Definitions

(Please also see: Competition rules and guidelines)

2012 Competition Definitions

SPECIAL TRICKS

A maximum of three special tricks are allowed in any category with the exception of variety.

A special trick is an acrobatic trick such as an aerial, cartwheel, walkover, back handspring or running round-off hand spring.

As a general rule, any time your head is upside down and you feet are off the floor, it is consider a trick.

Splits in any form, leaps, and jumps may be used in any routine.

SEMI-PROFESSIONAL/PROFESSIONAL: Any entrant who is teaching and chore- ographing independently without the supervision of a professional teacher or any person whose principle means of income is derived from teaching dance or perform- ing.

AMATEUR: May be a student teacher but cannot have danced or taught in a semi- professional/professional capacity anytime prior to February 15th, 2011. Anyone re- ceiving more than $1500 in wages will be considered a semi-professional. Student teaching in exchange for class time is not considered income.

NOTE: Due to new regulations by the B.C. Gaming Commission regarding funding for festivals our ages for solos has changed to a maximum age of 18 by December 31, 2011.

SMALL GROUP consists of 3-7 competitors. (Must show discipline on entry form) LARGE GROUP consists of 8 or more competitors.

 

Ballet Section

CLASSICAL/CLASSICAL INTERPRETIVE: Classical technique and classical style
music. Soft slipper. Instrumental music only. En Pointe permitted for ages 13 -18.

DEMI-CHARACTER: Footwork must be 90% classical and the character must be
portrayed with the upper body. Instrumental music only. (Must show character on
entry form.) En Pointe permitted for ages 13-18 only.

 

STAGE SECTION

JAZZ: Jazz technique incorporating the foundation of fundamental jazz styles old
and new. Not to be confused with novelty, ethnic, aerobic, or gymnastics. Note: No
Hip Hop

LYRICAL: A dance that is performed to words/music with a slower paced tempo and
interprets the lyrics or intent of that piece of music. This form uses a blend of classical
ballet and soft jazz technique, facial and body emotion to portray the idea, story or
mood.

TAP: A dance where all dancers must be wearing taps on their shoes. Arms are
complimentary and coordinated to the footwork. The rhythm of percussion is
articulated through the feet and the entire body. The emphasis is on the clarity and
shading of sounds, whether they are regular rhythm or syncopated.

VARIETY: A dance in which anything goes. Ethnic (a dance which portrays with
steps and music the character of a specific country) is also performed in the category.
Entertainment value is the most important criteria for this
category. Lipsyncing belongs in this category. NO LIVE SINGING ALLOWED. Discipline
must be entered on entry form (ie: hip/hop/ethnic etc.) NOTE:
Acrobatic groups will perform in this category.
Special Note for Musical Theatre and Song and Dance: Please remember it is the
definition of Musical Theatre and Song and Dance that defines the
difference.

SONG & DANCE: This can be any vocal selection except a song that has ONLY
been performed as a live musical theatre production. All musical selections from live,
stage only productions must be entered in Musical Theatre. The emphasis is on
equal effort in dancing and singing and not the story. In a group category, a soloist
performance may only be a compliment to the whole number. No voice allowed on
CD.

MUSICAL THEATRE: A mini portrayal of an actual musical theatre production
complete with individual characters, when applicable, who sing or speak, act and
dance along with chorus. The emphasis is on the characters and chorus ability to
dance, sing and act to bring out the storyline. Singing counts as 70% of the mark. No
voice allowed on CD. NOTE: If it has only been a movie musical it has to go in
Song & dance.

 

MODERN SECTION

MODERN: A dance that uses movement and emotion with recognized modern technique
including contraction, release and a variety of lines and shapes. It can be thematic,
not to be confused with Lyrical. Solo competitors must be 13-18.

CONTEMPORARY: A routine incorporating jazz movements with
definite modern elements. Solo competitors must be 13-18.

 

OTHER SECTION

EXTREME TEAM 2012: This is a competitive but “FUN” event. Competitors will enter
as individuals and be placed on a team by a random draw. The dancers will be adjudicated
separately on technique, flexibility, strength,
showmanship and instantaneous choreographic skills. The team with the
highest combined scores wins. The criteria for this category will be available on our
website at a later date.

HIP HOP: A routine that incorporates a blend of contemporary funk and street style
with jazz technique. This is an “open” category.

ACROBATICS: Controlled acrobatic or rhythmic movements that involve
balance and flexibility. This routine must contain contortion and choreography that
lends itself to the routine. The solo category is open to age 18.
Note: Large group performances will be entered in the Variety Category.

ADJUDICATION ONLY: This category is open to age 18. No marks will be given. It
is adjudication only. It is open to solos and groups. Solo entrants must not have any
solos entered in the competitive section of the competition.

 

B.C. ANNUAL DANCE COMPETITION

REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMING ARTS BC PROVINCIALS:

BALLET: Two solos within the Ballet Section which can include Character
National. Junior 10-12 years, Intermediate 15 & Under, Senior 18 & Under.

STAGE: Two solos within the Stage Section Junior 10-12 years, Intermediate
15 & Under, Senior 18 & Under.

MODERN: One modern solo and one other solo either ballet, jazz, lyrical or
contemporary. Intermediate 15 & Under, Senior 18 & Under.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You need either a second modern or a contemporary piece to
perform at Provincials.

NOTE: A qualifying mark of 85 must be received within the chosen discipline to be
considered as a Provincial candidate.

JPA JUNIOR PERFORMER OF THE YEAR: This category is open to competitors
ages 8-12 years who have not previously represented the Canadian Dancer of the
Year or the Performer of the Year in their age category. Junior winners may enter the
senior category when eligible. Competitors must perform and receive marks in a
minimum of four solo performances. This excludes Extreme. A cash prize of $1000
will be awarded to the Junior. All entrants will perform a solo of their choice for the
Adjudicators.

JPA SENIOR CANADIAN PERFORMER OF THE YEAR: This category is open to
competitors ages 13-18 years who have not previously represented the Canadian
Dancer of the Year or the Performer of the Year in their age category. Competitors
must perform and receive marks in a minimum of four solo performances. This excludes
Extreme. All entrants will perform a solo of their choice for the Adjudicators.
The winner of this category will attend the Australian Showcase in Gold Coast, Australia
in January 2013. Jazz Productions Association will pay airfare only for the winner.
The attending festival will pay entry fees, workshop fees and accommodations.
If the winner does not go and the runner up takes their place, the runner up cannot
enter the Senior Performer of the Year category again.

All competitors entered in these categories will have the honour of receiving an
exclusive “Performer of the Year” t-shirt and will also perform in the opening number
in the Gala. A separate entry form must be completed for this
category.