General Notes

Music, lyrics and costume should be relevant to the age of the performer.

Global

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.  The choice for this section is broad and encompasses both traditional folk dances and dances drawn from the rich body of cultural dance practices from around the world.

Criteria

• Deliver a performance which captures the essence of the chosen country. Footwork and body movements should have an authentic feel with the arms co-ordinating in the correct style.

• A theme maybe used but is not compulsory and small props which help to create an authentic story can be incorporated into the performance.

• The floor patterns and choreography should mirror those used in the chosen area (as appropriate to the specific region/style).

• The musical choice should incorporate the spirit of the country but doesn’t have to be a traditional folk piece.

Guidance on costuming

The costume should be authentic with the correct length of skirt or trousers and an awareness of the material types used in the Country.  Footwear should be appropriate for the style.  Jewellery can be worn if it complements the authenticity of the costume.

Ballet - Classical Ballet

Classical Ballet should include elements of both adage and allegro.  Stylised ballet is a communication of an idea through movement, danced with/without the use of hand props, and could reflect elements such as the Hornpipe, Spanish and Tarantella for example.  Soft or pointe shoes must be worn (depending on age and technical proficiency).  The use of classical repertoire is not allowed.  Music should be drawn from the classical genre and be suited to the range of vocabulary steps utilised.

Criteria

• Dancers should demonstrate the principles of classical ballet, which include secure posture and alignment, turn-out, weight distribution and placement.

• A well-schooled port de bras is an essential component that should exhibit correct shaping, flow, and coordination of the head and eye line.

• Attention should be paid to the grouping of fingers and relaxation of the hands.

Guidance on costuming

Costuming should be relevant to the choice of style but also allow freedom of movement.  Leg lines should not be obscured by heavy skirts as classical lines and correct technique need to be seen.  A romantic length tutu may be utilised if appropriate to the choreographic style.

Ballet - Modern Ballet

Contemporary Ballet is a fusion of both classical and modern ballet styles which may or may not be danced with a parallel line of the leg.  Choreographers such as Crystal Pite or Wayne McGregor are examples of the type of work we would expect to see in this section, neo-classical work would also be acceptable.  Soft or pointe shoes must be worn.  Music choices could be more varied and draw from a wider body of material than is suggested for classical ballet performances. 

Criteria

• Evidence of a secure ballet technique should be demonstrated but displaying freedom and articulation of the spine, moving away from the traditional classical lines, is encouraged.

• Choreography should draw from both styles of dance exploring elements and pushing boundaries where these two techniques meet.

• Floor work may be incorporated.

Guidance on costuming

Costume should be suited to the style of the piece and allow for freedom of movement and complete visibility in the body lines.

Contemporary (from 13 years)

Breath should inform movement, with weight, swing, suspension, and release applied.  Choreography should explore themes and the use of contraction, extension, and relaxation should be explored along with the use of the spine.  The performance should avoid being presentational and dancers should demonstrate they have a deep understanding of what initiates movements and why.  The space should be explored in a multi layered way including, levels, planes, and facings.

 At its core the work should demonstrate a clear underpinning of recognisable contemporary dance techniques (such as Graham, Cunningham, Horton, Release) which may be amalgamated.  However, the choreography should not be a hybrid of modern theatrical dance, which is not contemporary dance in its purest form.

 Criteria

• The work should be rooted in Contemporary Dance techniques

• Theme and/or choreographic devices should be apparent in the presentation of the work.

• A sequential use of the spine should be clearly understood.

• Clear initiation of movement is essential.

 Guidance on costuming

Costume for this style will be dictated by the style and theme of the piece.  The line of body and shape of the movement should always be clearly visible throughout.

Classical Greek

Based upon the technique of Ruby Ginner, classical Greek is performed barefoot and is essentially showing the use of opposition and relaxation through the movement which was core to Ginner’s work.  Dances should reflect the title.  Myths, studies from nature and modern-day themes are acceptable, together with the accompaniment of many different genres of music or the spoken word, provided the movements are given their appropriate interpretation and relate to one or more of the seven styles of this technique which are:

• Lyric

• Athletic

• Bacchic

• Pyrrhic

• Choric

• Ritual

• Tragic

The choreography should be based upon the natural movements of the body such as Standing, Walking, Running, Skipping, Leaping, Jumping and Spinning, whilst experiencing the cultural connections to other arts such as Sculpture, Ceramics, Painting, Poetry, and Music.  Aspects of the performance should include expression, use of breath and musical understanding.  Also demonstrated should be balance, strength & control, relaxation, elevation, and flexibility through the spine.

Criteria

• The dancer should demonstrate the correct technical and artistic requirements for the relevant styles: lyrical, athletic, bacchic, pyrrhic, tragic, choric and ritual.

• The use of breathing, weight and relaxation and full use of the body should be evident throughout. The use of the spine, body turn, and precision of line should be secure.

• The quality of the movement dynamics should match the chosen style, whilst showing fluidity and sensitivity where relevant.

• A connection and response to the chosen music, words or sound should be demonstrated.

Guidance on costuming

Costuming and the use of props should be relevant to, and enhance, the portrayal of the title, myth, or theme of the dance.  Bare feet should be worn for the Classical Greek dance technique.

Narrative/Character

In this section you may portray a character, fictional or non-fictional, or you may choose to interpret an animal or an element from nature, a feeling, an emotion or something more abstract. The fundamental element of the performance should always be focused on the storytelling and development of the narrative. Demi-character could be presented within this section.

 Criteria

• The acting skills and an ability to communicate using the whole body should be visible throughout. The performance must be visceral.

• The character should be expressed through body and facial expression with a clear sense of purpose behind the movement.

We would normally expect a classical genre to be utilised for this section, however on the odd occasion other forms of dance may be used if they aid the characterisation.  The technique must be consistent throughout and appropriate to the piece as a whole.  The chosen dance technique MUST serve the purpose of storytelling, a hybrid and creative utilisation of different dance techniques will be accepted.

 Some examples:

• A tap dance to the song ‘Mr Bojangles’ would not be suitable if the movement does not convey a story.

• The use of tap to portray the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland (as in the Christopher Wheeldon ballet) would be suitable.

• A modern dance with lyrics is not a narrative dance – although it may interpret the lyrics. However, a dance performance that focused on global warming for instance, that used the jazz vocabulary, could be used as a narrative piece if the overriding purpose of the choreography was to tell a story.

• La Fille Mal Gardee contains a clog dance which is a character piece.

• A piece exploring the issues/characters within West Side Story that utilises a hybrid of jazz and classical ballet work could be construed as a narrative piece.

• Lip-synching to a song, in a characterised manner, is not a character dance.

 Exception: Classical Greek would not be accepted here as the genre already utilises characterisation and interpretation as part of its own performance criteria. However, in a hybrid form, a character piece could draw from Classical Greek vocabulary if suited to the mood and feel of the characterisation.

 All choreographers are asked to consider the appropriateness of the topic to the age of the dancer. Alongside, sensitivity and thought must be given to the context in which the performance is presented and to ensuring that chosen themes are also appropriate to a competition aimed at young performers.

 Guidance on costuming

Costumes and makeup should reflect the character choice being portrayed.  Footwear, if required, should also be suitable and appropriate to the character, the style and period and should always facilitate correct technique.

N.B.  Please see further guidance on the use of the props which are only necessary if enhancing the overall performance.

Musical Theatre

Musical theatre encompasses the ‘triple threat’ abilities of performers and adjudicators will consider the following aspects:

• Vocal ability and technique.

• Acting through song and connection to the words.

• Acting through dance and/or movement.

The choice of the material should be both suitable in terms of age and cultural identity.  Characterisation and believability are integral to the performance, and it is important that the song choice is relevant to the performer.  The lyrics are important, and clarity of diction should be thought about.  Breath control and pitching are also a key element and need suitable training.  The key of the accompaniment should be within the range of the performer and it is permissible to change this to suit the voice type.  Dance should not be included for the sake of it and should flow naturally out of the lyrics and characterisation.  Pedestrian movement and staging are considered appropriate, and each action should have a clear purpose and intention.  Any genre of dance can be utilised, the focus should be that the genre enhances the role that is being played and is in keeping with the character and era of the chosen material.  Ensure that the performer understands the context, period, and location of the song and/or musical.

 For younger candidates in Pre Junior, A and B sections (AED) it is acceptable for the performers to choose songs that are not necessarily drawn from musical theatre.

 THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR THE PERFORMANCE TO CONTAIN 50% SONG AND 50% DANCE.

 Criteria

● Suitability of the song choice to age of performer.

● Vocal placing and pitching.

● Characterisation and connection to the words.

● Appropriate use of movement and/or dance.

● Understanding the context of the piece.

 Guidance on costuming

Costume choices should reflect the period and setting of the song choice and the character being portrayed.  Footwear should also be suitable, and considerations should be made as to what the character would wear as this will also dictate the type and style of movement incorporated.  For example, bare feet would not be suitable for a song that is set on the streets of New York during the 1920s.

Lyrical (from 11 years)

Lyrical Jazz allows the dancer to interpret the music and lyrics through movement and encourages a sense of musicality and connection between the dancer and the accompaniment.  The use of breath is important and strong technical application will allow for simplicity and space in the presentation.  Highlights in the movement should match that of the orchestration/musical arrangement.

 Lyrical jazz is a pure interpretation of the music and should therefore show fluidity, resistance, suspension, relaxation, purpose and create physical shapes that are aesthetically pleasing.  Vocal or non-vocal music may be utilised, however if interpreting the lyrics, the performance should be consistent throughout.  The choreography should have a continuous sense of flow showing breadth, expansion, and release.  Whilst the use of floor work is permitted, it should be kept to a minimum.  Ask yourself, does the music suggest going to the floor?

 Music should be age appropriate and the size of orchestration and emotive content should relate to the age and ability of the dancer.

 Criteria

• The dancer should demonstrate a sustained technique, extension, and continuity of line where relevant and fluidity in the movement.

• The music should be embodied fully within the performance and the two elements should work in harmony with one another.

• A range and richness in dynamics should be ever present in the work.

• Throughout, the use of space and freedom in the movement should be evident.

• The emotive response should come within and not be forced or contrived.

 Guidance on costuming

Costume choices can be varied and creative, they should allow for freedom of movement and compliment the lines created by the dancer.  The costume should have some link to the quality of the music and the fluidity in movement of the dancer.

Jazz/Modern

Jazz utilises the underpinning of a clear jazz technique in its presentation.  There is plenty of scope for freedom in the style, choice of music and theme, if relevant.  The term, theatrical jazz, refers to the fundamental jazz dance techniques which evolved from musical theatre into more contemporary hybrids such as modern dance and which may incorporate influences from contemporary dance.  The term Theatre Jazz does not dictate that the source material must be derived from musical theatre and the two should not be confused (although it is clearly permissible to use this style in the genre).  Choreography should reflect the rhythms and dynamics of the music, clear sustained technique in turns, kicks and elevated steps and should avoid being solely based on limbering movements.  Tricks can be utilised, but should have purpose to the piece, ensure that focus and consideration is given on the linking steps in between to help with flow in the transitions.

 Criteria

• Clarity of line through the limbs and body.

• Control in technique (turns, kicks, elevation).

• Use of dynamics and rhythmicality.

• Stamina and consistency in performance.

 Guidance on costuming

There is complete freedom in the costuming, it should allow for freedom of movement and not obscure the line of the dancer’s body.  Any costume should be appropriate to the age of the dancer and consider modesty.

Tap

Tap encompasses many different styles – often dictated by the choice of accompaniment.  The use of the body and/or arm lines and overall performance should work in unity to form a cohesive presentation that is informed by the style of tap that has been utilised.  Tap dances should be rhythmic, show clearly defined rhythmic patterns and precision in beating and footwork.  There should be variance in the use of tonal quality which may, or may not, be influenced by the accompaniment.

 Criteria

• Timing and musicality.

• Tonality and use of light and shade.

• Clarity of beating and articulation of footwork.

• Stylistic interpretation and use of the body as a whole.

 Guidance on costuming

Costumes can be varied and creative, just ensure that emphasis is not drawn from the feet and a clear action should be visible.  Taps should not be loosened as this will blur, and detract from, the clarity of sound.  Hard soled shoes are preferable as they produce a more confident sound and are more protective of the feet.

Choreography

Dancers are invited to choreograph a dance which can be a solo, duet, trio/quartet or group piece (max 10 dancers). The choreographer does not have to perform the dance.

The choreographer will be required to announce the title and music used for their piece and explain the influence and inspiration for their work.

Open Section (Small groups and Large groups)

The open section is for any dance routine that doesn’t fall into the specific categories outlined above.  It can be a hybrid of different dance styles.  Examples of dances that could be suitable may include: an acrobatic dance; a lyrical jazz that incorporated elements of acrobatic work; a lyrical routine that combined elements of contemporary and jazz work.

N.B.  Please note that this is not an opportunity to perform another dance from a section already outlined above.

Criteria

• Clearly identifiable dance technique should be evident throughout.

• Movement and choreography should be artistic and relate to the musical choice.

• The dance should not fulfil the criteria outlined for the other sections/categories that SFPA and All England Dance offer.