Hellzapoppin’

Australian Hellzapoppin’ Prize

ParentSome of the smokin’ action at Hellzapoppin’ at MLX8, 2008.

We’re thrilled to have the Australian Hellzapoppin’ Prize back again to mark our 10th anniversary!

When does rego close?

A this stage the number of competitors in the AHP is limited to 30 couples, so please register early to ensure your place. Places in the AHP are only confirmed on payment from BOTH partners.

Registrations for Hellzapoppin’ now close 19th November 2010.

Entry Requirements

Both individuals in each couple entering AHP must:

hold Australian Residency status at the time of entry;
properly register and pay the entry fee prior to registrations closing;
arrive at Ormond Hall between 6.30pm and 7.00pm on the night to complete the registration process and receive their competitor number;
attend the compulsory competitor meeting at 7.00pm on the night of the competition;
agree to abide by the judges’ decision, which is final;
agree to participate in media commitments organised by the MJDA and sponsors of the Australian Hellzapoppin’ Prize in order to promote MLX10, Hellzapoppin’ and the Australian lindy hop scene.

Prize

The winning couple will receive an official AHP trophy each and a FULL PASS each for:

SWING CAMP OZ
JANUARY 16-21, 2011
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

Please also note that the Australian Hellzapoppin’ Prize is NOT a qualifying round for the Hellzapoppin’ World Championship.

Costs

The competitor entry fee is $15 per competitor for MLX10 Pass holders. The fee is $50 for non pass holders (including AHP entry fee + 3 hours social dancing to the ‘Jason Downes and the Tempo of Doom’ band at Ormond Hall).

Competition Rules

The Australian Hellzapoppin’ Prize is not a rules-based competition, but instead aims to capture the spirit of lindy hop.

There are no rules regarding men or women leading and following. Anyone can lead and anyone can follow.

There are no rules about “swing content”.

There are no disqualifications.

But competitors are asked to lend their dancing the Savoy edge with glamorous 1930s, 40s or smart evening attire (ie not Tshirts and jeans). Exception: Shoes, wear anything that gives you the Hellzapoppin’ edge.

Simply ensure you are registered properly, respect your fellow competitors, stay safe and have fun!

Elements

Within the competition couples will dance in two different formats:

1. All-skate (i.e.: social dance format): all couples within a given heat/round dance on the floor simultaneously. The judges will circulate to view all couples. Couples are expected to practice safe and responsible floor-craft in the all-skate without endangering other couples on the dance floor.

2. Shine Battle (i.e.: phrase battle or jam session format): two couples dance at a time, dancing for two phrases. Like a jam session, the couples take turns, dancing one or two at a time in an assigned order, until the song ends. It will be ensured that all couples receive the same number of shines. Couples are expected to recognise phrasing and are held accountable for entering and exiting their shines as timing requires. Musical phrasing will be varied and will include both Standard and Blues song forms.

Judging Criteria

Couples will be judged on musicality, partnership, repertoire, innovation, connection and audience feedback. The Judges decisions are final.

1. Musicality
a. Interpretation – Dancers will be judged on their ability to improvise and respond to the music, within the context of the partnership, without disrupting lead and follow.

b. Song form – Dancers are expected to recognise phrasing, including Blues and Standard song forms. Dancers are judged on their ability to reflect the beginning and ending of phrases through movement. Timing is essential.

2. Partnership
Followers are judged on their ability to improvise within the paradigm the leads create. Leaders are judged upon maturity in allowing followers opportunity to improvise.

3. Repertoire – Couples are judged on the breadth of their lindy hop repertoire including swing-outs, Charleston, breakaways and air steps. Dancers will be judged on their ability to select dance steps appropriate to the music.

4. Innovation
Creativity is encouraged.

5. Connection
Couples will be judged upon their ability to have a conversation within the dance using verbal, tactile and visual lead and follow. Call and response is encouraged.

6. Audience feedback
The reaction of spectators will be monitored and gauged independently of the designated judges.

Competition Format

The Australian Hellzapoppin’ Prize consists of 3 preliminary heats (each with no more than 10 couples), a semi-final featuring 5 couples, and a final featuring 2 couples.

The heats, semi-final and final will be run at the start of the evening, 7:30pm till 9:00pm, with time for the competitors to catch their breath.

Which heat you are in and what order you are in that heat will be randomly assigned on the night. You will be told this information at the compulsory Competitor Meeting at 7.00pm.

Music throughout the competition will range in tempo from Medium, i.e. 160bpm to Very Fast, i.e. 320bpm.

As a guide use the following:
160-190 = Medium
190-220 = Medium fast
220-260 = Fast
260-320 = Very Fast

The competition format is as follows (this may be revised):

1. HEATS
All the competitors will be divided into three heats. You will compete in one heat only.

Each heat will consist of:
1. Shine Battle, fast tempo, 1 song
2. All-Skate, medium to fast tempo, 1 song

The judges will then select 5 couples out of all of the heats to progress to the semi-final. The judges may choose any number of couples out of any heat, there is no requirement for them to choose a couple from each heat.

2. SEMI-FINAL
Five couples.

The semi-final will consist of:
1. Shine Battle, fast tempo, 1 song
2. All-Skate, fast tempo, 1 song
The judges will then select two couples to progress to the final.

3. FINAL

Two couples dance for two final songs, consisting of:
1. All Skate / Shine Battle, very fast tempo, 1 song

Process On the Night

Hellzapoppin’ program:
6.30pm – 7.00pm Competitor Registration
7.00pm – 7.30pm Compulsory Competitor Meeting
7.00pm Doors open to public
7.30pm sharp Competition begins
9:00pm -12:00pm The Jason Downes Big Band plays for social dancing

1. Competitors have special entry to Ormond Hall from 6.30pm to 7.00pm (before the doors open to spectators at 7.00pm). All competitors MUST arrive and register at the Competitor Registration Desk BEFORE 7.00pm, where you will complete the registration process, and receive your competitor number (leads only will be required to wear a number).

2. You will not be able to compete unless your registration is complete and checked and you have been given your number. This must be completed before 7.00pm.

3. A COMPULSORY competitor meeting will be held from 7.00pm sharp. ALL competitors must attend this meeting. You will receive information about which heat you are in, your order in that heat, the format of the evening, competition rules, elements and judging criteria and any important last minute information. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the other competitors.

4. You are responsible for being ready for your heat on the night. Please ensure you are ready and warmed up for your heat: the competition will go ahead without you if you do not arrive when your name is called out. Listen out for the MC who will keep everyone aware of the format throughout the evening.

5. Leads, you will be required to wear a number for the competition. Please ensure you wear it in a clear and obvious place. This is for your benefit – if the judges can not see your number, they will not be able to note you down to advance to the next round.

6. During your heat, the MC may ask you to stand still in your place or face a certain direction so the judges can see your number – please pay attention and listen closely to the MC for such instructions.