Category Definitions

Contemporary - A style of dance that traditionally combines classical modern with classical ballet, but is now allowing jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop to influence the choreography.

Hip Hop - A style that refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music or that evolved as part of hip-hop culture. It includes a wide range of styles primarily breaking, locking, and popping.

Jazz - A style of dance that partners music and body that reflects a 

compilation of universal cultures and styles in an effort to strengthen the body, mind and soul as an individual within a communal energy. It combines syncopated rhythms with technical movements that stem from classical ballet.

Kick - A dance performance where the majority of the dance includes varied kick sequences and are performed with an emphasis on precision, timing, control, technique, and height uniformity. A majority of the routine should have kick combinations to display proper form and technique.

Lyrical - A melding of ballet, jazz and modern with emphasis on using the lyrics and emotions of the music to influence the choreography and performance.

Military - A dance performance consisting of strong, sharp, linear movements focusing on precision, placement, and formation changes.

Modern - A very grounded style of dance whose roots began as a complete contrast to ballet. Movements stem from contractions, swing and release and fall and recovery. Themes and Variations are seen throughout the dance and tend to lead the choreography.

Novelty - A dance performance that is popular for being unusual or humorous. Usually has a theme that is carried out throughout the performance by using dance movements appropriate to the character of the dance.

Open - Any style of dance that does not fit into the traditional categories.  Usually a combination of the above categories or routine with  a more theatrical element enters this division. It is acceptable to enter with any genre.

Pom - A style that has a strong emphasis on intricate arm movements and is visually pleasing to the eye. Poms should be utilized for the majority of the routine.

Production - This dance category  is usually themed and utilizes a combination of dance elements and styles. Staging, props, and/or backdrops may be used. Performance must not exceed  7  minutes.

Prop - A style that incorporates an object that leads the choreography and helps paint a picture for the audience. Props must be used the majority of the time.