The categories in Dance Grand Prix Sofia 2023 are as follows:
MINI – 9 AND UNDER
| CLASS CODE | CLASS TITLE | NUMBER OF DANCERS | MAX TIME |
| MiniSB | Mini Solo Ballet – any style | 1 | 2 min |
| MiniSBm | Mini Solo Ballet - any style (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| MiniSN | Mini Solo National and Folklore | 1 | 2 min |
| MiniSL | Mini Solo Lyrical and Contemporary | 1 | 2 min |
| MiniSLm | Mini Solo Lyrical and Contemporary (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| MiniSW | Mini Solo Jazz and Show Dance | 1 | 2 min |
| MinSWm | Mini Solo Jazz and Show Dance (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| MiniSA | Mini Solo Acro | 1 | 2 min |
| MiniSH | Mini Solo Street Dance and Commercial | 1 | 2 min |
| MiniDB | Mini Duet/Trio Ballet – any style | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| MiniDN | Mini Duet/Trio National and Folklore | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| MiniDL | Mini Duet/Trio Lyrical and Contemporary | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| MiniDW | Mini Duet/Trio Jazz and Show Dance | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| MiniDA | Mini Duet/Trio Acro | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| MiniDH | Mini Duet/Trio Street Dance | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| MiniQB | Mini Quartet Ballet – any style | 4 | 2 min 30 sec |
| MiniGSB | Mini Small Group Ballet – any style | 5-10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| MiniGSN | Mini Small Group National and Folklore | 4 - 10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| MiniGSL | Mini Small Group Lyrical and Contemporary | 4 - 10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| MiniGSW | Mini Small Group Jazz and Show Dance | 4 - 10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| MiniGSA | Mini Small Group Acro | 4 - 10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| MiniGSH | Mini Small Group Street Dance and Commercial | 4 - 10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| MiniGLB | Mini Large Group Ballet – any style | 11+ | 3 min |
| MiniGLN | Mini Large Group National and Folklore | 11+ | 3 min |
| MiniGLL | Mini Large Group Lyrical and Contemporary | 11+ | 3 min |
| MiniGLW | Mini Large Group Jazz and Show Dance | 11+ | 3 min |
| MiniGLA | Mini Large Group Acro | 11+ | 3 min |
| MiniGLH | Mini Large Group Street Dance and Commercial | 11+ | 3 min |
CHILDREN – 13 YEARS AND UNDER
| CLASS CODE | CLASS TITLE | NUMBER OF DANCERS | MAX TIME |
| KSB | Children Solo Ballet – any style (not repertoire) (age 10 – 12 years) | 1 | 2 min |
| KSBm | Children Solo Ballet (Boys) – any style (not repertoire) | 1 | 2 min |
| KSBR | Children Solo Ballet Repertoire (age 10 – 12 years) | 1 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KSBRm | Children Solo Ballet Repertoire (Boys) | 1 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KSPB | Children Solo Ballet - any style (not repertoire) with pointe shoes optional ( age 12 – 13 years only) | 1 | 2 min |
| KSPBR | Children Solo Ballet Repertoire with pointe shoes(age 12 – 13 only) | 1 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KSN | Children Solo National and Folklore | 1 | 2 min |
| KSL | Children Solo Lyrical | 1 | 2 min |
| KSLm | Children Solo Lyrical (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| KSW | Children Solo Show Dance | 1 | 2 min |
| KSWm | Children Solo Show Dance (boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| KSZ | Children Solo Jazz | 1 | 2 min |
| KSZm | Children Solo Jazz (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| KSE | Children Solo Contemporaray | 1 | 2 min |
| KSEm | Children Solo Contemporary (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| KSA | Children Solo Acro | 1 | 2 min |
| KSH | Children Solo Street Dance | 1 | 2 min |
| KSC | Children Solo Commercial | 1 | 2 min |
| KDB | Children Duet/Trio Ballet – any style (not repertoire) PLEASE SEE NOTES: 8.11 FOR APPENDIX | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| KDPDD | Children Duet/Trio Pas de Deux/Trois (age 12-13 only) PLEASE SEE NOTES: 8.12 FOR APPENDIX | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KDN | Children Duet/Trio National and Folklore | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| KDL | Children Duet/Trio Lyrical and Contemporary | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| KDW | Children Duet/Trio Jazz and Show Dance | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| KDA | Children Duet/Trio Acro | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| KDH | Children Duet/Trio Street Dance and Commercial | 2 or 3 | 2 min |
| KQB | Children Quartet Ballet – any style | 4 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KGSBC | Children Small Group Classical Ballet and Repertoire | 5 - 10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KGSB | Children Small Group Ballet– any style (not classical or repertoire) | 5 - 10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KGSN | Children Small Group National and Folklore | 4-10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KGSL | Children Small Group Lyrical | 4-10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KGSE | Children Small Group Contemporary | 4 -10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KGSW | Children Small Group Jazz and Show Dance | 4 -10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KGSA | Children Small Group Acro | 4 -10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KGSH | Children Small Group Street Dance and Commercial | 4 -10 | 2 min 30 sec |
| KGLBC | Children Large Group Classical Ballet and Repertoire | 11+ | 3 min |
| KGLB | Children Large Group Ballet – any style (not classical or repertoire) | 11+ | 3 min |
| KGLN | Children Large Group National and Folklore | 11+ | 3 min |
| KGLL | Children Large Group Lyrical | 11+ | 3 min |
| KGLW | Children Large Group Show Dance | 11+ | 3 min |
| KGLZ | Children Large Group Jazz | 11+ | 3 min |
| KGLE | Children Large Group Contemporary | 11+ | 3 min |
| KGLA | Children Large Group Acro | 11+ | 3 min |
| KGLH | Children Large Group Street Dance | 11+ | 3 min |
| KGLC | Children Large Group Commercial | 11+ | 3 min |
JUNIOR – 17 YEARS AND UNDER
| CLASS CODE | CLASS TITLE | NUMBER OF DANCERS | MAX TIME |
| JSB | Junior Solo Ballet - any style (not repertoire) | 1 | 2 min |
| JSBm | Junior Solo Ballet (Boys) - any style (not repertoire) | 1 | 2 min |
| JSBR | Junior Solo Ballet Repertoire | 1 | 2 min 30 sec |
| JSBRm | Junior Solo Ballet Repertoire (Boys) | 1 | 2 min 30 sec |
| JSN | Junior Solo National and Folklore | 1 | 2 min |
| JSL | Junior Solo Lyrical | 1 | 2 min |
| JSLm | Junior Solo Lyrical (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| JSW | Junior Solo Show Dance | 1 | 2 min |
| JSWm | Junior Solo Show Dance (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| JSZ | Junior Solo Jazz | 1 | 2 min |
| JSZm | Junior Solo Jazz (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| JSE | Junior Solo Contemporary | 1 | 2 min |
| JSEm | Junior Solo Contemporary (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| JSA | Junior Solo Acro | 1 | 2 min |
| JSH | Junior Solo Street Dance | 1 | 2 min |
| JSC | Junior Solo Commercial | 1 | 2 min |
| JDB | Junior Duet/Trio Ballet – any style (not repertoire) PLEASE SEE RULE 8.11 | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| JDN | Junior Duet/Trio National and Folklore | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| JDL | Junior Duet/Trio Lyrical and Contemporary | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| JDW | Junior Duet/Trio Jazz and Show Dance | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| JDA | Junior Duet/Trio Acro | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| JDH | Junior Duet/Trio Street Dance and Commercial | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| JQB | Junior Quartet Ballet | 4 | 3 min |
| JGSBC | Junior Small Group Classical Ballet and Repertoire | 5 – 10 | 3 min |
| JGSB | Junior Small Group Ballet – any style (not classical or repertoire) | 5 - 10 | 3 min |
| JGSN | Junior Small Group National and Folklore | 4 - 10 | 3 min |
| JGSL | Junior Small Group Lyrical | 4 -10 | 3 min |
| JGSE | Junior Small Group Contemporary | 4 - 10 | 3 min |
| JGSW | Junior Small Group Jazz and Show Dance | 4 - 10 | 3 min |
| JGSH | Junior Small Group Street Dance and Commercial | 4 - 10 | 3 min |
| JGLBC | Junior Large Group Classical Ballet and Repertoire | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| JGLB | Junior Large Group Ballet - any style (not classical or repertoire) | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| JGLN | Junior Large Group National and Folklore | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| JGLL | Junior Large Group Lyrical | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| JGLW | Junior Large Group Show Dance | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| JGLZ | Junior Large Group Jazz | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| JGLE | Junior Large Group Contemporary | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| JGLA | Junior Large Group Acro | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| JGLH | Junior Large Group Street Dance | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| JGLC | Junior Large Group Commercial | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
SENIOR– 25 YEARS AND UNDER
| CLASS CODE | CLASS TITLE | NUMBER OF DANCERS | MAX TIME |
| SnSB | Senior Solo Ballet – any style (not repertoire) | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSBR | Senior Solo Ballet repertoire | 1 | 2 min 30 sec |
| SnSN | Senior Solo National and Folklore | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSL | Senior Solo Lyrical | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSLm | Senior Solo Lyrical (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSW | Senior Solo Showdance | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSWm | Senior Solo Showdance (Boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSZ | Senior Solo Jazz | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSZm | Senior Solo Jazz (boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSE | Senior Solo Contemporary | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSEm | Senior Solo Contemporary (boys) | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSA | Senior Solo Acro | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSH | Senior Solo Street Dance | 1 | 2 min |
| SnSC | Senior Solo Commercial | 1 | 2 min |
| SnDB | Senior Duet/Trio Ballet – any style (not repertoire) PLEASE SEE RULE 8.11 | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| SnDPDD | Junior and Senior Duet/Trio Pas de Deux/Trois | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| SnDN | Senior Duet/Trio National and Folklore Dance | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| SnDL | Senior Duet/Trio Lyrical and Contemporary | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| SnDW | Senior Duet/Trio Jazz and Show Dance | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| SnDA | Senior Duet Acro | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| SnDH | Senior Duet/Trio Street Dance and Commercial | 2 or 3 | 2 min 30 sec |
| SnQB | Senior Quartet Ballet – any style | 4 | 3 min |
| SnGSBC | Senior Small Classical Ballet and Repertoire | 5 - 10 | 3 min |
| SnGSB | Senior Small Group Ballet – any style (not classical or repertoire) | 5 - 10 | 3 min |
| SnGSN | Senior Small Group National and Folklore | 4 - 10 | 3 min |
| SnGSL | Senior Small Group Lyrical | 4 - 10 | 3 min |
| SnGSE | Senior Small Group Contemporary | 4 - 10 | 3 min |
| SnGSW | Senior Small Group Jazz and Show Dance | 4 - 10 | 3 min |
| SnGSA | Junior and Senior Small Group Acro | 4 - 10 | 3 min |
| SnGSH | Senior Small Group Street Dance and Commercial | 4 - 10 | 3 min |
| SnGLBC | Senior Large Group Classical Ballet and Repertoire | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| SnGLB | Senior Large Group Ballet - any style (not classical and repertoire) | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| SnGLN | Senior Large Group National and Folklore | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| SnGLL | Senior Large Group Lyrical | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| SnGLW | Senior Large Group Show Dance | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| SnGLZ | Senior Large Group Jazz | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| SnGLE | Senior Large Group Contemporary | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| SnGLA | Senior Large Group Acro | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| SnGLH | Senior Large Group Street Dance | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
| SnGLC | Senior Large Group Commercial | 11+ | 3 min 30 sec |
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Repertoire Ballet
Any piece coming from recognised Ballet Repertoire.
In the mini repertoire solos, the teachers are allowed to slightly simplify the variations to fit the technical level of the children.
In the Mini category the teachers should choose age appropriate variations.
It is strictly prohibited to use any kind of protected original choreography, unless the dance teacher sends written permission from the copyrights owner.
Ballet – any style (excluding repertoire)
Any method of ballet, which uses an academic ballet technique. A Neoclassical ballet style may be employed in this category. This uses traditional ballet technique, but in a less rigid way. This includes different or innovative use of port de bras, a strong use of off-balance movements or positions or a mixture with more modern movements in the upper body. It is essential to apply a very strong classical use of the leg lines.
National and Folklore
The dance will show the typical style of dance from a certain country/countries. The music used in the performance must be relevant to that country. The music must be national/folklore music that shows the typical sound of music in that country. No marks will be awarded for authenticity of the dance.
Lyrical
Lyrical dance is a dance style that blends elements of ballet and modern. A lyrical dancer will use movements to express strong emotions such as love, joy, romance etc. The dancer often performs to music with lyrics as this serves as inspiration for the dancer’s movements and expressions. Movements in lyrical dance are characterised by fluidity and grace , with the dancer flowing seamlessly from one movement to another. Leaps are high and turns are fluid and continuous.
Show Dance
This category is best described as a high impact, dynamic dance with entertaining choreography, clear style, narrative and a cohesive theme. The choreographic creation must use dance techniques that bring show dance elements together to form a complete structured piece. Show dance encompasses a variety of styles that can be influenced by Show Dance Theatre, Film or Musical Concepts. The style and imagery of choreography must be appropriate for the dancers involved and executed with precision, powerful musicality and demonstrate clear creative performance values.
Jazz Dance
There are many ways that Jazz can be presented which are described below as a guideline.
All Jazz dance pieces must show a clear understanding and creative expression that is informed and inspired from the differing genres and styles under the Jazz dance umbrella.
Other dance forms and styles must not override the Jazz dance elements and techniques required specifically for Jazz. The techniques for this genre are very clearly stated and are required for fair and honest judging.
Please note: ACRO dance and gymnastic tricks do not substitute for Jazz technique or choreography.
If the choreography is using acrobatic elements, the acro movements must be integral to the main delivery of Jazz choreography and have a real relevance to the dance narrative and construction of the piece.
Jazz Music forms an important part of Jazz choreography. Choosing the correct music will enhance the Jazz dance elements naturally required and also show an understanding of musicality, syncopation and dynamics for the overall visual delivery of the choreography.
Contemporary
Contemporary Dance has established and recognised dance styles and techniques which are based on renowned expression of choreographers including: - Graham, Limon, Cunningham and Horton, Ailey and more in trend today Wayne McGregor or Rambert.
The Contemporary Dance class should incorporate and convey a collection of methods and techniques that are founded within the techniques of ballet, modern dance or postmodern dance.
Contemporary dance permits a greater range of movement that may not adhere to the strict body lines of classical ballet. The images, ideas and emotions of the dance can be set to a variety of sounds, from music to the spoken word or even silence if in keeping with the theme of the dance.
The choreography should convey a story based on the text or a song, or possibly have a story line that conveys an emotion and specific expression. The dancer performing in the Contemporary dance class must have a high level of understanding of the physicality and techniques that are required to be viewed and judged fairly.
Please Note: Contemporary Dance is not to be confused with Lyrical Dance. The elements required for the Contemporary dance, must be visible within the creative dance and the technique of the dancer performing.
Acro
A routine combining acrobatic elements / tricks and dance of any style with a smooth transition between the two. Acrobatic elements include gymnastic work, contortion and flexibility work, balancing work and tumbling work, e.g.; walkovers, backovers, balances (hand, head, forearm, chest), splits, aerials (side, front) and back handsprings. For duet/trio, small groups and large group numbers, partner work and group tricks should also be incorporated into the routine. Dancers should demonstrate total control of their body and the tricks they are performing.
Street Dance
Street dance includes a wide range of styles made popular in the USA and has now become an international and popular form of dance expression for the youth culture, which has now crossed over into more mainstream Commercial dance styles. This class requires the dance to express the specific dance styles, but offer an overall concept, theme and direction that expresses creative ideas, clever dance imagery and stylised choreography.
Please Note: For this category, music choices should not contain swearing or bad language, the suggestion of guns or death. The choreography and visual aspect must be age appropriate for the overall competition.
Commercial
Commercial is a highy choreographed dance form and encompasses a variety of vibrant genres. This dance style can be seen in MTV music videos, advertising campaigns, on TV and in films. It is a combination of self expression, energy and performance.
More detailed information is available here.