Please review the GIDF Rules & Regulations below (PDF also available for download):

GIDF Rules & Regulations (PDF)

RULES & REGULATIONS

1. Festival Overview 

• The Guam International Dance Festival is a showcase and competition that brings together dancers from Guam and around the world
  to celebrate cultural heritage, creative expression, and artistic excellence.
  The festival features two primary divisions: Cultural Dance and Contemporary Dance.

2. General Provisions

• All participants must complete official registration prior to the deadline and agree to all rules and guidelines.
• A signed waiver or parental consent form (for minor) is required.
• All participants must conduct themselves in a respectful, professional, and sportsmanlike manner always.

3. Eligibility

• Open to local and international performers including schools, studios, and cultural organizations.
• All participants must register by the published deadline and agree to the official rules.
• Minors must have parent or guardian consent.
• Each group may submit multiple entries but must register each separately.

4. Categories

4.1 Cultural Dance

• Includes traditional, ceremonial, or folkloric dances representing the identity of a specific culture (e.g., Chamorro, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, etc.).
• Cultural attire, authentic music, and respectful representation are required.
• Fusion or stylized interpretations are allowed but must retain clear cultural roots.

4.2 Contemporary Dance

• Includes modern, lyrical, interpretive, theatrical, or conceptual dance.
• Emphasis is placed on innovation, storytelling, emotional range, and choreography.
• May incorporate other styles, but core movement vocabulary must be contemporary.

5. Divisions by Age & Group Size

5.1 Age Divisions

(based on average age of performers)

• Youth: 6–12
• Teen: 13–17
• Adult: 18+
• Mixed/Open: Multi-age groups

5.2 Group Size

• Small Group (5–14 dancers)
• Large Group (15–50 dancers)

6. Time Limits

• Groups: Up to 10 minutes
• Additional time (max +1 minute) may be requested in advance for cultural rituals or props.

7. Music Guidelines

• All music must be submitted in MP3 format by December 1, 2025.
• Music should be labeled as: GroupName_Category_Title
• No profanity, explicit lyrics, or culturally insensitive content allowed.
• Live music permitted for Cultural entries but must be disclosed during registration.
• Backup music must be available on USB or phone at the event.

8. Costumes & Props

• Must be culturally appropriate, respectful, and age appropriate.
• Props are encouraged in both categories but must be safe, approved, and manageable during performance transitions.
• Cultural regalia must not be misused or misrepresented.
• Group to be responsible for own equipment & costume

9. Judging Criteria

Performance will be scored by a panel of qualified judges using the following criteria:

Cultural Dance

• Authenticity & Cultural Representation – 30 pts
• Execution & Technique – 20 pts
• Choreography & Creativity – 20 pts
• Costume & Cultural Aesthetics – 15 pts
• Stage Presence & Audience Impact – 15 pts

Contemporary Dance

• Technical Skill & Precision – 25 pts
• Choreography & Originality – 25 pts
• Musicality & Timing – 20 pts
• Expression & Storytelling – 15 pts
• Stage Presence & Overall Impact – 15 pts

10. Awards & Recognition

• Top 3 entries per category and age division will receive medals or trophies.
• Special Award certificates or trophies may include:
  • Best Cultural Representation
  • Best Contemporary Concept
  • Best Costume
  • Most Creative Concept
  • People’s Choice

11. Code of Conduct

The festival is a family friendly space for cultural exchange and respect.

• All participants, coaches, and audience members must demonstrate respect for fellow competitors and event staff.
• Negative behavior, unsportsmanlike conduct, or cultural insensitivity may result in disqualification.
• Cultural dances should not misrepresent any tradition or community.

Please review the GIDF Release & Waiver below (PDF also available for download):

GIDF Release & Waiver (PDF)

Guam International Dance Festival

Release and Waiver

THIS IS A RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

Event:                                      2025 Guam International Dance Festival

Date of Event:                  December 6-7, 2025

Locations of Event:     Tumon, Guam.

IN CONSIDERATION of being permitted to participate in any way in the EVENT(S), EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED, for him/herself, his/her personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin:

1. HEREBY RELEASES, WAIVES, DISCHARGES AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE the GUAM VISITORS BUREAU, its VENDORS, its MEMBERS, its SPONSORS, the GOVERNMENT OF GUAM, or its AGENCIES, INSTRUMENTALITIES, OR PUBLIC CORPORATIONS, and all of their directors, officers, agents, volunteers and employees, (hereinafter referred to as “Releasees”) FROM ALL LIABILITY TO THE UNDERSIGNED, his/her personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin FOR ANY AND ALL LOSS OR DAMAGE, AND ANY CLAIM OR DEMANDS THEREFORE ON ACCOUNT OF INJURY AND/OR EXPOSURE TO INFECTIOUS SYNDROMES OR DISEASES TO THE PERSON OR PROPERTY OR RESULTING IN ILLNESS AND/OR DEATH OF THE UNDERSIGNED ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE EVENT(S), WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE. BY PARTICIPATING OR ATTENDING THIS EVENT.  YOU ASSUME ALL RISKS WHETHER KNOW OR UNKNOWN.

2. HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS the Releasees and each of them FROM ANY LOSS, LIABILITY, DAMAGE, OR COST they may incur arising out of or related to the EVENT(S) WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or otherwise.

3. HEREBY acknowledges that THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EVENT(S) MAY BE DANGEROUS and involve risks including but not limited to exposure to infectious syndromes and diseases, serious illness, injury and/or death and/or property damage and he/she ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY RISK WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BODILY INJURY, EXPOSURE, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE arising out of or related to the EVENT(S) whether caused by the NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES or otherwise.

4. HEREBY grants to the Releasees (and grants to the Releasees the right to grant to others), as well as their successors and assigns, in perpetuity, the irrevocable right (but not the obligation), with or without my knowledge, to film, tape, photograph, record, exhibit, edit, alter, copy, reproduce, license, sell, rent, disclose, display, publish, distribute, broadcast, webcast, prepare derivative works from or otherwise preserve, use and/or exploit in any format and/or manner now known or hereafter developed, whether commercial or noncommercial in nature (collectively, the “Use and Materials”): (1) my appearance at and/or participation in the Event; (2) my name, likeness, signature, voice, singing voice, conversation, sounds, biographical data, testimonials, and/or any other information or material secured by the Releasees in connection with my appearance at and/or participation in the Event. I agree that Releasees shall have the right to the Use and Materials, for their own account, throughout the universe and in perpetuity. I acknowledge and agree that I shall not be entitled to receive any compensation whatsoever in connection with the Releasees’ exercise of its Use and Materials rights.

5. HEREBY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS that should any part or portion of this RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF ALL RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT be determined to be legally invalid or unenforceable for any reason, only such part or portion shall be severed and removed from the Agreement. The remaining provisions and all portions of this Agreement that have not been ruled invalid or unenforceable shall independently survive and remain in full force and effect, with only the invalid or unenforceable part or portion of this Agreement to be deemed stricken, unenforceable and severed from this Agreement.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF ALL RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT, ASSURANCE OR GUARANTEE BEING MADE TO ME AND INTEND MY SIGNATURE TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.

I agree and accept the Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement for this event.

PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

(IF UNDER THE AGE OF 18)

I represent and warrant that I am the parent or legal guardian of the Minor listed in this registration form, the individual who signed the foregoing Release (“Minor”) and that I have received, read, and understood the foregoing Release and Waiver. I fully consent to and voluntarily authorize the Minor to execute said Release and Waiver (or, if applicable, have voluntarily executed said Release and Waiver on Minor’s behalf).  I acknowledge and agree that all representations, consents, agreements, grants, waivers, authorizations, indemnifications and releases herein shall be regarded as made by me on behalf of the Minor and shall be binding on me and the Minor.

Furthermore, in consideration of Releasees possibly including me and/or Minor in the Event, I hereby agree to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and conditions of the foregoing Release and Waiver (including, without limitation, the provisions regarding release of all claims), as such terms and conditions may relate to my participation and/or the participation of the Minor in the Event, if any.

I agree to the Parent or Legal Guardian Acknowledgement as the Parent or Guardian for the minor registered for this event.

What is the Guam International Dance Festival?

It is a showcase and competition bringing together dancers from around the world to celebrate cultural heritage, creative expression, and artistic excellence. The festival connects people through dance on Guam and welcomes participants from Guam and neighboring markets.

When is the festival?

The inaugural festival will be held on December 5–7, 2025, with dance workshops and performances on December 5, 2025 at the Sinajana Fine Arts Center, the Micronesia Mall, and the Tsubaki Plaza.

Are there additional performance opportunities?

Yes. Additional performances and workshops will be held on December 5, 2025 at Sinajaña Fine Arts Center, the Micronesia Mall, and the Tsubaki Plaza.

How do I register?

• Anyone can register at visitguam.com/gidf. 
• Registration is capped at 30 slots total.
• The deadline is October 29, 2025.
• Registration does not guarantee acceptance, as selections may be document-based.
• There will be two categories participants can register for: Cultural Dance and Contemporary Dance.
• Age categories for groups are as follows: Youth: 6–12, Teen: 13–17, Adult: 18+, Mixed/Open: Multi-age groups

Is there a participation fee?

Participation in the inaugural festival is free of charge. Future festivals may require fees.

How do I get to Guam?

Below are links for different carriers. 

Japan

United Airlines | www.united.com/

Japan Airlines | www.jal.com/

T'way Air | www.twayair.com/

Korea (South Korea)

Korean Air | www.koreanair.com/

Jin Air | www.jinair.com/

T'way Air | www.twayair.com/

Air Busan | www.airbusan.com/

Air Seoul | flyairseoul.com/CW/en/main.do 

Taiwan

United Airlines | www.united.com/

Philippines

Philippine Airlines | www.philippineairlines.com/

United Airlines | www.united.com/

Micronesia

United Airlines | www.united.com/