Eligibility & Categories

DISIPLINES:

JAZZ – combines jazz style and technique (may contain up to 3 acro tricks)

TAP – a routine composed of tap technique and tap rhythms (often performed in tap shoes)

DEMI-POINTE – a highly technical formalized dance, using graceful flowing precise movements

DEMI-CHARACTER – Ballet dance that includes mime, acting and is set to music

POINTE – A routine done in pointe shoes while performing steps from ballet

PAS DE DEUX/TROIS – A pointe ballet duet or trio where male and female ballet dancers partner one another.

CONTEMPORARY – A dynamic collaboration of both modern dance and classical ballet technique. It may also integrate jazz and/or lyrical dance, encouraging artistic exploration that may or may not be abstract. This form of expressive dance blends structured alignment and classical positioning of ballet with the free forming, unstructured nature found in modern dance. 

MODERN – Is a genre of dance derived from pioneer Isadora Duncan. It is represented through the technique of Martha Graham, Lester Horton, Jose Limon and/or Merce Cunningham. Modern dance is an experimentation of free form movement and self interpretation. This genre demonstrates a clear use of gravity, bodyweight transferring, torso dynamics, breath and unstructured positioning to enhance abstract expression. A strong understanding in modern dance technique is displayed through grounding elements of breath, contraction and release, fall and recover, spiralling, non classical posturing and improvisation.

HIP HOP – Mainly street style, often done to hip hop music. I.e. Breaking, popping, locking, krumping, stepping, etc

MUSICAL THEATRE – Can incorporate tap, jazz, theatrical (Broadway), ballroom (Standard and Latin), and even hip-hop. It can be characterized as a Jazz dance, adapted to the needs of the theatre. A typical example of the style of Broadway Dance is for example musicals “Chicago”, “A Chorus Line” and “All That Jazz” by Bob Fosse. Musical theatre routines can incorporate lip sync.

SONG & DANCE: Dance combined with live vocals note: dancer(s) Must provide their own microphone/microphone pack at event. (Testing can be done in the morning before show time).

ACROBATICS – An acro routine should incorporate elements of dance technique and stylized movement COMBINED with, acrobatic tricks (such as walkovers, balances, tumbling, etc.) that display use of control, strength and flexibility. * Note: a minimum of 6 acro tricks is suggested to be considered for this category.

LYRICAL – Fusion of ballet and jazz techniques used in motion to interpret and express emotion, musical intention and lyrics.

OPEN – May incorporate a variety of dance styles. (Should not contain more than 5 acro tricks. See above for Acrobatic category description).

SPECIALTY – Ethnic dance, Ballroom (Standard or Latin), Clogging and Circus. note: circus performers must provide special insurance upon registration.

PRODUCTION: Is a group routine that consists of one central theme or storyline throughout and incorporates any style(s) of dance. It may also include props, staging techniques, musical theatre or song and dance.

ADULT – Intended for participants 20 years of age or older, that may be dance teachers, parents, College/University students or professional dancers competing to receive a placement in a category (not eligible for overall awards). A soloist who is 20 years or older MUST compete in the adult category.

IMPROV CATEGORY – Dancers will have less than 1 min. to self choreograph to unknown music. There are two age divisions Junior 12 and under & Teen 13 and up. Improv solo is to be performed in basic dance wear (no costume required).

HELPFUL TIPS FOR ACROBATIC TRICKS IN A NON-ACROBATIC ROUTINE:

• a tumbling pass is considered as 1 trick
• use of athletic contemporary style floor work, partnering and postures are not considered acrobatic tricks.
  
  

*Note: choreographers should exercise their artistic discretion when addressing this guideline.