K-POP @ J-TSOON

J-TSOON 6 K-POP
SOLO COVER DANCE COMPETITION

The K-POP SOLO Cover dance competition will take place on the 12th and 13th of April, 2025 in Kultuurikatel, Tallinn, Estonia on THE SMALL STAGE. Stay tuned for the schedule updates on our social media channels.

1. Number of Performers:

Only 1 performer is allowed on stage.
No backup dancers are allowed.

2. Performance Duration:

Up to 1 minute 30 seconds (90 seconds)

3. Performance and Participation Restrictions.

3.1 Performance Limitations:

Participants can perform only once (1 time) on stage.

3.2 Participation Rules:

Solo participants are allowed to apply for the K-POP Group Cover Dance Competition and K-POP in Public Online Competition.
Please note that due to limited stage time, organizers reserve the right to limit the total number of entries. Therefore, the number of performances may vary at each festival.
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.
Live vocals are prohibited during the performance, and all performances must adhere to the format specified in the application.
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.
Respectful behavior before the festival and during the festival toward the organizers, staff, judges, and other K-POP and Cosplay participants is mandatory!

3.3 Age-Appropriate Dances:

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

3.4 Costume and Stage Appearance:

All participants in the dance competition are required to wear cycling shorts or similar appropriate undergarments beneath skirts, short shorts or dresses. This measure is to ensure that no inappropriate exposure occurs during performances. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification or other penalties as determined by the competition organizers.
It is recommended to choose comfortable footwear suitable for dance performances to avoid possible injuries.

4. Best Costume:

To be considered for the best costume nomination, all participants must provide reference pictures of the costumes they intend to replicate or are inspired by.
If no reference pictures are provided, the organizers reserve the right to exclude the group from this nomination.
In applications, participants will have the opportunity to describe the concept of their costume if they do not intend to fully replicate the costumes but are instead inspired by the idol and their style of a chosen song.

5. Applications.

5.1 Information in Applications:

All Participants must provide information about any other performances or backup dances they are involved in K-POP Group Dance Competition.
If all the necessary information will not be provided and performance will be selected for the competition organizers have a full right not to change an order in blocks.
All Participants must mark their number as a MAIN CONTACT. This is necessary for timely communication with participants.

5.2 Performance Video:

Participants must submit a video of their own performance or practice, not a video of the artist’s performance. This video is a mandatory requirement for selection into the competition.
The video of the performance or practice must be filmed in one take, no editing is allowed.
Participants are required to share a video using any file exchange platform.
Participants must ensure that the link to their performance video is set to public access, allowing organizers to view it without any issues or the need to request permission. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from the selection process.
There are several popular file exchange platforms that participants can use to share their dance rehearsal videos. Here are some commonly used options:

1. YouTube: Participants can upload their rehearsal videos as unlisted or private and share the link with organizers.
2. Google Drive: Participants can upload their videos to Google Drive and share the link with viewing permissions.
3. Dropbox: Participants can upload videos to Dropbox and share the link with appropriate access permissions.
4. OneDrive: Microsoft’s OneDrive is another option for participants to upload and share rehearsal videos.

5.3 Music:

The performance audio track should be in MP3 format, with a minimum bitrate of 128kbps and a sample rate of 44kHz.
Please make sure to follow this rule and do not send MP4, M4A, or similar files, as these types of files may cause issues and result in poor sound quality during the performance.
Organizers have the full right to not contact performers regarding their music files and use only the files submitted during the application.

5.4 Stage & Reference Pictures:

Stage Picture: Each participant must provide a horizontal picture in size 1920×1080 px that will be displayed on the big screen during their performance.
Reference Picture: To compete for the best costume prize, participants must provide 1-4 reference pictures of the costumes they intend to replicate or are inspired by.

5.5 File Naming Rules:

Video:[SOLO]_[performer name]_[K-POP artist]_[song]_video
Music: [SOLO]_[performer name]_[K-POP artist]_[song]_music
Stage Picture: [SOLO]_[performer name]_[K-POP artist]_[song]_stage picture
Reference Pictures: [SOLO]_[performer name]_[K-POP artist]_[song]_reference picture

Example: 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.

SOLO_JTsoon team_EXO_love shot_video
SOLO_JTsoon team_EXO_love shot_music
SOLO_JTsoon team_EXO_love shot_stage picture
SOLO_JTsoon team_EXO_love shot_reference picture

NB!: Incorrectly named files may lead to disqualification.

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.

6.1 For Dance Competition:

Choreography Execution: Assesses how accurately the performers replicate the original K-pop routine
Technique: Evaluates the quality of the dancers’ movements, including precision, control, body isolation, and how well they match the music’s rhythm and tempo.
Stage Presence and Energy: Focuses on how effectively the performers engage with the audience through expression, energy, and dynamic movement, maintaining impact throughout the performance.
Overall Performance Impact: Looks at the overall emotional and artistic effect of the performance, evaluating how well it captivates the audience and conveys the essence of the original routine.

6.2 For Best Costume:

Costume Accuracy and Concept Alignment: Assessesclosely resemble or replicate the chosen K-pop idol’s outfit from the reference image(s) provided
Practicality and Comfort :The costume should allow for easy movement and comfort, while adhering to guidelines for appropriate undergarments.
Overall Impact and Presentation: Judge will evaluate the visual appeal of the performance, focusing on how the choreography, costumes, and stage presence create a captivating experience

After the festival concludes, the K-POP team will send an email to all performers, providing a detailed breakdown of the points they received for each evaluation criterion. Please note that the names of the judges will not be included in these files to maintain confidentiality.

7. Awards:

The number of prizes may vary from one festival to another, depending on the number of participants in each age category and dance category, as well as the level of competition within them.

8. On Site Organizational Matters.

8.1 Rehearsals:

Rehearsal schedules and organizational details will be provided after successfully passing the selection for the competition.
Clarify any questions regarding music and equipment during the rehearsal. No changes will be made during the competition, making attendance at rehearsals crucial.

8.2 Tickets:

Selected participants 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.
Discount tickets can only be purchased online through the website provided in the emails sent before the event. On-site ticket purchases will be at full price.
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.
Assistants for Solo performers must purchase a full-price ticket.
Wristband: Upon morning registration, each participant and assistants 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 obtains a wristband on the first day but fails to present it on the second day of the event, the participant will have to buy a new ticket at the full price. Preserve wristbands to prevent incurring additional expenses.
Please note that complaints regarding wristband issues will only be accepted on the first day of the event. After the first day, organisers will not address complaints about lost or damaged wristbands.

8.3 On-site Morning registration:

Before proceeding to the backstage area, all participants must complete their registration at the K-POP registration desk, where they will receive their badges.
Badges: Upon morning registration badges will be issued to each participant, backup dancer, and assistant. These badges serve as access to the dressing room and backstage areas.
Losing a badge will result in being denied entry to the backstage and dressing rooms, so it is essential to handle badges carefully.
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.
All participants must arrive at the designated registration time, which will be provided in the email after application acceptance. Late arrivals may result in exclusion from the list of performers. Registration times will be communicated to selected participants one week before the event.
Assistants must attend the registration process alongside the participants they are assisting. This is required for competition registration and to obtain a badge for backstage access. Assistants arriving after the registration period has closed will not receive a badge and will be denied backstage access.
If, for any reason, participants are unable to participate or attend on-site morning registration, please inform the K-POP organization team promptly by contacting us at kpop@j-tsoon.ee.

8.4 On-Site performance Organization Matters:

Participants must be backstage no later than five acts before their performance to inform organizers of their presence in advance. After this time, participants are not allowed to leave backstage for any reason other than performing on stage.
If a participant is not backstage at the appointed time, their performance will be rescheduled to the end of the block.
These rules must be taken seriously. If a participant does not show up backstage at the appointed time, does not notify the organizers, or does not respond to calls, they will be disqualified, and no ticket refunds will be provided.
All participants and backup dancers must wear their badges backstage. A special box will be provided to place the badge in during the performance, but it must be retrieved afterward. Failing to wear a badge backstage may result in being banned from entering the dressing room or disqualified from the competition.
All participants and backup dancers must maintain order while waiting for their performance. Standing near the stage stairs, sitting in the passage area, or blocking the view of the stage for K-POP Stage Coordinators and interfering with the K-POP host is prohibited.
After the performance, participants must promptly leave the backstage area.
The K-POP organization team will provide clear instructions on where participants should stand while waiting for their performance.
Respectful behavior toward the organizers, staff, judges, and other K-Pop and Cosplay participants is mandatory!

8.5 Dressing Rooms Behavior:

Solo participants competing in only one competition may use the dressing room only on the day of their performance.
Participants must maintain order in the dressing rooms, keep personal items organized, and clean up after use.Leaving items behind is not permitted. Please be respectful toward the K-POP team preparing dressing rooms for participants on both days, and maintain cleanliness.
Any items left scattered around the dressing rooms may be discarded after the first day of the festival concludes.
Changing clothes and leaving personal belongings are only permitted in designated dressing rooms for K-POP participants. Leaving items in Cosplay dressing rooms or other unauthorized areas is prohibited.
Groups not performing on the second day must vacate the dressing room by the end of the first day to accommodate participants performing the next day. Dressing rooms are only available on the day of performance.
Photography is prohibited in the dressing rooms to respect the personal space of others. Photos, selfies, or full-length pictures must be taken outside the main dressing room area.
Hot food purchased at the festival is not allowed in the dressing rooms and must be consumed in designated food zone areas. Snacks, appetizers, bars, and sandwiches are permitted.
Hair spray must not be used in the dressing rooms. It should only be applied outside or in restrooms.
Respectful behavior toward the organizers, staff, judges, and other K-Pop and Cosplay participants is mandatory!

8.6 Responsibility for Personal Belongings:

The organizers are not responsible for any lost items. Participants are kindly asked to take good care of their valuables and not leave them unattended.
Participants are not allowed to leave belongings in the dressing rooms overnight. All items must be taken after the first day of the festival concludes.
All items and clothing found during the preparation and cleaning of the dressing rooms after the first day of the festival will be gathered and collected by the K-POP team.
The festival is not responsible for any items or clothing that may be missing from the dressing rooms.

8.7 Procedure After the Completion of the First and Second Days of the Festival:

All belongings must be retrieved from the dressing rooms after the completion of the second day.
The premises must be vacated promptly, no later than 40 minutes after the conclusion of the event on both the first and second days.

9. Disqualification and Non-Selection Criteria:

Failure to adhere to all specified rules and guidelines of a J-TSOON festival and competitions.
More than one performer on stage during a solo performance.
Use of backup dancers during a solo performance.
Exceeding the time limit of 1 minute 30 seconds (90 seconds) for the performance.
Performing more than once during the competition.
Failure to submit music in the correct MP3 format (minimum 128kbps, 44kHz).
Incorrect file names for performance videos, music, or reference images.
Participants who fail to provide required details about performers, backup dancers, or performance videos (including submission of unedited videos in one take).
Failure to submit reference pictures for costumes will result in exclusion from the Best Costume nomination.
Participants who fail to register on time or fail to check in backstage on time (at least five acts before their performance).
Any participant who does not adhere to backstage conduct may be disqualified.
Participants who do not wear appropriate undergarments or fail to follow the costume guidelines (e.g., cycling shorts under skirts or dresses) may be disqualified.
Any participant engaging in disrespectful behavior toward the organizers, staff, judges, or other participants before, during, or after the festival will be disqualified from the competition.
If a participant fails to purchase tickets at the correct price online before the festival after being selected and does not purchase a ticket for full price, may face disqualification.
Live vocals, non-approved remixes, or deviations from the required K-Pop cover dance format.

Participating in any form of cheating, rule-breaking, or disregard for the rules will result in disqualification from future J-TSOON events.

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.