C. Competition – Classical Division
Application Guidelines
Overview
In the Competition – Classic Division, participants may perform a free-choice piece. Scoring, evaluation, and ranking will be assigned.
There are no preliminaries or finals; judging will be based on a single performance. Participants will be evaluated according to their age category, and rankings will be determined. Unlike in the Pre-Competition Division, no advice sheets will be provided.
Eligibility
Eligible participants
Amateur dancers (male and female) from 2nd grade of elementary school (7 years old) up to 30 years old.
Participants in the B. Pre-Competition Free-Choice Division may also enter this division concurrently.
(Same or different variations may be chosen for each division.)
Not eligible
Those who belong to studios managed by the judges, or those who are engaged in professional ballet activities.
Also, participants in the Pre-Competition Assigned Variation Division may not enter.
Nationality
No restrictions.
Combination with B. Pre-Competition Free-Choice Division
It is possible to participate in both divisions. For those who wish to receive an advice sheet, we recommend entering the B. Pre-Competition Free-Choice Division alongside this one.
Judging Method
Performance
There are no preliminaries or finals; scoring is based on a single performance.
Judging criteria
An absolute evaluation system is used, not relative comparison.
This means that judges do not determine superiority by comparing one participant to another. Instead, each judge evaluates each performance individually based on their own judging standards.
Judges will focus on the following aspects:
• Technical ability: Accuracy of steps, positions, acquisition of techniques
• Expressiveness: Emotional expression, individuality
• Artistry: Understanding of the piece, overall stage beauty
• Musicality: Rhythm, unity with music
• Stage manners: Posture, etiquette, stage presence
Judging results
Based on the judges’ scores, rankings will be determined within each category.
Participants are encouraged not to compare themselves with others but to bring out their full potential and deliver outstanding performances.
• All categories will be judged separately for male and female participants.
• Each judge evaluates individually, and rankings are determined by average score.
Judging scope
• Costumes, makeup, choreography differences, or methods will not be evaluated.
• Reconstructing choreography according to the participant’s age is acceptable.
• For divisions where both pointe and ballet shoes are allowed (E6/J1 and above), there is no judgment on whether wearing pointe shoes or ballet shoes provides advantage.
• Participants should select works appropriate to their level.
Categories
Pointe
• E2–E5 (2nd to 5th grade elementary): pointe not permitted
• From E6 (6th grade elementary): pointe permitted
• Up to J1 (1st grade junior high): ballet shoes also permitted
| Grade/Age | Female | Male | Pointe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Grade Elementary 7-8 years old April 2, 2017- April 1,2018 |
E2 | EB2 | Pointe shoes not permitted |
| 3rd Grade Elementary 8-9 years old April 2, 2016- April 1, 2017 |
E3 | EB3 | Pointe shoes not permitted |
| 4th Grade Elementary 9-10 years old April 2, 2015- April 1, 2016 |
E4 | EB4 | Pointe shoes not permitted |
| 5th Grade Elementary 10-11 years old April 2, 2014- April 1, 2015 |
E5 | EB5 | Pointe shoes not permitted |
| 6th Grade Elementary 11-12 years old April 2, 2013- April 1, 2014 |
E6 | EB6 | Pointe shoes permitted |
| 1st Year Junior High 12-13 years old April 2, 2012 - April 1, 2013 |
J1 | JB1 | Pointe shoes permitted |
| 2nd Year Junior High 13-14 years old April 2, 2011 - April 1, 2012 |
J2 | JB2 | Pointe shoes permitted |
| 3rd Year Junior High 14-15 years old April 2, 2010 - April 1, 2011 |
J3 | JB3 | Pointe shoes permitted |
| Senior High School 15-18 years old April 2, 2007 - April 1, 2010 |
S | SB | Pointe shoes permitted |
| Adult（18〜30） Age shall be determined by the full age of individuals whose birthdays fall between January 1 and December 31, 2025. |
A | AB | Pointe shoes permitted |
Awards
Ranking
In each category, rankings from 1st to 10th place will be awarded.
All participants ranked below 11th will receive an Encouragement Prize.
Instructor’s Prize
The instructors of participants ranked 1st to 3rd will receive an Instructor’s Prize.
Special Judge’s Award
Special prizes may also be given, to be announced at the award ceremony or later.
Free-Choice Restrictions
Performance time
Must be within 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Restricted works (cannot be performed)
Girls (2nd–4th grade elementary):
• Swan Lake: Odette, Odile
• The Sleeping Beauty: Princess Aurora
• The Nutcracker: Sugar Plum Fairy
• Don Quixote: Kitri Act 1, Dulcinea
• The Pharaoh’s Daughter: Aspicia
• Esmeralda
• Grand Pas Classique
Boys (2nd–4th grade elementary)
• Swan Lake: Prince
• The Sleeping Beauty: Prince
• The Nutcracker: Prince
• La Bayadère: Solor
• Don Quixote: Basil
• Le Corsaire: Ali, Lankedem
Restrictions common to all divisions
• Works by George Balanchine (e.g., Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Sylvia, etc.)
• WBC Assigned Variations (those who did not perform in the Pre-Competition Assigned Variation Division may not perform them)
Performance Time & Music
• Performance time: Within 2 minutes 30 seconds
• Music: Please prepare your own CD
Other Notes
• Participants must perform works and choreography suitable to their age group.
• Costumes and makeup are not subject to evaluation, but please ensure they do not interfere with performance.