FREE INTERPRETATION PARTICIPATION CATEGORY

CRITERIA:

Theme, Concept/Ritual -------------- 10%

- Relevance to Sinulog, choice of material as to musicality, movement qualities and expressions, clarity of message and interpretation to dance movement.

Performance --------------------------- 25%

- Precision and coordination, fluency, alignment, balance, focus, projection, rhythmic and spatial interest.

Choreography ------------------------- 25%

- Creativity and artistry of steps and formation, style and expression.

Costume -------------------------------- 20%

- Artistic choice of color and style, appropriate and relevant to the theme/ritual.

Props ------------------------------------ 10%

- Effective use of props relevant to the interpretation of the theme/ritual.

Musicality ------------------------------ 10%

- Adherence to the use of the Sinulog drumbeats.

GUIDELINES:

1. Concept or theme for costume and performance are left to the discretion of the participants based on their own interpretation of what is relevant to Sinulog. Emphasis must be given to the concept of prayer in dance.
2. Dance steps, music, costume, accessories and equipment of the dance should be in the context of the chosen theme or concept.
3. The Sinulog beat must be used all throughout the dance interpretation, however slight variations may be allowed. Any entry that will not use the Sinulog beat shall be disqualified. (Judges should be strict in implementing this rule because it is the “beat” that differentiates the Sinulog from other Philippine Festivals particularly Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang.) The beat is the one distinguishing characteristic that should be maintained all through the year or else the Sinulog will lose its identity. A penalty of three (3) points will be deducted from the criteria on musicality for entries that will have more variations than the Sinulog beat.
4. Live musical or percussion accompaniment must be used. Canned/taped music is not allowed.
5. All hand props shall be carried by the dancers all throughout the parade route.
6. Appropriate footwear consistent to the theme/motif shall be used by all the participants.
7. Starting this year, huge/big backdrops shall not be allowed on stage (no contingent shall leave props, backdrops, etc. at the back of the stage and premises of the Cebu City Sports Center).
8. Ritual presentation at the Cebu City Sports Center stage shall be limited to five (5) minutes only. Three (3) points shall be deducted from the total score against any contingent who violates this provision.
9. Time starts once the dancers move and step on the designated entrance area of the stage likewise the time stops as soon as the first set of dancers step down in the exit area.
10. The use of live animal sacrifices and use of infants or toddlers (3 years below) are strictly prohibited. A three (3) point deduction from the total score will be imposed.
11. The use of flammable materials such as fireworks or pyrotechnics as part of the ritual are strictly prohibited. A five (5) point deduction shall be imposed against any contingent who violates this provision.
12. When the concept/theme is purely on transformation, one should register in the Free Interpretation Category characterized by any of the following:

- Use of dance steps and movements of an indigenous Philippine of a foreign group using the Sinulog Beat without having to portray a religious significance.

- Use of a current concept showing how the Sto. Niño is/can be worshipped in our times.

- The use of foreign influences in the concept, theme or ritual as shown in the choreography, costumes, props and accessories.

13. Compulsory presentation of the five (5) minute ritual shall be made at any point of the parade route twice. The first performance will be at 10:00 a.m., while the second performance will be at 1:00 p.m. These stationary performances of 5-minute ritual shall be done simultaneously by all contingents. The marshals assigned per contingents shall signal the start of the presentation.

Source: Sinulog Foundation Inc.