To provide a positive educational experience for all who attend the festival, the following factors will govern the selection of the Showcase dances:

1. Original student choreography. All dances must be choreographed by a CURRENT high school student.
2. Technique of the dancers. Extension, placement, control, rhythm, energy and focus.
3. Presentation. Dancers' appearance, costumes, and clarity of performance.
4. Quality of the choreography. Development of a theme or idea; body design, combinations, floor patterns, originality, creativity, and accompaniment.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE STATED CRITERIA WILL RESULT IN NO LONGER BEING ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN FUTURE SHOWCASE AUDITIONS. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THE ABOVE CRITERIA IS DETRIMENTAL IN THE JUDGES DECISIONS FOR SHOWCASE.

***Judges will select dances based on quality first, variety second.***

The showcase judges will be faced with very difficult decisions. In order to provide a positive educational experience for all who audition, we encourage schools to audition live; however, we understand that conflicts do arise and we do allow schools to send in a videotape.

*Performance videos submitted should be without any special stage lighting/cues and must be performed by current high school dancers from the current school year.

We realize that many of the judgments made are highly subjective and are therefore open to question and criticism. The judges will try to select dances that are of the highest quality, as well as those which will add variety to the performance.

We wish to remind all applicants that the Showcase is NOT A COMPETITION-there are no BEST dances, no first or second place. Such a competition would be against the spirit and the educational philosophy of the Festival. The Showcase is simply a means of exposing dance students to the trends in dance education across the state. While being chosen for the Showcase will undoubtedly bring a sense of school pride, priority should be given to being receptive to new ideas presented in the dance classes and to return home with experiences to share and nurture. It is hoped that those groups who audition but are not chosen for the Showcase performance will still receive feedback from the judge's critique sheets that they will find useful. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact either of us.

Sincerely,

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