Dance: Ballet

Solo Ballet Competition Perform a series of rhythmic and highly technical patterned bodily movements demonstrating your mastery of formal ballet technique, artistry, and musicality.

Overview

Demonstrate your mastery of ballet technique, artistry, and musicality by performing a solo piece of your choice in the style of classical ballet, contemporary ballet, neo-classical ballet, or story ballet.

Notes for Judges ● Each contestant will have 5 minutes to present their performance and then the judging co-hort will have 5 minutes for any follow up questions and quick deliberations before the next contestant. Each contestant will only have an allocated time frame of 10 minutes. ● You should not under any circumstances engage with the students before or after the competition until the Awards Ceremony has concluded. ● You must provide honest constructive feedback for each contestant that you are judging. ● Scoring Rubric: ○ 95-100 - Qualifies as a Gold Medalist ○ 90+Up - Qualifies as a Silver Medalist ○ 85+Up - Qualifies as a Bronze Medalist ■ Please take heed that the identifying word here is “Qualifies”. There can be multiple contestants that can qualify as gold medalist and if that’s the case the highest score will receive the gold, and silver and bronze will be allocated to the next two highest scores. ■ In the event the highest score is a 90 then there is no gold medalist and there’s only a possibility for a silver and bronze medalist as long as the remaining scores land within the 85+Up region.

Requirements:

1. Performance Time: The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. Exceeding this time limit may result in points deduction or disqualification.

2. Costume: Costumes are optional but should be appropriate to the style and theme of the choreography.

3. Style: The theme and style of the performance must be clearly identified to the judges prior to the presentation.

Acceptable styles include:

a. Classical Ballet: Traditional ballet technique, emphasizing grace, precision, and elegance.

b. Contemporary Ballet: A blend of classical ballet and modern dance, often incorporating expressive movement and improvisation.

c. Neo-Classical Ballet: A modern interpretation of classical ballet, often featuring innovative choreography and contemporary music.

d. Story Ballet: A narrative ballet that tells a story through dance, often involving character development and plot.

4. Footwear: The piece must be performed in ballet slippers/flats, or pointe/demi-pointe shoes. Bare feet are only acceptable for Contemporary Ballet.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Technical Proficiency/Skill (25 pts)

1. alignment

2. strength

3. endurance

4. flexibility

5. coordination

• Clarity and Consistency in Style (25 pts)

The clarity and consistency of your chosen modern dance style.

• Phrasing/Dynamics/Musicality (25 pts)

The quality of your phrasing, dynamic range, and musical interpretation.

• Clarity of Intent/Interpretation of Choreography (25 pts)

The clarity of your artistic intent and your ability to convey emotion through movement.

Point Deduction

-1 to -5 In the event the student performance exceeds 5 mins one point will be deducted for every minute over up to five points.

Tips for Dance Ballet Contestants:

Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be.

Choose a Strong Song: Select a song that complements your dance style and inspires your performance.

Tell a Story: Use your body to convey a story or emotion through your dance.

Master the Fundamentals: Focus on strong technique and clean lines.

Perform with Passion: Let your enthusiasm shine through your performance.

Connect with the music: Feel the rhythm and let it guide your movements.

Stage Presence: Command the stage with confidence and charisma.

Dress to Impress: Choose a costume that enhances your performance and reflects your style.

Warm-up Before Your Performance: Prepare your body for the physical demands of dancing.

Have Fun! Enjoy the experience and let your love for dance shine.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can create a memorable and successful solo ballet performance.