Age Categories
Our age categories for the festival are split into five age groups:
Minis – 6 years and under (minimum age 3 years)
JUNIOR – 7 – 8 years
PRE SENIOR – 9 – 10 years
SENIOR – 11 – 13 years
INTER – 14 years +
Ages are taken from the 1st September 2023.
Each performer can compete as a Solo, Duet, Trio or Group in their age category in each area of the syllabus, with the exception of the Baby class which can only compete in the Solo category. Baby’s can compete in Duet, Trio and Group sections providing they have at least one dancer of Junior age.
Entry Fees
SOLOS
£7 per dance
DUETS
£13 per dance
TRIOS
£18 per dance
GROUPS
£5 per person
Syllabus
Classical Ballet – Dances should include adage and allegro. Titles, characterisations and handheld props are not allowed. Costumes should ensure that every aspect of classical technique is clearly visible. Repertoire is not allowed.
NO POINTE WORK ALLOWED
All styles and developments in technique, including characterisation and humour, are encouraged providing the projection, beating and presentation of the routine is fully sustained and appropriate.
Acro
Acro dance is a style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. It is defined by its athletic character, its unique choreography, which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics, and its use of acrobatics in a dance context
National/Greek
All traditional music, songs and technique appropriate to the country of choice are acceptable. Younger competitors are expected to demonstrate traditional performances. Seniors may introduce theatrical performances that are clearly based on a national tradition.
Classical Greek is performed barefoot and essentially shows the use of opposition and relaxation through movement. Dances should reflect the title. Myths, studies from nature and modern-day themes are acceptable, together with the accompaniment of many different genres of music or the spoken word, provided the movements are given their appropriate interpretation and relate to one or more of the seven styles of this technique
An all-inclusive term applied to an ever-evolving performing art. Jazz dance is a form of dance that combines both African and European dance styles. This high-energy dance uses sharp yet fluid motions. Acrobatic/Gymnastic movements are acceptable but must be combined with a recognisable dance technique and a theatrical and artistic quality. However acrobatic ‘tricks’ should be minimal and not become the main focus of the choreography.
Lyrical or Contemporary
Lyrical Modern work should show flowing movements that purely express the emotion of the music. Gymnastic and acrobatic work is not allowed, and floor work should be kept to an absolute minimum.
Contemporary work should show an understanding of choreographic content and a clear reference to the defined principles of contraction and release, fall and rebound, use of breath and gravity and successive or initiated movement. Whilst there is an athletic strength to the work, acrobatic work should be minimal and used only to enhance the choreographic work. Floorwork should be embraced and used to make clear transitions/patterning.
Character
A dramatic, artistic or sometimes humorous presentation of :
- A story /character from any book, poem, play, film, history, cartoon, original created theme, etc.
- The mannerisms and essential features of animals, birds, insects, reptiles, virus, and topical
interpretations of abstract themes.
Appropriate technique for the character should be used.
The song sets the scene, mood and style of the dance. Pitch and accuracy whilst singing are essential. The dance should provide continuity and reflect the words of the song, which should be sustained throughout. The overall performance should show a combination of Song, Dance and Drama/Acting.
Itchen Dance Festival 