Navigating the world of dance competitions can be exciting, and understanding the different categories is crucial for both dancers and spectators. At Encore Dance Competition, we offer a diverse range of categories to showcase various dance styles and talents. This guide provides a detailed overview of each category to help you prepare and appreciate the artistry on stage.
Tap: This category highlights the rhythmic artistry of tap dance. Routines are judged primarily on tap technique, where the dancer’s feet create percussive sounds. It’s important to note that pre-recorded tap sounds on the music track or within the accompanying music are not permitted. Proper tap shoes are mandatory for this category.
Jazz: Jazz routines emphasize sharp movements, isolations, and dynamic energy. Dancers in this category showcase jazz technique, often incorporating elements of syncopation and improvisation. Jazz shoes are required to complement the style and technique.
Hip Hop: Embrace the energy and freedom of Hip Hop in this category. Routines focus on Hip Hop technique, allowing for a wide range of styles from old school to contemporary hip hop. There are no shoe restrictions in this category, allowing dancers to choose footwear that best suits their choreography.
Ballet: A celebration of classical grace and precision, Ballet routines must demonstrate fundamental ballet technique. Emphasis is placed on classical ballet movements and steps. Ballet shoes are required to maintain the integrity of this traditional dance form. Importantly, acrobatic or gymnastic tricks are strictly prohibited in this category to preserve its classical nature.
Pointe Ballet: Taking ballet to an advanced level, Pointe Ballet routines showcase pointe technique using classical movements. Dancers perform in hard-toe pointe shoes, highlighting strength and elegance. Similar to Ballet, Acro/Gymnastic tricks are not allowed in Pointe Ballet to maintain its classical focus.
Lyrical: Lyrical dance is about storytelling through movement. Routines in this category should convey emotion and narrative through balance, extension, and control. Attire is typically limited to lyrical shoes and/or bare feet to enhance the expressive quality of the dance.
Modern: Modern dance routines offer an interpretive approach to music, emphasizing balance, extension, and control within a contemporary style. Dancers are encouraged to explore movement innovation and personal expression. There are no shoe restrictions, allowing for diverse stylistic interpretations.
Contemporary: Often blending elements of modern, jazz, lyrical, and ballet, Contemporary routines interpret music with a focus on balance, extension, and control within a contemporary framework. This category allows for a broad spectrum of movement and emotional expression. Shoe choices are unrestricted, encouraging creative freedom.
Clogging: This category is dedicated to the distinct rhythms and sounds of clogging. Routines must primarily feature clogging technique and style. Proper clogging shoes are essential to produce the characteristic percussive sounds of this American folk dance form.
Acro / Gymnastics: Showcase controlled gymnastics integrated with musicality in the Acro/Gymnastics category. Routines must incorporate rhythmic gymnastics with passes and a continuous flow of movement. A minimum of five (5) Acro/gymnastic moves is required. Notably, routines with five or more acro moves are exclusive to this category and cannot be entered elsewhere. Routines with four or fewer acro tricks can be performed in other suitable categories. Shoe restrictions are lifted to accommodate gymnastic movements.
Character: Bring recognizable characters to life in this engaging category. Character routines focus on portraying distinct characters, either with or without music, through movement, costume, and expression.
Ethnic: Celebrate cultural diversity through dance in the Ethnic category. Routines must authentically reflect a specific ethnic style of dance. This category is unique and features its own overall awards within various age divisions. Shoe restrictions are lifted to accommodate the diverse footwear needs of different ethnic dance styles.
Musical Theater: Step into the world of performance and storytelling in Musical Theater routines. These routines should reflect a dramatized or musical/theatrical theme, drawing inspiration from Broadway and musical productions. There are no shoe restrictions, allowing for costume and character-appropriate footwear.
Open: For routines that defy categorization or blend styles uniquely, the Open category provides a space for creative exploration. This category also serves as an option for performers who wish to enter a specific style more than once without directly competing against themselves within a single category.
Student Choreography: Encouraging young choreographers, the Student Choreography category requires dances to be entirely choreographed by the student dancer(s) without teacher assistance or coaching. This category is eligible for special awards if there are at least five entries, recognizing emerging choreographic talent.
Photogenic: Capture your best dance pose in the Photogenic category. Submit a black & white or color photograph, preferably not full length, as a separate entry. This category is divided into age groups: twelve (12) years and under, and thirteen (13) years and older. Entries can be submitted at the door. Photos should not be submitted with initial entries.
Understanding these categories will enhance your experience at Encore Dance Competition, whether you are a participant or an audience member. We look forward to seeing the incredible talent and diverse styles showcased on our stage!
