Rock N Pole Battle: A Freestyle Pole Dance Competition

This tournament-style event will put the creativity, athleticism, and improvisational skills of each dancer to the test. The format follows a dynamic, freestyle approach, and the audience will determine the winner after each battle, much like a breakdancing competition. OPEN to all studios – grab your competition team and rep your community!

1. Competition Format
•    The competition will be single-elimination, with dancers competing head-to-head in brackets.
•    Each round will feature two dancers performing solos to randomly selected songs.
•    The winner of each battle will be chosen by audience vote at the end of each round.

2. Song Selection
•    Prior to the competition, a list of songs from various genres will be placed in a hat or similar container.
•    Each round, the song for each dancer will be randomly selected from this pool.
•    Dancers will have no prior knowledge of the song they will be performing to until the moment it is chosen.
•    Song duration: Dancers will have 90 minutes to perform to their randomly assigned song. The semi-finals and final, dancers will have 2.5 minutes.

3. Performance Guidelines
•    Freestyle: Dancers must improvise and choreograph their routine on the spot to fit the mood, rhythm, and energy of the song.
•    Pole Usage: Dancers are encouraged to incorporate a variety of pole techniques, such as spins, climbs, poses, and transitions, but they should also be creative and spontaneous in their movement.
•    Choreography: While improvisation is key, dancers should showcase their personal style and creativity, blending flow, strength, musicality and stage presence to engage the audience.
•    Clothing: Standard pole dance attire (bikini, pole shorts, tops, etc.) is required, and heels are optional. No props allowed. No nudity.

4. Audience Voting
•    At the end of each battle, the audience will vote to determine the winner.
•    Voting will be done using a simple show of hands, applause and cheers.
•    The dancer who receives the most support will be declared the winner of that round and will advance to the next stage of the competition.

5. Rounds and Advancement
•    The competition will proceed in head-to-head battles, with winners advancing through the bracket to face the next competitor.
•    The final round will feature a “Grand Finale” between the last two remaining dancers, where they will each perform a final freestyle to a song chosen randomly from the hat.
•    The winner of the Grand Finale will be crowned Champion of the Rock N Pole Battle.

6. Safety and Conduct
•    Dancers must ensure their performances are safe, avoiding moves or stunts that could result in injury.
•    While freestyling, dancers should maintain a respectful attitude toward their competitors and the audience.
•    Any form of unsportsmanlike conduct, including physical or verbal aggression, will result in disqualification.

7. Technical Requirements
•    Each dancer will have access to the same 2 poles, 1 on static and 1 on spin (no modifications allowed).
•    A sound system will be provided for song playback, with the DJ responsible for ensuring smooth transitions between rounds.

The goal of this competition is to celebrate creativity, athleticism, and the unique expression of each dancer, all while encouraging a fun, engaging, and supportive atmosphere. Let the battles begin!