Genres and Classes
| Classes | Age as at 1st January 2024 |
|---|---|
| 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 dance in “Toddler + Mini” class will be qualified as finalists in DWC.
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
A free expression style of dance which originated from ballet. The modern dance does not have any set rules however the dance is created using emotion, moods and accents of the music.
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.
Show Dance
This category is best described as a high impact, dynamic dance with entertaining choreography, clear style, narrative and a cohesive theme. The choreographic creation must use dance techniques that bring show dance elements together to form a complete structured piece. Show dance encompasses a variety of styles that can be influenced by Show Dance Theatre, Film or Musical Concepts. The style and imagery of choreography must be appropriate for the dancers involved and executed with precision, powerful musicality and demonstrate clear creative performance values. (Bollywood Dance would fit into this 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.
Hip Hop and Street Dance
Hip Hop is a street-based dance style and dance expression. It includes a wide range of styles made popular in the USA and has now become an international and popular form of dance expression for the youth culture, which has now crossed over into more mainstream Commercial dance styles. This class requires the dance to express the specific dance styles, but offer an overall concept, theme and direction that expresses creative ideas, clever dance imagery and stylised choreography. For reference, styles included in Hip Hop can be: - Breaking, Popping, Locking. Krumping and Turfing.
New styles in Hip-Hop include: Lyrical / Jazz / Commercial fusion Hip-Hop.
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 encompasses a variety of styles. This can include jazz, hip hop and contemporary. It is the type of dance seen in music videos, advertising campaigns, TV as in MTV and films.