The Prince George Dance Festival leaps onto the 2015 stage starting on Thursday.
The best local dancers and visiting competitors vie for scores of prizes and awards.
"We have 480 competitors this year," said festival volunteer Erin MacDermott. "There are over 800 dances being performed over a four-and-a-half day festival. This includes approximately 600 solos, 70 duos, and 180 groups."
Categories of dance that are included in this year's festival are: Ballet, Demi-Character, Pointe, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tap, Acro-dance, Song & Dance, Variety, Production, Cultural-Specific (formerly Ethnic), and Junior Choreography.
"There are two adjudicators judging," said MacDermott. "One gives feedback and marks to dances in the ballet and modern categories, and the other adjudicator judges the stage categories. The two adjudicators are Annie Chen from Toronto and Tania Brossoit from Vancouver."
The first day of competitions is a shortened one. Thursday starts at four with only one three-hour scheduled session. From April 3-6, the activities begin at 8 a.m. and will finish at approximately 8 p.m. each day. On the final day, starting at 6 p.m., the large variety, lyrical and hip-hop group numbers are presented followed by awards and the naming of provincial delegates.
The winner of the Overall Dance Excellence Award is also named that night and dances an exhibition solo.
"We give out over $20,000 in scholarships and prize money during the festival, and also send 16 competitors to the provincial competition each year," said MacDermott. "Ages range from 6-and-under divisions, all the way up to and including 19-and-over divisions. We are thrilled to see an increase in our adult categories and some new groups performing in our Cultural-specific category this year."
Several local studios will be represented by competitive dancers and visitors will come to compete from Prince Rupert, Terrace, Fort St. James, Quesnel and Vancouver.
Each day is segmented into four approximately equal sessions. Admission to attend is $5 per session or $10 for a day-pass. Weekend passes are also available for $25 adult or $20 student/senior. Tickets are purchased at the door.
