2. Dances must last no longer than 7 minutes from the first dancer walking on to the last going off, or teams will forfeit 5 pts per minute
3. **** The Premier class will consist of those teams scoring more than 80% (exc. characters) at their last DERT appearance . The Open class will consist of those teams scoring less than 80% (exc. characters) at their last DERT appearance plus newcomers etc. ****
4. Teams must dance in the designated area.
5. Teams are marked on the following categories:
a.Music (15 points)
b.Stepping (15 points)
c.Presentation (15 points)
d.Sword Handling and Sword Technique.(30 points)
e.Buzz Factor (25 points)
f.Characters (10 points awarded separately for trophy).
6. In the unlikely event of a tie in a class or for the Steve Marris Trophy or one of the classes then the character marks will be
added onto the score making a maximum of 110 marks. In the event of neither team having characters or a further tie then an audience vote will take place.
7. In the event of one entry only for a class then the class will still go ahead but the team must achieve 65% or over of the available 100 marks to be awarded 1st place status, less than that and the team will be awarded 2nd place.
Please note the change to rule 3
To win at DERT is a considerable achievement and it is a proud distinction to add to the team C.V. However it is clear to any observer that fortunes wax and wane, the rheumatism strikes, dancers can no longer see their toes let alone touch them. New, less accomplished dancers are introduced and have to be ‘brought on’. On the other hand young, thrusting (In the nicest sense!) lasses and lads are oozing out of the woodwork and doing great things. The change to rule three takes account of these factors, allowing well deserved promotion and gentle relegation on a year by year basis.
Footnotes.
1) Where A & B teams are entered in different competitive classes, then a spirit of fairness would suggest that the B team should contain no more than 2 A team competitors.
2) The same dance may not be used by teams entering both exhibition & competitive classes.
3) Occasionally, those who are clinically addicted to rapper turn up dancing in several teams (and even at the same time!!). This could possibly lead to 5 itinerants sweeping the board or“Doing a Snark” as its known in the trade. This practice is not encouraged at DERT and dancers should have a prime allegiance, however if as a result of injury, sickness or Act of God a team finds themselves short and unable to dance or attend, then guests may be included at the discretion of the organisers.
4) A traditional dance should be named and be older than 30 years (a generation?). It should be danced in the spirit of the recognised notation where one exists.