Basic Guidelines
Categories
• Classical Ballet (Demi)
• Classical Ballet (Pointe)
• Lyrical
• Contemporary
•Contemporary Ballet (Demi)
• Contemporary Ballet (Pointe)
• Demi-Character Ballet (Demi)
• Pointe Character (Pointe)
• Interpretive Ballet
• Modern
• Variation (Demi)
• Variation (Pointe)
• Repertoire
• Pas de Deux
• Ballet Open
Time Limits
Solos - 1 dancer: 3 min
Duos/Trios - 2-3 dancers: 3 min
Small Ensemble - 4-10 dancers: 4 min
Large Ensemble - 11+ dancers: 5 min
Levels
• Performance Division
for the recreational dancer training 1-2 hours/week
• Foundations
for the pre-competitive dancer training 3-5 hours/week
• Emerging Artist
for the competitive dancer training more than 6 hours/week
Age Divisions
Class One - 5-6yrs
Class Two - 7-8yrs
Class Three - 9-10yrs
Class Four - 11-12yrs
Class Five - 13-14yrs
Class Six - 15-16yrs
Class Seven - 17-19yrs
Young Adult - 20-24yrs
Adult 25-39yrs
Legends 40yrs+
Categories
Classical Ballet (Demi)
Traditional ballet technique with classical steps in flat demi ballet slippers.
Classical Ballet (Pointe)
Traditional ballet technique with classical steps in pointe shoes only.
Lyrical
Routine to include emotional interpretations using combination of ballet technique. Balance, control and extension are main focuses of the dance whilst portraying a story and connection to the lyrics.
Contemporary
A contemporary exploration of fundamental ballet, jazz, modern and lyrical training.
Contemporary Ballet (Demi)
Utilizing overall contemporary/modern and ballet training. Routine is a combination of unstructured dance form and classical ballet technique. It is ever changing and evolving and should involve emotion. Dancers may be bare foot or in a flat demi shoe, or other shoe but not not pointe shoes which must enter contemporary pointe.
Contemporary Ballet (Pointe)
Performed on pointe, a combination of unstructured dance form and classical ballet technique.
Demi-Character Ballet (Demi)
Demi shoe, in which the dancer(s) portray a character and fulfill a storyline through characterization.
Pointe-Character (Pointe)
Character work and story development on pointe.
Interpretive Ballet
A dance that shows us emotion, interprets an idea or portrays a human condition. Dramatic expression may be used in combination with informal movement and foundational ballet technique. This category may perform in any shoe including ballet flats, other shoes, pointe shoes, or bare feet.
Modern
Routine demonstrates varied modern techniques inclusive but not limited to modern dance influences of Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey and Mary Wigman. Depicts free, creative and expressive movement styles that have evolved from out of formal classical ballet technique throughout history while still showcasing foundational technical understanding in line and posture. Expressive dance artistry is forefront with an emphasis on the use of breath. Dancers understand both turned out and parallel alignment. Intricate floor work, grounding and patterning is evident.
Variation (Demi)
Selections or variations from the classical ballet repertoire performed in ballet slippers. Solos only.
Variation (Pointe)
Selections or variations from the classical ballet repertoire performed on pointe. Solos only.
Repertoire
Selections or variations from the classical ballet repertoire. Groups only.
Pas de Deux
A routine performed by two people that may involve lifts or transfer of weight and partnering. The focus of this duet is on the connection of the two dancers rather than two performers side by side showcasing choreography in unison.
**Historically a Pas de Deux may be showcased as a male-female duet, however this is not required and all genders are welcome.
Ballet Open
This category is for any routine that cannot be easily placed into one of the categories above and showcases traditional dance technique. This is also an option for dancers performing more than one solo in the same category whom cannot compete against themselves. All shoes permitted.
Medal Classification
Bronze 81-87
Silver 88-90
Gold 91-93
Distinction 94+
