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STYLE DESCRIPTIONS

Ballet Repertoire

    1. This category is reserved for variations, from the established classical ballet repertoire. Dancers are expected to perform with correct classical technique, artistry, and style, demonstrating fidelity to the original choreography and music. Costuming should reflect the traditional role or ballet from which the piece is taken. Contemporary reinterpretations or original choreographies should be entered in the Neoclassical.

      1. Repertoire must be chosen from the approved GDO list: 

      2. Intermediate & Senior dancers MUST wear pointe shoes in the repertoire solo sections

      3. Pointe shoes are permitted from age 12 and above

      4. 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.

Neoclassical

  • This category features choreography that is based on classical ballet technique but presented with modernized elements. Movement may include faster tempos, off-center balances, unconventional lines, and a freer use of the upper body. Neoclassical pieces are not required to follow a narrative or traditional character, and costuming may be simple or abstract rather than period-based. Choreography should clearly demonstrate strong classical foundation while exploring innovation in style and musicality.

    • Barefoot is not allowed

    • Choreographies can use floorwork and should demonstrate modern feel

    • Pointe shoes are permitted from age 12 and above (not compulsory)

Contemporary

  • Contemporary dance draws on techniques and styles pioneered by renowned choreographers such as Martha Graham, José Limón, Merce Cunningham, Lester Horton, and Alvin Ailey, while also embracing current innovations from artists like Wayne McGregor and companies such as Rambert. It blends technical precision with expressive, often experimental movement to explore new dimensions of storytelling and physicality.

    • Technical Foundation: Performances must demonstrate a clear understanding of contemporary technique and the movement principles associated with these methods, showing strength, fluidity, control, and dynamic use of space.

    • Floor Work: Effective use of floor work is strongly encouraged. Dancers should show seamless transitions between levels, incorporating weight-sharing, grounded movement, and spatial awareness to enhance the choreography. Floor work should feel intentional and integrated—not added as an afterthought.

    • Artistic Expression: Dancers should convey emotion, intent, and creative interpretation, using contemporary vocabulary to communicate meaning beyond pure technique.

    • Innovation & Musicality: Originality, risk-taking, and thoughtful use of music and silence are encouraged, provided the choreography remains rooted in contemporary styles.

    • Costume & Presentation: Attire should be appropriate to the style and support, rather than distract from, the movement. Pointe shoes are not permitted. Bare feet, socks, or soft dance shoes are acceptable.

    • Classification: The jury reserves the right to reclassify any performance that appears more lyrical than contemporary or does not meet the technical and stylistic criteria described.

Folklore

  • Folklore Dance represents the traditional dances of a specific culture, region, or country. These routines should authentically reflect the music, movement style, costuming, and cultural elements of the tradition being portrayed. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, rhythm, and stylistic accuracy. While choreography may be adapted for stage performance, it should maintain the integrity and recognizable characteristics of the original folk style. Judges will consider authenticity, technique, expression, and cultural representation. ​

    • Authentic music must be used, remixs or modern music are not appropriate

Lyrical

  • Lyrical dance combines jazz-inspired movement with classical ballet technique to express the emotion and story within a song. Performances should reveal the dancer’s emotional range, character development, and a clear narrative arc. Unlike contemporary, lyrical places greater focus on musicality, phrasing, dynamics, and direct storytelling through both lyrics and movement.

    • Music: Songs should include lyrics. Instrumental or lyric-less tracks will be reviewed carefully by the jury and may be reclassified.

    • Technique & Expression: Dancers must show strong ballet and jazz fundamentals, smooth transitions, and genuine emotional connection to the music.

    • Musicality & Storytelling: Choreography should reflect the lyrics, phrasing, and emotional shifts, using movement to bring the song’s message to life.

    • Classification: The jury reserves the right to reassign any performance that does not clearly meet lyrical criteria.

Jazz

  • Jazz Dance
    Jazz dance is a vibrant, high-energy style that highlights musicality, strength, and stage presence. Rooted in African-American dance traditions and theatrical performance, jazz has evolved into a diverse genre 

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    • Classical Jazz: Influenced by legendary choreographers such as Bob Fosse, Jack Cole, and Luigi, classical jazz focuses on precision, clean lines, and refined style. It emphasizes grace, fluid transitions, and expressive detail.

    • Technique & Vocabulary: Dancers should demonstrate control, energy, and personality through common jazz elements, including leaps, turns, kicks, isolations, and clear use of parallel and turned-out positions. Attention to alignment, flexibility, and strength is essential.

    • Performance & Musicality: Jazz demands a strong connection to the music, with phrasing, accents, and dynamics driving movement choices. Performances should engage the audience through charisma, storytelling, and emotional connection while maintaining technical accuracy.

    • Attire & Footwear: Costuming should enhance the performance without restricting movement.

    • Jazz shoes or bare feet are recommended for safety and clarity of movement- socks are highly discouraged in this category.

    • Classification: The jury reserves the right to reclassify any piece that more closely aligns with another style (e.g., lyrical, contemporary/ showdance).

Tap

  • Tap dance focuses on rhythm, timing, and clarity of sound created by the feet. Routines should showcase clean footwork, strong technique, and musicality, using the feet as a percussive instrument. Dancers are expected to maintain consistent sound quality and syncopation, whether performing to music or a cappella. While performance and presentation are important, the emphasis in this category is on rhythmic accuracy, clarity, and control.

    • Tap shoes must be worn

    • Music must not have any pre-recorded tap sounds

    • Acapella is allowed​

Hip Hop/ Street/ Commercial


  • Hip-Hop, Street Dance, and Commercial are dynamic, high-energy dance styles rooted in urban culture and influenced by current trends in music and movement. This category may include styles such as hip-hop, locking, popping, krumping, waacking, house, or commercial dance seen in music videos and live performances. Choreography should reflect musicality, rhythm, and the unique character of the chosen style(s).

    • Music must be clean (no swearing/ inappropriate language) Please see rules for further details

Showdance

  • Showdance is a theatrical and entertaining fusion of dance styles that cannot be classified under one specific genre. It should be choreographed as a performance piece designed to captivate and engage the audience, often featuring strong characters, storytelling, and dynamic staging. Inspiration may be drawn from any theme, concept, or narrative, and performance quality is key. While it is recommended that routines have a jazz-based foundation, a wide range of movement vocabulary can be used. Judges will consider creativity, showmanship, musical interpretation, characterisation, and the successful blending of styles.

    Please note the following rules for this category:

    • Lyrical pieces are not welcome in this category 

    • Tap is not permitted

    • Any routine with the theme of a show or musical should be put in this category 

    • Pure Latin or Ballroom routines are not permitted

    • Hip-Hop, Street, or Commercial styles are not permitted

    • Latin-inspired routines must be fused with another style (e.g., Jazz)

    • Latin inspired jazz pieces should be placed in this category 

    • Trainers or sneakers should not be worn

Musical Theatre

  • Musical Theatre routines may feature any song from a stage or screen musical. Choreography should clearly reflect the narrative, emotion, and character conveyed in the chosen piece. Performances can combine singing and dancing simultaneously or be structured (e.g., sing–dance–sing), but the storytelling and integration of movement are key to this category. Judges will evaluate storytelling, performance quality, vocal clarity, and how effectively movement and narrative are combined.

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    This style must demonstrate both dance & singing. Performances should aim for 50% dance & 50% singing allowing both elements to integrate together.

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    • Group Entries: All performers in a group routine are required to sing to ensure cohesive storytelling and ensemble performance.

    • Dance Requirement: Every routine must include a strong dance component. Performers’ dance ability will factor significantly into the scoring.

    • Restrictions: A purely vocal performance without dance is not permitted in this category.

Acrodance

  • AcroDance is a fusion of expressive dance technique and acrobatic skills, designed to showcase artistry, control, and creativity. Routines must feature a balanced integration of dance and acrobatics, ensuring that acrobatic tricks serve the choreography rather than dominate it.

    Key Expectations:

    • Dance Integration: Dance movement should be continuous, expressive, and stylistically coherent throughout. Transitions between acrobatic elements and dance phrases must feel fluid and intentional.

    • Acrobatic Elements: Balances, tumbling, flexibility-based tricks, and partnering lifts should highlight strength, control, and precision. Skills must be performed safely, with consideration for age-appropriate difficulty.

    • Musicality & Performance: Performers should demonstrate strong musical interpretation, emotional connection, and stage presence. The routine should tell a story or convey a clear artistic intention, not simply string together tricks.

    • Execution & Safety: Proper technique and controlled landings are essential. Judges will not reward unsafe, rushed, or poorly executed skills.

    • Eligibility for Finals: Routines that appear primarily gymnastics-based, lacking consistent dance content or artistry will not progress to the finals.

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