Categories 2024

Beginner Song length: 2:30-3:00 You must have started pole no longer than one academic year, unless instructors have said otherwise based on knowledge of the individual’s level. Allowed moves: basic spins (including hands only spins), climbs and static poses/ seats. Eg martini sit yes, remi sit no. Genie yes, knee hold no. Disallowed moves: inverts or moves where your hips are higher than your head eg sailors yes, cupid no.

Intermediate Song length: 3:00-3:30 Instructors will determine whether you fit in this category. Allowed moves: spins, climbs and ‘basic’ inverts including variations. eg gemini to baby valentine yes, cocoon no. Shoulder kicks and shoulder dismounts are ok. Disallowed moves: no hands only moves like Ayesha, jack knife etc, handsprings or shoulder mounts, aerial invert, reverse elbow grip moves, any move that requires extreme flexibility e.g. contortion scorpio, eagle, cocoon, etc. Other examples – eros ok, brass monkey not, jade split ok, choker jade or meat hook is not, layback are ok, Russian layback is not, allegra ok, jallegra not. Drops ok but no jade or holly drops.

Performer Song length: 2:30-3:30 A new addition to varsity for 2024, this category is all about telling a story with your performance and isn't necessarily about tricks. It focuses on your stage presence and the art of your performance. You will be judged on composition (musicality, choreo) and presentation (lines, presence, performance). Composition (50%) Presentation (50%) You can compete at any level, however it is not about how advanced your tricks are. You must only perform tricks that you are confident in. Instructors will determine your level and ability. Props are permitted, but cannot make a mess that cannot be cleaned up in under 3 minutes.

Floorwork Song length: 2:30-3:30 Another new addition for 2024, this category focuses on the flow and floorwork side of pole. Performers in this category have the perfect opportunity to make it their own... sexy, slinky, whatever YOU want it to be. It can be any style of pole. You will be judged on composition (musicality, choreo) and presentation (lines, presence, performance). Composition (50%) Presentation (50%) 30 seconds of low flow with the pole is allowed. Chairs are not allowed, the focus is on floorwork. No tricks are allowed.

Information for Performer and Floorwork Categories

Rules and marking may be different for these new categories.

Please refer to this document for details and information.

Scoresheets

Scoresheets for Beginner and Intermediate competitors

Scoresheets for floorwork and performer competitors

Last year our varsity competition raised

£1370

For Womens' Aid

Our chosen charity this year Mermaids.

Mermaids is a trans-focused charity. They provide services directly to trans children and young people, to families, and work to educate and inform professionals and organisations who want to be part of a society where trans children and young people are safe, included and empowered to be their best selves. They also campaign for the things that matter most to trans children and young people

Transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children deserve the freedom and confidence to explore their gender identity wherever their journey takes them, free from fear, isolation and discrimination.

Additional Information for Performers

Poles used will be X-Stage lite.
Left pole static, right pole spin from the audience POV. Judges will be below the stage.

Between performances, poles will be cleaned with alcohol and tacked.

If you have won varsity or another competition in previous years, you must move up to the next category.
Previous winners of the advanced category may not compete again.

Heels/boots are permitted but cannot provide additional grip that would be deemed advantageous.

Props may be used but cannot create a mess that cannot be cleaned in a timely manner.

Performers will be judged on three different areas of performance, it’s possible to do well in one of these and poorly in the others so try to make sure you consider all of these when preparing your routine!

1. Tricks
2. Creativity
3. Performance

The winner from each category will receive 2 points.
The runner up will receive 1.

In the unlikely event of a tie between 2 competitors each judge will pick the performance they personally enjoyed more.

Grip aids allowed include dry hands, iTac, mighty grip and liquid or dry chalk.

Stickum spray and gorilla grip are not allowed.

Meet the Judges...

IG: @aliciadomenica

Alicia

Alicia Domenica Alicia has been instructing and performing in the industry since 2013 and is an Xpert Trainer.

She specialises in pole, hoop and silks and has also trained in acro, hand balance and contortion.

Alicia is a performance coach and choreographer and has contributed to her students winning national titles in pole, hoop, silks and sexy style dance.

She is an experienced judge and has judged numerous competitions across the UK.

IG: @pole_with_precious

Precious

Precious began her pole journey over ten years ago now, starting with a passion for tricks in the studio before starting work st.ripping in 2014 and falling in love with the hypnotic fluidity and raw sexuality she saw on stage from the dancers she worked with. Precious now works as an instructor at multiple studios in the North of England as well as offering online learning through her Patreon at patreon.com/sarahprecious .

She loves the sheer variety of students she gets to teach and the platform this gives her to educate pole hobbyists on pole’s roots and to provide SWer students with a safe space and support.

She advocates for sex worker rights and is fiercely proud of her own stripper roots, and as an autistic adult with dyspraxia and ADHD she also works hard to promote greater understanding of neurodivergent needs in the pole industry. She believes that ‘sexy’ is whatever you want it to be, and that each individual brings something unique and powerful to their own dance when they fully embrace what sexy means to them.

IG: @kirstygpole

Kirsty

Kirsty is the co-owner of Rainbow Pole & Aerial Fitness in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

She has been pole dancing for around 14 years. Kirsty is an experienced competitor and more so now a competition mentor. Kirsty has also been on the judging scene for some years now, having previously judged lots of national comps.

Kirsty is also the co-owner of U.K. Amateur Aerial Perfomer, which has fast become the biggest Pole and Aerial Amateur competition in the UK.

She is known for her flexibility for her combination of strength and flexibility and most recently, her love of crazy kips!

Kirsty can't wait to see you all bring your ideas and hardwork to the stage!

Meet the Moderator...

IG: @hammondpoleandfitness

Lisa

Lisa is an instructor and performer based at Pole Athletes studio in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

She has been competing herself nationally and internationally for over 10 years and holds 13 titles. including UKPPC Elite winner and best choreography as well as IPAAT champion of champions.

Lisa has also judged a number of competitons such as Lincolnshire Pole Championships, British pole instructor Championships, UKPPC and UKAAP.

She loves both sides of the competing world and feels it is a real honour to be able to watch people’s stories and hard work come to life on stage.