FAQ’s
The following questions and responses will primarily encompass the submission & selection criteria phase of the process.
For any further clarification please refer and read thoroughly first to these areas on the website before contacting the production team for response:
Information about what happens henceforth (after submissions) will not be addressed to the public at large; but will be made available to those who are selected to compete.
Submission does not guarantee selection.
Clarifications about categories
These clarifications are not a substitute for the comprehensive definitions and judgement criteria descriptions that can be read on the CATEGORIES page. Rather these are additional statements, in hopes to provide illumination.
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The ‘Carnal’ for both HARD & SOFT categories are our most front-facing, breaking the fourth wall, salacious/audacious, pearl-clutching categories.
Although, wearing heels is required for both segments, even in your submission video. However refined “Heel-work” or “Heel technique” is not expected.
Use of the pole as an apparatus or a base of support is not required. So, if a performer spent the entire song doing floorwork and never touched the pole, they’d be fine.
Our highest judging priority for the ‘Hard’ category is audaciousness, and for the ‘Soft” category is seduction/tease. Something to keep in mind, as the judges will too: What is the intention behind your audacious/seductive behavior?
Just because you touch a part of your body, expose nudity or execute an awe-inspiring skill, this doesn’t inherently mean you meet the criteria. So be mindful of intention and meaning in regards to what ‘audacity’ or ‘seduction’ looks like and means for you.
Breaking the fourth wall, meaning you are actively engaging with the audience, is really important in both ‘Carnal’ categories.
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The ‘Experimental’ category emphasizes “the technical/aesthetic” innovation of the composition as the primary component of the performance. Not to be confused with theatrical interpretations of ‘experimental’.
The requirement of the ‘Experimental’ category is that the composition must be 60% low-flow. Low flow is standing dance variations with at least one point of contact on the pole and one foot on the floor. Hence, why the pole and heels as apparatuses are both required for this category.
The majority of sequencing for the ‘Experimental’ category should be standing; So, this means performers don't have to, literally, ever do a ‘trick’ or aerial progressions.
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The ‘Embodiment’ category defines embodiment as an integration of: prioritizing self-initiated pleasure, falling into flow states, and presence. We make an absolute differentiation between ‘presence’ and ‘stage presence’). This encourages one to transmit their experience on stage, not a character or something performative.
This is not a pick-me me category that should emphasize or orient to others outside of self. This doesn't mean performers cannot look at other people. This doesn't mean performers can't break the fourth wall, but performers should be mindful that everything that is done is not orienting toward feeding off the audience/judges.
The performance does not need to be emotionally driven, but should be somatically oriented in the experience.
The ability to express what is meaningful and pleasurable for, without capitulating to expectations of others, and to be able transmit that in the present moment is what the ‘embodiment’ category requires .
Clarifications about SUBMISSIONS
Submission rules and general requirements are listed, in full, on the SUBMISSION INFO page. The following responses are purposed to be additional insight into guiding compliant submissions that represent applicant’s aptitude in ways that uphold the integrity and ethos of this production.
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For video submissions we are looking for your ability to curate a 3-D immersive experience in the 2D.
Important factors and requirements for approaching video recording:
1.) Videos should be recorded in landscape (not portrait), at high definition resolution, 1920×1080 dimension specs.
2.) Your entire body must mostly stay in frame. We don't need different points of views and vantage points, or extreme close ups or crops. We need to see all of you. We need to see your face/facial + limbs, joints, extremities and the edges of your performance. Make it is immersive as possible and keep it in frame.
3.) If there are other people present at the time of your video recording, be sure that their bodies or voices do not interfere with the audio or visual.
4.) Be mindful of your edits. Videos can fade-in, in the beginning and fade-out at the end. The video should be filmed in one continuous shot. Anything other than that is unnecessary. Cutting, splicing and jump-frames in video submissions, will result in automatic disqualification, no exceptions.
5.) Videos should be uploaded publicly or unlisted to a service that provides video streaming and can produce an accessible link. This can include but is not limited to Youtube or Vimeo.
6.) Videos must be submitted by June 30th
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Submitters will wait for the submission time period and deliberative processes to end before receiving announcement of “yes” or “not at this time”. We ask for your patience and trust during this waiting period, that the decision will come in a timing that is appropriate and considerate.
All applicants/competitors are allowed to take articles of clothing off during a performance. Partial or full nudity is not obligatory or required, but it is supported if you want.
If selected, your competitive performance, in concept and execution, must be different than your submission video/audition. So if you decide to pick a song for your submission, you cannot use that for your competitive performance. Do NOT recycle any performances from any previous events, to include your submission, you will receive a deduction.
Clarifications about Quality Control, Terms & Conditions
The insights below are tips and regulatory information that is in addition to the terms & conditions that can be read on the website. Info below also includes recommendations and reminders that will help you determine if Haute Velour is something you can fully commit to ethically, with integrity and be conscientious of the standards of participation in the production.
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Unequivocally, No.
Haute Velour is a competitive production; meaning that it is a executive produced experience that features selected performers of all skill levels to immerse the judges and audience into their integrated artistic capacity in each respective category.
We do not believe that movement artistry and the ability to create a moving moment is restricted to athletic capability or advanced technical knowledge.
Competitive Performers are expected to fully realize the judgement criteria of the category they are in, while contending for the title and prize of being named the best of their category based on that criteria.
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1.Consider your music selection as if you were creating an experience and a moment in time that will be timeless 10 years from now. Your song can be mixed or edited. It does not have to be a version that is commercial or popular. Be mindful that our music is in compliment to your category and allows you the space to realize the criteria of the category within the song.
2. Don’t consider what’s going to go viral or present well as content on Instagram or any algorithm. What the masses or mainstream may like may not be in alignment with what you actually like or feel is best to underline your movement. The energy of this production is entirely different, eclectic and offers a variety of tastes. Lean into your artistry and what is meaningful in the category(s) that you’re submitting for.
3. Reading and comprehension is fundamental and makes the quality of relationships and logistics abundant. If you decide to submit, there’s information that you’ll need to read and agree to before applying. AND if you are selected there will be MORE information and communications that will come in the form of written text. What is going to be expected of you, unless your threshold for reading is verifiably incapacitated, is to intake, comprehend and respond to lots of written communication.
4.We would like to recognize you just as much as we would like to be recognized, as well, for the efforts that the staff and the production team is putting into to making you seen and making this experience something that is memorable for you. So we will give you as much grace as you give us and we'll give you as much compassion and consideration as you give us as well. Energetic hygiene is very important to this process.
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Let’s start with the financial component. You first will need to invest $75 into the submission application, which is non-refundable, no exceptions. If selected, there will be another fee (due at a later time) that is invested into the professional media and documentation of your performance. Aside from these production fees, you will be responsible for your travel, costuming, leisure, health and lodging.
Energetically be mindful of the things that are happening in your life and that you have the mental, the physical, and the emotional capacity to interact and deal with the pressures that come along with Haute Velour. It is fun. It is also, a lot of work to be done to get to the fun. It does sometimes take a toll and we want to acknowledge this component. Stress is inevitable, however If you feel like you don’tquite have the self-management and/or emotional hygiene to participate, please take care of yourself.
