J-TSOON BURNING PUMPKIN FEST 2024 KPOP Debut Rules

What is a DEBUT?

A debut is the first time a dancer performs in front of an audience. It is a significant event that marks the start of their dance journey or career. The debut is both exciting and important, as it allows the dancer to showcase their skills and make a first impression.

The KPOP DEBUT STAGE will take place on Saturday, November 2nd 2024, on THE SMALL STAGE in Kultuurikatel, Tallinn, Estonia.

1. Who is eligible to perform in a DEBUT dance competition:

• Those who have never performed on stage before.
• If a participant has performed before in a group, duo, trio, or solo, at different events or JTSOON fest, they are not eligible for this competition.

2. Nomination Categories and Age Categories:

• There are no specific dance categories or age categories. Participants can perform solo, in a group, or as a duo. All participants must be debutants.

3. Performance Restrictions:

• Number of Performances: Participants can perform only once (1 time) on stage.
• Video: No performance video is required during the application.
• Music: Music length should not exceed 120 seconds. Performance audio tracks must be in MP3 format, with a minimum bitrate of 128kbps and a sample rate of 44kHz.
• Reference Picture: Each participant must provide a reference picture of the K-POP group or idol whose dance they will perform.
• The Debut participants cannot register or perform in a KPOP dance competition or KPOP Solo competition.
• Live vocals are prohibited. Performances must adhere to the specified application format.
• Participants can showcase a dance by a Korean choreographer, and the music is not restricted to Korean songs. Additionally, participants can perform any KPOP idol(artist) songs that are not Korean, such as ‘Titanic’ by Jackson Wang or ‘Honey’ by LAY, etc.
• Organizers retain the right to control the overall number of performances to ensure a seamless event. Due to limited slots, participation selection is not guaranteed.
• Please note that you can choose only one of the two main competitions—either KPOP or Cosplay. If you choose KPOP, you are still allowed to participate in the “Short Video” and “Photo cosplay” competitions. Cosplay main competition participants are still allowed to participate in the “KPOP in Public” online competition. Kindly choose according to your priorities.

4. Age-Appropriate Dances:

• It is important that all dances are appropriate for the age of the participants.

5. Selection Process

• LIMITED SLOTS UP TO 20 performances.
• The selection process will be in order, first come, first serve.
• Participants will be notified of their selection via the email provided during the application after the deadline, please wait patiently for the email.

6. Judging Criteria:

Judges are bound by confidentiality and are prohibited from disclosing details about the judging process or outcomes. A respectful environment is maintained and attempts at bribery will not be effective.

Debut Stage competition will be judged by a set of judges who will evaluate the following criteria:

• Synchronization (Duo and Groups Only): Evaluate the seamless coordination of movements among participants for a visually captivating performance.
• Precision: Assess the accuracy and sharpness of individual and group movements, showcasing mastery and attention to detail.
• Choreography: Evaluate how closely the choreography adheres to the original.
• Performance (Artistry/Charisma/Spectacle): Assess the artistic expression, charisma, and overall stage presence, focusing on how well participants connect with the audience.
• Overall Impression: Evaluates the collective impact and enjoyment factor derived from the seamless coordination, precision, choreography adherence, artistic expression, charisma, and stage presence, assessing how well these elements combine to create a fantastic and engaging performance.

7. Nominations: 

• In the debut competition, awards will be given to the top 3 placements.

8. Costumes and Stage Appearance:

• All participants must wear shorts under skirts, shorts, or dresses, visible enough for judges and spectators to confirm their presence.
• Comfortable footwear suitable for dance performances is recommended.

9. Organizational Matters Related to Performances:

• For the safety of performers, the presence of liquids, gasses, or chemicals on stage is strictly prohibited.
• Clarify any questions regarding music, lighting, and equipment during the rehearsal. No changes will be made during the competition, making attendance at rehearsals crucial.
• Rehearsal schedules and organizational details will be provided after successfully passing the selection for the competition.
• Debut Participants must be backstage no later than five acts before their performance to inform organizers of their presence in advance. After this, debut participants are not allowed to leave backstage for other reasons than performing on stage.
• Participants must provide a MAIN CONTACT number if they perform in a group or duo, the solo performer must choose the MAIN CONTACT as their phone number. This is necessary for timely communication with participants if their performance starts earlier or if they are not present at the appointed time, as indicated above. If participants are not backstage at the appointed time and do not answer calls from the organizing committee, their performance will be rescheduled to the end of the block. This rule applies to all participants.
• Debut Participants are urged to inform organizers promptly if they are unable to attend the event and perform before the start of the competition blocks. After the start of the participant’s competition block, the organizers may not respond to calls and messages due to a busy schedule.

9.1 File Naming Rules:

• Music: debut_performer name_name of a KPOP artist_name of the song_music
• Reference Picture: debut_performer name_name of a KPOP artist_name of the song_reference picture

Example:

• debut_JTsoon team_EXO_love shot_music
• debut_JTsoon team_EXO_love shot_reference picture

PLEASE NOTE! This is only an example. You should not call your team the ”JTsoon Team”. This is an example of what the file naming should look like.

Incorrectly named files may lead to disqualification.

10. Tickets: 

• Participants in KPOP Debut stage competitions are entitled to a special discount on a 2-day event ticket. Please only purchase tickets once performance registration is approved by our KPOP team.
• If a participant buys an early bird or full-price ticket before the results are announced, the festival has full rights not to refund the ticket that was purchased without a discount.
• DEBUT participants are allowed to have only one assistant. The assistant is allowed to be backstage but will need to purchase a full-price ticket.
• Upon morning registration, each participant will be issued a special wristband, serving as a crucial ticket pass that must be kept from being removed for two days. If a participant registers and obtains a wristband on the first day but loses it the following day, the participant will have to buy a new ticket at the full price. Preserve wristbands to prevent incurring additional expenses.
• Note that the option to report wristband issues is only available during the festival. After the first day of the event, organizers will not accept complaints about lost or damaged wristbands.

11. On-site Registration:

• Before proceeding to the backstage area, all participants must complete their registration at the KPOP registration desk. All participants must arrive at the designated registration time, which will be provided in the email after the application is accepted. Lateness may result in exclusion from the list of performers.
• Registration time will be provided to participants who have passed the selection one week before the event.
• Festival staff may request an identification document from you in case of any suspicion regarding the participant’s identity. This could be a passport, ID card, driver’s license, or student ID.
• Assistants are also required to attend the registration process alongside the participants they are assisting. This is necessary for the competition registration and to obtain a badge allowing access backstage. If assistants arrive after the registration period has closed, they will be unable to receive a badge.
• If, for any reason, participants are unable to participate, please inform us promptly by contacting us at kpop@j-tsoon.ee.

12. Backstage Behavior:

• Participants must maintain order in the dressing rooms, refrain from scattering personal items, and clean up after themselves.
• Respectful behavior toward the organizers, staff, judges, and other K-Pop and Cosplay participants is mandatory!
• Changing clothes and leaving personal belongings are only allowed in specially designated dressing rooms for K-Pop participants. Leaving items in Cosplay dressing rooms or other unauthorized areas is not permitted.

13. Procedure After the end of Saturday:

• After the conclusion of events on Saturday, all debut participants must promptly vacate the KPOP dressing room and remove all their belongings. 
• Debut participants are not permitted to use the dressing room on Sunday. 
• All debut participants must vacate the premises within 40 minutes after the conclusion of the event on the first day.

13.1 Responsibility for Personal Belongings:

• The organizers are not responsible for lost items. Participants are urged to safeguard their valuables and not leave them unattended.

14. Disqualification and Non-Selection Criteria

Please take these rules seriously. Participants can be disqualified or not go through the selection process for the following reasons:

• Failing to comply with all specified rules and guidelines.
• Failure to meet the eligibility criteria (e.g., having performed on stage before).
• Participants who have registered for a KPOP dance competition or KPOP Solo competition.
• Failure to adhere to performance restrictions (e.g., exceeding music length, using live vocals).
• Improper file naming for music and reference pictures.
• Not complying with the costume and stage appearance rules.
• Being unreachable or not present backstage at the appointed time.
• Presence of prohibited items (liquids, gasses, chemicals) on stage.
• Late registration or not completing on-site registration as required.
• Not wearing the issued wristband or losing it without prompt replacement.
• Failing to inform organizers in advance if unable to attend the event.
• Disrespectful behavior toward organizers, staff, judges, and other K-Pop and Cosplay participants.
• Misbehavior in the dressing room, such as not following the rules, may also result in disqualification.

Note: The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the rules and regulations of the competition to ensure fair judging, maintain order, and ensure the safety of all participants. 

By applying to the competition, the competitors agree to adhere to the rules. 

For any additional questions, please reach out to our email kpop@j-tsoon.ee.