EXPRESSIVE YOU
Dance Festival Handbook
Hosted by: Ignited Dance Collective
Date: 11/28/26
WELCOME
Welcome to Expressive You, a choreography and performance festival created to celebrate creativity, authenticity, and artistic expression.This festival provides choreographers and dancers of all ages with the opportunity to share original work, receive feedback, learn from industry instructors/educators, and connect with fellow artists in a supportive environment.
Whether you're stepping on stage for the first time or presenting your latest choreography, we are excited to celebrate your artistic voice.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Master Class Check-In & Warm-Up : 9:30 AM
Master Classes : 10 AM - 12PM
Break: 12PM - 2PM
Technical Rehearsal: 2-4 PM
Evening Showcase & Competition: 5 PM
Awards Ceremony: Immediately following the showcase
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Choreographer Sign-Up Deadline: November 15
Registration Form / Registration Fee / Informed Consent Deadline: November 22nd
$20 per participant (dancer and/or choreographer)
Registration includes:
Festival Admission, 3-Hour Master Classes, Event Merchandise, Evening Showcase, Participation in Professional Adjudication, and Eligibility for Awards!
ELIGIBILITY
Two competition divisions are offered:
Junior Division Ages 14–18 (high school students) / Adult Division Ages 18+
Participants must compete in the division based on the choreographer's age on the date of the event.
Each choreographer is allowed one original piece entry.
AWARDS
One winner will be selected from each division.
Junior Division:
Professional Dance Film Opportunity
Featured Dancer in the Uncensored You Showcase (Spring)
Invitation for the winning choreographer to serve as a student adjudicator during the next Expressive You: Dance Festival 27’
All dancers ages 18+ who perform in the winning choreography will be awarded one month of complimentary Adult Dance Classes.
Cash Prize
Adult Division:
Professional Dance Film Opportunity
Featured Dancer in the Uncensored You Showcase (Spring)
All dancers ages 18+ who perform in the winning choreography will be awarded one month of complimentary Adult Dance Classes.
Cash Prize
**Additional specialty awards may also be presented at the judges' discretion.**
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Choreographers will showcase one original choreographed work. Recommended performance length: 2–5 minutes. All music must be submitted by the registration deadline November 22nd
Performances should demonstrate originality, creativity, and appropriate content.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Performances will be scored in the following categories:
Concept & Choreography (10 points)
Mood & Genre (10 points)
Storytelling / Narrative Impact (10 points)
Technical Execution (10 points)
Cleanliness (10 points)
Musicality (10 points)
Performance Quality & Stage Presence (10 points)
Audience Connection (10 points)
Emotional Expression (10 points)
Creativity/Originality (10 points)
Maximum Score: 100 Points
The Judging Panel will consist of five adjudicators: four dance professionals and one Student Adjudicator.
As part of Ignited's commitment to fostering leadership and professional development, the festival aims to provide Junior Division dancers with opportunities to experience roles beyond performance, including judging, teaching, and choreography.
For the inaugural year of the festival, the Student Adjudicator will be selected through a formal application process. This initiative offers an emerging high school dancer (15 -18 yrs) the opportunity to contribute a unique perspective while gaining valuable experience in the adjudication process.
Interested dancers can seek more information about the application process clicking the link below! Application Deadline is October 18th!
COSTUME GUIDELINES
Costumes should be performance ready. Allow safe movement. Support the artistic vision of the choreography. Dance shoes or bare feet should be appropriate for the style performed.
MUSIC REQUIREMENTS
Music must be submitted before the registration deadline (November 22nd) to the Ignited Dance Collective’s Artistic Director Email ( Tab@igniteddanceco.com )
Email should include the choreographer's name and choreography title in the file name.
Please also bring a backup copy on your mobile device.
CODE OF CONDUCT
All participants are expected to:
Demonstrate professionalism and respect. Encourage fellow dancers. Follow directions from staff and instructors. Arrive on time for all scheduled activities. Treat facilities with care.
Unsportsmanlike conduct, bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behavior may result in removal from the festival without refund.
Ignite Dance Collective is a nonprofit organization, and all proceeds from this event are used to support our programs and operations. Funds help cover the costs of guest teachers, judges, festival merchandise, event staff, and future performance opportunities, allowing us to continue providing meaningful dance experiences for our community.
Please direct any questions about the dance festival to our Associate Director, Kira and Legal & Event Coordinator, Anyah !