The Performance Platform will be an annual event designed to allow students the chance to showcase their technical and performance abilities to a panel of highly respected, industry professional judges.
The aim is to provide an opportunity for young dancers to perform a repertoire solo of their choice, learn how to deal with nerves when performing and improve through feedback and constructive comments from the judges. This platform is also a chance for students to make dance industry connections that will serve them in good stead for future training and performance opportunities.
After a period of limited opportunities for dancers due to COVID-19, particularly for those trying to audition for schools and companies, we felt it would be exciting to have a new focus and an opportunity to showcase performance skills. This is primarily a learning platform, and not so much a focus on the competition element. The awards are a bonus to encourage and reward hard work; however, the main element is self-discovery through the choice of a solo to suit the individual dancer, and the application of technique – how classwork and in-depth understanding directly affects one’s ability to execute a solo correctly.
The judges will be looking for a combination of artistry, musicality, and pure technique; therefore, it is important for dancers to consider their own strengths and weaknesses in order to select a solo that will fully suit them and allow these three important elements to be showcased to the best of their ability. Subsequently, a final round in the form of a physical live performance will be the goal.
Feedback is provided for every applicant after the preliminary round and will be sent via email. Further consultations can also be arranged on an individual basis.
We hope you enjoy this new opportunity and challenge!
The grade levels are there as guidance only, so please do contact us should you fall shy of a level. Remember this is a vocational competition, aimed at assisting and further enhancing vocational potential in classical ballet. However, everyone is welcomed to apply – those who are on associate programmes, at full time school, or training locally. We want to provide an opportunity for students to shine after a tough time of restrictions; and provide a little excitement without any real stress attached. This is very important – please view this not as an added pressure, but a new and exciting opportunity to showcase who you are, and what you can do!
One main event – consisting of a video submission of your entry. The following year groups will be judged separately:
The focus for this section is mainly on gaining experience, and feedback to aid progression. Awards are made after the preliminary round, with the possibility of exceptional students being invited to showcase their work at the finals.
Two events – a preliminary round via video, and a final in late March in a studio theatre / theatre (COVID and venue permitting):
Submission of entry via video, focussing on application of technical elements combined with artistry and musicality.
Finals will provide the additional element of handling nerves in the moment, enjoying a live performance and demonstrating to the judges the process of learning involved through handling moments when things may go wrong, or not quite to plan!
Finalists will be selected from the initial video applications. The number of finalists is at the judges’ discretion, as is the allocation of awards.
Two events – a preliminary round via video and a final in late March, in a studio theatre / theatre (COVID and venue permitting)
Submission of entry via video, focussing on application of technical elements combined with artistry and musicality.
Finals will provide the additional element of handling nerves in the moment, enjoying a live performance and demonstrating to the judges a natural instinct for professionalism through handling moments when things may go wrong, or not quite to plan!
Finalists will be selected from the initial video applications. The number of finalists is at the judges’ discretion, as is the allocation of awards.
Two events – a preliminary round via video, and a final in late March in a studio theatre / theatre (COVID and venue permitting):
Submission of entry via video, focussing on application of technical elements combined with artistry and musicality.
Finals will provide the additional element of handling nerves in the moment, enjoying a live performance and demonstrating to the judges the process of learning involved through handling moments when things may go wrong, or not quite to plan!
Finalists will be selected from the initial video applications. The number of finalists is at the judges’ discretion, as is the allocation of awards.
The fee to enter is £50.00. This is payable upon application via bank transfer (please provide a fully named reference). Please note this is a separate account from the usual Ballet Boost account:
Ballet Boost
09-01-29
15106605
The deadline for application forms is 30th January 2021. Please download the application form and submit this via email to theperformanceplatform@balletboost.com address, along with a link to your video submission. Alternatively you can send the video link (clearly referenced) by 18th February 2021. Ideally the video should be made available through YouTube or Vimeo (password protected please).