Stage dance festival

A stage dance festival is a theatre dance competition in which amateur dancers compete in a range of dance disciplines.

Overview

Stage dance festivals are usually held at theatres or other venues which have a traditional proscenium style stage on which the dancer perform.

Entrants compete in a range of dance disciplines, which normally include ballet, tap, modern, national, character, acrobatic and song & dance.

Each discipline is divided into sections in which children of a similar age compete. Firstly they will compete in a novice section and if they successfuly compete in a novice section they can then go on to compete in an open section. Competitors can also take part in duets and trios.

Judging is done by an adjudicator, who is normally a former professional dancer, dance teacher, or examiner. The adjudicator will award marks to each competitor, with the highest marked competitors being ranked 1st, 2nd or 3rd. The 1st placed competitor will usually receive a trophy, gold medal and certificate, with a silver medal and certificate for 2nd place and bronze with a certificate for 3rd place. Other competitors who have performed to a high standard may be awarded an Honours certificate. All competitors who take part in a section receive a report with comments from the adjudicator about how they can improve their performance.