Genres and Classes

Classes Age as at 1st January 2025
Toddler 4 - 6 yrs old
Mini 7 – 9 yrs old
Children 13 yrs & under
Junior 17 yrs & under
Senior 25 yrs & under

Categories: Solo, Duet/Trio, Quartet/Quad, Small Group, Large Group

*New Arrangement

At the time of enrolment, dancers aged 4-9 years are registered as “Mini” class.
At the time of competition, dancers aged 4-6 will be categorized and competed as “Toddler” class, while dancers age 7-9 will be categorized and competed as “Mini” class.

*4 highest scores of qualified dances in solo, duet/trio
*5 highest scores of qualified dances in small/large group
will be qualified as finalists in the DWC Final.

Repertoire Ballet (Solos) 

Any piece coming from recognized Ballet Repertoire.

In the mini repertoire solos, the teachers are allowed to slightly simplify the variations to fit the technical level of the children.

* In the Mini category we strongly advise the teachers to choose age appropriate variations.

* It is strictly prohibited to use any kind of protected original choreography, unless the dance teacher sends DWC the written permission from the designated organisation. This includes all Balanchine, Lacotte and Mat's Ek works, as well as any other choreographer which requires formal permission to be danced in a competition environment.

Ballet -- any style (excluding repertoire) 

Any method of ballet, which uses an academic ballet technique. A Neoclassical ballet style may be employed in this category. This uses traditional ballet technique, but in a less rigid way. For example: - different or innovative use of port de bras; a strong use of off-balance movements or positions; or a mixture with more modern movements in the upper body, whilst still using a very strong classical use of the leg lines

National and Folklore 

The dance will show the typical style of dance from a certain country/countries.

The music used in the performance must be relevant to that country. The music must be national/folklore music that shows the typical sound of music in that country.

Due to the variety of countries represented in the national classes, no marks are awarded for authenticity of the dance.

Bollywood -- should be entered into the Show Dance category.

Modern - lyrical 

Lyrical dance is a dance style that blends elements of ballet and modern. A lyrical dancer will use movements to express strong emotions such as love, joy, romance etc. The dancer often performs to music with lyrics as this serves as inspiration for the dancer's movements and expressions. Movements in lyrical dance are characterized by fluidity and grace, with the dancer flowing seamlessly from one movement to another. Leaps are high and turns are fluid and continuous.

Showstopper 

From 2025, the class previously known as "Show Dance" will be referred to as "Showstopper". Showstopper can be a high-impact, glitzy, glamourous showstopper or a highly emotive, dynamic piece with entertaining choreography. A Showstopper performance is one that leaves the audience needing a moment to catch their breath... whether it's the energy of Riverdance, the drama of "Death of Juliet" from Romeo & Juliet, the resilience in "The Show Must Go On," the vibrancy of the Offenbach Can Can, the cultural richness of Zorba the Greek, or the allure of Bollywood, these and thousands of other acts define the essence of a Showstopper. It is the entertainment factor and audience impact that matters.

Any genre is possible in this category; however, no microphones will be provided. Lip-syncing is allowed but carries no point award in the category.

Jazz Dance 

There are many ways that Jazz can be presented which are described below as a guideline.

All Jazz dance pieces must show a clear understanding and creative expression that is informed and inspired from the differing genres and styles under the Jazz dance umbrella.

Other dance forms and styles must not override the Jazz dance elements and techniques required specifically for Jazz. The techniques for this genre are very clearly stated and are required for fair and honest judging.

Please note: ACRO dance and gymnastic tricks do not substitute for Jazz technique or choreography. If the choreography is using acrobatic elements, the acro movements must be integral to the main delivery of Jazz choreography and have a real relevance to the dance narrative and construction of the piece.

Jazz Music forms an important part of Jazz choreography. Choosing the correct music will enhance the Jazz dance elements naturally required and also show an understanding of musicality, syncopation and dynamics for the overall visual delivery of the choreography.

Broadway/West End Jazz Dance styles 

The dance technique and style must show the Jazz genre. It can be inspired, not totally copied by a known or recognised Broadway show or dance musical, past or present. For example: - Chicago, Pyjama Game, Sweet Charity, All That Jazz, and West Side Story; as well as other more recent shows, such as: - In the Heights, Flash Dance, Chorus Line, Motown, Memphis, Lion King, Dream Girls, American in Paris, 42nd Street, Five Guys Named Mo, Sister Act and American in Paris. There are many inspirational choreographers in this genre including Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins. 

Lyrical Jazz Dance 

This style of Jazz is choreographed to Jazz music that enables a greater emotional connection. The elements and expression for Lyrical Jazz is a fusion between the dancer and the creative content of the music. Jazz dance techniques are to be the primary source of creativity in the choreography.

Lyrical Jazz does not mean dancing to the LYRICS of the song or using the contemporary dance form in style, techniques and performance.

There are many emotive and slower tempo pieces of Jazz music available to choose from that offer a wonderful platform and canvas to choreograph and create an original lyrical jazz dance solo or group piece.

Afro-Jazz Dance Brings the African aesthetic of the Jazz dance tradition.

The music chosen for the choreography must reflect the true expression and appropriate technical elements of Afro-Jazz dance.

Afro-Jazz dance can easily portray a much more dramatic, dynamic and stylised form of jazz dance choreography which can show the Afro-Jazz aesthetic in performance.

Contemporary 

Contemporary Dance has established and recognised dance styles and techniques which are based on renowned expression of choreographers including: - Graham, Limon, Cunningham and Horton, Ailey and more in trend today Wayne McGregor or Rambert

The Contemporary Dance class should incorporate and convey a collection of methods and techniques that are founded within the techniques of ballet, modern dance or postmodern dance. Contemporary dance permits a greater range of movement that may not adhere to the strict body lines of classical ballet. The images, ideas and emotions of the dance can be set to a variety of sounds, from music to the spoken word or even silence if in keeping with the theme of the dance. The choreography should convey a story based on the text or a song, or possibly have a story line that conveys an emotion and specific expression. The dancer performing in the Contemporary dance class must have a high level of understanding of the physicality and techniques that are required to be viewed and judged fairly.

Please Note: Contemporary Dance is not to be confused with Lyrical Dance. The elements required for the Contemporary dance class, must be visible within the creative dance and the technique of the dancer performing.

Acro 

A routine combining acrobatic elements / tricks and dance of any style with a smooth transition between the two. Acrobatic elements include gymnastic work, contortion and flexibility work, balancing work and tumbling work, e.g.; walkovers, backovers, balances (hand, head, forearm, chest), splits, aerials (side, front) and back handsprings. For duet/trio, small groups and large group numbers, partner work and group tricks should also be incorporated into the routine. Dancers should demonstrate total control of their body and the tricks they are performing.

Tap 

Tap is when the dancer uses tap shoes to create beats and rhythms throughout the dance. The tap shoes are key as it creates a distinct sound that's different to clogs or a hard shoe. It can be danced to a variety of music styles. Different styles of Tap are represented in Hollywood musicals like Singing in the Rain or stage musicals like 42nd Street. You can also look at Tap Dogs for a more grounded, casual and relaxed tap style.

Song and Dance 

Any song and any dance style is permitted in this section.

The dance and movement should be suitable to match the song and there should be a balance in the performance to support the song.

The performance should show emotional feeling, presentation and acting ability to highlight characterisation or comedy required.

Street Dance 

Street Dance entries typically include styles rooted in hip-hop culture, such as popping, locking, breakdance, krumping, house, and afro, with appropriate music choices and technical demonstrations of these styles. The routine should showcase these specific dance styles while also presenting a cohesive concept, theme, or direction that highlights creative ideas, clever dance imagery, and stylised choreography.

Please Note: For this class, music choices should not contain swearing or bad language, the suggestion of guns or death. The choreography and visual aspect must be age appropriate for the overall competition.

Commercial 

Commercial Dance is a highly choreographed dance form that encompasses a variety of vibrant genres and must demonstrate elements that are commercially viable, including strong technical skills, funk styles, appropriate song choices, and theatrics. This dance style is often seen in MTV music videos, advertising campaigns, TV shows, and films. It typically combines self-expression, energy, and performance, with styles like jazz-funk, waacking, voguing, and other performance-driven genres.