IFDPA Group Championships Category Definitions
• BALLET GROUP SECTION
Ballet is a type of performance dance, that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century, and which was further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form. It has since become a highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary. It is primarily performed with the accompaniment of classical music and has been influential as a form of dance globally.
Routine must consist of ballet technique. Must include classical steps and movements.
No pointe shoes/technique allowed in Primary and Junior Section, they can only be worn in the Senior Section and by dancers aged 13 years and over (cannot be worn by dancers who are dancing to higher age category whose age is less than 13 years).
Gymnastic/acrobatic tricks will not be judged/scored.
Time Limit
The time limit on all group entries is a maximum of 4 minutes.
• CONTEMPORARY GROUP SECTION
Originally developed in a rebellion against the hierarchy and restrictions of classical dance styles. Contemporary is now an ever-developing genre used as a “umbrella” term, letting a dancer express themselves using all their traditional skills (including styles like jazz and ballet), but with freedom outside their strict rules and music styles. Experimenting with and fusing genres, styles and influences. A fresh, music and choreography led, perspective on moving giving a dancer the liberty to determine his or her own creative path. Dances need to be expressive, simultaneously subtle and dynamic, focused on conveying musicality and emotion through movement.
Routine must consist of a combination of various styles, incorporating balance, control, and musical interpretation
No pointe shoes/technique allowed in Primary and Junior Section, they can only be worn in the Senior Section and by dancers aged 13 years and over (cannot be worn by dancers who are dancing to higher age category whose age is less than 13 years).
Gymnastic/acrobatic tricks will be judged – see Terms & Conditions for full details
Age Groups
Primary (Ages 3 - 7)
Juniors (Ages 8 - 12)
Seniors (Ages 13 and older)
Time Limit
The time limit on all group entries is a maximum of 4 minutes.
• JAZZ GROUP SECTION
Traditional and modern jazz techniques and performance. The performance style of jazz dance was popularised to a large extent by Bob Fosse's work, which is exemplified by Broadway shows such as Chicago and Cabaret.
Routine must consist of primarily jazz technique.
Gymnastic/acrobatic tricks will not be judged/scored.
Age Groups
Primary (Ages 3 - 7)
Juniors (Ages 8 - 12)
Seniors (Ages 13 and older)
Time Limit
The time limit on all group entries is a maximum of 4 minutes.
• TAP GROUP SECTION
Tap dance is a form of dance characterised by using the sound of one's tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument. As such, it is also commonly considered to be a form of music. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm (Jazz) tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses more on the dance, and is widely performed as a part of musical theatre. Rhythm tap focuses more on musicality, and practitioners consider themselves to be a part of the Jazz tradition.
Routine must consist of tap technique and primarily tap work.
Tap sounds are not allowed on the musical backing track.
Gymnastic/acrobatic tricks will not be judged/scored.
Age Groups
Primary (Ages 3 - 7)
Juniors (Ages 8 - 12)
Seniors (Ages 13 and older)
Time Limit
The time limit on all group entries is a maximum of 4 minutes.
• OPEN DANCE GROUP SECTION
The Open Dance group section is designed to cover all styles in addition to the 4 genres of Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Tap.
IFDPA would like to invite dancers from all styles to compete in a magical, friendly environment. The 'Open Dance' section has been designed to welcome dancers from styles that are usually restricted to their own competitions or struggle to fit into regular dance categories. Be it Scottish Highland Dance, Irish Dancing, Freestyle, Sequence, Jive or Latin, Fusion Gymnastics. Following in the footsteps of popular TV style competitions bringing together all forms of dance IFDPA now offers this unique 'Open Dance' category to give everyone the chance to compete.
Age Groups
Primary (Ages 3 - 7)
Juniors (Ages 8 - 12)
Seniors (Ages 13 and older)
All Age (Age 3 and Over – must feature at least 2 age groups)
Time Limit
The time limit on all group entries is a maximum of 4 minutes.
Open Dance Group entries can’t comprise solely of any style from the other group sections but can be a combination of those styles.
Open Dance can accommodate any style not covered in the other group sections.
No pointe shows allowed in Primary and Junior Section, they can only be worn in the Senior Section and by dancers aged 13 years and over (cannot be worn by dancers who are dancing to higher age category whose age is less than 13 years).
For gymnastic or acrobatic entries or any entries with such content please be aware that there will be no special or matted flooring available.
No singing is permitted.