STYLE DESCRIPTIONS

Ballet:

Repertoire must be from the chosen from our list.

 

Free Ballet: Teacher/choreographers own choreography to choose of any music. Use of traditional technique, however, can be mixed with neoclassical styles.

 

• Only soft ballet shoes and pointe shoes are permitted (no bare feet)

• Pointe shoes are permitted from the Intermediate Age division and above

• It’s prohibited to use any kind of protected original choreographies unless the dance teacher sends written permission from the designated organization. This includes all Balanchine, Lacotte and Mat’s Ek works, as well as any other choreographer which requires formal permission to be danced in a competition environment.

 

Contemporary:

 

Use of dance styles and techniques which are based on renowned expression of choreographers including: - Graham, Limon, Cunningham and Horton, Ailey and more in trend today Wayne McGregor or Rambert

 

• Contemporary dances must follow the techniques and methods as in description

• The jury reserves the right to reclassify any dance that is considered lyrical rather than contemporary.

 

 

 

Jazz:

 

Jazz is an opportunity for dancers to showcase their musicality and strength. Although classical jazz routines are becoming more rare in the dance competition world, it is always refreshing to see a young dancer demonstrate style and grace in the likes of Bob Fosse, Jack Cole, or Luigi while showcasing her/his strength and flexibility. Jazz, if not a classical piece, should be upbeat with sharp,precise movements. The beat of the music should drive the dancer's movement. It is a chance for dancers to take command of the stage and attack their choreography and steps while also being in control. Common elements include grand battements, various leaps, use of parallel positions, forcedarch, and turns. Jazz gives dancers the freedom to let go, show their personality, and have fun while sharing their energy with the audience.

 

 

Lyrical:

 

Inspired by jazz and utilizing ballet technique, lyrical expresses the lyrics and the story of a song through movement. The piece should demonstrate the dancer’s range of emotions while telling a story. A lyrical piece works best when there is an arch to the story- a beginning, middle, and an end- a progression of the dancer's character; their struggles and triumphs. Unlike contemporary, lyrical focuses on the dancer's journey through their movement, musicality, dynamics, and phrasing.

 

 

 

Acro:

 

A routine combining acrobatic elements / tricks and dance of any style with a smooth transition between the two. Acrobatic elements include gymnastic work, contortion and flexibility work, balancing work and tumbling work, e.g.; walkovers, back walkovers, balances (hand, head, forearm, chest), splits, aerials (side, front) and back handsprings. 50% of the routine must be dance.

 

 

National and Folklore:

 

The dance will show the typical style of dance from a certain country/culture The music must be national/folklore music that shows the typical sound of music in that country.

 

 

Hip-Hop and Street Dance and commercial

 

Street dance includes a wide range of styles made popular in the USA and has now become an international and popular form of dance expression for the youth culture. It includes old school, locking and popping, electric boogie, breakdance, b-boying, street dance, tutting, house, etc

 

 

 

Tap:

 

​Routine must consist primarily of tap technique using percussive footwork that marks out precise rhythmic patterns on the floor. Music must not contain tap sounds. Tap shoes must be worn 

 

 

Musical Theatre:

 

Any song and any dance style from a musical is allowed. The dance should reflect the narrative told in the song. Singing and dancing can be combined, or a pattern of sing-dance-sing can be used. Dancers must sing

 

Showdance:

Showdance is a fusion of styles that cannot be classified as one style. It should be a piece designed to entertained and 'put on a show.' Inspiration can be taken from anywhere, and clear characters and performance should be shown.