This competition is open to all genders and gender expressions

Submissions will be accepted from 1st April - 25th April 2025.

All video submissions must be between 2-3 minutes long. If you're submitting a performance video only the first 3 minutes will be judged.

All video submissions must have been filmed no more than 12 months prior to the date of entries opening.

All applicants must be NZ citizens (or hold current NZ residency) and must be over the age of 18.

The applicant must be clearly visible in the video.

Studio recordings are fine - we are looking for performance quality over tricks so if you're filming something, Work That Camera!

Home/studio recordings must be filmed in one take, no cuts or edits. Professional edits from performances  are allowed.

Application fee is $35. Entries will not be processed without payment being received.

Applicants will be notified on 30th April 2025.

Competitors will be announced on the 7th May 2025.
 

Competitors will make a considerable effort to maintain their physical and mental health leading up to the competition. Do everything you can to be at your absolute best.

This is a national title and we want it to really mean something - go big with your ideas, be extra with your costumes. We want to showcase the absolute best and highest quality of pole performance Aotearoa has to offer.

Your song choice must be between 3-4 minutes. Selection is on a first in first served basis. Music may be professionally mixed or one song. This must be supplied to the organiser by email (info@balletschooldropouts.com) in mp3 or wav format no later than September 1st 2025 (Points on the night could be deducted for a song that is under-time or over-time).

The stage is 10.8m wide x 7.3m deep. It will be rigged with two 4m 45mm Stainless Steel X- Poles, one spinning (stage left), one static (stage right).

Pole heels are compulsory (any height)

You may use props but this must be approved by the organiser (usually anything that can be transported on a plane) 

Human props/assistants are allowed. Only the competitor may touch the poles during the performance. Bear in mind there will be kittens to assist where needed. 

Absolutely no liquid or fine glitter is permitted. 

Costumes are part of the judging criteria. It is important that as you are putting a “show” together, the costume should be fabulous. 

Costume pieces may be removed during your show. Minimum requirements - G-string and pasties (this applies to all genders)
 

The final will be held on Saturday October 18th 2025 at the Globe Theatre, Palmerston North.

On the night of the event, competitors must abide by the rules and arrive in advance as per the schedule provided.

All participants and crew must treat each other with respect and act with decorum

Each competitor must bring an evening gown/formal attire/something fancy to wear for prize giving at the end of the show. 

An expert panel will judge the competitors on the basis of:

• ​Pole Work (20 points): Muscular strength, endurance, technique & execution, variety of tricks & transitions, control.

• Dance (12 points): Flow, agility & grace, body confidence, fitness, transitions between poles.

• Stagecraft (10 points): Energy, emotion, crowd pleasing, audience engagement.

• Presentation/Costume (8 points): Attention to detail – hair, makeup, costume, does the costume function well and accentuate the theme? Any malfunctions?

A maximum of 50 points can be awarded. Half points may be awarded.