All footage and imagery captured during the event remain the property of the Organisers, and may be used for promotional, marketing, or archival purposes, without compensation to the competitors.

A photography and video package will be available for purchase, offering high-quality images and footage of individual performances. Details on pricing and how to order will be communicated closer to the event.

10. COMPETITOR RULES AND REGULATIONS

All competitors are expected to uphold the integrity, professionalism, and safety standards of the RISE Championship. Failure to comply with these rules may result in immediate disqualification at the discretion of the organisers or judging panel.

10.1   ELIGIBILITY & ENTRY COMPLIANCE

  • A valid form of identification (ID or passport) must be submitted upon entry (see Section 1.1: Entry Requirements).
  • Entry fees must be paid in full before a competitor’s participation can be confirmed.
  • A signed indemnity form (from the Venue / RISE) is required for all entrants.

10.2 CONDUCT & PROFESSIONALISM

  • The use of drugs, alcohol, or any intoxicating substances is strictly prohibited before or during the event.
  • Nudity, sexually explicit movement, or inappropriate gestures are not allowed under any circumstances.
  • Competitors must demonstrate respectful and courteous behaviour towards all event staff, fellow competitors, judges, venue personnel, and volunteers.
  • Direct contact with judges is prohibited before and during the competition. All questions or concerns must be addressed to the event organisers.
  • Verbal or physical misconduct, intimidation, or disruptive behaviour will result in disqualification and possible exclusion from future events.
  • Any competitor found in violation of safety guidelines, including misusing the apparatus, endangering others, or compromising the stage environment, will be subject to immediate disqualification.

11. WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Participation in the RISE Championship is voluntary and undertaken at the competitor’s own risk.

By entering the competition, each competitor acknowledges that pole and aerial disciplines are physically demanding activities involving inherent risks, including the risk of serious injury.

Competitors expressly assume full responsibility for any injury, loss, damage, or expense sustained before, during, or after participation in the event, including travel to and from the venue.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, competitors release and hold harmless the Organisers, the Venue, and all associated directors, employees, contractors, agents, landlords, lessees, sponsors, and related parties from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, or causes of action arising from participation in the RISE Championship, including but not limited to claims arising from negligence, omissions, breach of duty, breach of contract, or statutory obligations.

A separate indemnity form issued by the venue must be signed by each competitor, or by a parent / legal guardian where applicable.

12. TICKETS AND EVENT DETAILS

  • The competition will take place at The Cirk, Cresta, JHB on Sunday the 8th November
  • Tickets can be purchased via The Cirk website, details will be released closer to the time.
  • The final running order will be released after the finalists are announced.

VIDEO ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following scorecard applies to the video selection round only and is used for finalist selection and division placement. The live event scorecard will differ and will be issued to confirmed finalists.

ARTISTIC CRITERIA

a. Apparatus Choreography

Evaluates creative and intentional use of apparatus as an expressive tool. Judges look for:

  • Fluid, innovative movements with creative use of space
  • Purposeful transitions between elements
  • Varied use of levels, directions, and orientations
  • Combinations demonstrating musicality and storytelling cohesion

b. Floor / Dance Integration

Assesses meaningful incorporation of dance and floor movement. Judges evaluate:

  • Purposeful floorwork that enhances the overall performance
  • Diverse movement styles supporting the chosen theme
  • Quality of body lines, control, and spatial awareness

c. Musical Interpretation

Measures responsiveness to musical elements throughout the routine:

  • Alignment with musical phrasing, accents, and tempo changes
  • How musical choices enhance emotional storytelling
  • Effective use of dynamic contrast, stillness, and timing

 

EXECUTION CRITERIA

a. Lines & Form

Assesses aesthetic quality and precision of movement:

  • Elongated lines with pointed toes, engaged posture, extended limbs
  • Full body awareness and control during all phases
  • Consistent refinement of form in all shapes and transitions

b. Element Clarity

Evaluates precision of shapes and positions:

  • Complete execution of elements with correct angles
  • Clear presentation of shapes with adequate hold time
  • Proper form in both upright and inverted positions

 

TECHNICAL CRITERIA

a. Spins & Transitions

Assesses technical quality and flow:

  • Smooth rotation, consistent momentum, and clean exits in spins
  • Seamless linking between elements without hesitation
  • Integration of technical mechanics into overall performance flow

b. Strength & Flexibility Elements

Evaluates control and form in physically demanding movements:

  • Stable strength holds with full body engagement
  • Flexibility elements showing controlled range of motion
  • Intentional hold time with proper alignment and form.
  •