BALLET:

Classical ballet technique , music and style has to be displayed in the choreography. Repertoire included. Pointe shoes are not permitted for dancers under the age of 12.

NATIONAL & FOLKLORE:

Ethnic styles of dance that reflect the traditional dance of the people of a certain country or region. Costumes and music underline the overall ethnic expression.

TAP DANCE:

Dance style using the sounds of metal taps affixed to the heel and toe of shoes striking the floor, coupled with both characteristic and interpretative body movements. No pre-recorded tap sound and Irish shoes allowed! Acapella only in the middle of the dance.

JAZZ DANCE:

Dances show jazz dance technique and style, this includes all jazz styles like vernacular jazz, broadway/theatre jazz, latin jazz,… acrobatic elements and tricks should not overwhelm the choreography (see rule regarding acro outside of the acro/open categories.

LYRICAL:

A sub-style of jazz dance, lyrical has over the years gained popularity as its own style within competitive dance. Lyrical utilizes training from jazz dance as well as ballet to emphasize lyrics, emotions and music with movement.

CONTEMPORARY/MODERN:

Modern is based on specific techniques such as Horton, Limon or Graham, to name a few. Contemporary dance fuses classical techniques with modern styles, abstract shapes and lines as well as specific musicality.

ACRO:

Acro dance combines acrobatic elements with choreography. Clean transitions and technical choreography support safely executed acrobatic movement. A maximum of 50% of the choreography should consist of acrobatic elements. Acrobatic elements consist of balance and contortion work (head-, hand- and cheststands, walkovers, cartwheels etc) and tumbling (aerial cartwheels and walkovers, handsprings, headsprings etc).

OPEN:

Any choreography which fuses several styles of dance and cannot be properly placed within any of the other categories, as well as pieces which contain more than three acrobatic elements but do not fit into the acro category, belong in the open category.

HIP-HOP:

Hip-hop is an umbrella term used for various street dance styles either performed to hip-hop music or that have become associated with hip-hop culture (breaking, locking, popping).

COMMERCIAL:

Commercial dance (“new style”) was established in dance studios in order to create choreography from the hip-hop dances that were performed on the street. Jazz-funk also belongs in this category.

Song & Dance:

Dancing and singing should be even in weight in the performance, 3 headset micros are provided for groups. No pre-recorded voices are allowed!

SPECIAL DANCE:

This category is specifically for dancers with any sort special educational needs. All styles are allowed.

Para Dance

Category for dancers with physical disabilities, all styles allowed.

Teachers

This category is specifically for dance teachers. All styles are allowed.