COMPETITION INFORMATION
Competition Genres
Street should incorporate all the styles outlined in hip-hop. It is important for the competitor to showcase their ability in various hip-hop dance forms, including breaking, popping, locking and house. Commercial should showcase a unique and engaging dance style that merges the commercial dance techniques with the dynamic energy of hip-hop and the fluidity of jazz. It is an opportunity for the dancer to demonstrate their versatility and creativity in fusing different dance styles. Musicality and rhythm are important for both styles. A good hip-hop and commercial dancer should have a strong sense of timing and be able to synchronise movements with the music. Assessing their
ability to interpret different musical styles, maintain consistent tempo, and effectively utilise musical accents will help measure their musicality.
Contemporary (UK)/Modern Dance (USA) is a style that evolved during the early 20th century as a contrast to classical ballet. The choreography may be rooted in the techniques of practitioners such as Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Lester Horton, Katherine Dunham, Jose Limon or Release technique for example. The work should show a strong articulation of the spine, expansion, use of weight and gravity, force, suspension and relaxation. It may, or may not, have a theme or title and can be an experimental movement with focus on the interaction with the music Lyrical dance is not permissible in these sections.
This section can incorporate classical, neo-classical, character and contemporary ballet styles. The work should be rooted in a clear ballet technique and choreography should show a balance of both adage and allegro work. Appropriate footwear should be worn for the style (i.e. shoes for classical pieces) and pointe work is not permitted until dancers have reached 14 years or over. Music should be appropriate to the age of the dancer and allow them the opportunity to show a balanced programme of work.
Lyrical jazz should show a strong connection to the musical accompaniment and/or lyrics within the song. The movement should have fluidity and show a range of expressive qualities and technique. Acrobatics and tricks are not suited to this style.
Theatre Jazz, sometimes known as modern (in syllabus teaching), should show strength and power in the movement along with a strong connection to the music and/or theme. A range of different styles within this genre are accepted, as is the use of acrobatics and tricks if necessary to the performance.
A percussive form of dance, tap dances can reflect a range of differing styles from musical theatre to hip-hop. The music and choreography should be appropriate to the age and ability of the dancer. At no point should the music overpower the clarity of the beats.
Performers are required to sing and dance/move within these sections and the songs must be chosen from a published piece of musical theatre or film. Choice of song should be appropriate to the age and ability of the performer and should showcase an understanding of vocal technique, training as well as the telling of the story of the chosen song. Dance can be incorporated but should not feature and only relate to the character, period or setting of the song. We will accept pieces that contain limited movement for performers aged 13+ years, but their acting through song should be clearly developed.
Ages
*Musical Theatre sections are only available to Petite and upwards.
*Musical Theatre Large Group – maximum of 30 participants.
*Minis can enter for the following categories – Solo, Duet & Small Group Dance categories.
Entry Fee
Solo Performer
£21.00/person
Duet Performer
£16.00/person
Small Group Performance
£13.50/person
Large Group Performance
£13.50/person
Dance for the Dang Performer
£20.00/person
Marking
Each judge marks the competitor independently. The marking system will record all scores and average the 3 different marks.
Each performance is marked against the following criterion:
Technique
30 marks
Choreography
30 marks
Artistic Interpretation and Musicality
30 marks
Judges Bonus
10 marks
Average Score
0-19
Award Level
N/A
Criteria
The performance demonstrates an insufficient level of technique for the respective genre.  Limited control, coordination and/or confidence in vocals is presented. The choreography/staging is not suited to the performer and shows insufficient creativity and content. Greater awareness of musicality is required and greater focus is needed in terms of performance (emotions/storytelling/characterisation).
Average Score
20-39
Award Level
N/A
Criteria
The performance demonstrates a limited level of technique for the respective genre.  Inconsistent control, coordination and/or confidence in vocals is presented. The choreography/staging is limited in terms of creativity and suitability to the performer. Greater awareness of musicality is required, and greater focus is needed in terms of performance (emotions/storytelling/characterisation).
Average Score
40-49
Award Level
N/A
Criteria
The performance demonstrates a sufficient level of technique for the respective genre.  Some awareness of control, coordination and/or confidence in vocals/physical execution is presented. The choreography/staging is somewhat limited in terms of creativity and suitability to the performer. Greater awareness of musicality is required, and greater focus is needed in terms of performance (emotions/storytelling/characterisation).
Average Score
50-59
Award Level
N/A
Criteria
The performance demonstrates a proficient level of technique for the respective genre. Awareness of control, coordination and/or confidence in vocals/physical execution is presented, but can be further developed. The choreography/staging is adequate in terms of creativity and suitability to the performer. Further development and awareness of musicality is required, and a more consistent focus is needed in terms of performance (emotions/storytelling/characterisation).
Average Score
60-69
Award Level
N/A
Criteria
The performance demonstrates a good level of technique for the respective genre.  Awareness of control, coordination and/or confidence in vocals/physical execution is presented to a good standard. The choreography/staging is adequate in terms of creativity and suitability to the performer. Further development and awareness of musicality could be enhanced, and a more consistent focus is needed in terms of performance (emotions/storytelling/characterisation).
Average Score
70-79
Award Level
Bronze Medal
Criteria
The performance demonstrates a very good level of technique for the respective genre.  Awareness of control, coordination and/or confidence in vocals/physical execution is presented, but requires a little more consistency at times. The choreography/staging is generally suited in terms of creativity and suitability to the performer, although required further refinement. A good awareness of musicality is demonstrated, however a more consistent focus is needed in terms of performance (emotions/storytelling/characterisation).
Average Score
80-89
Award Level
Silver Medal
Criteria
The performance demonstrates an excellent level of technique for the respective genre.  Awareness of control, coordination and/or confidence in vocals/physical execution is presented to a high standard. The choreography/staging is suited in terms of creativity and suitability to the performer, on occasion a little more refinement would help. A very good awareness of musicality is demonstrated and generally consistent focus is maintained in terms of performance (emotions/storytelling/characterisation).
Average Score
90-100
Award Level
Gold Medal
Criteria
The performance demonstrates an outstanding level of technique for the respective genre.  Awareness of control, coordination and/or confidence in vocals/physical execution is presented to a very high standard. The choreography/staging is well suited in terms of creativity and suitability to the performer. An excellent awareness of musicality is demonstrated and a consistent focus is maintained in terms of performance (emotions/storytelling/characterisation).
