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Dance Syllabus

All classes in the dance section are open to non-professional dancers. Please see rule #2 in the General Rules.

Dance schools are responsible for ensuring all dances entered under their school name meet the rules and regulations set out in this syllabus.

Entries

4. Dance entries are not limited to residents of Vancouver Island.
   (See General Rules – Eligibility 1(a) does not apply to Dance; 1(b) does apply to Dance)
5. ENTRIES – ONLINE ONLY. All information must be provided, including phone numbers of dancers performing two or more solos in each section, as they may be eligible for provincial representation or bursaries.
6. Correct spelling of the competitor’s name is required.
7. No individual (solo, groups, duets, trios) is allowed more than one entry in an age class/category.
8. Solos must be in the same age group for all entries. If a solo class is unavailable in a selected category, the dancer may move up to the next age group.
9. Dances used in past festivals must not be entered again by the same competitor – including Young Choreographers.
10. The dance section of the MIPAF has 3 parts – Ballet, Modern and Stage. (see dance class/category section for details)
11. Once a piece/selection has been performed in the “Song and Dance” class of the dance section, it may not ever be performed by that student in the vocal section of the festival in any format whatsoever.
12. Competitive Highland (e.g., fling, sword dance, etc.) may not be used in the National category but could be entered into the For the Love of Dance Open category.
13. Duets and trios – age class entered is that of the oldest dancer.
14. Groups: See chart in the dance category section
    

    Group Size	Number of Dancers
    Duet	2
    Trio	3
    Small	4 to 7
    Medium	8 to 12
    Large	13 or more

    No group member may be more than 2 years older than the dance age group entered, EXCEPT IN LOVE OF DANCE.

Entries from Independent Dancers

15. Solos, duets, and trio entries only.
16. Cheque, money order or PayPal will be accepted.

Choreographer/Dance Teacher

17. No substitution of any performer in any class without permission of Dance Committee Chairs.
18. Only performers listed on the entry form will be allowed on stage once the adjudicator rings the bell.
19. No late competitor(s) may perform after adjudication of the class.
20. Costumes are optional.
21. All music, performance and costumes must be:
    1. edited for inappropriate language/content
    2. age-appropriate – lyrics, dance moves and costume
    3. appropriate for a family audience
    4. mindful of costume fabric and consider the use of second skin and nude tights
22. Only students 12 years and older on December 31 prior may perform on pointe. This applies to all competitors in all dance categories.
23. Music is uploaded during the registration process and will be played by a dance committee volunteer. Backups of music should be available in MP3 format on a device that can be attached to the music system.
24. Music errors are not the responsibility of the MIPAF volunteers.
25. Groups and Productions are an intermingling and collaboration of students to form patterns – not a number of students performing in a straight line.

General Information

26. Mid Island Performing Arts Festival and its volunteers are not responsible for lost items.
27. During the festival, the MIPAF dance festival does not permit the following in their rented building space:
    1. Subletting
    2. Rehearsals (quiet warm-up only in dressing rooms – no music).
28. During dance festival, an entry in duets, trios, small, medium, or large groups that no longer fits into the category entered may, at the discretion of the Dance Committee Chairs:
    1. move to category/class they now fit into as long as that category/class has not performed.
    2. may dance in the original category/class for adjudication only.
29. For solo classes with over 8 dance entries:
    1. entries will be split into 2 classes by age (e.g. 11 years of age and 12 years of age).
    2. each class will be adjudicated and awarded as separate classes.
30. The auditorium will open 1/2 hour before the start of each session and close immediately following each session.
31. Dancer check-in:  dancers must be checked in, and numbers for groups must be confirmed no later than 30 minutes before going on stage to compete (groups, duets and solos).  Should substitutions for dancers be required, the Section Chair must be notified before dancers enter the stage to compete.
32. During the dates of the Mid Island Performing Arts Festival, rehearsals in the areas rented by the festival committee are not permitted. Warm-up WITHOUT AUDIBLE MUSIC is permitted in Lounge C.
33. No rehearsal or warm-up is allowed in the lobby at all. This is a public space and is not rented by the MIPAF.

Stage and Performance Rules

34. Parents are not allowed backstage.
35. The stage is not to be used by anyone except performing dancers during our dance sessions.
36. Backstage barres will open for warm-up 1/2 hour before each session starts.
37. All tap shoes must be covered or removed before and after each performance.
38. Using hair spray, powder, or any substance on feet/shoes may result in disqualification.
39. The use of resin on the dance floor will result in disqualification.
40. Wings are not to be handled by dancers during their performance on stage.
41. Dancers must access the stage from stage right or stage left—no entry through the back curtain.
42. Stage lights are preset and will remain the same for all dance entries.
43. The music system provided by the venue/Mid Island Performing Arts Festival must be the system used and
    1. May not be used for cueing music or sound checks
    2. MP3s ONLY are required with our music system.
    3. NOTE: At the Provincial level – MP3 files are also required with CDs as a backup.
44. Hand Props:
    1. Must be kept off the dance floor.
    2. When a hand prop is placed on the dance floor, it becomes a floor prop.
45. Floor Props:
    1. Must be used sparingly and be integral to the dance – not just scenery.
    2. Must be simple, lightweight & fit through side stage doors.
    3. Dance schools are responsible for ensuring props do not damage the dance floor.
    4. No dragging/sliding across the dance floor. Please be careful of the chair feet.
    5. Must be removed from backstage by the end of the session.
    6. Dancer/dance teachers are responsible for setup and takedown.
    7. Senior students or backstage volunteers may help but volunteers are not required to assist with props. Please note: Performing Arts B.C. (Provincials) requires the dancer to set their own props.
    8. CHECK DANCE CATEGORY/CLASS SECTION OF THIS SYLLABUS FOR INFORMATION REGARDING FLOOR AND HANDHELD PROP USE.

Role of Adjudicator/Adjudication

46. The adjudicator will offer general comments to the class as a whole during adjudications.
47. Specific comments to the competitor will be done via video adjudication and are meant for the dance teacher and competitor to discuss.
48. The option to repeat a dance – whether completed or not – will be at the discretion of the Adjudicator and the dance committee chairs. A dance that is repeated will be for adjudication only except if the reason is beyond the dancer’s control.
49. If the adjudicator believes a particular performance has been entered in the wrong category, the entry will be for adjudication only, and no mark will be provided. The adjudicator is not required to comment publicly but will give video adjudication feedback on why the dance was deemed to be entered in the wrong class.
50. Inappropriate language/content
    1. Adjudicators will decide if the language/content/attire is inappropriate.
    2. The adjudicator will ring the bell – the music will stop, and the dance will not be completed.
    3. No mark or adjudication will be given.
    4. Performers/performer will not be allowed on stage for adjudication
51. If syllabus rules have not been followed, the adjudicator may in consultation with Dance Committee Chairs decide a dance entry will not receive an adjudication or mark.
52. Competitors should not begin before the adjudicator indicates he/she is ready.
53. The adjudicator may, at his/her discretion, stop a performance at any time and is not required to give an adjudication or mark if it would be detrimental to the competitor.
54. To qualify for a First Place Certificate – a minimum mark of 85% must be achieved.
    1. Third Place Certificates may be awarded
       1. at the discretion of the adjudicator.
       2. to the SOLO, DUET, or GROUP dancers in the age categories 10 and under even if there are less than 8 entries in a class. A third place is possible when there are only 3 entries in this age category.
    2. Participation Certificates may be awarded to solo, duet, or group entries with dancers aged 8 and under.
55. The name and standing of the winners may be announced by the adjudicator at the completion of the class.
56. No marks for entries in the 6 and 8 and under age categories will be provided. Participation ribbons will be awarded to soloists, duets, and each group entry.

Young Choreographers

57. Young Choreographer notes may be submitted electronically no later than 7 days before the first session of the section (i.e., ballet or stage) for the section entered. If they are not received electronically by the 7-day deadline, a hard copy must be submitted to the section chair no later than the first session of the section. Please enter the name of the dancer with the registration of the dance. See complete rules for Young Choreographers in the Dance Classes section of this syllabus.

Bursaries: See general rules.

58. A competitor must enter a minimum of two (2) solo classes in either the Ballet, Modern or Stage section to be eligible. Bursary awards are at the sole discretion of the adjudicator.
59. In the dance section, a Rose Bursary (if available) may be awarded to dancers up to 10 years of age and under who perform at least one solo in either ballet or stage.
60. Young Choreographers bursary (if available) – must enter one solo entry in Young Choreographers to be eligible. For this bursary, ‘SOLO’ refers to the number of choreographers in an entry – not dancers.

Provincial Information

Representatives may be chosen from the following three sections: Ballet, Modern and Stage.

As per the MIPAF General Rules and Regulations, the adjudicator can choose a provincial representative if they:

1. Reside within the geographic area of our Festival (Ladysmith to Bowser, Port Alberni to Parksville) OR
2. Study in the discipline (i.e., dance, piano) within the geographic area of our Festival OR
3. Have taken up temporary residence for study within our geographic area.

Additionally, to be eligible for a provincial nomination:

1. A competitor must enter a minimum of two solos in the selected provincial category (Ballet, Modern or Stage) and receive a minimum mark of 85% for both solos in the specific category AND
2. A competitor must perform in at least one group (small, medium, large, or production) in the specified provincial category.

IF NO COMPETITOR matches the above geographic criteria, an adjudicator may choose a corresponding provincial representative from outside this area, provided all other criteria are met.

Any Dancer receiving a Provincial nomination from another Festival, whether or not they have declined, must notify the section chair before the start of the festival (Ballet, Modern or Stage). Please state the level, genre, and whether they have accepted or declined the previous nomination.

Age Categories are as follows:
Level I – Age 10-12, Level II – Age 13 to 15, Level III – Age 16-20

Previous winners at the Provincial festival are required to move up to the next level when next going to the Provincials. For example – a Provincial winner in Level I Ballet would next compete at Level II Ballet.

For more information, contact our Provincial Liaison Representative.

Dance Classes/Categories

BALLET SECTION: Ballet – Demi Pointe, *Neo-Classical Ballet, Pointe, Demi-Character, Character, National, Interpretive, Contemporary Ballet, Lyrical Ballet, Young Choreographer, Production, and Variations

MODERN SECTION: Modern, Interpretive Modern, Contemporary, and Interpretive Contemporary

STAGE SECTION: Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, Street Dancing, Tap, Variety (replacing Modern Stage), Song and Dance, Young Choreographers, Production, Street Dance Production, and Acrobatics Dance

AVAILABLE FOR ADJUDICATION ONLY: Adult Group (Tap & Street Dancing), Academic School groups, For the Love of Dance

Group Information

TITLE OF DANCE IS REQUIRED ON ALL GROUP ENTRIES.

• Duets consist of 2 dancers
• Trios consist of 3 dancers
• Small groups consist of: 4 – 7 dancers
• Medium groups consist of 8-12 dancers
• Large groups consist of: 13 or more dancers.

Groups with dancers over the category/age group must use the chart below.
No group member may be more than 2 years older than the category/age group entered.

Timing of Dance Numbers

Categories/Classes

The title of a dance is required on the entry forms for all group dances plus solos, duets and trio entries in some categories. Please carefully read the rules given in each category.

Ballet Section

LYRICS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN ANY CATEGORY EXCEPT LYRICAL BALLET, CONTEMPORARY BALLET, AND NATIONAL. VOCALIZATION IS PERMITTED.

Ballet Demi-Pointe

Dance based on any method of classical ballet technique (Russian, Cecchetti, R.A.D. etc). The dance tells no story. HANDHELD PROPS MAY BE USED IF THEY ARE INTEGRAL TO THE DANCE. NO FLOOR PROPS. No lyrics in music.

Neo-Classical Ballet

Dance based on any method of classical ballet technique in the style of the 20^th and 21^st centuries. Original choreography should be plotless and musically driven without narrative or mime. Dancer’s movements should be the main artistic medium. No lyrics in music.

Pointe

To be adjudicated on the pointe work of the competitor. Pure Classical ballet, or may borrow from other disciplines in the ballet section. Only students 12 years old and over by December 31 prior may perform on pointe. This rule applies to solos, groups, and duets IN ALL DANCE CATEGORIES. HANDHELD PROPS MAY BE USED IF THEY ARE INTEGRAL TO THE DANCE. NO FLOOR PROPS. No lyrics in music.

Variation

Traditional choreography from a known Classical Ballet. Can be performed en pointe or demi pointe.

*As a trial in 2025 only, Pas de Deux performances may request extended time to a maximum of 5 minutes total stage time for classical ballet repertoire pieces.

Demi-Character

The story must be portrayed classically through mime and the use of the upper body. The dancer must perform ballet enchainments from the waist down and character from the waist up. The character must be stated on the entry form. Title of Dance required, please. No lyrics in music EXCEPT 6 years and under age category – lyrics are permitted.

Character

A definite character must be portrayed whereby the dancer becomes the whole character using any stylized movement with the occasional use of isolated ballet steps. The character must be stated on the entry form. Title of Dance required, please. No lyrics in music.

Interpretive

Expressing an idea or mood, not a story: often an interpretation of the music. The theme of the dance must be explicit in the title. No notes are permitted. Title of Dance required, please. No lyrics in music.

Contemporary Ballet

Incorporates classical ballet techniques with a greater range of movements that may not adhere to strict body lines for classical ballet. This style includes non-traditional movements, such as more relaxed steps, floor work, turned-in legs, etc., to portray the concept of being more innovative, free, and earthbound. The physical interpretation of the theme that the choreographer envisioned allows for more expressive emotions and feelings.

Lyrical Ballet

Lyrical ballet places emphasis on flowing lyrical movements. Solid ballet technique/content is required to be shown. Title of Dance required, please.

National

Folk dancing, which portrays the traditional style of a specific country. Instrumental and vocal arrangements are permitted. No competitive Highland dance. Please state the country on the entry form. Title of Dance required, please.

Modern/Contemporary Section

LYRICS AND VOCALIZATION ARE PERMITTED

Modern

A stylized dance form with its foundation of a technically based discipline such as Duncan, Graham, Ailey Horton etc. Dance that rejects the limitations of classical ballet and which favours movement derived from the expression of inner feeling, free dance, contraction, release, fall and recovery and dynamism – a constantly evolving style of movement. Title of Dance required, please.

Interpretive Modern

Dance that uses a recognized/codified modern technique to tell a story, express a feeling, interpret a character, behaviour, or emotional state. Movement should be related to the intent of the music. Title of dance is required.

Contemporary

As in contemporary or abstract art and music, contemporary dance expresses current, fresh and innovative ideas. It could be described as fusing modern, ballet and athletic movement principles, but is not exclusively one over another. It is inventive, creative and open to new concepts. Props and costumes may be used to illustrate the tone of the choreography. Title of Dance required, please.

Interpretive Contemporary

Dance that uses contemporary movement vocabulary from stylized to pedestrian (with modern technique as its basis) to tell a story, express a feeling, interpret a character, behaviour, or emotional state: e.g., Pina Bausch (Tanztheater Wuppertal). Movement should be related to the intent of the music, while the choreography must engage the whole body. Title of dance is required.

Stage Section

Tap

Entries will be judged on footwork, rhythm, style and presentation. Tap sounds on music are NOT permitted. Please remember this is TAP DANCING, NOT MODERN STAGE.

Jazz

Free movement using recognized jazz technique showing a strong sense of rhythm and coordination. Adjudication may be based on the suitability of the music and movements appropriate to the dancer’s age. All music must be edited for inappropriate language/content. FLOOR PROPS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

Street Dancing

All music must be edited for inappropriate language/content – see Dance Rules and Regulations. Street Dancing includes hip hop, street dance, break dancing, stomp funk etc.

Lyrical Jazz

Lyrical jazz places emphasis on flowing lyrical movements. Solid jazz technique/content required to be shown. Title of Dance required, please.

Variety (formerly known as Modern Stage)

Dance suitable for a stage or musical production, cabaret, a review, live theatre, etc. Contents must contain a minimum of 50% dance, choreography should have a character base to it without straight-line work; must be composed of a diversified vocabulary of steps and may utilize any dance genre. Live voice is not permitted; lip-synching is permitted. Minimum use of simple props, please. Title of Dance is required. 

Song and Dance

Own voice — no voice on CD of any kind, including spoken voice. Routine suited to stage or musical theatre production; it must be choreographed to provide interest and entertainment beyond straight-line work. The routine must consist of 50% voice and 50% dance and will be adjudicated on both. Title of Dance required, please. 

Acrobatic Dance

Acrobatic Dance combines Dance technique with acrobatic elements to seamlessly blend the two mediums. Routines should balance 50% dance and 50% acrobatic movements – no straight gymnastics or contortion routines will be permitted. A simple prop may be used if integral to the Dance. Mats may not be used and will not be provided.

Adjudication Only

Entries in the adjudication-only section will receive a special “adjudication only” certificate to recognize their participation in the MIPAF dance section. Adjudication-only group entries are eligible to be selected for Dance Gala.

Adult – Adjudication Only

All entrants in Adult Classes must be 18 years of age or older on December 31st prior. Student dance teachers and dance teachers may enter this class. The general rules applying to dance and the dance rules, and regulations must be followed. Entries must be suitable for a family audience. For adult groups, there will be no division of group sizes (e.g. small or large groups).

Academic School Groups – Adjudication Only

Dancers in this category must be registered at and attending an academic school. May be danced in any form of dance accepted by the MIPAF dance section. A performer may perform only once in this category. For academic school groups, there will be no division of group sizes (eg. small or large groups). The general rules applying to dance and the dance rules, and regulations must be followed.

Elementary and Secondary Schools: Entry must be endorsed by a school representative.

For the Love of Dance

• It is open to dancers who wish to enter a solo, duet, or group dance but not in a competitive category.
• Soloists who wish to be eligible for the Provincials may not enter a solo in this class.
• Program groupings may involve different ages (i.e. 6-year-olds with 14-year-olds) and different categories (i.e. Lyrical Ballet with National).
• a solo performer may be no older than 22 years as of Dec. 31 prior.
• Ballet/Modern/Contemporary solos, duets, and groups will be assessed by a Ballet adjudicator. No placements will be given.
• Stage solos, duets, and groups will be assessed by a Stage adjudicator. No placements will be given.
• Street solos, duets, and groups will be assessed by a Street adjudicator. No placements will be given.
• Open solos, duets, and groups will be performance only (no adjudication). No placements will be given.
• A dancer may perform once in each class number only.

Production and Young Choreographers

Production

Consists of four or more AMATEUR dancers in a dance category accepted by the Mid Island Performing Arts Festival. A Production generally tells a story or is part of a large dance or stage production – may be any combination of ages. Special lighting, explosive effects and the use of microphones are not permitted. Minimum time 5 minutes – maximum time 10 minutes.

Young Choreographers

Students choose their own music, theme, and style and can perform the dance themselves or set it on other dancers.

• Dancer names and birth dates must be entered on the entry form, but this is to comply with our rules only.
• Dancers are not adjudicated—the choreographer is.
• Students must present an electronic copy of the choreography and theme to the adjudicator’s secretary at dance@nanaimomusicfestival.com NO LATER THAN SEVEN DAYS BEFORE THE FIRST SESSION OF THE SECTION ENTERED – BALLET OR STAGE for the adjudicator to review the notes before the competition.
• The adjudicator and the dance committee chairs may accept notes received later than the first day of the session, either ballet or stage, but in this case, the dance will be performed for adjudication only.
• The notes will be reviewed for accuracy, neatness, appropriate floor plan, choreographic notes and costume design. Notes must be in a form that the dance can be repeated by another dancer using only the notes.

Please Note: The category entered is determined by the number (solo or duet) and age of the choreographer or in the case of a duet – the age of the older choreographer. For choreographers 8 years and under, the dance will be performed for adjudication only.

Young Choreographers are responsible for picking up their notes from the recording desk before the end of the festival.

Provincial Excellence – All Disciplines

Solo Program (1 Improv plus 3 Solos)  – Age 20 and under

Please read the details of this class on pages 26-27 in the Provincial Syllabus at BCprovincials.com.
To be considered for this recommendation, a competitor must have two contrasting solos within a section that received a mark of 85% or higher. This class would be appropriate for a dancer performing at a level equivalent to an apprentice in a professional company. This achievement can be considered higher than that of a senior class representative.

For a dancer to be selected for the Provincial Excellence class at PABC, the MIPAF adjudicator must feel the dancer is at the standard of apprentice level at a professional company. There is no guarantee that a MIPAF representative will be selected for this class.