DEFINING SECTIONS
SECTIONS
l. Modern: A routine where all dancers execute free form movement & styling
characteristic modern jazz dance. Limit of 2 acrobatic tricks may be incorporated into
routine if necessary.
2. Hip Hop: A routine choreographed primarily to hip hop music and danced in an urban
street style. Limit of 2 acrobatics tricks may be incorporated into routine.
3. Tap: A routine consisting of tap technique and primarily tap work. No audible tap
sounds are permitted on tapes/CDs. Must perform to one piece of music. No Medleys
accepted this section.
4. Tap Medley: A routine consisting of tap technique and primarily tap work. No audible
tap sounds are permitted on tapes/CDs. Must perform a slow & quick routine to
continuous music with no intro into speed. Competitors may enter other Tap Solo section
but must not repeat the same routine or part thereof.
5. Slow Modern: A routine where the dancer(s) interpret the lyrics or mood of a song, using
modern technique. Music to be slow rhythm, with facial & body emotion. Limit of 2
acrobatic tricks may be incorporated into routine if necessary. This section may be
combined with Contemporary if insufficent numbers for a seperate section.
6. Song & Dance: A routine consisting of both singing and any category of dance. Dance
must be 50% of the routine. No vocals on backing track during the song part of a song &
dance. Curtains may be used.
7. Acrobatic: A routine consisting of controlled acrobatic or rhythmic gymnastic
movements including balance and flexibility. However, the routine must include 50%
choreographed movement; bridging tricks and /or passes in a fluid style. The use of
mats is strictly prohibited. Curtains may be used.
8. Classical: A routine where all dancers wear ballet pumps or pointe shoes and execute
any recognised ballet method/technique. Short ballet tutus to be used.
9. Character & Demi-Character: A classically based routine based on any recognised
method, choreographed to portray a storyline or character. No talking in Demi
Character. Classical or Semi-Classical music to be used (No vocal). Curtains may be
used.
10. National: All national dances must use authentic Music, Steps & Costuming all
countries accepted.
11. Neo Classical: Classical ballet developed to a new classical of abstract lines with
classical technique along the lines originated by George Balanchini or similar masters.
Ø A form of dance with less formal approach to body, arm and foot positions.
Ø Minimal use of props.
Ø Simple costume with no sequins or fancy trims.
Ø Flexibility of body without acrobatic tricks, can include splits & Handstand to the floor.
Ø Music from any era – instrumental or vocal – however classical steps must
Ø Be adhered to.
Ø Ballet pumps or pointe shoes to be worn.
Ø Neo Classical is not:
- Acrobatic tricks.
- Rhythmic Gym or Callisthenics.
- Slow Modern, Contemporary or Negro Spiritual.
12. Contemporary: This section includes Contemporary, Negro Spiritual and Lyrical. If insufficient
entries this section will be combined with Slow Modern.
13. Baby class: Unclassified for children under 6 years to compete in Modern, Tap
& Song & Dance
14. Troupes: Will be offered in all sections and must consist of 5 or more performers.
All members of tap troupes must have taps on their tap shoes. Hip Hop troupes will be
dance with Modern Troupes if there are insufficient numbers for a seperate section.
15. Ensembles: Will be offered in Classical & Demi character and must consist of 4 or more
competitors Romantic tutus may be worn for classical.
16. Interpretation: Modern, Classical and Tap Interpretations sections will be run.
17. Own Choreography: Students may enter their own routine in the Own Choreographer
category. The routine must be a solo of any genre and must be danced by the
choreographer. Please use appropriate time limit.
18. Boys Only Section: This is a mixed section where competitiors can perform a dance of
their choice (must be a new dance and not one they have performed in another section)
All solo sections will be divided into Novice and Open with the exception of Modern and Slow Modern, which will be divided into Novice, Intermediate and Open.
Interpretations applying to NOVICE - OPEN - INTERMEDIATE and UNCLASSIFIED
Sections:
NOVICE:
Any competitor who has not won 1st place in a Novice Section or has not won
1st, 2nd or 3rd place in an unclassified section, and has not previously danced in an Open Section prior to this Festival is classified as a Novice dancer for that section, eg Tap, Jazz.
HOWEVER AFTER RECEIVING THREE PLACES AS A NOVICE IN A PARTICULAR SECTION THE COMPETITIOR MUST THEN MOVE TO OPEN. EXCLUDES MODERN & SLOW MODERN
INTERMEDIATE:
Any competitor who has placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in either Novice Modern or Slow Modern Solo will be deemed an Intermediate Dancer.
ANY DANCER PLACED 1st IN AN INTERMEDIATE SOLO SECTION WILL BE DEEMED AN OPEN DANCER. HOWEVER AFTER RECEIVING THREE PLACES AS AN INTERMEDIATE IN A PARTICULAR SECTION THE COMPETITIOR MUST THEN MOVE TO OPEN.
OPEN:
Any competitor who has danced in an Open Section prior to the closing date of the current Festival, or has won 1st place in a novice is classed as an Open dancer in that particular Section, eg. Tap or classical.
UNCLASSIFIED:
Baby Section (under 6years) and Under 8 years sections are always unclassified.
When insufficient entries in a particular age group are received Novice and Open dancers may be danced together in an unclassified section. Any competitor placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in this section will be deemed to be an open dancer. (Not including Babies)
If a competitor enters the Dance Festival as a Novice or Intermediate dancer and then places or wins a section in a competition held elsewhere after the date for close of entries, they must notify W.C.D.F. immediately and move to the corrected section
TIME LIMITS: (Includes Duos & Trios)
1. Modern/Hip Hop Solos (12 years & under) 2 ½ minutes
Modern/Hip Hop Solos (over 12 years) 3 minutes
2. Tap Solos (all ages) 2 ½ minutes
3. Tap Medley 4 minutes
4. Slow Modern Solos (12 years & under) 2 ½ minutes
Slow Modern Solos (over 12 years) 3 minutes
5. Song & Dance Solos 4 minutes
6. Acrobatic Solos 3 minutes
7. Classical Solos 3 minutes 8. Demi Character Solos 3 minutes 9. National 3 minutes 10. Neo Classical Solos 3 minutes 11. Troupes & Ensembles 5 minutes Time limits will be rigidly enforced. Entrants exceeding time limits will be disqualified. Time taken from commencement of music untill competitor leaves the stage. AGE CATEGORIES: Age Limits for Modern, Tap & Slow Modern categories:- Under 6 years 12 years and under 14 6 years and under 8 14 years and under 16 8 years and under 10 16 years and under 18 10 years and under 12 Open Age Individual age groups will be danced if sufficient entries. Under 6 years 12 years and under 14 6 years and under 8 14 years and under 16 8 years and under 10 Open Age 10 years and under 12 Individual age groups will be danced if sufficient entries. Unclassified sections will be danced if insufficient entries and conditions of Unclassified sections will apply. There is now no longer a novice, intermediate and open section for under 8's. All dances will dance in one section SOLOS (Autumn Festival) – Age as of 31st March (Spring Festival) – Age as of 31st August TROUPES & ENSEMBLES (Age as at 31st December Previous year) TROUPES & GROUPS/DUOS & TRIOS - Age level will be determined by the oldest dancer performing.
