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General Rules
• All Dancers must be registered with a studio in British Columbia. No independent entries will be accepted.

• 90% of training hours must be in a studio located  in BC. FDB reserves the right to ask for verification 
• Entries will not be processed until full payment is received, no exceptions.
• Each solo, or duo must be entered into at least one group from the same studio to qualify for high score awards.  EXCEPT in Novice.

• Re-dances are permitted in Novice and Intermediate categories only. Re-dances are permitted in all categories due to technical problems or anything not of the dancer’s fault.
• Categories may be combined or separated based on entries received and at the discretion of the Committee.
• Choreography may contain props.
• Dance offs must be requested in advance and will be approved at the discretion of the committee and the availability in the schedule. Dance offs are not guaranteed. 

• Multiple Solo Entries in the Same Category : dancers with multiple same category entries ( IE : Variations ) cannot request the order in which they are to be competed. FDB will endevour split categories when possible.

• ** NEW *** Any routine that combines Pointe shoes with any other shoe or socks or bare feet MUST compete in an open category

• ** NEW *** Any dancer competing in a pointe category without pointe shoes will dance for adjudication only

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​Entry Information

• Registration will open September 30th, 2025 • Final Entry deadline is November 1st, 2025

• Entry fees are non-refundable.  The Committee reserves the right to refuse entries.
• Studios can only pay by e-transfer to info.bcdea@gmail.com.  Studio cheques will not be accepted. 
• Entries will not be processed until full payment is received.
• Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please enter early!

•  Late Entries may be accpeted if space permits for an additional fee 

• Schedule sent to email provided on registration forms at least 4 weeks prior to event. Please ensure email provided is correct.
• Thank you in advance for ensuring all entries are accurate. Any changes to entries after the 2nd draft has been sent to the studio are subject to a $15 change fee per dancer. This includes incorrect levels, categories, dancers, titles etc.

Please note:  Confirmation email from online submission does not guarantee entry. Email from the Committee confirming space and payment received secures your place.
 

Categories

• Classical- Demi pointe 

• Classical – Pointe

• Demi – Character : must include title

• Contemporary Ballet

• Contemporary Pointe

• Neo Classical Ballet 

• Interpretive Ballet : title must refect what dancer/dancers are interpreting

• Repertoire :  Duos, Trios , Groups (Intermediate, Advanced and Accelerated only)

• Variations : 

• Variations en Demi-Pointe (ages 9-11yrs) DANCERS AGE 11 MAY PERFORM EN POINTE WITH SPECIAL PERMISSION FROM FDB

• Variations en Demi-Pointe for 12yrs and up

• Variations en Pointe  for ages 12yrs and up 

• Dancers with Two Variations - they will not compete against themselves, there will be a separate category when possible

• ***NEW : DANCERS MAY NOT COMPETE THE SAME VARIATION 2 YEARS IN A ROW ***

• ***NEW : PERFORMANCE ORDER OF VARIATIONS IS SOLEY THE DECISION OF FDB < STUDIOS AND TEACHERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO REQUEST A CERTAIN PERFORMANCE ORDER ***

• Contemporary
• Modern

• Interpretive Contemporary/Modern : title must refect what dancer/dancers are interpreting 

• Open

•  Self Choreography (not eligible for overall high score awards) This Category is open to registered dancers age 12 to 18 years for solo entries only. The choreographer must be the dancer in the solo. The Category will be split into Ballet and Modern/Contemporary and not split by ages. Genre must be as listed in FDB Categories. Entry fee is the same as a solo fee . Self Choreography will receive adjudication and be placed. A Microsoft Form will be sent to all registrants asking for the idea/theme/inspiration for the solo. Forms will be due back by Feb 1/2026. 

•  Adult 19-29 years and 30+ years (not eligible for high score awards)

Category Descriptions
 

CLASSICAL • Routine uses traditional ballet technique and classical steps in ballet slippers only.

CLASSICAL – POINTE • Routine uses traditional ballet technique and classical steps. Pointe shoes only.

DEMI-CHARACTER • Routine has a strong classical Ballet base while portraying a character throughout. Pointe shoes or Ballet slippers may be worn. Category will not be separated based on shoe style. *Title must be on entry form. Absolutely NO Variations permitted in Demi Character , teachers original choreography only

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NEO CLASSICAL BALLET • Dance based on classical ballet technique in the style of the 20th and 21st Century. Original Choregraphy should be plotless and musically driven without narrative or mime. Dancers   movements should be the main artistic medium.

CONTEMPORARY BALLET • Routine is a combination of unstructured dance form and classical ballet technique. It is ever changing and evolving and should involve emotion.  Ballet slippers only.  Pointe shoes (enter Contemporary Pointe).
 

CONTEMPORARY POINTE • Routine that has an ever changing style of dance, drawing from, but not limited to, ballet, modern and jazz techniques.  Must wear 2 pointe shoes.

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INTERPRETIVE BALLET • Ballet technique may be used if the body is used to translate and interpret an idea or mood, feeling or emotion, human condition or dramatic expression combined with dance movement. *Title must be included on entry form.  Pointe shoes or Ballet slippers may be worn.   Category will not be split based on footwear.  No Lyrics are permitted, humming and chanting is allowed.

REPERTOIRE • Intermediate, Advanced and Accelerated duos, trios and groups only. Must be traditional choreography from a known Classical Ballet. To be identified on registration form.

 

VARIATIONS - Intermediate, Advanced and Accelerated soloists only. Must be traditional choreography from a known Classical Ballet.  Title and dancer name to be identified on registration form . Age appropriate modifications based off of original choreography are permitted. Can be performed en pointe or demi pointe.

9-11yrs - Variations on demi-pointe only

12yrs + Variations on demi-pointe and en pointe.  Categories will be split based on footwear​

PLEASE NOTE : DANCERS AGE 11 MAY PERFORM EN POINTE WITH SPECIAL PERMISSION FROM FDB

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CONTEMPORARY • Routine that has an ever changing style of dance, drawing from, but not limited to, classical ballet, modern and jazz techniques. No formal footwear permitted in this category. If wearing ballet slippers (enter contemporary ballet) and pointe shoes (enter contemporary pointe).

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MODERN • Routine is a free, expressive style of dance that includes contract and release, floor work and fall and recovery. Style is based on the methods of Graham, Limon, Horton, Hawkins, Humphrey etc. Bare feet or socks only permitted in this category.

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INTERPRETIVE CONTEMPORARY/MODERN • 

Dance that uses movement of any kind from stylized to pedestrian (with modern technique as its basis) to tell a story, express a feeling, interpret a character, behaviour, or emotional state; Movement should be related to the intent of the music while the choreography must engage the whole body.   Title must reflect the interpretation.  Bare feet or socks only permitted in this category. Lyrics are permitted.

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OPEN •  Any routine that does not fit within the above categories.  For example - Any routine that combines Pointe shoes with any other shoe or socks or bare feet MUST compete in an open category

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ADULT DANCE • 19-29 years or 30+ years • Any routine where the average age of all dancers is 19-29 or 30+. Routines may be any dance form. Dances with 2 or more dancers aged 19 and over must be entered into Adult Dance.  Categories will be split depending on number of entries and at the discretion of event management. Adult Category does not qualify for high scores.

*Need help with category placement? Please ask before entering!

Levels

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​Levels are calculated based on total hours of the following styles per week :

       Classes in : 

• Ballet Syllabus 

• Ballet Open 

• Pointe 

• Repertoire

• Contemporary ballet

• Contemporary

• Modern

• As well as  : 

• Choreography Rehearsals

• Private/Semi private/Coaching lessons

• Exam Practices

• DO NOT INCLUDE :

• hours of jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, tap, hip hop or acrobatics 

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**** UPDATED 2026 LEVELS **** 

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Novice : 1 – 4.0 hours of training per week
Intermediate : 4.25 –7.25  hours of training per week
Advanced : 7.5 – 10.5 hours of training per week
Accelerated : 10.75 - 13.75 hours of training per week

Intensive : 14  and over hours of training per week

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​Example of calculating level: 1.5 hours ballet technique +1 hour modern +1 hour contemporary ballet+1.5 hours ballet choreography per week = 5 hours of training = Intermediate Level

More Info:
• Levels are calculated by averaging the hours of training per duo, trio or group member.

  (0.5 is rounded to the higher level).

• All dancers must participate evenly in a group performance 

• A dancers level can only be decreased once competing at FDB.

Example : a dancer who has previously been at the accelerated level and has a change to their training hours per week could change to advanced only and only once in their time at Festival Du Ballet.

• Substitue dancers  : if you have to substitute a dancer who is a different level than the registered dancer you must notify FDB prior to the dancers competiting. 
 

Age Divisions

• The system will calculate age division using dancer’s age as of December 31, 2025.
• Duos, trios, and groups - add and average the age of all the dancers (0.5 is rounded to the higher age).
• Age Divisions may be combined or separated based on entries received and at the discretion of event management.
• Adult Category:  Solo/Duo/Trios - If ONE or more dancers are aged 19 and over they must enter the Adult Category.  Groups – If TWO or more dancers in a routine are aged 19 years and over they must enter and perform in the Adult Category.

• Age Changes : if you have to substitute a dancer who is a different age than the registered dancer you must notify FDB prior to the dancers competiting

Adjudication/Awards 

• 3 experienced adjudicators specializing in the art of ballet, modern and contemporary.

• Performances receive video adjudications at the conclusion of the event. Techno Monkey Media will send videos are directly to your studio. Videos do not come from FDB
• Awards Sessions to be held at least 3 times per day.
• High Score Awards will be presented at the completion of each level.I n order to qualify for High Scores, dancers must be registered in a group, under the same studio as their solos. EXCEPT NOVICE. Novice solos may compete for high scores without having a group.​

• Top Ten Scores : FDB recognizes the top ten DANCERS  not the top ten solos. Therefore, dancers may only appear once on any top ten solo list. 

• Adjudicators Choice Awards will be presented at each award session

• Choreographer Awards will be presented at each award session
• Our Rose Gala Finale held at the end of the event

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 UPDATED MARKING SYSTEM COMING SOON

Marking System

 

                                                                                Novice          Intermediate         Advanced           Accelerated              Intensive               

 

ROYAL ROSE 

"Absolutely Outstanding"                                         ----                     ----                   97-100                  97-100                 97-100                 

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ROSE GOLD

"Excellence for their level”                                       94-96.99             94-96.99           94-96.99           94-96.99              94-96.99           

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HIGH GOLD

EXCEPTIONAL

1-2 areas are lacking minimally in refinement   90-93.99              90-93.99           90-93.99           90-93.99              90-93.99            

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GOLD

GREAT POTENTIAL                                                                               

Most areas are secure with room for                  85-89.99              85-89.99           85-89.99           85-89.99              85-89.99           

continuing improvement

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HIGH SILVER

SOLID FOUNDATION                                                   80-84.99             80-84.99           80-84.99           80-84.99               80-84.99            

Good base established. Room for progress

in all areas

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SILVER

BASIC BASE                                                                 75-79.99              75-79.99           75-79.99             75-79.99                75-79.99          

Needs to establish basics in all areas. 

All areas require further development

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** A 1st, 2nd, 3rd will be awarded in categories of 1-8 , 4th place will be awarded in categories of 9-11

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** In categories of 12+ we will split the entries.

Rose Gala 

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Cash Awards in Each level 

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Levels will be adjudicated as follows :

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Novice and Intermediate 

Advanced

Accelerated and Intensive 

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Top scoring Solos, Duos, Trios and Groups will advance to compete in the Rose Gala Finale 

Exact number from each level Novice, Intermediate, Advance, Accelerated and Intensive to be determined based on Entries.

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Wild Rose Awards 

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Each Adjudicator and the FDB Commitee will select an entry to compete at the Rose Gala. ( Solo , Duo , Trio or Group )

Winners of the Wild Rose Award will be announced at the last High Score Award Session and will compete in the Rose Gala Finale for cash and prizes.

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​Scholarships and BC Provincial Rep Announcements will be made during the Rose Gala  Finale

Music

• All music must be uploaded to DanceSync by January 31, 2026
• Please be sure to carry backup copies of all music.
• Electronic connections will be available.

Time Limits
 

SOLOS, DUOS, TRIOS - 3 minutes
GROUPS - 5 minutes

** NEW : EXTENDED TIME GROUPS : STUDIOS MAY RECIEVE PERMISSION FROM FDB FOR EXTENDED TIME GROUPS. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL FEE OF $50.00 PER MINUTE  TO A MAX OF 3 ADDITIONAL MINUTES. EXTENDED TIME GROUPS WILL COMPETE IN A DIFFERENT CATEGORY. ROUTINES THAT EXCEED TIME LIMITS WITHOUT PERMISSION MAY RECIEVE A DEDUCTION IN THEIR SCORE . 

• Dancers are timed from the first note of the music until the last dancer exits the stage.
• All dances are timed by a Festival Du Ballet timer.
• Please ensure prop set-up and take-down is prompt. PLEASE NOTE : PROPS THAT WILL REMAIN ON SITE MUST HAVE PRIOR PERMISSION FROM FBD

Audience/Dancer Information
• Admission for audience is $ 5 per session or $15 per day  

• Rose Gala Entrance Fees are as  follows :

• Ages 0-2, Free

• $20 Entry with Wristband

• No entry fee for studio owners and teachers with a wristband

• No entry fee Gala Competitors with a stamp

• Dancers are FREE for the competition event with a sign in each day. ( this does not include entry to the Rose Gala unless the dancer is dancing or invited to the Rose Gala)
• At the request of event choreographers there is to be NO camera or video equipment of any kind used in the theatre.
• Professional photographers and-or videographers will be at the event if possible.
• Doors to theatre will open 1hr prior to the start of each day.
• Doors to the change rooms and lobby will open 1hr prior to the start of each day.

• Programs : Will be for sale for $10 each. Programs will not be listed online

• FDB Will not be livestreamed

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Studio Directors/Teachers

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•Studio fee of $60 per 3 teachers is payable at the time of registration.  This fee will cover 3 staff and include  Studio Program, Studio Owner/Teacher admission to Festival and Gala, coffee, tea ,water and snacks .
• Please sign in backstage upon arrival at the event. 
• Teachers are responsible for uploading music prior to the event.  Please be sure to carry backup copies of all music.

•Each Studio Director will receive one complimentary program.  Additional programs can be purchased for $10 each

Entry Fees 
 

All fees and related information is sent directly to the studio director or studio main contact. Please ensure the we have the correct email information and a contact cell phone number.

 

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