RULES AND GUIDELINES

Rep information and form links have been sent to Studio Owners/Directors.

If you missed entering your Reps, please let us know.

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ALL SOLOS COMPETING FOR BC PROVINCIAL REP MUST BE REGISTERED

IN THE DanceSync SYSTEM

 

All Dancers running for Provincial Representative must attend masterclasses in corresponding discipline to be considered. Participation is mandatory and dancer will not be considered for Rep if they do not take the masterclasses. 

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Festival Du Ballet reserves the right to eliminate the masterclass from the rep selection process due to uncontrolled events (such as war, labour stoppages, or extreme weather) that are not the fault of any party that make it difficult or impossible to carry out the masterclasses.

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Final 2025 FDB Program and Masterclass schedule will be sent to Studio Owners/Directors.

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Masterclasses are open to Reps and Non Rep Dancers.

Masterclass registration for Non-Reps are due back January 14th, 5pm.

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Please read this information very carefully.

It has been taken directly from the 2026 PABC Syllabus 

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Provincials are held in Victoria BC June 1-5th, 2025

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BALLET and  MODERN

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Level I (Junior): Age 10 - 12 years

Level II (Intermediate): Age 15 years and under

Level III: (Senior) Age: 18 years and under

Provincial Excellence: Age: 20 years and under

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PABC FINALS IN VICTORIA, BC

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Two contrasting selections must be prepared; the first one performed must be the qualifying solo from the participating festival (FDB 2025) 

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Ballet Levels I, II, III :

• The participant must perform two contrasting solos based on Ballet technique including but not limited to: Cecchetti, R.A.D., Vaganova, etc.

• Hand-held props only may be used if integral to the Dance, except in Interpretive where no props are allowed.

• Ballet shoes must be worn.

• No lyrics except in Contemporary Ballet; vocalization is permitted in other ballet genres. 

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Modern Levels I, II and III

• The participant must perform two contrasting solos, the basis of which will be modern technique including but not limited to Graham, Limon, Cunningham, Forsythe, McGregor, Shechter or Bausch. ​

Provincial Excellence

• All disciplines (PLEASE NOTE YOU CANNOT REGISTER FOR THIS LEVEL. SELECTIONS ARE AT THE SOLE DISCRECTION OF THE FDB ADJUDICATORS ONLY )

• Provincial Excellence class participants will attend the BC Provincial Festival on the final day only.

• Classes, which will be held on the last day of provincial festival competition, starting around 10:15, will require the performance of an Improvised Solo of 1.5 minutes (90 seconds) duration to be performed to music selected by the adjudicator and will be considered part of the adjudicators’ assessment when selecting the winner of each PABC Official 2023-2024 Syllabus Page 27 - Dance Division: Guidelines and Rules genre. Participants will additionally perform three (3) solos,

• One of which will be chosen by the adjudicator from current existing repertoire in their respective genre. Adjudicators will select the repertoire solos and information as to which solos are to be performed in any given year, and this information will be posted on the PABC website well before registration opens.

• Detailed information as to which solo/variation, which ballet, musical etc. the solos are taken from and which specific company version is to be used will be included, as well as information as to accessing the solos and music. Repertoire chosen will be readily accessible online. No exceptions to this rule will be permitted.

• The remaining two (2) solos should be selected from the categories listed for that specific genre and should demonstrate a well-rounded programme of artistic styles and versatility. PLEASE NOTE : THESE SOLOS WILL BE SELECTED BY THE ADJUDICATORS AT FESTIVAL DU BALLET 

 

We have included a list of definitions that may be used to describe styles that are appropriate.

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BALLET:

Demi-Pointe Classical: Dance based on any method of classical ballet technique (e.g., Cecchetti, R.A.D., Vaganova, etc.)

Pointe Classical: Dance based on any method of classical ballet technique (e.g., Cecchetti, R.A.D., Vaganova, etc.)

Neo Classical Ballet: Dance based on any method of classical ballet technique in the style of the 20th and 21st Century. Original choreography should be plotless and musically driven without narrative or mime. Dancer’s movements should be the main artistic medium.

Contemporary Ballet: Incorporates classical ballet techniques with greater range of movements which may not adhere to strict body lines for classical ballet. This style includes non-traditional movements, such as more relaxed steps, floor work and turned in legs, etc., to portray the concept of being more innovative, free and earth-bound. The physical interpretation of the theme that the choreographer envisioned allows for more expressive emotions and feelings.

Interpretive Ballet: Dancers must use ballet technique incorporating the body as the medium of expression and interpretation of the music in order to portray an intangible thought or mood, real or imaginary. This category should express an idea but not tell a story.

Demi-Character: Dancer portrays a story/idea/concept/impression while performing ballet technique from the waist down and character from the waist up.

Character: Ballet technique with stylized movement. The Dancer must portray a specific character, real or fictitious for the duration of the entire solo, and must incorporate the whole body but not tell a story.

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MODERN:

Modern: A stylized Dance form with its foundations on a technically based discipline such as Graham, Limon, Cunningham, Humphrey and Horton etc. Dance that rejects the limitations of classical ballet, was formulated from natural rhythms, and which favours movement derived from contraction and release, breath, suspension, fall and recovery, weightedness, and dynamism. Movement may or may not be related to the music. Bare feet or socks only permitted in this category.
Interpretive Modern: Dance that uses a recognized/codified modern technique to tell a story, express a feeling, interpret a character, behaviour, or emotional state. Movement should be related to the intent of the music. Bare feet or socks only permitted in this category.
Contemporary: Free movement of Dance encompassing various Dance disciplines with modern technique as its underlying base, such as the choreography of William Forsythe, Wayne McGregor, Akram Khan, Ohad Narin (Gaga), Hofesch Shechter (Release Technique), etc. - a constantly evolving style of movement that gives physicality to human ideologies and concepts with emphasis on engaging the whole body.

No formal dance footwear permitted in this category.
Interpretive Contemporary: Dance that uses contemporary movement vocabulary from stylized to pedestrian (with modern technique as its basis) to tell a story, express a feeling, interpret a character, behaviour, or emotional state; e.g. Pina Bausch (Tanztheater Wuppertal). Movement should be related to the intent of the music while the choreography must engage the whole body.

No formal dance footwear permitted in this category.
 

ADDITIONAL DANCE RULES

(Failure to follow these rules in Victoria will result in disqualification

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ATTENDANCE:

• Competitors must attend ALL technique and colleague classes, workshops and lectures that are scheduled for their Level and Discipline, and any other events pertaining to their Level that are either scheduled in advance or arranged during the Festival.

• Competitors must be present for the entire performance of their level and discipline in which they are involved.

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PERFORMANCE:

• Participants in all levels must prepare two solos within their chosen discipline. The first solo performed must be the qualifying solo from the participating festival. Both Dances will be performed in the daily performances in the Provincial Festival.

• Participants must perform only those Dances listed on their Provincial Entry Form in the order listed. Selection changes at the Provincial Festival will not be allowed.

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TOTAL TIMES:

• The TOTAL TIME for each solo is three (3) minutes, All selections must be accurately timed and stated on the entry form. Timing shall begin with the first note of the accompaniment or the first Dance movement and extend to the last note or Dance movement.

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MUSIC:

• Any reference to violence or derogatory sexual content or language will NOT be permitted.

• Music for Dances must be submitted electronically in MP3, MP4 or m4a format. Music submission will be via a link in the registration confirmation and dancers will receive an email when it is time to submit dance music.

• Music must be uploaded in the same order that the dance titles appear on the competitor confirmation. PABC is not responsible for music that is incorrectly uploaded.

• The performer is responsible for ensuring that copies of recorded music comply with all copyright restrictions that apply to the source material.

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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION

• Approved props must be easily managed, and must be set up and removed by the performer without assistance. Sets are not permitted.

• All performances must be in age-appropriate costumes.

• Live flame is not permitted on-stage.

• It is recommended that participants arrive at Class Venues 20 minutes prior to start time and at Performance Venues, 30 minutes prior to start time. Attendance will be taken. Please bring appropriate footwear for all classes.

• Only the Dancers, adjudicator(s) and official volunteer(s) such as the Dance writer/secretary may attend the Technique and Colleague classes, or be backstage at the performances.

• The schedule of classes, workshops, performances and other events will be made available to each participant at Registration at the Festival.  

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SELECTION OF WINNERS:

• Three semi-finalists from each Level of each Discipline will be announced following the final performance session.

• The winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Dance Finals Concert. There shall be only one winner per Level in all Disciplines.

• The total impression created by the Technique classes and the Solo Performances shall determine the final placement.

• Those Dancers chosen as semi-finalists (Top Three) may choose either one of their two Dances to perform again in the Dance Finals Concert.

• At least one “Colleague” Class in each discipline will be provided at the Provincial Festival. These are similar to the daily Technique classes and are instructed by a colleague adjudicator in order to offer more educational opportunities at the Provincial Festival.

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Level I Ballet will take Level I Modern

Level I Modern will take will take Level I Ballet

Level II Ballet will take Level II Modern

Level III Ballet will take Level III Modern

Level II Modern will take Level II Ballet

Level III Modern will take Level III Ballet

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CLOTHING AND GROOMING FOR ALL CLASSES:
Participant grooming is important and will be noted; please dress according to the guidelines set out below.
Belts, trims, jewelry, leg warmers, loose tops, etc. are not permitted.
Ballet – Females: Pink tights, dark, solid-coloured leotard, pink ballet slippers. Hair - classic bun.
Ballet – Males: Dark tights, solid-coloured shirt or solid-coloured leotard, ballet slippers. Hair neatly groomed.
Modern – Females: May wear any of the following: bodysuit, unitard, capris, fitted pants or shorts, footless
tights, fitted tops. Hair securely fastened and neatly groomed.
Modern – Males: Fitted pants or shorts, close fitted tops. Hair neatly groomed.

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VIRTUAL GROUP DANCE CLASSES

 In 2025 Festival Du Ballet can select Duos, Trios, Small Groups or Large Groups to compete VIRTUALLY at the 2024 BC Provincials in Victoria, BC

 

Virtual Group Dance Divisions: 

 

Class 200 - "Grace"

Grace is composed of:  Classical Ballet, Contemporary Ballet, Demi-Character, Classical or Interpretive Ballet. 

201 Duo/Trio: 2 or 3 Dancers. 

202 Small Group: 4-7 Dancers

203 Large Group: 8 & more. 

 

Class 300 – "Essence"

Essence is composed of Modern, Contemporary, or Lyrical

301 Duo/Trio: 2 or 3 Dancers. 

302 Small Group: 4-7 Dancers. 

303 Large Group: 8 & more.

 

The Festival Du Ballet Adjudicators may choose, in each of the Group Dance class categories listed above, up to two groups that are felt to be of an exceedingly high standard. 

 

FDB could send a trio and a large group in class 200 OR 2 large groups AND a duo and small group in class 300. That is 2 in total for each of classes 200 and 300 not two in each subsection of a class. 

 

Each studio will send their performance files to BC Performing Arts. These videos will be judged by 2 adjudicators prior to the Provincial Festival, with winners announced during the Festival. There will be a $500 grand prize and $200 cash awards for winners of each class (200 +300) at the discretion of the adjudicators at BC Performing Arts Festival ( Please note : the $500 and $200 winnings are not part of Festival Du Ballet )

 

Rules: 

1. Only selections performed, adjudicated and recommended from Festival Du Ballet are accepted

2. Groups must achieve a mark of 85 or higher to be recommended. 

3. Ages are determined as of December 31 preceding the festival. The average age of the groups is submitted to assist adjudicators assessment, not category division. In the Duo/Trio classes, age is determined by the age of the oldest Dancer. To find the average age, add all ages and divide by the number of Dancers in the group.

4. Only average ages of 10 years old through average 20 years old, will be considered. No performer may be over the age of 20.

5. Total Time limit for any duo trio or group is 5 minutes. 

 

Note: 

 

1. Participation is limited to amateur Dance groups, performing at Festival Du Ballet

2. Should the winners at Festival Du Ballet of the Group Class Section wish to submit video from another competition later in the dance season this will be considered by FDB after reviewing the new video.

3. All winning entries will be submitted by the winning studio

  

FOR OFFICIAL SYLLABUS PLEASE SEE : 

https://www.bcprovincials.com/docs/2025/PABC%20OFFICIAL%20SYLLABUS,%2024-25,%20final%20for%20website.pdf

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