GHS
State Dance Championship
Description of Dance Categories
Dance Categories:
There will be five categories in each division: Jazz, Hip Hop, high kick, Pom, Lyrical and Stands. Teams or Soloist may perform one category or incorporate all four categories in their routines. This must be specified on the competition application form.
Description of Categories:
JAZZ – A jazz routine incorporates stylized dance movements and combinations, formation changes, group work, leaps and turns. Emphasis is placed on proper technical execution, extension, control, body placement and team uniformity. Creative choreography will capture audience and judges attention. Be sure to have your own "style" that will help distinguish your dance team from all others.
POM – Important characteristics of a pom routine include synchronization and visual effects, along with the proper pom placement and dance technique. Motions should be very sharp, clean, and precise. Your team should be synchronized and appear as "one." A routine that is visually effective is extremely important, including level changes, group work, formation changes, etc. Keep in mind that a pom routine carries a more "traditional" theme unlike a jazz routine.
HIGH KICK – Synchronization, choreography and technique is critical in a high kick routine. If you are doing just a high kick routine, we suggest that your routine be 80% high hick to ensure meeting the minimum requirements. A high kick is defined as one foot remaining on th floor while the other foot lifts with force at least one inch from the floor. No props. Toes pointed, straight lines and great flexibility makes a great kick line.
HIP HOP – Choreography should include street style movements with an emphasis on execution, style, creativity, body isolations and control. The uniformity of all movement throughout the performance should complement the beats and rhythm of the music. Teams may also put an additional focus on incorporations such as jumps, jump variations, combo jumps, stalls and floor work.
LYRICAL – is a combination of ballet with jazz and contemporary dance techniques. This dance style has its primary basis in ballet, combining the many technical elements of classical ballet with a touch of jazz, contemporary and modern dance and most importantly a connectivity of movements flowing effortlessly. If your team is going to perform a lyrical routine be sure to emphasize complex sequence of movements for example, triple pirouette, or grand jete' or a series of chaine' turns, floor work. Soloist or teams performing a lyrical due to its demand for intermediate to advance technical skill and emotional focus, movements needs to be passionate and an expressive dance piece.
STANDS – stands routines are generally a short 1 ½ minute routine demonstrated by continuous pick-ups or a gradual ripple from front of formation to back rows. No props, emphasis on execution, style, creativity and crowd appeal. Routine must include elements performed in stands, routine should include synchronization, visual effect along with proper placement of arms. Motions should be very sharp, clean and precise. Your team should be visually effective and creative.