MPDSA rules
​

DOWNLOAD THE RULES: (Please note the dates have changed to 30 July. We are still updating them in the rules)
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​Competition Details  
​Final Competition Date: 30 APRIL 2022
Final Competition Venue: THE CIRK , FAIRLANDS

Session 1:                      
Artiste: Beginner and Intermediate
Exotique: Beginner and Intermediate

Session Two:     
​Artiste: Advanced and Professional
Exotique: Advanced and Professional
Duets: All Levels
Mens:  All Levels
​Key Dates
  • Video Entry Submissions Open                     14 February 2022
  • Entries Close                                                      29 May 2022 (12h00)
  • Video Submission                                             20 June 2022
  • Finalist Announcement                                    25 June 2022
  • Ticket sales open                                               1 March 2022
  • Music Submission Deadline                            25 June 2022
  • Schedule to Competitors                                  1 July 2022
  • Rehearsal Day for Competitors                       29 July 2022
  • Miss Pole Dance SA finals                               30 July 2022
 
 *The above dates are subject to change at the discretion of the Organizers but Competitors will be informed of any date changes within a reasonable time.
​General Information 
  • The competition is open to all Competitors who are South Africa Citizens or permanent residents of South Africa.
  • The competition is open to competitors regardless of which studio they attend.
  • All Competitors ages must be 18 years and older to take part in the competition.
  • The Competitors must complete and sign the indemnity form within the entry form.
  • A copy of the Competitor’s valid ID/Passport, a recent photo, proof of payment of the entry fee, video submission, along with the completed entry form in accordance with all the rules and regulations must be submitted via email to info@misspoledance.co.za on or before 3 April 2022 at 12h00 to be considered as a qualifying entry.
  • The Competitor him/herself must submit the entry form.
  • For Duets, each Competitor needs to complete an individual form, attach a photo of themselves and submit a copy of their ID/Passport but the payment and video must all be submitted together at the same time for a qualifying entry.
  • For any queries related to the entry form, rules and regulations and the competition in general, please contact the Organizers via e-mail: info@misspoledance.co.za.
​Entry Fees  
  • Entry fees apply to all Categories and Divisions
  • Competitors may only enter up to one solo division and one duet division.
  • Entry fee for solo division is R350 per person, and R600 for Duet couple.
  • Entry fees must be made via Pay Now request, and must accompany the completed and signed entry form, video submission, copy of ID/Passport and recent photo.
  • Entry fees are not refundable. 
​Categories
​There will be FOUR categories:
 
  1. MPDSA Exotique: The exotic side of pole; sensual movement, exotic heels and feels which will have 4 divisions: Amateur, Intermediate, Advanced and Professional.
  2. MPDSA Artiste: The artistic side of pole; expression, interpretation, movement and art which will have 4 divisions: Amateur, Intermediate, Advanced and Professional.
  3. MPDSA Duets: This will have 4 divisions: Amateur, Intermediate, Advanced and Professional competing all together in one category.
  4. MPDSA Men: This will have 4 divisions: Amateur, Intermediate, Advanced and Professional competing all together in one category.
 
All themes are open to all Categories provided the theme falls in line with the above category description.
Division Levels  
​All video entries will be scrutinized to determine that the ability and level the Competitor has entered is correct and, in the event that the Organizers of the Competition determine that the Competitor has entered the incorrect level, the Organizers have unilateral discretion to move such competitor to the correct level and such Competitor will be advised accordingly.
 
A.   Amateur
  • Men and women over 18 years old.
  • It must be clear to the Judges that pole dancing is a new sport for you.
                             
B.   Intermediate
  •  Men and women over 18 years old.
  • It must be clear to the judges that you are becoming increasingly familiar with pole dancing, but although you are capable of performing more difficult tricks, you are still getting the flow and technique right.
  • You are required to do more strenuous and daring moves which require more strength and flexibility than the amateur level.
 
C.   Advanced   
  • Men and women over 18 years old.
  • It must be clear to the judges that you are confident in your ability to perform your moves and you have a lot of strength, flexibility, and pole experience. You may be new to the advanced category because you recently competed in Intermediate, but you are not strong enough to compete against the seasoned pole dancers. This is a good place to enter if you want to compete internationally in the future but are not ready yet. If you have won awards for advanced competitions, or you are extremely strong and flexible, you need to enter the Professional Division.
 
D.   Professional
  •  Men and women over 18 years old.
  • You have competed in numerous pole competitions. You have strength, flexibility, stamina, and vast pole experience. This means that you take pole dance sport seriously i.e. you perform in shows, this is your profession and that you are at the level where you are able to compete at an international standard. You are either very flexible (contortion moves) or you have built super shoulder and core strength (required for tumbles, drops and dynamic moves).
​Judges Scorecard  
Please take note and carefully review Clause 6 (Division Levels) and Clause 8 (Pole Routine Requirements) of the Competition Rules and which contain all the necessary details regarding compulsory and prohibited moves allocated for each category and/or division.

ARTISTE

1.  Pole Skill (50%)
  • Strength and Stamina (10 points)
  • Flexibility (10 points)
  • Flow of Transitions and Combinations (10 points)
          In addition to the above, Synchronicity and Timing for partners will also be taken into consideration for Duets
  • Lines, Posture and Feet (10 points)
  • Level of Difficulty (for your division) and Execution (10 points)
          Score out of 50 points

2.  Pole Dance (50%)
  • Use of stage floor and fluidity of movement (10 points)
  • Use of expression through body and face (10 points)
  • Musical expression and interpretation (10 points)
  • Use of Theme (outfit, use of props, bringing theme to life) (10 points)
  • Choreography (10 points)
          Score out of 50 points
 
FINAL SCORE WILL BE OUT OF 100 POINTS

Point Deductions:
  • Submission video/ Final performance is over/under time (2 points per 10 seconds)
  • Prohibited Moves performed as per clause 8 of the Competition Rules (5 points per move)
  • Compulsory Moves not performed as per clause 8 of the Competition Rules (5 points per move)
  • Extra moves performed over and above the number of Optional Moves allowed as per clause 8 of the Competition Rules (5 points per move)
  • Floorwork going over the allocated time allowed as per clause 8 of the Competition Rules (2 points)
  • Hand Adjustments (2 points per hand adjustment)
  • Costume Malfunction (3 points per malfunction - creeping underwear, broken bra strap etc.). Nudity will result in an immediate Disqualification.
  • Human Props who use the pole during the routine (10 points)
  • Falling off Pole (10 points for first fall, Disqualification after second fall).
  •  For Duets, there must be equal sharing of partner carrying based moves as per clause 8 of the Competition Rules (5 points for every move not evenly performed by both partners)

EXOTIQUE

  1. Pole Skill (50%)
  • Foot and leg work (10 points)
  • Flexibility (10 points)
  • Floorwork (10 points)
  • Flow of movement (10 points)
  • Level of Difficulty (for your division) and Execution (10 points)
Score out of 50 points
 
2.   Pole Dance (50%)
  • Use of stage floor (10 points)
  • Use of expression through body and face (10 points)
  • Musical expression and interpretation (10 points)
  • Use of theme (outfit, use of props, bringing theme to life) (10 points)
  • Choreography (10 points)
     Score out of 50 points
 
Point Deductions:
  • Final performance is over/under time (2 points per 10 seconds)
  • Costume Malfunction (Nudity will result in an immediate Disqualification)
  • Human Props who use the pole during the routine (10 points)
  • Falling off Pole (10 points for first fall, Disqualification after second fall).
  • Heels not 6 inches (5 points)
 
  1. Footwear - Competitors must wear high heels, or high heeled boots with a minimum of a 6 inch heels. 
  2. Costume: The Performer may not perform nude. G-strings and nipple caps are permissible with approval from the MPDSA Organisers by no later than 20 July 2022. Competitors are permitted to remove articles of clothing or part of their costume as part of their routine. 
  3. Props: Use of props is permitted. No plastic confetti or glitter cannons, unless written permission from MPDSA Organisers is received in advance. Props must be able to be set up and removed in less than 2 minutes. 
  4. Human Props will be permitted provided they do not do any actual dancing and they must hold a valid entry ticket for the show. Maximum of 1 human prop per competitor is allowed. 
  5. Grip Aids (PVC clothing, knee pads, gloves etc) are permitted as per the rules.

Pole Routine Requirements  
​Amateur

  • The Competitor may not have entered and won the Amateur division previously.
  • Must perform a choreographed routine of 2-3 minutes.
  • May make use of one or two poles (Static and/or spinning).
  • A maximum of 1 minute floor work is permitted, but not necessary (artiste), no time limit on floorwork (exotique)
  • Any pole moves/tricks performed may not be more than that of an amateur level/standard
  • Download Rules at the top of the page for Required Moves

Intermediate

  • The Competitor may not have won the Intermediate division previously.
  • Must perform a choreographed routine of 3 to 3:30 minutes.
  • Must make use of two poles. One must be static and the other spinning.
  • A maximum of 1:30 minutes of floor work is allowed (artiste), no time limit on floorwork (exotique)
  • Any pole moves/tricks performed may not be more than that of an intermediate level/standard
  • Download Rules at the top of the page for Required Moves

Advanced

  • The Competitor may not have entered and won the Advanced division previously.    
  • Must perform the same compulsory and optional moves as per the Professional Division
  • Must perform a choreographed routine of 4 to 4:30 minutes.
  • Must make use of two poles. One must be static and the other spinning.
  • A maximum of 2 minutes seconds of floor work is allowed (artiste), no time limit on floorwork (exotique)
  • Any pole moves/tricks performed may not be more than that of an advanced level/standard
  • Download Rules at the top of the page for Required Moves

Professional

  • The Competitor may not have won the Professional division previously.
  • Must perform a choreographed routine of 4 to 4:30 minutes.
  • Must make use of two poles. One must be static and the other spinning.
  • A maximum of 2 minutes of floor work is allowed (artiste), no time limit on floorwork (exotique)
  • The candidate must stay on the pole continuously for 60 seconds without touching the floor as part of his/her routine.
  • There are no Prohibited Moves in the Professional Division
  • Download Rules at the top of the page for Required Moves

Duets
  • The Competitor may not have won the Duet Category previously.
  • Maximum of two competitors are allowed per entry.
  • The Competitors must choose a division that they are entering under i.e., Amateur, Intermediate, Advanced or Professional and the abovementioned pole requirements will apply as per that division.
  • Must perform a choreographed routine in line with the timeframe given in the chosen division level.
  • The maximum of seconds allowed for floor work will be determined by the division level chosen.
  • The 2 poles may be set to spinning or static as per your requirements.
  • There are no restrictions on sharing a pole.
  • Competitors will be judged according to synchronization, theme, timing, originality, and ability to do the chosen pole moves according to the division level entered.
  • All pole moves must be executed equally between partners which means one partner may not be doing all the carrying of the other partner.
  • Both competitors are required to perform at an equal level therefore they must have equal strength and flexibility to dance and execute all moves performed.
  • Must perform moves that showcase both competitors’ strengths individually and combine this accordingly.
  • Pole ability will be marked according to your division, therefore amateurs and advanced all stand an equal chance of winning.
  • There are no Prohibited Moves in this Division
  • Download Rules at the top of the page for Required Moves

Men’s Division

  • The Competitor may not have won the Men’s Category previously
  • The Competitor must choose a division that he is entering under i.e., Amateur, Intermediate, Advanced or Professional and the abovementioned pole requirements will apply as per that division.
  • Must perform a choreographed routine in line with the timeframe given in the chosen division level.
  • The maximum of seconds allowed for floor work will be determined by the division level chosen.
  • The 2 poles must be set according to the division level chosen.
Pole ability will be marked according to the division chosen, therefore amateurs and advanced all stand an equal chance of winning.
Entry Video Submission (Guidelines and Requirements)  
  • Each Competitor must submit their entry form, proof of payment, ID/Passport copy, recent photo and video altogether as a full entry submission on or before 12h00 on Sunday, 3 April 2022 in order for the entry to be accepted and registered.
  • No late submissions and/or entries received after this date will be considered.
  • Entries received, but which are still missing some or all of the required attachments, by 12h00 on Sunday, 3 April 2022 will be disqualified.
  • The Competitor him/herself must submit the entry form.
  • For Duets, each Competitor needs to complete an individual form, attach a photo of themselves and submit a copy of their ID/Passport but the payment and video must all be submitted together at the same time for a qualifying entry.
  • Video entries are required as only a certain number of contestants per category and division will be selected to perform at the final live show on 30 April 2022.
  •  Video Judges and Organizers have the right to move the Competitor to a different division if after having watched the video entry they conclude that the Competitor has entered in the incorrect category.
  • All photography and footage, including your entry video submission, will remain the property of MPDSA®. You have no right to compensation for photography and footage made as part of the competition.
  •  You must upload your entry video via a YouTube url link  (How to upload your video to YouTube) and then e-mail the link to: info@misspoledance.co.za.
  • Videos must be UNEDITED, showing one continuous routine clip i.e. you are not allowed to cut together multiple takes, or stop/restart your video to change pole settings. You are however allowed to cut the beginning and the end of your video i.e. you can crop off the section of you starting the camera and walking to the pole, or you walking from the pole to turn the camera off.
  • You may start either in position on or off camera.
  • The video entry MUST be between 1:30 – 2:00 minutes. We will only watch up to 2 minutes and any recording after this will be disregarded by the judges.
  • The video MUST not be more than 6 months old and may be filmed in a studio or at home. The Organizers reserve the right to reject any video file uploaded with a timestamp that is not in line with the maximum permitted time.
  • Judges will base their evaluations on performance only and shall not take into account the environment in which the video submission is filmed.
  • Videos will be judged by a panel of Judges.
  • You MUST consider ALL elements on the Judges’ Scorecard as this will be the criteria used to judge the video entries. It is therefore advisable to show your best moves in your video submission.
  • You MUST show your highest level of ability in the video submission.
  • You may show spinning and static pole moves.
  • The Competitor must be clearly shown at all times in the video.
  • It is your responsibility to provide a clear good quality video with clear music that is well recorded and not fuzzy.
  • Only one video entry can be submitted, no two videos may be uploaded at the same time.
​Finalist Selection  
  • The highest scoring video entries by the video panel Judges will be selected to compete at the Finals of the competition on 30 April 2022.
  • In the event that not enough Competitors enter a specific category, then that category will fall away from the competition and not go forward to the final competition. Competitors will also be informed of this outcome accordingly by no later than Friday, 8 April 2022 and as such they will be refunded their entry fee within a reasonable time.
  • Video panel Judges and Organizers may change the Competitor’s division after having watched the video entry and the Competitor will then be judged according to the new division requirements. There is no charge fee for this change. The Competitor will also be informed of this change as soon as reasonably possible.
  • No feedback will be given from video entries.
  • The Competitors selected for the Final will be notified by no later than Friday, 8 April 2022 if they have been selected to compete.
Rules and Regulations  
​
  • The rules and regulations are to be complied with, and abided by all competitors, at all times including their representatives and allocated studios.
  • Any breach of Rules and Regulations results in competitor disqualification.
  • Competitors must be over 18 years old on the day of the final competition.
  • Drugs and alcohol are prohibited before and during the competition and prize giving ceremony.
  • Nudity, G-strings, thongs and very sexually explicit actions are prohibited during performances.
  • Respectful treatment of other competitors, judges, organisers, venue staff and helpers is expected at all times.
  • Must observe all Costume and Grip Aid rules
  • Fire, liquids and powders or other potentially dangerous props are prohibited during the performance.
  • The Judges’ decision is final and binding and may not be appealed.
  • Competitors may not converse with the Judges for the duration of the competition. This includes notes, gifts, placards, certificates, oral or written communication. This will result in immediate disqualification.
Costumes and Dress Code Rules  
  • Costumes and themed outfits are encouraged and will earn you extra points.
  • A minimum of a sports bra and pole shorts is required.
  • Clothing or props (such as jackets, hats, wings or a cape) may be removed, but you may not be seen to be ‘undressing’ as part of your performance.
  • Ensure you do a full dress-rehearsal before the time. Broken bra straps, creeping underwear, etc will lead to point deduction from judges and may even lead to disqualification.
  • Competitors may perform with or without shoes (ballet, jazz, or other suitable gymnastic style shoes), boot and or heels.
  • Competitors may not perform in lingerie, G-string, or thongs as part of their costume.
  • Female competitors may not perform topless or in nipple caps.
  • Male performers may perform topless.
  • Costumes may not expose the nipple (female), excessive breast (female), buttocks or groin area.
  • Props may be used if they can be set up and cleared away in under 2 minutes, and do not leave any mess or residue on the stage. Human Props can be used but are not permitted to use the pole at all. 
Grip Aid Rules  
  • The following products are acceptable: Shaving cream, Mighty Grip, Magnum Liquid Chalk, Infinity Grip, Tite Grip, Indelicate Grip and ITAC.
  • No extra sticky grip such as firm grip spray or Griptech which leave a sticky residue on the pole will be allowed.
  • No Competitor is allowed to apply any grip aid directly to the pole.
Music for Finalists  
  • Competitor’s music for the final competition must be the edited track according to the time allocated to their division.
  • Music can be with or without words.
  • If any of the Competitors choose the same music they will be informed and they may still perform using their chosen music, or they may change their music.
  • The competitor must send their music via email to info@misspoledance.co.za via WeTransfer or drop box or email, on or before the music submission date on 30 June 2022.
  • Music submitted must be in MP3 format.
  • Music must be titled with the competitor’s name and song name. E.g. JaneSmith_SongChoice.
  • Music is to be cut and edited to the right length before emailing. If it is over time it will be cut off at the max time allotted.
  • You will need to provide the Artist and Song Title purposes, via email, and NOT on the name of the song file.
Poles, Staging and Spacing  
​For the Competition Final:
  • 2 x 3.7m high powder coated 38mm thick poles.
  • 1 x static pole and 1 x spinning pole.
  • The poles will be spaced 4m apart from each other.
  • The static pole will be on the Competitor’s right and the spinning pole will be on the competitor’s left, when standing on the stage looking out to the audience.
  • Duets category may select either both static or spinning.
  • Pole Cleaners will be on site at the final competition to clean the poles before and after each Competitor performs.
​Grounds For Disqualification  
​
  • If any information you supplied in connection with the competition, proves to be false and or inaccurate.
  • Absences at official functions without permission or approval from the Organizers or failure to perform duties and responsibilities required of MPDSA®.
  • Nudity or any other serious dress code violation.
  • Talking to the crowd during your performance or using vulgar language.
  • Showing any misconduct that will or could damage the reputation of MPDSA®.
Film and Photography 
  • All photography and other footage remain the property of the MPDSA®.
  • The Competitor has no right to compensation for photography and other footage made before, during and after the competition.
  • The Competitor explicitly and irrevocably agrees that all footage and photography can be used by MPDSA® for promotional, advertising, and commercial purposes.
  • The Competitor must sign a model release form for photography and video footage as per the entry form.
  • MPDSA® is allowed and permitted to use or take her photographs/video for purpose of publicity and promotions.
  • The Competitor may be required to appear on television, radio, film or print media for the publicity and promotion requirements of the competition.
Judging  
  • Competitors may not communicate with judges regarding the competition itself, before, during or after the competition.
  • The judges’ decision is final and binding and may not be appealed.
  • The judges panel will be made up of pole dancing and fitness/dance experts. 
  • Judges are unbiased and are not allowed to be instructors or friends or family of the contestants.
  • The winner is the Competitor in their category and division with the highest score. In the case of a tie, the winner will be the Competitor with the highest Artistic score.
  • Judges and Organizers have the right to stop a performance at any time due to breach of rules and regulations, health and/or safety concerns.
  • Judges will not judge their own students, friends or family members.
  • The winners of will be announced at the end of the each session.
  • Before and during the competition the competitors may not be in contact with the Judges. Any queries must be directed to the Organizers or the person assigned by Organizers.
  • Competitors may request to receive a copy of their scorecard after the competition.
  • The overall ranking may be made public at the discretion of the Organizers.
Organizers’ Rights  
The Organizers reserve the right to:
  • Change the judging criteria and division information at any time upon reasonable notice.
  • Change any guidelines, rules, and regulations. at any time upon reasonable notice.
  • Change the division in which a competitor is taking part after video entry submission upon reasonable notice.
  • Record and photograph the competition and distribute the material.
  • Eliminate videos or photographs that are unsuitable for publication.
  • Reasonable written notice will be provided to the competitors to inform them of any changes made to the competition.
  • The organisers do not take responsibility for any loss, damages or injury to the competitors when participating or training for the competition, including the day of performing for the competition.
  • All decisions including decisions that may not have been addressed in these rules and regulations will be made by the Organizers and will be considered final and binding.
  • By entering this competition, all contestants agree to receive marketing and/or promotional material from MPDSA® and/or any of their associated or affiliated companies via direct marketing including electronic communications.
  • MPDSA® and its representatives will not divulge any of your personal information to any third party. All information requested from you is required for office administration purposes only and falls in line with all requirements in terms of the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act 4 of 2013.
​Prizes and Awards 
  • Trophies will be given to all first-place winners and sashes will be given to all first, second and third place in each division of the Competition.
  • Prizes for the winners in each division will be confirmed closer to the time.
  • First, second and third place winners will be listed on the website
Other Information  
  • The Organizers reserve the right to expel a Competitor from participation on reasonable grounds, both before and during the competition.
  • The winners must be available for a photo shoot directly after the prize giving.
  • Dressing and backstage areas are off limits to anyone other than Competitors. This is NOT NEGOTIABLE.
  • Competitors are to arrive at minimum 2 hours before their category and/or division. Your division schedule time and running order will be announced closer to the time at the discretion of the Organizers.
  • You will be responsible for all your belongings, at all times during the competition final and the Organizers will not be held responsible any way for any loss or damage suffered by you or any third party to any belongings before, during and after the competition.
  • No makeup artists, assistants, friends, or family are allowed backstage, unless they are part of your theme (pole prop). If so, they will only be permitted backstage for the time they are required, then they will be asked to go back to the front.
  • No photographers are allowed backstage, unless they are the official photographers / media authorized by MPDSA®.
 
FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THE ABOVEMENTIONED RULES BY COMPETITORS WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION
​
​Competition FAQ 
Why Compete?
 
MPDSA® is not looking for the craziest tricks or how many spins you can do around the pole. We are holding this competition so that everyone has a chance to do the most basic movements, with some challenges of course, to show us that their physical strength is equal to their passion for dance.

This competition does require you to be disciplined, fit and creative. MPDSA® hopes that you are as excited as we are in promoting pole dance as a sensual athletic art form.

Apply to the competition simply because you love to pole dance. As long as you can do the compulsory elements required, you have a chance to become a winner of the MPDSA® Competition.
Do I have to be affiliated with a studio?
 
Not at all! You can be a private individual not representing anyone but yourself. Sponsorship is optional, but can help with expenses to prepare and get to the competition.
 
I am not a South African citizen, can I still enter?
 
Anyone can enter the competition if you have been a permanent resident for 3 years. You may not, however, represent South Africa if you have qualified as a pole dance representative of another country within the last 3 years. If you are a South African citizen living in another country you also qualify to enter the competition.
 
What if I’m not sure if I interpret the required elements for the video submission or final pole routine correctly?
 
For any queries related to the entry form, rules and regulations and the competition in general, please contact the Organizers via e-mail: info@misspoledance.co.za, we we will be happy to assist you and provide clarity on any questions or uncertainties you might have.
 
 
Will there be tickets sold so my friends, family and supporters can come to watch? 
 
Yes! We will have two sessions for the Competition Final on 30 April 2022. The times for both sessions will be confirmed closer to the time.
 
Session One:     
Artiste: Beginner and Intermediate                                
Exotique: Beginner and Intermediate
 
Session Two:     
Artiste: Advanced and Professional                                
Exotique: Advanced and Professional
Duets: All Levels
Mens:  All Levels
 
Tickets will be available for both adults and children over 5 years old to buy for both sessions on Quicket closer to the time. We will advise you on all our social media platforms on what date this will be.
 
 
What if there is lockdown?
 
We will either move the date to accommodate the lockdown, or will be continue with the competition online.