DIVISION I BALLET SOLOS
Pre-competitive - Ages 9 to 10
Pre-Teen - Age 11

Classes, staging, competition and awards are held 1:00pm – 8:00pm Wednesday, June 6.
Pre-competitive may compete in the classical ballet solo and ensemble categories. Pre-teens may compete in classical, contemporary and ensemble categories.

Competitors may elect an additional classical solo. If a second solo is added, the 2 variation scores will be averaged to determine final score. Competitors will be spaced and coached by ABC professional staff prior to the competition. Competition is held in one round with the order of performance youngest to oldest.

Select classical variation(s) listed for Division I– see MUSIC. Variation length not to exceed 2.5 minutes.

Student’s teacher should adhere to the original choreography but make it age-appropriate. Variations may be performed on or off pointe. If on pointe student will be judged for ability and readiness to be working on pointe.

Participants may depart after Division I awards ceremony on Wednesday or stay and participate in master classes (Thursday, Friday & Saturday), observe Division II and III competitions and awards ceremony on Saturday, June 9. Division I winners and other qualified participants may be invited to perform in the ABC Showcase Performance before Saturday’s Awards Ceremony.

DIVISIONS II/III BALLET SOLOS
Juniors - Age 12 to 14
Seniors - Age 15 to 19

Division II and III participants compete in the Classical Ballet solo category in 2 rounds, selecting variations from ABC’s variations list -see MUSIC. Each variation not to exceed 2.5 minutes. Competitors may elect to perform an additional classical solo and may also compete in the Contemporary and Ensemble categories on Friday, June 8.

Ballet Round 1 - Friday, June 8: Contestants perform their first classical variation pre-selected and prepared from ABC’s SHORT LIST of variations. On Friday this variation will be additionally staged/coached by ABC staff and then performed in class attire (tights & leotard) for the jury. All contestants proceed to second round on Sunday.

Ballet Round 2 - Saturday, June 9: Division II’s may elect to compete with Saturday’s variation in costume or with a different variation from ABC’s LONG LIST of approved variations. Division III’s MUST compete in Round 2 with a different variation from Long List. An optional additional variation may be performed by both divisions.

Division III competitors who are interested in Traineeships are advised to participate in the
Contemporary Solo Category.

CONTEMPORARY SOLOS
Division I - (Age 11 only) & Divisions II & III

Contemporary competition is open to students ages 11-19 as of June 1, 2012. Contemporary participants may, but do not have to, compete in the Ballet Solo divisions.

No tap or extreme hip-hop is to be incorporated in contemporary solo. Jazz and lyrical may be integrated as the choreography may require. Contemporary solos may be performed on or off pointe. Contemporary solos are not to exceed 2.5 minutes in length and be no shorter than 1.5 minutes.

The daily schedule begins with a master ballet class followed by a contemporary workshop. In the workshop a short 1.5 minute contemporary piece will be taught and coached to all contemporary contestants. Contestants then perform the new piece in class attire for the jury. After this preliminary competition, all contestants will perform the contemporary piece they have prepared and brought with them. Contestants’ two scores will be averaged for the final results.

ENSEMBLES
All Divisions

Group performers may but aren’t required to compete in Classical or Contemporary Solo category.
Ensemble’s division placement is determined by the average age of it’s participants.

Ensembles’ repertory may be performed from the classical ballet repertory or be an original choreographic work. Ensembles include duets, trios and pas de deux.

Time Limits:
Duets and Trios - 2:45 minutes.
Pas de deux - up to 6 minutes, may include adagio and coda sections. No variations.
Ensembles - 4 to 9 dancers 3:30 minutes; 10 to 20 dancers 5:30 minutes.

Ensembles will compete on Friday, June 8. Target beginning time 7:00pm. Groups must attach completed ABC ensemble participant list to their registration form. Participants not registered in Ballet Solo Divisions may elect to take daily master class for a fee. Master classes will be offered daily June 6-9.