Rules & Regulations
Entries
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Competitors may enter only once in each category
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They cannot compete against themselves
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All entries must be received by us by Jan 31, 2026
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“Late Entries" will be considered, if space allows, with a late fee of $25.00/entry charged
Age limits
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Are determined as of December 31, 2025
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Duos/Trios – the age group will be determined by the average age of the group
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Groups – The age of the group will be determined by the average age of all the competitors in the group. (Any number with .5 or more will be rounded up to the next highest: e.g. – 14.5 averages goes into the 15-16 group)
Productions
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All ages are allowed and will complete against each other
Sarah 11
Kendra 12
Nadia 16
Susan 14
Tasha 13
Brianne 15
Jolene 16
97 /7 = 13.85 (This group would be in the 13 -14 age category)
Cancellations
All cancellations or corrections must be given at the tabulation table before the beginning of each session.
There will be NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS!
Age groups
The committee reserves the right to combine or split age groups as they see fit or according to entries received.
Music
Studios can download their music through the Dance Genie registration.
Categories
Note: LIP –SYNCHING AND PROPS ARE ALLOWED IN ALL CATEGORIES
The following categories may not contain more than 3 acro tricks. An acro trick is such where the hips pass over the shoulders. You may have 1 tumbling pass included as 1 acro trick. All other tricks are counted individually. Illusions, front and back rolls are NOT considered acro tricks and are allowed in these categories:
Tap:
Any dance routine performed with the emphasis on tap technique and footwork.
Demi – Character / Character Ballet:
Ballet that portrays a specific character, theme, or mood – not necessarily restricted to classical technique; may include pointe routines.
Classical Ballet:
Any ballet routine performed with the emphasis on classical technique – includes soft slipper and pointe routines.
Classical Pointe:
Ballet routine performed in pointe shoes. (Does not include character pointe routines).
Jazz:
Any jazz dance routine. The emphasis should be on jazz technique. If there are a lot of gymnastics, the routine should be entered in Acro or Variety.
Lyrical:
A combination of ballet and jazz that should be an expression of the mood or lyrics of the music.
Musical Theatre:
A combination of acting/dancing portraying a character or theme (often from a Broadway musical or show) – may be performed with or without taps: lip synching is permitted.
Song and Dance:
Any routine containing any combination of singing and dancing. THE MUSIC CHOSEN CANNOT CONTAIN VOCALS.
Contemporary:
A style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements.
Modern:
A dancing style that rejects many strict rules used in classical ballet and focuses on the expression of inner feelings.
Categories continued
Note: LIP –SYNCHING AND PROPS ARE ALLOWED IN ALL CATEGORIES
The following categories may contain acro tricks:
Acro:
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.
Variety:
Any dance routine that does not fit in the above categories – i.e: ethnic dances, etc.
Street Jazz/Hip Hop:
Stems from modern-day dance styles such as hip hop, breakdancing, funk and electronic dance. Elements of break dancing and the fluid movements of hip hop are found in the street jazz dance.
Dancer’s Own:
This is its own category and any form of dance will compete against each other. (e.g.) a tap solo will compete against jazz solo (unless decided otherwise by the Danceworks Committee). There will only be Solo and Duo/Trio Divisions broken down into age categories. THE DANCE MUST BE CHOREOGRAPHED BY THE DANCER.
Divisions
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Solo, Duo/Trio (compete in same division),
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Small Group (4-8 dancers),
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Large Group (9-17 dancers)
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Extra Large Group (18 or more dancers)
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Production (must have at least 15 dancers, usually contains segments of different forms of dance, includes a wide variety of ages, and tells a story). **NO AGE CATEGORY SEPARATION – All productions compete against each other.
Age Groups
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Junior 6 and under, 7-8, 9-10,
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Intermediate 11-12, 13-14,
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Senior 15-16, 17-18, 19 & over *19 and over age group will be adjudicated and marked and will receive medals but will not be included in high score or awards & prizes.
Time Limits
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3 minutes for a solo, duo or trio
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4 minutes for small groups (4-8 dancers)
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5 minutes for large groups (9 or more dancers)
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20 minutes for productions
TIMING STARTS WITH THE FIRST MOVEMENT OF THE DANCER(S)
There will be a 15 second grace period before any deduction is made. After that, any routine exceeding its allowed time will be deducted 1 POINT FOR EVERY 5 SECONDS. (I.E. – a solo of 3:20 will lose 1 point: 3 minutes plus the 15 second grace period = 3:15, so the above solo has gone overtime 5 seconds.)
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND COURTEOUS BEHAVIOUR IS EXPECTED OF TEACHERS, COMPETITORS, PARENTS, AND SPECTATORS AT ALL TIMES!!
1) Absolutely NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED.
2) Videotaping of your studio’s routine is allowed. Videotaping of another studio’s routine is prohibited. Please remember to stay well back from the stage so you don’t distract the dancers.
3) Parents are welcome in the dressing rooms, but NOT IN THE PRACTICE ROOM AND NOT BACKSTAGE PLEASE!!
$5.00 per dancer
$45.00 per dancer
$30.00 per dancer
$15.00 per dancer
$15.00 per dancer
$15.00 per dancer
Adjudicator
Brittany
Brittney began her dance training in Calgary, Alberta. Her training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Modern has taken her around the world, where she performed with The Calgary Dance Express. In 2003, Brittney represented Canada in both Jazz and Tap at the Worlds in Riesa, Germany. She has also had the pleasure of being a part of the Tap Company M.A.D.D. Rhythms. Brittney was a part of Sarah Dolan's contemporary company, O2 Dance, and performed with O2 for 2 years, including their sold-out show, "I.M The Seasons Of Love."
She has also danced for musical artists such as Michael Fitzgerald, Bif Naked, Narai Dawn, Jess Cullen, and many more. Her performances as a principal dancer include "Lovers of Marley," "Lovers of Queen," and "Sweett Moves." She danced in the extremely successful fundraiser for St. Paul's mental health ward, "Brilliant," as well as the sold-out show run of "Dances for a Small Stage 35 ~ Valentines Edition." More recently, she choreographed and performed a piece for the University of Calgary’s Arch Awards and appeared in a music video for Alberta’s own Gord Bamford. Brittney currently resides in Calgary, where she teaches and choreographs for Expressions the Dance gallery.
