Cathegory rules
Pole Theatre consists of 4 categories. There will be 5 competitors in each category. Applicants may select more than one category to enter. Applicants must select one of the following categories to enter per entry, and pay an entry fee for each entry.
When applying please take into consideration the judging criteria as well for the selected cathegory.
Pole Art
The category of Pole Art is for performances incorporating another dance style (e.g. lyrical, contemporary, commercial, latin, ballet etc) to create a performance that is artistic in style. Competitors must submit a theme, and will be judged on how effectively they interpret their theme through their chosen dance style. Competitors will be judged on artistry, musicality and flow. Competitors are expected to create a performance that demonstrates an artistic interpretation of their theme through movement, dance and music on the pole.
Failure to incorporate another style of dance will result in an immediate 5 point deduction. ​
Judging criteria for pole art
Pole Skill (10 Points)
In all categories, competitors will be judged on their control and execution of tricks. Competitors must be able to perform tricks and combinations with fluidity and control. Competitors with a high level of difficulty of tricks will score well only if they perform those tricks well.
Appropriateness of music choice & musical interpretation. (10 Points)
Contestants are judged on choice of music and how effectively they interpret their music.
Dance & Floorwork (10 Points)
Dance/floor work incorporating another style of dance to create an artistic interpretation of music and theme.
X-Factor & Stage Presence (10 Points)
Contestants will be judged on their ability to entertain and engage the audience.
Total Possible Points per judge: 40
Pole drama
The category of Pole Drama is for performances that tell a story. Competitors will be expected to build a clear storyline in their performance. The story must be clear. It is not enough to choose a theme or motif. The story must have a premise, development and conclusion.
For example, stating “My story will be about love and loss” will not be sufficient. A better entry would be more explicit in describing the storyline, for example:
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“My story will be about a young woman who is in love with someone who doesn’t love her back. She attempts to reach that person physically and emotionally, but they remain untouchable in spite of her efforts. She attempts to make him fall in love with her through her movement, but he walks away from her. She is heartbroken and full of anger, until she sees a beautiful bird fly past her, up and away. She longs for that freedom, and realises that she is the one holding herself back. Ultimately, she realises she must accept rejection, and in doing so she learns that she must face her own demons to be able to move forward and find happiness. My story will finish when she steps forward out of the darkness and into the light, representing that she is resolved to move forward and be strong on her own.”
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In the above second description, the storyline is clear and the judges will be able to see if the competitor has effectively conveyed their message to the audience.
Failure to have a clear storyline with will result in a low or zero point scoring in the “storyline development” category (worth 10 points). ​
Judging criteria for pole drama
Pole Skill (10 Points)
In all categories, competitors will be judged on their control and execution of tricks. Competitors must be able to perform tricks and combinations with fluidity and control. Competitors with a high level of difficulty of tricks will score well only if they perform those tricks well.
Movement & Use Of Stage (10 Points)
Competitors are judged not on dance but on movement and use of stage. Competitors should move confidently and with purpose, and effectively use the stage area.
Storyline Development (10 Points)
In Pole Drama, it is essential to tell a story. Judges will be looking for clarity in the message and story told in the performance.
X-Factor & Stage Presence (10 Points)
Contestants will be judged on their ability to entertain and engage the audience.
Total Possible Points per judge: 40
Pole Comedy
The category of Pole Comedy is for performances that incorporate humorous and comedic elements. Competitors will be judged on how well they entertain and engage the audience. ​
Judging criteria for pole comedy
Pole Skill (10 Points)
In all categories, competitors will be judged on their control and execution of tricks. Competitors must be able to perform tricks and combinations with fluidity and control. Competitors with a high level of difficulty of tricks will score well only if they perform those tricks well.
Movement & Use Of Stage (10 Points)
Competitors are judged not on dance but on movement and use of stage. Competitors should move confidently and with purpose, and effectively use the stage area.
Incorporation of Comedic Elements & Audience Engagement (10 Points)
Judges must look to see how effectively the competitor is able to entertain and engage the audience.
X-Factor & Stage Presence (10 Points)
Contestants will be judged on their ability to entertain and engage the audience.
Total Possible Points per judge: 40
Pole classique
he category of Pole Classique is for performances that celebrate the beauty and art of the sexy or sensual style of pole dance and striptease. Competitors must wear heels for at least part of their performance (minimum 1 minute). Competitors are required to remove at least one item of their costume in this category, in a such a way that the removal of the costume is incorporated into the performance. G-strings, pasties etc are permitted in some countries - please check with the Organiser.
Failure to wear heels or failure to remove a costume item will result in an immediate deduction of 5 points per violation (maximum possible deduction is 10 points in total if competitor does not comply with these requirements).
Judging criteria for pole classique
Pole Skill (10 Points)
In all categories, competitors will be judged on their control and execution of tricks. Competitors must be able to perform tricks and combinations with fluidity and control. Competitors with a high level of difficulty of tricks will score well only if they perform those tricks well.
Appropriateness of music choice & musical interpretation. (10 Points)
Contestants are judged on choice of music and how effectively they interpret their music.
Incorporation of striptease and sexy/sensual style movement into pole and floorwork. (10 Points)
Competitors must demonstrate mastery of sensual/sexy movement and dance. Competitors are required to strip/remove at least one item of clothing, and are judged on the “striptease” element. Competitors are required to wear heels. Competitors are permitted (but not required) to remove as many items of costume as they wish, down to g-string and pasties.
X-Factor & Stage Presence (10 Points)
Contestants will be judged on their ability to entertain and engage the audience.
Total Possible Points per judge: 40
Inclusivitx pledge
​At Pole Theatre Hungary it is our desire to create a safe and welcoming competition for performers of any gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, etc. Any performer is welcome on our stage and will always be treated with respect and equality. At no point will discrimination, harassment, or hate speech towards anyone competing, judging, or involved with the competition be tolerated. We pledge to make sure our competition is not only a fun and exciting event for competitors, but also inclusive and safe for everyone.