Rules, Guidelines & Definitions

BC ANNUAL DANCE COMPETITION RULES (2012)

Teachers, Students and Parents: This competition operates under the working management of Jazz Productions Association of British Columbia.

Jazz Productions implemented a point deduction system in 2010 for violations of the rules. Jazz Productions Association of B.C. wants the B.C. Annual Dance Competition to be a positive experience for everyone. Please ensure that you read the rules, guides, and definitions.

The Following are 10 point deductions<: Late CDs, Exceeding time limit, Wrong category, Wrong discipline, Inappropriate music/choreography and visibly damaged CDs that won’t play.

There will be a $100 per person fine for excess number of people in a group performance. Fine will be due immediately upon notification. If the fee is not paid, group will be disqualified.

Any changes or corrections should be returned to Jazz Productions by e-mail (dance@citytel.net).

  1. All entry forms must be post marked no later than February 15th, 2012 (to avoid late fees) with payment enclosed and addressed to Jazz Productions Association of B.C., P.O. Box 670, Prince Rupert, B.C. V8J 3S1. HAND DELIVERED ENTRY FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
  2. There will be a late fee of $30.00 added to any solo or duet entry form that is post marked February 16th, 2012 to February 28th, 2012.
  3. There will be a late fee of $100.00 added to any group entry form that is post marked February 16th, 2012 to February 28th, 2012. Note: If you do not wish to pay the late charges, your dance will be entered in the adjudication only category.
  4. ABSOLUTELY no entry fees will be refunded regardless of circumstances.
  5. Competitors must be of eligible age for each category as of December 31, 2011.
  6. The ages of all competitors entered in a group will be added together and divided by number of competitors in the group. The average of 12.50 will be entered as a 12 & Under Group, and the average of 12.51 will be entered as a 13 & Up Group, This procedure also applies to the duet category.
  7. A competitor may enter each solo category only once.
  8. A competitor may enter a duet category a maximum of three times.
  9. Solo/duet selections may not be more than 3 minutes in length with the exception of Musical Theatre and Song & Dance which cannot be more than 4 minutes.
  10. Adjudicator’s decisions are final. Any mathematical discrepancies may be brought to the attention of JPA.
  11. Group selections may not be more than 4 minutes in length with the exception of Musical Theatre (large group), which may not be longer than 8 minutes. Any dance entered in the Small Group category may not exceed 4 minutes in length.
  12. Entrants must follow the rules/definitions for the discipline they enter.
  13. Any soloist, duet, or group must perform what is indicated on their entry form.
  14. Solo entrants in the “Adjudication Only” category must not have any solos entered in the competitive section of the competition
  15. In group categories no more than 1/4 of the members of the group may be classed as semi-professional/professional. Semiprofessionals/professionals cannot compete in any solo or duet categories.
  16. No live singing allowed in any category except Song & Dance and Musical Theatre.
  17. The same dance cannot be performed in more than one category with the exception of the JPA Junior Performer of the Year and Senior Canadian Performer
    of the Year
  18. Competitor’s name, competitor number, category name and category number must be clearly printed on the C.D. and the hard jewel case.
  19. All music must be on a CD. One song per CD. No other music or sounds can precede or follow their music selection. CD must be recorded in a WAV format. If there is a technical problem with the sound equipment, you will be able to dance for marks. If the CD is in poor condition and will not play marks will be deducted. It is recommended that RW-CDs not be used.
  20. One back up CD must be immediately available if needed.
  21. All CDs must be handed in to the table at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time of their category. This also applies to the JPA Performer of the Year Award.
  22. Late CDs will only be accepted by a JPA Director and a point deduction will apply.
  23. No foreign matter of any kind may be dropped down, thrown, or used by dancers on stage unless prior approval is obtained from JPA. This is to prevent the stage from becoming sticky or slippery
  24. Any group dance placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd at the B.C. Annual Dance Competition cannot be repeated for the next five (5) competitions and can never be performed by the same person(s) or group.
    Any solo/duet dance placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd at the B.C. Annual Dance Competition cannot be repeated for the next three (3) competitions and can never
    be performed by the same person(s).
  25. Absolutely no recording equipment is allowed in the Theatre. This includes cameras, cell phones or any other recording device unless authorized by Jazz Productions.
  26. Cellular phones must be in silent mode.

All photographs and videos taken by authorized Jazz Productions Association of B.C. photographers are the property of JPA and will be used by Jazz Productions for publicity purposes and for website promotions.

2012 COMPETITION GUIDELINES

  1. Do not photocopy entry forms. The required number will be sent to you upon request.
  2. Both copies of the entry form must be sent to Jazz Productions Association of B.C. (“JPA”). The yellow copy will be returned to you with your scheduled time.
  3. Immediately after the receipt of all entry forms, the JPA Board of Directors shall arrange the order of the program.
  4. The JPA Board reserves the right to alter the order of competitors, to withdraw, combine, or amend prize amounts for any categories in which the number of entries is insufficient.
  5. In order to be eligible for the Choreography Award, the name of the choreographer of the group piece must be entered on the entry form.
  6. Contestants must be prepared to stay until Saturday evening if chosen as one of the finalists in any group category. Final judging of large groups takes place at the Saturday Night Gala. Solos and small groups will be adjudicated once. Selected performers may be asked to perform during any evening of the competition including the Gala evening. In the interest of time, only the first place winners in the small group categories will appear in the Gala, but will not be re-adjudicated.
  7. Absolutely no makeup anywhere except in designated dressing rooms.
  8. Absolutely no food or drinks (except water) is permitted in the lobby or backstage areas. This includes the Green Room, Rehearsal Room, Dressing Rooms. Food and drink are to be consumed in the designated concession area only.
  9. The Backstage area must be kept clean. It is the responsibility of each dancer to pick up after him/herself. At “Registration”, a parent or teacher from each participating school must be assigned to check the area and clean up at the end of the day. Your schedule for backstage area clean-up will be given to you at registration.
  10. Any complaints must be submitted in writing to the Board of Jazz Productions along with a $25.00 fee. All complaints will be reviewed with 14 days of the end of the competition. If complaint is in your favour, the $25.00 will be refunded. The Board of Jazz Productions has the final say on all complaints.
  11. Group dance title (with the exception of Musical Theatre and Song & Dance) does not have to be the original song title.
  12. All competitors must be ready and backstage 15 minutes prior to the start of their category.
  13. “There will be a $30.00 service charge for each returned cheque” You will be sent an express letter indicating that you have one week from the date of receipt to forward a certified cheque or money order. If payment is not received entry will be withdrawn.

 

2012 COMPETITION DEFINITIONS

SPECIAL TRICKS

A maximum of three special tricks are allowed in any category with the exception of variety.

A special trick is an acrobatic trick such as an aerial, cartwheel, walkover, back handspring or running round-off hand spring.

As a general rule, any time your head is upside down and your feet are off the floor, it is consider a trick.

Splits in any form, leaps, and jumps may be used in any routine.

Semi-Professional/Professional: Any entrant who is teaching and choreographing independently without the supervision of a professional teacher or any person whose principle means of income is derived from teaching dance or performing.

Amateur: May be a student teacher but cannot have danced or taught in a semi- professional/professional capacity any time prior to February 15th, 2011. Anyone receiving more than $1500 in wages will be considered a semi-professional. Student teaching in exchange for class time is not considered income.

NOTE: Due to new regulations by the B.C. Gaming Commission regarding funding for festivals our ages for solos has changed to a maximum age of 18 by December 31, 2011.

Small Group consists of 3-7 competitors. (Must show discipline on entry form) LARGE GROUP consists of 8 or more competitors.

Ballet Section

Classical/Classical Interpretive : Classical technique and classical style
music. Soft slipper. Instrumental music only. En Pointe permitted for ages 13 -18.

Demi-Character: Footwork must be 90% classical and the character must be
portrayed with the upper body. Instrumental music only. (Must show character on
entry form.) En Pointe permitted for ages 13-18 only.

STAGE SECTION

Jazz: Jazz technique incorporating the foundation of fundamental jazz styles old
and new. Not to be confused with novelty, ethnic, aerobic, or gymnastics. Note: No
Hip Hop

Lyrical: A dance that is performed to words/music with a slower paced tempo and
interprets the lyrics or intent of that piece of music. This form uses a blend of classical
ballet and soft jazz technique, facial and body emotion to portray the idea, story or
mood.

Tap: A dance where all dancers must be wearing taps on their shoes. Arms are
complimentary and coordinated to the footwork. The rhythm of percussion is
articulated through the feet and the entire body. The emphasis is on the clarity and
shading of sounds, whether they are regular rhythm or syncopated.

Variety: A dance in which anything goes. Ethnic (a dance which portrays with
steps and music the character of a specific country) is also performed in the category.
Entertainment value is the most important criteria for this
category. Lip-syncing belongs in this category. NO LIVE SINGING ALLOWED. Discipline must be entered on entry form (ie: hip/hop/ethnic etc.) NOTE:
Acrobatic groups will perform in this category.
Special Note for Musical Theatre and Song and Dance: Please remember it is the
definition of Musical Theatre and Song and Dance that defines the
difference.

Song & Dance: This can be any vocal selection except a song that has ONLY
been performed as a live musical theatre production. All musical selections from live,
stage only productions must be entered in Musical Theatre. The emphasis is on
equal effort in dancing and singing and not the story. In a group category, a soloist
performance may only be a compliment to the whole number. No voice allowed on
CD.

Musical Theatre: A mini portrayal of an actual musical theatre production
complete with individual characters, when applicable, who sing or speak, act and
dance along with chorus. The emphasis is on the characters and chorus ability to
dance, sing and act to bring out the storyline. Singing counts as 70% of the mark. No
voice allowed on CD. NOTE: If it has only been a movie musical it has to go in
Song & dance.

MODERN SECTION

Modern: A dance that uses movement and emotion with recognized modern technique
including contraction, release and a variety of lines and shapes. It can be thematic,
not to be confused with Lyrical. Solo competitors must be 13-18.

Contemorary: A routine incorporating jazz movements with
definite modern elements. Solo competitors must be 13-18.

OTHER SECTION

Extreme Team 2012: This is a competitive but “FUN” event. Competitors will enter
as individuals and be placed on a team by a random draw. The dancers will be adjudicated separately on technique, flexibility, strength,  showmanship and instantaneous choreographic skills. The team with the highest combined scores wins. The criteria for this category will be available on our website at a later date.

Hip Hop: A routine that incorporates a blend of contemporary funk and street style
with jazz technique. This is an “open” category.

Acrobatics: Controlled acrobatic or rhythmic movements that involve
balance and flexibility. This routine must contain contortion and choreography that
lends itself to the routine. The solo category is open to age 18.
Note: Large group performances will be entered in the Variety Category.

Adjudication Only: This category is open to age 18. No marks will be given. It
is adjudication only. It is open to solos and groups. Solo entrants must not have any
solos entered in the competitive section of the competition.

B.C. ANNUAL DANCE COMPETITION

REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMING ARTS BC PROVINCIALS:

Ballet: Two solos within the Ballet Section which can include Character
National. Junior 10-12 years, Intermediate 15 & Under, Senior 18 & Under.

Stage: Two solos within the Stage Section Junior 10-12 years, Intermediate
15 & Under, Senior 18 & Under.

Modern: One modern solo and one other solo either ballet, jazz, lyrical or
contemporary. Intermediate 15 & Under, Senior 18 & Under.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You need either a second modern or a contemporary piece to
perform at Provincials.

NOTE: A qualifying mark of 85 must be received within the chosen discipline to be
considered as a Provincial candidate.

JPA Junior Performer of the Year: This category is open to competitor’s
ages 8-12 years who have not previously represented the Canadian Dancer of the
Year or the Performer of the Year in their age category. Junior winners may enter the
senior category when eligible. Competitors must perform and receive marks in a
minimum of four solo performances. This excludes Extreme. A cash prize of $1000
will be awarded to the Junior. All entrants will perform a solo of their choice for the
Adjudicators.

JPA Senior Canadian Performer of the Year: This category is open to
competitors ages 13-18 years who have not previously represented the Canadian
Dancer of the Year or the Performer of the Year in their age category. Competitors
must perform and receive marks in a minimum of four solo performances. This excludes
Extreme. All entrants will perform a solo of their choice for the Adjudicators.
The winner of this category will attend the Australian Showcase in Gold Coast, Australia
in January 2013. Jazz Productions Association will pay airfare only for the winner.
The attending festival will pay entry fees, workshop fees and accommodations.
If the winner does not go and the runner up takes their place, the runner up cannot
enter the Senior Performer of the Year category again.

All competitors entered in these categories will have the honour of receiving an
exclusive “Performer of the Year” t-shirt and will also perform in the opening number
in the Gala. A separate entry form must be completed for this
category.