Dance

New and revised syllabus rules and classes for 2023 are highlighted in yellow.

THE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE DOES NOT WISH TO DISQUALIFY ANY PERFORMER.

  • All competitors, parents, teachers and choreographers are sincerely advised to carefully review and abide by the regulations and spirit of the festival so that infractions do not occur.
  • We streamlined the fees for all classes this year as detailed in the General Rules.

 

Please review the main Syllabus page and the General Rules & Regulations as well as this syllabus for more information.

 

Dance Syllabus

“Dancing is an Art Because it Has Rules” – Voltaire

NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR RECORDING OF ANY TYPE WILL BE ALLOWED DURING A PERFORMANCE.

  1. Audience members observed taking pictures or filming/recording a performer(s) will be warned once and asked to refrain.
  2. If the audience member continues to take pictures or video/record, the performer(s) will be disqualified.
  3. Members of the media are exempted from this prohibition if authorized by MIPAF and have parents’ permission.

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

  1. 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)
  2. 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.
  3. Correct spelling of the competitor’s name is required.
  4. No individual (solo, groups, duets, trios) is allowed more than one entry in an age class/category.
  5. 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.
  6. Dances used in past festivals must not be entered again by the same competitor – including Young Choreographers.
  7. The dance section of the MIPAF has 2 parts – Ballet, Modern and Stage. (see dance class/category section for details)
  8. 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.
  9. Competitive Highland (e.g. fling, sword dance etc.) may not be used in the National category.
  10. Duets – age class entered is that of the oldest dancer.
  11. Groups: See chart in the dance category section
    Group Size Number of Dancers
    Small 3 to 7
    Large 8 or more

    No group member may be more than 2 years older than the dance age group entered.

 

Entries from Independent Dancers

  1. Solos, duets entries only.
  2. Cheque, money order or PayPal will be accepted.

 

Choreographer/Dance Teacher

  1. No substitution of any performer in any class without permission of Dance Committee Chairs.
  2. Only performers listed on the entry form will be allowed on stage once the adjudicator rings the bell.
  3. No late competitor(s) may perform after adjudication of the class.
  4. Costumes are optional. School identification is not to be worn on stage by anyone at any time, including adjudication. This includes any markers that could identify schools.
  5. 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
  6. Only students 12 years and older on December 31 prior may perform on pointe. This applies to all competitors in all dance categories.
  7. Dance teachers are responsible for playing their music. If a teacher is not available, a sound sheet should be completed (available at the recording desk), and the dancer may ask the backstage dance committee volunteer to play their music (if a volunteer is available).
  8. Music errors are not the responsibility of the MIPAF volunteers.
  9. 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

  1. Mid Island Performing Arts Festival and its volunteers are not responsible for lost items.
  2. 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).
  3. During dance festival, an entry in duets, large or small 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.
  4. For solo classes with over 15 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.
  5. The auditorium will open 1/2 hour before the start of each session and close immediately following each session.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

  1. Parents are not allowed backstage.
  2. The stage is not to be used by anyone except performing dancers during our dance sessions.
  3. Backstage barres will open for warm-up 1/2 hour before each session starts.
  4. All tap shoes must be covered or removed before and after each performance.
  5. Using hair spray, powder, or any substance on feet/shoes may result in disqualification.
  6. The use of resin on the dance floor will result in disqualification.
  7. Wings are not to be handled by dancers during their performance on stage.
  8. Dancers must access the stage from stage right or stage left—no entry through the back curtain.
  9. Stage lights are preset and will remain the same for all dance entries.
  10. 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. CDs or MP3/iPods are required with our music system.
    3. NOTE: At the Provincial level – MP3 files are also required with CDs as a backup.
  11. 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.
  12. 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

  1. The adjudicator will offer general comments to the class as a whole during adjudications.
  2. Specific comments to the competitor will be on their adjudication sheet and are meant for the dance teacher and competitor to discuss
  3. 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.
  4. 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 written feedback on why the dance was deemed to be entered in the wrong class.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. Competitors should not begin before the adjudicator indicates he/she is ready.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. The name and standing of the winners may be announced by the adjudicator at the completion of the class.
  11. No marks for entries in the 6 and 8 and under age categories will be provided. Participation certificates will be awarded to soloists, duets, and each group entry.

 

Young Choreographers

  1. 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.

  1. A competitor must enter a minimum of two (2) solo classes in either the Ballet section or Stage section to be eligible. Bursary awards are at the sole discretion of the adjudicator.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Please check the current Provincial syllabus at www.bcprovincials.com

The Provincial syllabus has a list of definitions that describe the various styles that are appropriate and outlines the need for contrasting solos.

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

A competitor must enter a minimum of two solos and receive a minimum mark of 85% for both solos in the specific category to be eligible.

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 section (Ballet or Stage).

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

Provincial Category Provincial Requirements
Ballet Representative: Open to all the above Levels.

The participant must perform two contrasting solos based on Ballet technique including but not limited to: Cecchetti, R.A.D., Vaganova, etc.
Hand-held props only may be used if integral to the dance, except in Interpretive where no props are allowed. Ballet shoes must be worn. No lyrics are permitted, except in Contemporary Ballet; vocalization is permitted.
Modern Representative: Open to all the above Levels.

The participant must perform two contrasting modern or contemporary solos, the basis of which will be modern technique including but not limited to Graham, Limon, Cunningham, Humphrey and Horton.
Stage Representative: Open to all the above Levels.

The participant must perform two contrasting solos in two of the following styles: Jazz or Lyrical Jazz, Variety, Song and Dance and Tap.
Hip Hop/Street Dance may be used as a second solo only.

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, and Production

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

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

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.

  • Small groups consist of: 3 – 7 dancers.
  • Large groups consist of: 8 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.

Number in Group Number Allowed Over
Age of Class Entered
Number in Group Number Allowed Over
Age of Class Entered
3 – 5 1 22 – 25 6
6 – 9 2 26 – 29 7
10 – 13 3 30 – 33 8
14 – 17 4 34 – 37 9
18 – 21 5 38 – 41 10

 

Timing of Dance Numbers

From the start of the performance, whether it is the music or movement first; same for the end of the performance whether the movement or music is last—includes a bow. Time limits must be adhered to, or the competitor may be disqualified. (Selections do not need to be the maximum length)

 

Categories/Classes Up to and Including 13 Years of Age

Class Time Limit
Solos, duets Not to exceed three (3) minutes
NOTE: 3 minutes at Provincial level (Song & Dance – 4 minutes)
Small and Large Groups Not to exceed five (5) minutes
Production Minimum six (6) minutes – Maximum ten (10) minutes

Categories/Classes 14 Years of Age and Over

Class Time Limit
Solos, duets Not to exceed four (4) minutes.
NOTE: 3 minutes at Provincial level (Song & Dance – 4 minutes)
Small and Large Groups Not to exceed six (6) minutes
Production Minimum six (6) minutes – Maximum ten (10) minutes

The title of a dance is required on the entry forms for all group dances plus solos & duets 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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Ballet Demi-Pointe Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
6 years and under 100 200 300 400
8 years and under 101 201 301 401
10 years and under 102 202 302 402
12 years and under 103 203 303 403
14 years and under 104 204 304 404
16 years and under 105 205 305 405
18 years and under 106 206 306 406
20 years and under 107 207 307 407

Neo-Classical Ballet

Dance based on any method of classical ballet technique in the style of the 20th and 21st 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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
NEO-CLASSICAL Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
10 years and under 102-1 202-1 302-1 402-1
12 years and under 103-1 203-1 303-1 403-1
14 years and under 104-1 204-1 304-1 404-1
16 years and under 105-1 205-1 305-1 405-1
18 years and under 106-1 206-1 306-1 406-1
20 years and under 107-1 207-1 307-1 407-1

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Ballet-Pointe Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
14 years and under 108 208 308 408
16 years and under 109 209 309 409
18 years and under 110 210 310 410
20 years and under 111 211 311 411

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Demi-Character Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
6 years and under 112 212 312 412
8 years and under 113 213 313 413
10 years and under 114 214 314 414
12 years and under 115 215 315 415
14 years and under 116 216 316 416
16 years and under 117 217 317 417
18 years and under 118 218 318 418
20 years and under 119 219 319 419

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Character Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
6 years and under 120 220 320 420
8 years and under 121 221 321 421
10 years and under 122 222 322 422
12 years and under 123 223 323 423
14 years and under 124 224 324 424
16 years and under 125 225 325 425
18 years and under 126 226 326 426
20 years and under 127 227 327 427

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Interpretive Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
8 years and under 128 228 328 428
10 years and under 129 229 329 429
12 years and under 130 230 330 430
14 years and under 131 231 331 431
16 years and under 132 232 332 432
18 years and under 133 233 333 433
20 years and under 134 234 334 434

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
CONTEMPORARY Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
8 years and under 128-1 228-1 328-1 428-1
10 years and under 129-1 229-1 329-1 429-1
12 years and under 130-1 230-1 330-1 430-1
14 years and under 131-1 231-1 331-1 431-1
16 years and under 132-1 232-1 332-1 432-1
18 years and under 133-1 233-1 333-1 433-1
20 years and under 134-1 234-1 334-1 434-1

Lyrical Ballet

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

Please note: There is not a section for Lyrical Ballet at the Provincial level. In our dance section, we permit lyrics in this class. Lyrics would not be permitted if the dance was performed at the Provincials.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Lyrical Ballet Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
6 years and under 135-1 235-1 335-1 435-1
8 years and under 135-2 235-2 335-2 435-2
10 years and under 136 236 336 436
12 years and under 137 237 337 437
14 years and under 138 238 338 438
16 years and under 139 239 339 439
18 years and under 140 240 340 440
20 years and under 141 241 341 441

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
National Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
8 years and under 149 249 349 449
10 years and under 150 250 350 450
12 years and under 151 251 351 451
14 years and under 152 252 352 452
16 years and under 153 253 353 453
18 years and under 154 254 354 454
20 years and under 155 255 355 455

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Modern Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
8 years and under 142 242 342 442
10 years and under 143 243 343 443
12 years and under 144 244 344 444
14 years and under 145 245 345 445
16 years and under 146 246 346 446
18 years and under 147 247 347 447
20 years and under 148 248 348 448
22 years and under* 149-2 249-2 349-2 449-2
* 5-year trial

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
INTERPRETIVE MODERN Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
8 years and under 142-1 242-1 342-1 442-1
10 years and under 143-1 243-1 343-1 443-1
12 years and under 144-1 244-1 344-1 444-1
14 years and under 145-1 245-1 345-1 445-1
16 years and under 146-1 246-1 346-1 446-1
18 years and under 147-1 247-1 347-1 447-1
20 years and under 148-1 248-1 348-1 448-1

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Contemporary Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
8 years and under 156 256 356 456
10 years and under 157 257 357 457
12 years and under 158 258 358 458
14 years and under 159 259 359 459
16 years and under 160 260 360 460
18 years and under 161 261 361 461
20 years and under 162 262 362 462
22 years and under* 163 263 363 463
* 5-year trial

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
INTERPRETIVE CONTEMPORARY Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
8 years and under 156-1 256-1 356-1 456-1
10 years and under 157-1 257-1 357-1 457-1
12 years and under 158-1 258-1 358-1 458-1
14 years and under 159-1 259-1 359-1 459-1
16 years and under 160-1 260-1 360-1 460-1
18 years and under 161-1 261-1 361-1 461-1
20 years and under 162-1 262-1 362-1 462-1

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Tap Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
6 years and under 500 600 700 800
8 years and under 501 601 701 801
10 years and under 502 602 702 802
12 years and under 503 603 703 803
14 years and under 504 604 704 804
16 years and under 505 605 705 805
18 years and under 506 606 706 806
20 years and under 507 607 707 807

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Jazz Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
6 years and under 499 599 699 799
8 years and under 508 608 708 808
10 years and under 509 609 709 809
12 years and under 510 610 710 810
14 years and under 511 611 711 811
16 years and under 512 612 712 812
18 years and under 513 613 713 813
20 years and under 514 614 714 814

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.

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Street Dancing Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
8 years and under 515 615 715 815
10 years and under 516 616 716 816
12 years and under 517 617 717 817
14 years and under 518 618 718 818
16 years and under 519 619 719 819
18 years and under 520 620 720 820
20 years and under 521 621 721 821

Lyrical Jazz

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

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Lyrical Jazz Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
8 years and under 522 622 722 822
10 years and under 523 623 723 823
12 years and under 524 624 724 824
14 years and under 525 625 725 825
16 years and under 526 626 726 826
18 years and under 527 627 727 827
20 years and under 528 628 728 828

Variety (formerly known as Modern Stage)

Dance suitable for a stage or musical production, cabaret, a review, live theatre, etc. Contents must be predominantly 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. 

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
VARIETY Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
6 years and under 529 629 729 829
8 years and under 530 630 730 830
10 years and under 531 631 731 831
12 years and under 532 632 732 832
14 years and under 533 633 733 833
16 years and under 534 634 734 834
18 years and under 535 635 735 835
20 years and under 536 636 736 836

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. 

Category/Age Group Class/Class Numbers
Song and Dance Solo Duet Small Group Large Group
6 years and under 537 637 737 837
10 years and under 539 639 739 839
12 years and under 540 640 740 840
14 years and under 541 641 741 841
16 years and under 542 642 742 842
18 years and under 543 643 743 843
20 years and under 544 644 744 844

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

CATEGORIES IN TAP AND STREET DANCING AVAILABLE

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).

Category Class Number
Adult Tap T850
Adult Street Dancing SD850

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.

Academic School Class Number
Elementary A 30
Secondary School (Grades 8 to Grade 12) A 31
College/University A 32

For the Love of Dance – ADJUDICATION ONLY

  • 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 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.
  • Stage solos, duets, and groups will be assessed by a Stage adjudicator.
  • a dancer may perform only one solo and/or duet and/or group dance in the Ballet section and/or Stage category.
Category Class Number Type
Ballet B851
B851D
B851G
solo
duet
group
Stage S851
S851D
S851G
solo
duet
group

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 6 minutes – maximum time 10 minutes.

Category Class Number
Production – Ballet Section B 10
Production – Stage Section S 20
Production – Street Dance S 30

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.

Category/Age Group – of Choreographers Class/Class Numbers (Determined by Number of Dancers)
Young Choreographers Ballet Section Solo Duet
12 years and under YCBA12 YCBA22
14 years and under YCBA14 YCBA24
16 years and under YCBA16 YCBA26
18 years and under YCBA18 YCBA28
20 years and under YCBA20 YCBA30
Young Choreographers Stage Section
12 years and under YCST12 YCST22
14 years and under YCST14 YCST24
16 years and under YCST16 YCST26
18 years and under YCST18 YCST28
20 years and under YCST20 YCST30

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.

Group Dance – Age 20 and under

All groups: Duets, Trios, and Small and Large, average ages 10 – 20, are now able to partake in Provincials. Participants will be chosen by the local provincial adjudicator and compete VIRTUALLY at the Provincial level.  Adjudicators may choose up to 2 exceedingly high standard dances for each dance category (Ballet, Modern, Stage). Once selected, please film the performance in one take and submit it to your section head at dance@nanaimomusicfestival.com in an mp4 format no later than the close of entries in May.
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