AASCF DANCE COACHES Guide - Australian All Star Cheerleading

AUSTRALIAN ALL STAR
CHEERLEADING FEDERATION
03 9756 0014
2016
HIP HOP SCORE SHEET EXPLANATION
Routine Description: A Hip Hop routine can incorporate any street style movement with an emphasis on execution,
style, creativity, body isolations and control, rhythm, uniformity and musical interpretation.
TECHNIQUE – 40 points
TECHNIQUE OF SELECTED HIP HOP STYLE(S) (15 pts) – The judges will credit here: The dancer’s demonstration
of correct technique within any hip hop/street dance style such as, but not limited to, the following: Popping,
Locking, Gliding, Animation, Rocking, Freezes, Stalls, Waaking, Voguing, Punking, Krumping, Crunking, Stepping,
Dance Hall, Housing, Dubstepping, Clubbing, Tutting, Threading, and/or Breaking.
QUALITY OF MOVEMENT: INTENSITY/STRENGTH* (15 pts) – The judges will credit here: The overall execution,
stabilization, control, and momentum of the dancers. Method with which the dancers attack or approach the
movement. Consistency and quality of movement by the group as a whole (*Does not have to mean “speed” for the
dancers to intensely execute the movement.)
EXECUTION OF SKILLS (10 pts) - The judges will credit here: Demonstration of correct approach, execution, and
re- lease of skill(s) by an individual dancer/group. Body awareness and control of the dancer’s strength, balance,
and form while completing selected skill(s).
GROUP EXECUTION – 20 points
UNIFORMITY / SYNCHRONIZATION (10 pts) - The judges will credit here: How well the team dances together as a
group, rather than the execution of technique. Consistent unison, timing/rhythm by the group as a whole.
Uniformity of team movement within both choreography and skills.
TRANSITIONS/SPACING (10 pts) - The judges will credit here: The ability of dancers to gauge and position
themselves correct distances between each other in and throughout all formations and transitions.
CHOREOGRAPHY – 30 points
COMPOSITION OF ROUTINE (15 pts) - The judges will credit here: How well the movement complements the
music (such as sound effects, rhythms, lyrics, etc) as well as creative concepts. Skill incorporation that supports
the flow of the routine as well as individual or small group work that enhances the routine dynamic. Appropriate
utilization of the team’s ability level.
ROUTINE STAGING / VISUAL EFFECTS (10 pts) - The judges will credit here: How the dancers are staged on the
floor. The seamless incorporation of unique and challenging formations and transitions. Visual effects that are
created with interactive movements and incorporation of creative and unpredictable visuals, group builds,
illusions, patterns, levels and/or opposition.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY (5 pts) - The judges will credit here: The difficulty of the routine (does not reflect
execution). Effective incorporation of challenging elements. Overall level, pace, and intricacy of hip hop movements
such as foot- work, direction changes, and technical elements.
PG. 1
PERFORMANCE IMPRESSION – 10 points
COMMUNICATION (5 pts) - The judges will credit here: Genuine projection, energy, and intensity. Did the team
project a confident presence clearly conveying their particular message and/or style(s)? Did the team find and
communicate their groove?
OVERALL IMPRESSION: APPEAL & APPROPRIATENESS (5 pts) - The judges will credit here: Appropriateness of
music, costume, and choreography. Did the performance leave a memorable and lasting impression?
JAZZ/LYRICAL/MOD/CONT. SCORE SHEET EXPLANATION
Routine Description: A Jazz/Lyrical/Mod/Cont. 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.
TECHNIQUE – 40 points
STRENGTH / EASE OF MOVEMENT + ALIGNMENT / EXTENSION (10 pts + 10 pts) – The judges will credit here:
The performers posturing, control, body placement. The dancers ability to exhibit the presented style effectively
and continually throughout the routine.
EXECUTION OF TECHNICAL SKILLS – Turns etc + Leaps etc (10 pts + 10 pts) - The judges will credit here: The
demonstration of proper execution of skills including, but not limited to, leaps, turns, lifts, etc.
GROUP EXECUTION – 20 points
INTERPRETATION / SYNCHRONIZATION (10 pts) - The judges will credit here: How well the team dances
together as a group, rather than the execution of technique. The ability of the team to maintain accuracy, clarity
and control along with commitment to the style/interpretation as a group.
TRANSITIONS/SPACING (10 pts) - The judges will credit here: The ability of the performers to gauge and position
themselves correct distances between each other in and throughout all formations.
CHOREOGRAPHY – 30 points
COMPOSITION OF ROUTINE (15 pts) - The judges will credit here: How well the movement complements the
music along with the artistic/creative concept/effect. Skill incorporation that supports the flow of the routine, as
well as individual or small group work that enhances the routine dynamic. The presentation of new and unique
ideas through style technique and staging design. Appropriate utilization of the team’s ability level.
ROUTINE STAGING / VISUAL EFFECTS (10 pts) - The judges will credit here: How the dancers are staged on the
floor. The seamless incorporation of unique and challenging formations and transitions and their placement on the
stage. Visual effects that are developed through use of creative floor work, group/partner work, level changes,
opposition, etc.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY (5 pts) - The judges will credit here: The difficulty of the routine (does not reflect
execution). Effective incorporation of challenging elements. Overall level, pace, and intricacy of movement such as
footwork, direction changes, technical skills.
PG. 2
PERFORMANCE IMPRESSION – 10 points
COMMUNICATION (5 pts) - The judges will credit here: The genuine use of projection, confidence, expression and
emotion to convey and maintain mood and emotion of intended style/story/concept.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: APPEAL / APPROPRIATENESS (5 pts) - The judges will credit here: Appropriateness of the
music, costume and choreography. Did the performance leave a memorable and lasting impression?
POM SCORE SHEET EXPLANATION
Routine Description: A Pom routine contains important characteristics such as strong pom technique (clean,
precise and sharp motions), synchronization, visual effects and may incorporate Pom Skills (i.e. pom passes, jump
sequences, leaps/turns, kick lines, etc.). Poms must be used 80% of the routine.
TECHNIQUE – 30 points
MOTION PLACEMENT / ALIGNMENT (10 pts) – The judges will credit here: Accuracy of pom/body work. The
dancer’s superior motion control and precision.
MOTION STRENGTH / SHARPNESS (10 pts) – The judges will credit here: Overall strength of motions.
EXECUTION OF POM SKILLS (10 pts) - The judges will credit here: Incorporation/Execution of style specific skills
such as, but not limited to: Pom Passes, Jump Sequences, Leaps/Turns, Kick Lines, etc. executed with strong
technique.
GROUP EXECUTION – 30 points
UNIFORMITY + SYNCHRONIZATION (10 pts + 10 pts) – The judges will credit here: How well the team dances
together as a group, rather than the execution of technique. The ability of the team to maintain accuracy, clarity
and control.
TRNSITIONS & SPACING (10 pts) – The judges will credit here: The ability of the dancers to gauge and position
themselves with correct distances between each other in and throughout all formations and transitions.
CHOREOGRAPHY – 30 points
COMPOSITION OF ROUTINE (15 pts) – The judges will credit here: How well the movement complements the
music. The presentation of new and unique “pictures” created through a variety of pom motions, staging and
transitions. Appropriate utilization of the team’s ability level.
ROUTINE STAGING / VISUAL EFFECTS (10 pts) – The judges will credit here: How the dancers are staged on the
floor. The variety of seamless formation changes, their placement on the stage, and how these formations create
visual “pictures”. Visual effects that are created through a variety of pom motions, level changes, group/ground
work, formation changes, etc.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY (5 pts) – The judges will credit here: The difficulty of the routine (does not reflect
execution). Overall level and intricacy of Pom Motions and Movement, noting the variety of movement and utilizing
intricate pom motions, footwork, skills, transitions and formations.
PG. 3
PERFORMANCE IMPRESSION – 10 points
COMMUNICATION (5 pts) – The judges will credit here: The genuine use of projection, energy and intensity.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: APPEAL AND APPROPRIATENESS (5 pts) – The judges will credit here: Appropriateness of
the music, costume and choreography. Did the performance leave a memorable and lasting impression?
DEFINING THE DANCE CATEGORY: POM
POM DEFINITIONS:
USASF defines a Pom routine as.....
"A Pom routine contains important characteristics such as strong pom technique, clean/precise and sharp
motions, synchronization, visual effects and may incorporate Pom Skills (i.e. pom passes, jump sequences,
leaps/turns, kick lines, etc). Poms must be used 80% of the routine."
‘POM is an extension of your hands that help bring life to visuals on the stage.’
Cheryl Paquette
USASF Dance
Adjudication Director & Pom Specialist
POM for Coaches
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Pom needs to provide an experience, leaving a memorable impression
Pom is a form of dance and movement. However, there should never be a movement where you doubt
it is pom.
Category Description - POM
 Poms must be used 80% of the routine.
 Important characteristics of a pom routine include:
o Synchronization and Visual Effect.
 Visual effect includes level changes, group work, formation changes, the use of
different color poms, etc.
 Synchronisation – is moving together but also having the movements being done
exactly the same. Uniformity is key. - Category Description
 Clean and precise motions
 Strong pom technique
 Incorporate dance technical elements
DANCE SCORE CARD RUBRIC
Needs work
Good
Outstanding
1……....2..........3……..4……....5
Fair
Excellent
Needs work
Good
Outstanding
1…....2…....3…....4..…..5…....6…....7…….8…....9…....10
Fair
Excellent
Needs work
Good
Outstanding
1…...2…....3….....4…....5…...6…….7….....8…....9…....10…..11…..12…..13…..14…..15
Fair
Excellent
PG. 4
DANCE DIFFICULTY
Below are the elements you need to consider for difficulty with in the routines.
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Full Team
Linking of
Movements/progressions/skills
Change weight
Change direction
Change spot
Change arm/leg placement
Tempo
Increase/decrease tempo
How you enter/exit a
skill/series/movement
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Change body position in air
Release head on turns
Release back on jumps
Creativity
Partner Work
Floor Work
Lifts
Staging/Visuals
Style/Musicality
Balance/Extension
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SOME WELL WRITTEN INFORMATION FOR ALL DANCE COACHES TO CONSIDER – enjoy reading
“Tricks” vs. “Technique”
Technique: “A way of carrying out a particular task, especially the execution or performance of an artistic work
or a scientific procedure. Skill or ability in a particular field. A skilful or efficient way of doing or achieving
something.”
Trick: “A clever and skilful action that someone performs to entertain or amuse people.”
The technique of a dancer should be seen in the way she walks on stage. The way he works through his feet
as he chassés. The way the shoulders pull down through the back muscles, elongating the neck. The energy
exchange between the dancer and the dance floor to create a stable foundation. The slight wing of the ankle
in derrière. A coupé turned out from the hip. A tailbone positioned toward the floor in plié. An open chest
coupled with a closed rib cage. A great technician is even allowed to “throw away” some of this technique in
moments of artistic choice because they know just how to use that technique to thread into and out of those
moments seamlessly.
Tricks, on the other hand, are an act that take place within a dance – usually a skill that is deemed difficult or
given worth through the technique it takes to execute it well. Things like jumps, turns, tumbling, and
extensions can be found in this category. When done WITH great technique – tricks can certainly have their
place in a routine… but the lack of “tricks” in a dance certainly does not imply lack of technique.
When are each necessary? In my opinion, technique is constant. It has always been important; it will
continue to be important; great technique will never go out of style. There are no types of dance that aren’t
enhanced by great technique (though the proper technique for different styles may differ.) Each and every
piece of art you create is going to look it’s best when executed with sound technique. Tricks, on the other
hand, depend on the choreography, style/genre/feel, and the general goals of the piece. For my personal
choreographic style, I do not see a need for a lot of “tricks”. I love to create based on storyline or even just a
certain feel or type of phrase. However, last fall when I chose to do an 80’s throwback jazz for a production
number, you better believe I put lots of good “tricks” in there!
There are three main problems that I would love to see less of – things that I see as a judge weekend after
weekend:
1.
“Tricks” performed by dancers who haven’t reached a level of technical readiness. I love a great
pirouette as much as the next judge. However, when it’s on a flat heel with multiple hops and weak upper
body… I have to believe that this performance is valuing the “trick” above the “technique”. I will speak for
PG. 5
judges across the globe in saying, we would rather see a nicely executed single pirouette than to watch your
dancer hop and bobble through a triple with a disconnected passé. My rule of thumb that I share in critiques
often is: If the dancer is not nailing the trick with proper technique consistently in rehearsal – then that trick is
not stage ready. It’s time to go back to the basics of technique. Build upon a SOLID FOUNDATION, rather than
feeling the pressure to throw in tricks for which your dancer is just not ready. That isn’t good for your dancer,
her scores, or her safety!
2.
Teachers/choreographers feeling that tricks are required to score well. I can’t tell you how often I
judge a beautiful contemporary or modern routine – one that takes me on a journey, building a story,
relationships, creating staging, shapes, textures, layers… then 3/4 of the way through when I am chest-deep in
LOVING the piece – the dancers abruptly stop the movement to step-prep into a hundred turns in second.
Guys, I don’t mind a well-executed turn in second. But – why? What do these tricks do to enhance the art you
are creating? How to they tell your story? Do we feel obligated to put tricks in our choreography in order to
score well? In my opinion, that may be one of the reasons competition dancers aren’t always taken as
seriously. Let your art be art – and if your dancers are ready, let your tricks be integrated into the art in a
meaningful way that serves the purpose of your piece. If you, like me, run in to the random judge who needs
tricks to understand the technique of your dancers… may I kindly suggest you let it roll off your artistic backs
and consider taking that competition off your schedule for next year.
3.
Dancers working incorrectly or impatiently in order to achieve the latest “trend trick”. I feel like,
especially since social media and reality television exploded their way into the dance world – there’s now a
new “standard” which dancers can measure themselves against. The problem is that, often dancers are diving
into flexibility stunts, pointe work, tumbling or leaps that their body is either not made for, or not ready for.
This is where teachers need to be very smart, and convincing. Just because so-and-so that has 4 gazillion
Instagram followers can do that, doesn’t mean that you are ready for it. Some of these dancers are literally
breaking their backs to get that perfect needle for which their body was not designed! We are responsible to
help these dancers understand their bodies, and to know that technique is prerequisite to tricks. And that
there are some tricks that would be unhealthy and unwise for them right now – and maybe always.
Technique is always important. Tricks have their place when executed with proper technique – but let’s stop
using those terms synonymously. Build a solid foundation of technique, and your skyscraper of tricks will be
solid and stage-ready.
PG. 1