Novice-Dance-Perform Festivals
SOLO SECTIONS
BALLET
• Classical ballet technique required.
• Pointe work permitted (age and standard appropriate).
• Music may be classical or neo-classical.
• Minimal acrobatic tricks allowed.
• Emphasis on posture, turnout, extension and artistry.
CHARACTER / NARRATIVE
• Routine must portray a clear character or storyline.
• Facial expression and acting skills essential.
• Music and costume must support theme.
• Spoken word within music permitted.
TAP
• Majority of routine must demonstrate tap technique.
• Pre-recorded tap sounds not permitted.
• Sound clarity and rhythm accuracy heavily marked.
• Music volume must allow tap sound to be heard clearly.
JAZZ
• Strong jazz technique required (kicks, turns, leaps).
• Can include commercial or lyrical jazz style.
• Limited acrobatic tricks permitted but must not dominate.
• Energy, style and performance quality essential.
LYRICAL
• Must show fluidity, control and emotional expression.
• Ballet and jazz technique may be incorporated.
• Acro tricks must not dominate the routine.
• Music should complement lyrical storytelling.
COMMERCIAL
• Street, hip-hop or music video style.
• Age-appropriate music and movement required.
• Clean choreography and performance quality important.
• No inappropriate gestures or lyrics.
SONG & DANCE
• Must include both singing and dancing.
• Vocals live – not pre-recorded.
• Strong performance and characterisation encouraged.
• Balance between vocal ability and dance technique assessed.
ACROBATIC
• Minimum of 50% acrobatic content required.
• Tricks must be performed safely and confidently.
• Gymnastic passes must be controlled and technically correct.
• No dangerous or unsupported tricks permitted. Aerial tricks permitted with confident execution.
OWN CHOREOGRAPHY
• Routine must be predominantly choreographed by the student.
• Teachers may guide but not fully choreograph.
• Creativity and originality strongly assessed.
• Style may fall under any recognised genre.
DUETS & TRIOS
• Must demonstrate connection and synchronisation.
• Lifts permitted (age and safety appropriate).
• Equal participation expected.
• Can enter any genre listed above.
TIME LIMITS
• Solos:
Ballet/Narrative/Lyrical/Jazz/Tap/Commercial/Acrobatic: Maximum 2minutes
Song & Dance: Maximum 2 minutes 30 seconds
• Duets/Trios: Maximum 3 minutes
GENERAL SAFETY
• No dangerous props or substances permitted.
• All performers must be supervised backstage.
MARKING CRITERIA
• Technique
• Musicality
• Performance & Expression
• Choreography
• Overall Presentation
Adjuidicators’ decisions are final.