Dance genre criteria
Classical Ballet (CB)
Dances should include adage and allegro. Titles, characterisations and hand-held props are not allowed. The use of well-known repertoire, choreography or music is discouraged. Particular attention should be paid to the note about costumes above and it is stressed that for Classical Ballet, they should be simple without ornamentation so that every aspect of the classical technique is clearly visible.
Stylised Ballet (SB)
The communication of an idea through movement, danced with Classical Ballet technique when using hand props or with traditional style, such as Hornpipe, Spanish, Scottish, Tarantella.
Modern Ballet (MB)
A fusion of Modern and Ballet genres combining the classical technique with contemporary movement. This form usually requires the use of soft ballet shoes or pointe work and dances can depict abstract or narrative themes.
Classical Greek
Performed barefoot and essentially showing the use of opposition and relaxation through the movements. Dances should reflect the title. Myths and Nature Themes are acceptable provided the movements are given their appropriate interpretation that relates to one or more of the seven different styles in this technique.
National (Nat)
All traditional music, songs and techniques appropriate to the country of choice are acceptable. Younger competitors are expected to demonstrate traditional performances. Seniors may introduce theatrical performances that are clearly based on a national tradition.
Contemporary (C)
Dances should be based on the techniques developed by Graham, Cunningham and recognised contemporary dance leaders, showing strength and mobility and use of gravity.
Character (Char)
A dramatic and sometimes humorous presentation of
MODERN STAGE TECHNIQUES
Modern is an all-inclusive term applied to an ever-evolving performing art. It includes lyrical modern, jazz, stage, contemporary, hip-hop and all styles of modern theatre dance. Acrobatic, gymnastic and street dance are acceptable only when combined with a strong dance technique.
Lyrical Modern (LM) should show flowing movements that interpret the emotion of the music.
Tap
All styles and developments in technique, including characterisation and humour, are encouraged providing the projection, beating and presentation of the routine is fully sustained and appropriate.
Song & Dance/Musical Theatre (S&D)
The song should set the scene, mood and style of the dance. Pitch and accuracy whilst singing are essential and the focus will be on the interpretation of the song. The dance should provide continuity and reflect the words and the mood of the song, which should be sustained throughout. If a well-known show song is used, the dancer must give an exceptional individual interpretation that will stand alongside the memory of well-known professional performers.
Street and Hip-Hop (SHH)
Styles originated from social dances born on the streets including; Hip-Hop, Breaking, Waacking, Locking, Popping, House, Krumping, Vogueing etc. Choreography can be a single style or a combination. Appropriate technique for the individual style should be adhered to with the use of a groove.
Commercial (COMM)
Commercial encompasses a myriad of styles including; Street/Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary etc. Energetically performed and focusing on musicality, expression and style. Choreography and music MUST be age appropriate.
Improvisation (ICL/IMOD/ITAP)
Sections will be: Junior Solo (11 years & under) and Senior Solo (12 years & over) in Classical, Modern and Tap. Competitors will hear the music twice before interpreting it in a suitable style. Competitors should be dressed appropriately for each genre - a simple costume or practice wear.
Dances should include adage and allegro. Titles, characterisations and hand-held props are not allowed. The use of well-known repertoire, choreography or music is discouraged. Particular attention should be paid to the note about costumes above and it is stressed that for Classical Ballet, they should be simple without ornamentation so that every aspect of the classical technique is clearly visible.
Stylised Ballet (SB)
The communication of an idea through movement, danced with Classical Ballet technique when using hand props or with traditional style, such as Hornpipe, Spanish, Scottish, Tarantella.
Modern Ballet (MB)
A fusion of Modern and Ballet genres combining the classical technique with contemporary movement. This form usually requires the use of soft ballet shoes or pointe work and dances can depict abstract or narrative themes.
Classical Greek
Performed barefoot and essentially showing the use of opposition and relaxation through the movements. Dances should reflect the title. Myths and Nature Themes are acceptable provided the movements are given their appropriate interpretation that relates to one or more of the seven different styles in this technique.
National (Nat)
All traditional music, songs and techniques appropriate to the country of choice are acceptable. Younger competitors are expected to demonstrate traditional performances. Seniors may introduce theatrical performances that are clearly based on a national tradition.
Contemporary (C)
Dances should be based on the techniques developed by Graham, Cunningham and recognised contemporary dance leaders, showing strength and mobility and use of gravity.
Character (Char)
A dramatic and sometimes humorous presentation of
- A story from any book, play, film, cartoon etc, or historical characters
- The mannerisms and essential features of a person, animal, bird, reptile, insect, virus etc.
MODERN STAGE TECHNIQUES
Modern is an all-inclusive term applied to an ever-evolving performing art. It includes lyrical modern, jazz, stage, contemporary, hip-hop and all styles of modern theatre dance. Acrobatic, gymnastic and street dance are acceptable only when combined with a strong dance technique.
Lyrical Modern (LM) should show flowing movements that interpret the emotion of the music.
Tap
All styles and developments in technique, including characterisation and humour, are encouraged providing the projection, beating and presentation of the routine is fully sustained and appropriate.
Song & Dance/Musical Theatre (S&D)
The song should set the scene, mood and style of the dance. Pitch and accuracy whilst singing are essential and the focus will be on the interpretation of the song. The dance should provide continuity and reflect the words and the mood of the song, which should be sustained throughout. If a well-known show song is used, the dancer must give an exceptional individual interpretation that will stand alongside the memory of well-known professional performers.
Street and Hip-Hop (SHH)
Styles originated from social dances born on the streets including; Hip-Hop, Breaking, Waacking, Locking, Popping, House, Krumping, Vogueing etc. Choreography can be a single style or a combination. Appropriate technique for the individual style should be adhered to with the use of a groove.
Commercial (COMM)
Commercial encompasses a myriad of styles including; Street/Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary etc. Energetically performed and focusing on musicality, expression and style. Choreography and music MUST be age appropriate.
Improvisation (ICL/IMOD/ITAP)
Sections will be: Junior Solo (11 years & under) and Senior Solo (12 years & over) in Classical, Modern and Tap. Competitors will hear the music twice before interpreting it in a suitable style. Competitors should be dressed appropriately for each genre - a simple costume or practice wear.
