Please be sure to read all of the rules below. Feel free to Contact Us if you have any questions.
The requirements have been set to fit the one-day event format and in an effort to welcome entries from contestants at any level. Categories may be added and/or expanded depending on the number of entries received.
GENERAL RULES
The Orangeville Fiddle & Stepdance Contest is open to fiddlers and stepdancers of all ages and abilities.
Each contestant may enter, at most: one solo fiddle, one solo dance, one duet fiddle, and one group dance category.
Ages are determined as of July 6, 2024.
The performance order for each category will be determined by a random draw.
Should an accident occur beyond a contestant's control (i.e. broken string/tap, accompanist error, technical issue), they will have the opportunity to perform again.
No written music or other assistance may be used during a performance.
In the event of a tie, contestants may be asked to perform again.
All judges' decisions are final. Contestants will receive written feedback.
The Open Fiddle & Stepdance classes are reserved for contestants with advanced skill. The committee reserves the right to monitor eligibility.
CATEGORIES & REQUIREMENTS
9 & under Fiddle
1 tune: waltz, jig, or reel
12 & under Fiddle
2 tunes: waltz & jig or reel
18 & under Fiddle
3 tunes: waltz, jig & reel
19 & over Fiddle
2 tunes: waltz & jig or reel
50 & over Fiddle
2 tunes: waltz & jig or reel
65 & over Fiddle
2 tunes: waltz & jig or reel
Open Fiddle
3 tunes: waltz, jig & reel
Duet Fiddle
2 tunes of choice of different tempos in harmony
9 & under Stepdance
1 dance: clog, jig or reel
12 & under Stepdance
1 dance: clog, jig or reel
18 & under Stepdance
3 dances: clog, jig & reel
19 & over Stepdance
1 dance: clog, jig or reel
50 & over Stepdance
1 dance: clog, jig or reel
Open Stepdance
3 dances: clog, jig & reel
Group Stepdance
Any routine, not necessarily a clog, jig and/or reel
FIDDLE RULES
Fiddlers will be evaluated on intonation, timing, tempo, feeling, tone, difficulty, and choice of tune(s). Duets will also be judged on bowing/togetherness.
Tunes should reflect the Old Time Canadian fiddle style.
Duets consist of two fiddlers with no age restrictions.
A House Pianist will be provided, or contestants may employ their own accompaniment. The accompanist may not play the melody.
Waltzes are played in 3/4 time, jigs in 6/8 time, and reels in 2/4 or 4/4 time. Hornpipes, hoedowns, and breakdowns are acceptable as a reel.
Suggested repeats: 1x or 1.5x for a waltz, 1.5x for a jig, 1.5x for a reel. Modifications are permitted within the time limits below.
Time Limits: 2 minutes for 1 tune, 3 minutes for 2 tunes, 4 minutes for 3 tunes. Points may be deducted for going over the time limit at the discretion of the judges/committee.
STEPDANCE RULES
Dancers will be evaluated on timing, sound, execution, quality/variety of steps, and showmanship. Groups will also be judged on choreography and synchronicity.
Routines should reflect the Old Time Canadian (Ottawa Valley) stepdance style. New ideas and influences are welcome in moderation.
Groups consist of two or more dancers with no age restrictions.
A House Fiddler & Pianist will be provided, or contestants may employ their own accompaniment.
Standard routine lengths: 32-bar clog (4 steps), 48-bar jig (6 steps), 96-bar reel (12 steps). Shorter dances are permitted, except in the Open class, but will be a consideration within the "variety of steps" criteria at the discretion of the judges.
Contestants dancing only a clog or jig may choose to add steps up to the length of a standard reel (12 steps).
Contestants dancing a clog, jig & reel must do so in that order without stopping.
Time Limits: 3 minutes for 1 dance, 4 minutes for 3 dances and groups. Points may be deducted for going over the time limit at the discretions of the judges/committee.