In our mission to create awareness, the competition platform encourages technical and artistic standards, with enforced safety protocols and fairness across the board. That said, WCAAF is providing rules and guidelines to ensure that each of our participants are safe and set themselves as examples to keep everyone technically safe. When in doubt, check WCAAF website for the latest procedure and protocols. This post is only for general information.
- DEFINITION OF SKILL LEVEL:
Novice: Any person who, on November 1 of the event year, has had aerial arts training of up to one (1) year or 145 hours of training (provided that training has been consistent and with no gaps).
Amateur: Any person who has not received compensation as a result of any aerial performance or for instruction. Verifiable statements (AAA form) from the contestant’s instructor/ mentor, coach or any reliable person that can attest to his/her activities shall be submitted as part of the application.
Semi-Professional: One who received compensation as a result of up to 3 – 5 events in a year, whether for instruction OR performance.
Professional: One who, whether intermittently or regularly receives compensation in more than 5 events/ year for either instruction or performance.
VERTICAL USABLE SPACE*:
- NOVICE: Participant cannot go beyond 15 ft. in height
- AMATEUR: Participant cannot go beyond 19 ft. in height
- PROFESSIONAL/ SEMI: Participant cannot go beyond 22 ft. in height
COMPULSORY/ MANDATORY SKILLS*:
- NOVICE: Basic/ Standard/ Universal Footlocks; Stand Alone Single Drop/ Roll/ Dive (no multiple, double or consecutive); Basic Entrances to Wraps, Inversions and Combinations; No consecutive drops
- AMATEUR: At least two (2) consecutive Straddle Climb, OR any two (2) consecutive Inversion Climb (for Silk or Corde Lisse); at least one (1) Roll, Drop or Dive; Directional, Flexibility, Momentum and Strength skills
- PROFESSIONAL/ SEMI: There is no limit provided that the contestant can safely and confidently execute the skills.
THE USE OF MAT*:
The use of generally acceptable type of aerial mat is mandatory* and needs to cover the entire space of your routine, especially when you are swinging. If you have a floor choreography, you must arrange for someone to push the mat in once you are suspended.
*see Rigging Pointers
DURATION OF ROUTINE*:
The duration of your act will depend on your age. There is a minimum and maximum length of time, as follows:
- Novice: 2 – 3 minutes
- Kids 7 – 14 yrs old: 2 – 3 minutes
- Teens and Adults 15+ yrs old: 3 – 4 minutes
We shall begin timing your act from when you commence your move on the ground, regardless of whether the music starts or not, and even without touching the apparatus. If the video commences with the participant already in a wrap or in the air, or in an way falls outside the duration range, there shall be up to 10 points deduction. More detailed information can be found at our WCAAF website
TYPE OF MUSIC AND SUBMISSION
- File format: MP3
- Submission Deadline: October 15.
- Music should be clean – free from explicit wordings otherwise this will be flagged and muted.
- Copyright Music: When selecting music background, it is highly encouraged that you choose royalty-free music otherwise, your music might be muted or replaced.
To learn more: MUSIC FOR YOUR ACT
Note: Any changes in music after Oct. 15 may have consequences including the inability to use the music of their choice or a late fee charge. During the registration day, all applicant is required to check-in to ensure the correctness of their music.
COSTUME*: Costume is encourage provided that there shall be NO PROPS involved. Your costume would need to be secured. Any dangling of material (including unsecured skirt) may be subject to infraction in our score of up to ten (10) points. We also suggest wearing a unitard, and if leotard is worn, avoid thin flesh tights for lower garment which instead, can be replaced with leggings. Also, since we have kids in this festival, we suggest costumes that are PG rated (appropriate for kids audience). If you are unsure, we recommend you emailing us a picture of your costume (for skirts – we will need an inverted pose). Send this to info@aerialartsamerica.org no later than November 1, so we may address any possible issue at an early stage. Any costume not previously approved that potentially pose danger in the execution of your routine, may be rejected at the competition rounds if the committee finds that said costume is in violation of its policy and/or if it seems to be unsafe.
RIGGING POINTERS*:
– Mats are required. Semi-Pro and Pro-level contestants can opt out of this only if the aerial facility provides a statement allowing the absence of mat. Contestant will also be required to fill out additional waiver form.
– For vertical spacing, if the apparatus is in a static point that is over 20 feet, contestant is required to provide proof of vertical measurement, if the category falls under the Novice or Amateur division. This can best be demonstrated by video submission showing the length of the apparatus being used.
– Any and all safety and rigging policies required by the training facility shall be in place and must be observed by the contestant.
See Detailed COMPETITION INFRACTIONS
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VIRTUAL COMPETITION (YEAR 2020 – 2021)
PRE-RECORDED COMPETITION ROUTINE SUBMISSION:
Deadline for Submission shall be: November 7, 2021 11:59pm PDT
We will not entertain any submission after this date/time. Only one submission is allowed. The video must not be altered in anyway. NO EDITS. The video must clearly show the entire movement and cover the entire body of the contestant.
TECHNICAL SPECS: Your video routine should be an MP4 format. The recommended video type is 1080p/ FHD: 1920×1080 so it will be compatible with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
WHERE TO UPLOAD: Your competition video should designate a filename reflective of:
1. Name of the Contestant;
2. Age of the Participant; and
3. The Apparatus.
An example: “Maddie_Seay_18_Silks”.
Upload Here your WCAAF Competition Routines
VIRTUAL PARAMETERS:
Please go to this link: Guidelines for Virtual Platform.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS:
Please go to this link for detailed COVID-19 Safety Protocols.
*Stands for: Deductions apply