Solo performers are not permitted to compete against themselves, one solo per genre. There is a limit of 5 solos and 3 duos/trios per dancer. All entries must be submitted online. There is a maximum of 60 entries per dance school. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to the amount of performance time available. Entries will be classed as provisionally booked and will not be guaranteed until the full cost of entries has been received and confirmed by PULSE. Deposit must be paid within 10 days of receiving your invoice. The remaining payment must be made by the date stated on your invoice. Changes can be made to group numbers up to three weeks prior to competition.

You can enter here.

Entry prices for dancers to enter PULSE are as follows:

Solos – £30 per dance

Duets/Trios – £18 per dancer

Groups – £12 per dancer

Title Entry - £5 per solo (only solos are eligible)

Age is determined by how old you are on the day of the competition. Duo/Trio are determined by the oldest dancer. Group ages are determined by the average age. If a protest regarding age arises, all competitors must be prepared to present proof of age.

Mini - 9 and under

Junior - 10-12 years

Teen - 13-16 years

Senior - 17+

Ballet/Character: Embraces classical steps and ballet technique, permitting any method using an academic ballet technique. Both soft ballet shoes and pointe shoes are acceptable.

Contemporary: Merges modern and lyrical movements, highlighting balance, control, and musical interpretation. It deviates from classical ballet lines and should distinctly showcase the required elements within the dancer's creative expression and technique.

Street: An urban/commercial dance style blending various techniques, including hip hop, jazz, and contemporary. It may incorporate breaking, locking, freezes, etc.

Jazz: Comprises jazz technique with strong accents and characterizations, featuring kicks, leaps, turns, and isolations. The dance must maintain Jazz elements without being overridden by other dance forms. Note: Acro dance and gymnastic tricks should complement, not substitute, Jazz technique and choreography. Acro elements must be integral to the main delivery of Jazz choreography.

Lyrical: Performed to slow music, expressing emotion, storytelling, and jazz and ballet techniques. Movements convey strong emotions, characterized by fluidity and grace. Note: Lyrical dance should not be confused with Contemporary. The required elements must be visible within the dancer's creative expression and technique.

Song & Dance: entries will be theatrical performances combining both singing and dancing.  There has to be at least one third of either singing or dancing in the routine to enter this category. No vocals allowed in the musical accompaniment.

Vocal: entry will consist solely of singing, with no vocals allowed in the musical accompaniment.

Musical theatre: is a theatrical performance genre that merges songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance, frequently to convey a narrative. It typically features a stylised approach and employs various theatrical techniques. No vocals allowed in the musical accompaniment.

Tap: Incorporates tap technique, performed to any music style, using tap shoes for rhythmic beats. Tap sounds are not permitted on the music track.

Acro: Acro dance is a style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements.  It is defined by its athletic character, its unique choreography, which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics, and its use of acrobatics in a dance context.

Note: No more than 3 acro dance or gymnastic tricks are allowed in ANY dance, except for an acro routine

Per Day: Adult - £15, Child (5-16) - £8, Under 5's - Free

Per Weekend:Adult - £26, Child (5-16) - £14, Under 5s - Free

Competitors watch for free.

*Ticket prices are subject to change, if theatres add a ticket levy. Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue and Pulse dance competition serve the right to check spectator tickets at any point throughout the day as well as on arrival. Although exact times cannot be guaranteed, we aim to start no earlier than 8.30am and conclude no later than 8pm. Entry into the auditorium will only be permitted after each category or break in the running order.  Spectators are asked to be respectful and to not move around the auditorium during a dancer’s performance. We may run ahead of schedule and this should be taken into consideration if spectators leave the auditorium or venue.  Dancers will not be permitted to re-dance should a member of their spectator group be absent from the auditorium during their performance. PULSE events are family friendly events and inappropriate, offensive or unsporting behaviour will not be tolerated. All teachers, dancers, chaperones and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner towards each other and the PULSE team/venue staff. Failure to comply could result in immediate exclusion and loss of privileges to participate in future PULSE Dance Competition events.

PULSE dance competions will always provide a Professional (DBS Checked) Photographer. We may also bring a DBS checked videographer to select events.

FOR SAFEGUARDING REASONS: Photography and Videography by spectators is strictly prohibited unless you are filming your own child!! Failure to comply will result in the individual being asked to leave the auditorium or be excluded from the competition.

All dancers grant permission on their entry for PULSE to use photography and videography of their performances for promotional purposes including advertising, publicity and posting on social media outlets. If a participant is not to be photographed PULSE must be informed via email at least one week prior to the event!

Solos - max 2 mins

Duo/Trio - max 3 mins

Groups - max 5 mins

All music must be submitted online no later than 14 days prior to the event.  Failure to do so may result in the routine, or dancer, not being able to perform. Music will not be accepted on the day of competition. We understand that routine music can run over.  Any music submitted that runs excessively over the allocated time will be returned and asked to be cut. Dance schools should bring back up music to the competition in case of technical issues.  This should be on electronic devices such as an iPod, iPhone, iPad. No additional sound equipment or microphones may be used or connected to the venue sound system. Vocal performances will be provided with mics.

An original performance that remains incomplete will still receive a score but will not qualify for an overall high score award. If an act opts to re-perform, eligibility for overall high score awards is contingent upon the occurrence of a technical error during the original performance, attributed to the PULSE team or venue staff. A schedule, detailing the performance times for each act, will be dispatched to dance schools/entries no later than one week before the competition. Dancers in the initial 10 scheduled acts must arrive fully prepared, including costume, hair, and makeup. All other participating dancers should be ready to perform at least one hour before their scheduled performance time. In the event that the competition progresses ahead of schedule, dancers are still expected to perform in the order outlined in the program and be prepared backstage when called upon. Dance principals should inform dancers and their accompanying spectators that PULSE events may occasionally run ahead/behind schedule. Dancers will not be permitted to re-perform if a member of their spectator group is absent from the auditorium during their performance. Entry into the auditorium will be permitted only after each category or break in the running order. Spectators are kindly requested to be considerate and refrain from moving around the auditorium during a dancer’s performance.

Score cards MUST be collected by the principal in the auditorium at the end of the competition day.

100 points available per judge. Broken down as follows.

Technique – 30 points 

Performance & Artistry – 30 points

Commitment & Characterisation – 10 points

Choreography & Trueness to Genre – 20 points

Costume & Styling – 10 points

PULSE is judged by a panel of two- three judges. Subject to short-notice changes. All decisions made by the Judging Panel and Competition Host are deemed final and cannot be contested by entering dancers. Dancers acknowledge that the time, manner, and method of judging at the competition are at the discretion of the PULSE competition. Any protests or complaints from dance school principals/teachers must be submitted in writing to the Competition Host no later than 30 minutes before an awards segment, with notification to a PULSE team member.  Each performance is assessed based on five judging elements with a maximum of 100 points per judge. Inappropriate content may result in lower scores and disqualification from overall high score awards. Ties will be broken for all awards by the judging panel.

Trophies will be presented for 1st, 2nd + 3rd place. Each duo, trio & group that place will receive one trophy per routine but all dancers receive medals should they place.

PULSE hosts a title competition at each event, which will be incorporated into the solo competition.

Miss/Mr MINI PULSE (9 years and under)

Miss/Mr JUNIOR PULSE (10-12 years)

Miss/Mr TEEN PULSE (13-16 years)

Miss/Mr SENIOR PULSE (17+ years)

workshop winners  - prizes include weekend tickets for the superweekender and scholarships to the lab company and base performing arts college.

dance off stars - our dance off is sponsored by our partner “MOVE IT” and dancers can win day tickets and discount codes to next years convention.

1st, 2nd and 3rd for every section

Overall high scoring solo

Overall high scoring duo/trio

Overall high scoring group

Photographers Choice 

6x judges choice awards which could include : Best Costume, Best Performance, Best Choreography, Triple Threat Award, Best Technique 

Dancers taking part in our competitions understand that dancing involves certain risks. By registering for any PULSE event, participants acknowledge and accept these risks. PULSE, its Director, and employees won't be held responsible for injuries or illnesses that may occur during the competition.

Dancers compete at their own risk, and PULSE, along with the hosting venue, is not liable for any injuries sustained during the event. It's essential for schools to ensure that the tricks and movements performed by their dancers are suitable for each dancer's ability.

Neither PULSE nor the hosting venue is responsible for any damage, loss, or injury to dancers, spectators, or their property while on the venue premises.

Dance school principals, teachers, and parents in charge, must adhere to the Release of Liability Clause during the registration process for each entry.

As our events are open to the public, we encourage all attendees to:

- Supervise children at all times.
- Take responsibility for personal belongings.
- Be aware of the venue's surroundings and emergency exits.
- Inform a PULSE team member of any unsuitable or suspicious activity.

All dancers remain the sole responsibility of their dance school/studio. PULSE is not responsible for any competitor. All entrants under the age of 16 must be chaperoned by a dance school/studio nominated adult at every PULSE event. Each dance school is permitted one chaperone/teacher per 10 children. Two free passes per school will be provided. All named chaperones must have their DBS or chaperone licence details registered with PULSE prior to the competition. Dance school principals/persons in charge and chaperones are responsible and accountable for the conduct of the children in their care throughout the competition. Only those registered as a chaperone will be permitted backstage. Chaperones must wear their respective wristband provided by PULSE staff at all time so they are easily identifiable. Male chaperones are not permitted in female changing areas at any time. Specific changing areas for male dancers will be provided at every competition. Public areas will be available for those not permitted backstage to assist dancers with any costume changes.Corridors and fire exits must not be blocked at any time during the competition in case of emergencies.

Dancers are anticipated to adhere to the performance order as outlined in the printed program unless explicit approval is granted by the Competition Host before the event or if special permission is given for costume changes on the competition day. Dancers are allowed a maximum of three acts for costume changes. Failure to adhere to this may render dancers ineligible for overall high point awards, except when pre-approved delays are granted by the Host. Entire acts must be performed on the stage. Performers should enter and exit solely from the wings. Starting, dancing, or concluding a performance in the audience is strictly prohibited. Jumping off the front of the stage is not permitted. Additionally, throwing items into the audience or from the audience is strictly prohibited. Running in front of the judges' table or approaching the panel of judges is not allowed. Presenting gifts to the judges in connection with a performance is not permitted. No special stage or house lighting will be arranged for any performance. Teachers, parents, or dancers are strictly prohibited from practicing, rehearsing, or gathering on stage at any time.

Cancellation and Amendment Policy: Any withdrawal of entries after the specified deadline will result in the forfeiture of both the deposit and the entire entry fee paid for that particular competition entry. Alterations to registered dancers in performances must be made three weeks prior to the competition. If changes occur on the competition day, immediate notification to the Competition Director is required. Adjustments to group sizes, age divisions, and/or levels should be completed before the scheduled performances.

PULSE reserves the right to cancel any event that fails to meet the minimum number of acceptable entries. Additionally, the competition reserves the right to introduce extra competition days and/or relocate the event due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event of PULSE event being compelled to cancel a competition due to a health pandemic, unforeseen natural disaster, or global emergency, all entry fees will be refunded. However, no entry fee refunds will be provided during such emergencies if the required minimum number of acts is registered, and PULSE is allowed to proceed with the event.

Props are permitted if they do not cause harm to the backdrop, wings, or stage floor and can be easily removed after the routine. Failing to fully clean the stage within the given time or causing damage may lead to point deductions, and the stage must be restored to its original condition before the performance. For safety, all props (freestanding or hand-held) must not exceed a maximum height of 10 feet. Customised backdrops and special lighting are not allowed. Helium balloons are acceptable if weighted and approved by the contracted venue. PULSE cannot guarantee power outlets for props requiring electricity, so it is recommended to use battery-operated props. If the Competition Host or venue staff deem a prop's weight unsafe, its use will be prohibited. Maximum weight limits for venue stages are available upon request. If sliding props cause damage to the backdrop, wings, or stage floor, the dance school principal is responsible for replacement. Props cannot be stored overnight at a venue; they must be loaded in and out on the same day. Storing props in wings or backstage corridors is not allowed to prevent potential health and safety hazards. PULSE is not responsible for unattended props. Any special requests for prop assembly must be discussed with the Competition prior to the competition day. All props must be labeled with the dance school name for identification. Prop setup and removal must occur within a 30-second time limit. Exceeding this limit may result in a 5-point deduction for the performance.