Festivals and Competitions

Festivals

At Motion we have a festival team. Danielle and Lizzie run this side of Motion, creating dances through private lessons.

Throughout the year we look to enter dancers into various festivals which fall at the weekend or during school holidays. For these, dancers are split into age groups and style categories, and are judged by an independent panel.

Our festival team have been selected to represent Motion. These are dancers who we feel have the ability, confidence and meet the requirements needed to dance solo............

Great technique
Able to perform with poise and style.

Strong stage presence and performance energy.

The confidence to command the stage on their own.

However, performance isn’t as simple as a smile on a face. It’s a full body expression, and an inner fire!

We are continuously looking to expand our festival team and are always watching in class, so strive to impress!

Throughout the year the AAD holds events such as Scholarships and the Gala. Due to the audition process for these followed by sessions with the director of the AAD, Miss Scott, they help massively with confidence and technique. For those who have participated, we are now seeing a huge improvement in class and show work.

However, this isn’t a requirement for being selected. The requirements mentioned above come from having a positive “I can” attitude towards class work, applying corrections, working hard and striving to be a better dancer. A positive attitude towards each other is just as important. This is an exciting time, and we want as much support and encouragement as possible, not only from those selected but also from everyone involved in Motion Dance Company.

I hope this outlines everything clearly. If anyone has any questions, feel free to grab Danielle or Lizzie at dancing.

Can You Dance?

2019 was the first year we entered a Junior and Senior troupe into the CYD? competition. This will now be an annual event.

AAD Awards Day

Every year we take a Babes, Junior and Senior Troupe to Blackpool Opera House

Conditions & Requirements.

The Motion Festival team is made up of outstanding individuals, with the passion, drive and technical ability to perform at competition level. They are hardworking dancers with flair and individuality, who strive to succeed. In order to keep at this level and improve upon it, there are certain requirements that need to be kept in order for dancers to keep their place on the team.

As well as requirements for dancers, outlined below are points for teachers and parents/guardians too.

Dancers

Must take part in AAD syllabus class and/or technique classes.

Dancers may only have solos in the dance styles they take classes in. This is due to keeping on top of their technique, keeping it to the highest standard possible. Stopping classes means the technique isn’t being practised or improved. For example - if a dancer doesn’t take ballet, they can’t have a ballet solo. If they currently have a solo in a style they no longer take, they can not have a new one.

Must attend regular group practice or private lessons in order to rehearse their dances, as well as self practise at home.

Have a positive and supportive attitude towards their fellow team mates, and show sportsmanship towards other dancers at festivals.

Every dancer should be celebrated regardless of their level or result.

Teachers

Create choreography that shows off the dancer to the best of their ability. Making changes when necessary to improve/update pieces.

Support each dancer and celebrate them regardless of the result.

Schedule regular rehearsals and give feedback and corrections.

Parents

Support your dancer, and celebrate achievements both big and small. Having the courage to get up on stage to perform is an achievement.

Trust in the teacher, to know what’s best for your dancer in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

Give your dancer space to prepare and warm up prior to competing.

Lead by example and do not gossip about teachers/dancers/other dance schools. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but please be mindful of how this is voiced. A festival environment is not the place for outward opinions.

Don’t compare your dancer to other dancers. Everyone is different in their own way and all should be celebrated.

Most importantly being part of the Motion Festival Team is exciting and a lot fun. We pride ourselves on the way our dancers show support for each other, and how they conduct themselves at each festival.