Categories

Routines entered into the wrong categories will be disqualified from scholarships and special awards. They will receive a mark and medal placement only.

A maximum of THREE acrobatic/gymnastic “tricks” will be allowed in all categories with the exception of the Acrobatic category and the Open category. Tricks are defined as handsprings, aerials, walkovers, flips, chin stand forward rolls, etc.

ACROBATIC:

Routine that incorporates a majority of acrobatic technique and tricks. Please see classifications section to determine years of training.

CHARACTER BALLET:

A routine consisting of ballet steps and technique. The dance has to tell a story or have a definite theme throughout. No pointe work is allowed in this category.

CLASSICAL BALLET:

A routine strictly based on ballet steps and technique. No pointe work is allowed in this category.

CONTEMPORARY:

A routine consisting of any technique involving an infinite variety of line and shape, a constantly evolving style of movement exploring current ideas. Dancers need not portray a character.

HIP HOP:

Routine must consist primarily of hip hop and/or street jazz technique.

JAZZ:

A routine incorporating a majority of jazz technique.

LYRICAL:

A lyrical routine must portray strong emotions using a combination of ballet and jazz technique. Lyrical song choices must include lyrics.

MODERN:

A routine consisting of a collection of methods developed from modern and post-modern dance and can take on many forms including dance fusion, emergent dance and revisionism.

NATIONAL:

Routine of national origin (ie; Highland, Ukrainian, Polynesian, etc.)

OPEN:

This category is for any routine that does not seem appropriate in any of the above listed categories. Note: A routine that should be entered in one of the other performance categories cannot be entered into this category. Please do not enter “extra” tap, jazz, lyrical, etc., routines in this category.

PRODUCTION:

Routine with 15 or more people. Any discipline or combination thereof may be used. There must be some change in routine. (ex: music, props, costumes) Studios are allowed 5 minute set up and 5 minute take down.

POINTE:

No pointe work should be done before 12 years of age. Character, classical and contemporary pointe will be put into the same category.

STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY:

This category is designed for students who choose to choreograph their own solo without the assistance from another student, teacher or choreographer. The solo must be an original routine and not taken from any other source (ie: YouTube).  Solo may NOT be entered into any other category during the festival. All solos will be entered into the same adjudication. All dancers will receive a medal standing. 1st, 2nd, 3rd placings will be awarded.

TAP:

A tap routine should consist of 95% tap technique. No jingle taps are allowed. Tap sounds must not be pre-recorded with music.

THEATRE:

Includes routines with singing, lip-synching, dramatization, stage, etc.

*NEW* PRE-PROFESSIONAL - Where 51% or more of participants are former dancers or teachers aged 20 years or older. A teacher is defined as anyone that is 20 years of age or older and is teaching festival age children (5 years and up). This rule applies to all studios the teacher is instructing at – not on a per studio basis. This category is part of the Adult Showcase.

*NEW* ADULT - Where one or more dancers are adults. Adult dancers are defined as a dancer 21 years of age or older. This category is part of the Adult Showcase.