NOTICE AND RULES OF COMPETITION
DANCEARENA
International Dance and Cheer dance Cup
Organizer: Miskolc Steelleaders KSE
Date: 8th November 2014 10:00 AM
Place: Felsőzsolca, Sports Hall
Aim of the competition: To create the possibility for competition in modern dance,
fashion dance and cheer dance. Another target is to invite cross-border dancers and
teams, which allows long term cooperation, interaction and exchanging experiences.
The aim of the event is to keep susceptibility to culture vigilant. It aims to promote culture
and to develop creative personalities. The event intends to find talents and to promote dance
as a complex and expressive art as widely as possible.
Participants in the competition: sports clubs, dance clubs, art schools, individual
competitors, primary, secondary, vocational schools, grammar schools, dance schools beyond
and across borders, who have any kind of performances and willing to make themselves
measured, and enter the competition until specified deadline.
Entry: By sending entry forms and paying entry fees at the same time.
Postal address: Miskolc Steelleaders KSE 3532 Miskolc, Torontáli u. 6. 2/4.
Email: dancearena2014@gmail.com
Entry fee:
 Individual (mini, child, junior, adult) 3000 HUF
 Doubles (mini, child, junior, adult) 5000 HUF
 Team (mini, child, junior, adult) 1500 HUF/person
Pleas transfer or pay the entry fee to the following account:
ÉRB Észak-magyarországi Regionális Bank: 54900440-70000502
No on-site registration!
Entry deadline: 31st October 2014.
Prizes: each participant gets a memory card, the best ones get medals, cups and gift packs.
Special awards, choreography awards.
1. General Rules
The competition will be held in amateur category. Dance Teachers, coaches cannot compete.
The competition is arranged by numbers drawing sequence. Registration is needed after
arrival, then participants get their locker and have to draw a number. Maximum four people
can stay at the locker with the group including the coach and the assistant coach.
Please take the category descriptions into consideration. The jury has the right to reclassify
the original category if the content of the production does not meet the requirements of that
category. Reclassification does not mean point reduction but we ask all participants to read
the category descriptions carefully in order to prevent such disruptions.
A category is referred to as active dance category only if there are at least three registered
groups who appear on the event. If there are less groups than three, they can take part in the
competition but they will not be remunerated, only in case of special awards. In a given age
group, in case of highly gifted students, at the discretion of the jury some age groups may be
combined. The coach may also decide to join another category. In a registered category
participants must apply movement elements, figures that is included in the competition rules.
Instruments -used at your own risk during the performance- cannot contaminate the stage,
and endanger the safety of dancers and the audience. Wearing jewellery on the stage is
dangerous, that is why it is prohibited.
2. Categories
Individual
Doubles
Team
3. Age groups
Mini: from 5 to 7
Peewee: from 8 to 12
Junior: from 12 to 16
Senior: 16 and above
15% of the members can be younger than the age category. Please, inform us about this in
advance. The age requirements for each team must be observed! The Clerk will check it on
the spot.
4. Time of the routine
Dance
Individual: Maximum one minute (1:00)
Doubles: Maximum one minute thirty seconds (1:30)
Team: maximum tree minutes thirty seconds (3:30)
Cheerdance
Individual: Maximum one minute (1:00)
Doubles: Maximum one minute thirty seconds (1:30)
Team: maximum two minutes thirty seconds (2:30)
5. Dance categories
DANCE
 Hip-Hop (new style, funky, street jazz, locking, popping, krump, break)
Including street dance, L.A. new style, poppin’, locking’ krump, ragga/raggae ton,
girly, freaky and break.
Poppin: tightening and enervation of muscles
Lockin: precipitation and rotation of arms
Krump expresses a sense of anger, aggression. It is very dynamic.
Street jazz: Classic style, blended with a free hip-hop. Isolations, pirouettes, jumps,
rolls are accompanied by street dance. Lyrical and funky can also be found blended
with the elements of new style.
 Jazz
It is characterized by individual style presentation mode, which should be in line with
the music. Typical jazz techniques should be used (contraction-release, isolation,
stretches and pirouettes, jumps). Jazz dance from all eras fall into this category,
especially the Metox and Hammadi technique, but various strands of jazz dance style
units can be used (classic jazz, Broadway jazz and Latin jazz). Movements should
appear in a sophisticated from.
 Modern (Limón, Graham, Kontakt, etc.)
This technique includes a diverse movement culture which encompasses several style.
One of the following techniques must be used: Graham, Limón, Cunnungham, etc.
Emotions and the way of performance are very important. The so called acrobatic
elements must not be used.
 Acrobatic rock & roll
The focus is on the synchronized hand and foot work of the pairs. Acrobatics is also
important.
 Tap dance
The music may not contain knocks or knock-like sounds. Irish tap dance fall into
stylized or authentic folklore category. The so called high acrobatic elements are
forbidden.
 Show
This category includes spectacular dances that have no theme, but express some kind
of mood. The technique and the step material of the choreography must be in line with
the chosen music.
 Disco
The dance is based on the sporty aesthetic movements and elements of dance to disco
music. It is characterized by dynamic motion to spinning music. Hip-hop is not
permitted.
CHEERDANCE
Cheer dance is the dance genre of cheerleading with three subgenres.
 Jazz: Incorporates stylized movements and combinations, formation changes, group
work, and technical elements. An emphasis is placed on proper technical execution,
extension, control, body placement, style and continuity of movement along with team
uniformity. See sheet for more information.
 Hip-Hop Incorporates street style influenced movements and rhythms with an
emphasis on execution, style creativity ,body isolations and control, rhythm,
uniformity and musical interperation. There is also an additional focus on athletic
incorporations such as jumps, stalls and other tricks. See score for nore information.
 Freestyle: Incorporates the concepts of Jazz and Hiphop with an emphasis on
choreography, proper technical execution, visual effect, creativity, staging and team
uniformity. Poms are used for 80-100% of the routine. Important characteristics of this
type of routine include synchronization and visual effect, clean and precise motion,
srong pom technique, the incorporation of dance technical elements and dance styles.
Visual effects include level changes, group work, formation changes, the use of
different color poms, etc.
CHEERDANCE category has special rules, a separate scoring sheet is used, and the jury
consists of different people.
The rules are extract of the rules of the ECU European Cheerleading Union!
The cheer dance includes stylized movements and technical elements (e.g. .: jumps,
pirouettes), team work, changes in formation both in jazz and hip-hop style. The focus is on
the spectacle of choreography and creativity. Emphasis must be placed on using pompons
during the dance. Important features are synchronicity of choreography, visual elements,
precise movements, dynamic usage of pompons, blending technical elements and styles.
Tumbling / Aerial Street Skills (Executed by Individuals)
Tumbling is an acrobatic or gymnastics skill executed by an individual, without contact,
assistance or support of another individual(s), and begins and ends on the performance
surface.
Aerial Street Skills are Hip Hop skill sets that individuals develop over time. They can
include rotation that is hip over head or twisting. These skills are not meant to incorporate
gymnastics or cheerleading style tumbling. Such gymnastic skills are not allowed. This
prohibits a “standing full twisting layout” but allows a capoeira style “folha secca twist”.
1. Tumbling is allowed, but not required, in all divisions with the following limitations:
Freestyle Pom and Jazz:Airborne tumbling skills with hip over head rotation are not allowed.
(Exception: aerial cartwheels, dive rolls in a pike position and round offs. These skills cannot
be performed consecutively.)
Hip Hop only:
Airborne skills with hip over head rotation are permitted provided the following:
a) Skills without hand support may involve no more than one twisting rotation.
b) Only skills with hand support may be performed consecutively, but are limited to 2
consecutive skills. (Example: two back handsprings may connect, an airborne hip over head
rotation without hand support may not connect to any skill or jump.)
2. Simultaneous tumbling over or under another individual that includes hip over head
rotation by both individuals is not allowed.
3. Drops – in which an airborne individual lands on a body part other than his/her hand(s) or
feet without first bearing weight on the hands/feet are allowed with the following limitations:
Freestyle Pom, Jazz and Hip Hop:
Drops to the knee, thigh, back, seat, front, jazz split (hurdler) or split position onto the
performing surface are not allowed unless the individual first bears weight on the hand(s) or
foot/feet.updated version as of 24 March 2014 21
Hip Hop only:
Drops to the shoulder or seat are permitted provided the height of the airborne individual does
not exceed hip level (Example: kip ups are allowed).
4. Drops to a push-up position onto the performance surface are allowed from a jump with a
forward momentum (i.e. Flying Squirrel) or an X, Star or Spread Eagle jump.
Freestyle Pom and Jazz:
All variations of a Shushunova are not allowed.
Hip Hop only:
Drops to a push-up position may involve any jump.
5. Hip over head rotation skills with hand support are not allowed while holding poms or
props. (Exception: forward rolls and backward rolls are allowed.)
Lifts and Partnering (Executed in partners or groups)
Lift - an action in which an individual is elevated from the performance surface by one or
more individuals and set down. A Lift is comprised of “Lifting” individuals and “Elevated”
individuals.
Partnering – a skill in which two or more individuals use support from one another. Partnering
can involve, both “Supporting” and “Executing” skills.
1. Supporting Individual
Freestyle Pom and Jazz:
Any Supporting Individual(s) who has primary weight of an Executing Individual must
maintain direct contact with the performance surface at all times.
Hip Hop only:
A Supporting Individual who has primary weight of the executing dancer does not have to
maintain contact with the performance surface provided the height of the skill does not exceed
shoulder level.
2. At least one Supporting Individual must have hand/arm/body to hand/arm/body contact
with the Executing Individual(s) throughout the entire skill above shoulder level.
3. Hip over head rotation of the Executing Individual(s) are allowed if:
a) A Supporting Individual maintains hand/arm/body to hand/arm/body contact until the
Executing Individual returns to the performance surface or returns to the upright position.
b) The skill is limited to one [hip over head] rotation.
4. A Vertical Inversion in which the Executing Individual is inverted and bears direct weight
on the Supporting Individual by a stop, stall (freeze) or change in momentum is allowed if:
a) The Supporting Individual(s) maintains hand/arm/body to hand/arm/body contact until the
Executing Individual returns to the performance surface or returns to the upright position.
b) When the height of the Executing Individual’s shoulders exceed shoulder level there is at
least one additional person to spot and/or support.
Release Moves
5. A release move is an action in which the Executing Individual becomes free of contact
from Supporting Individual(s) and are unassisted to the performance surface.
Freestyle Pom and Jazz:
Executing Individual may jump, leap, step or push off a Supporting Individual(s) if:
a) The highest point of the released skill does not elevate the Executing Individual’s hips
above shoulder level.
b) When the height of the skill is at hip level or above the Executing Individual may not pass
through the prone or inverted position.
c) Toe Pitches are not allowed.updated version as of 24 March 2014 22
Hip Hop only:
An Executing Individual may jump, leap, step, push off or be tossed by a Supporting
Individual(s) if:
a) The highest point of the released skill does not elevate the Executing Individual’s feet
above shoulder level.
b) The Executing Individual must either be assisted to the performance surface or land on at
least one of his/her feet.
c) Toe Pitches are not allowed.
Tosses
Freestyle Pom and Jazz:
Supporting Individual may toss an Executing Individual as long as:
a) The highest point of the toss does not elevate the Executing Individual’s hips above
shoulder level.
b) The Executing Individual does not pass through a prone or inverted position after release.
Hip Hop only:
An Executing Individual may jump, leap, step, push off or be tossed by a Supporting
Individual(s) if:
a) The highest point of the released skill does not elevate the Executing Individual’s feet
above shoulder level.
b) The Executing Individual must either be assisted to the performance surface or land on at
least one of his/her feet.
Choreography and Costuming
1. Suggestive, offensive, or vulgar choreography, costuming, makeup and/or music are
inappropriate for family audiences and therefore lack audience appeal.
2. Routine choreography should be appropriate and entertaining for all audience members.
Vulgar or suggestive material is defined as any movement or choreography implying
something improper or indecent, appearing offensive or sexual in content, and/or relaying
lewd or profane gestures or implications.
3. Inappropriate choreography, costuming, makeup and/or music may affect the judges’
overall impression and/or score of the routine.
4. All costuming, make up and choreography should be age appropriate and acceptable for
family viewing.
5. No cheers or chants are allowed.
6. All costuming should be secure and offer full coverage of body parts. Costume
malfunctions resulting in team members being exposed are grounds for disqualification.
Please make sure that you have several dress rehearsals prior to competition to work out any
costume problems.
7. Tights should be worn under briefs, hot pants or excessively short shorts.
8. Shoes must be worn during the competition. Dance paws are acceptable. Performing
barefoot, in socks and/or footed tights, high heels, roller skates, roller blades or any other
footwear that is inappropriate for the sport is prohibited. If in doubt please consult the ECU
for approval.
9. Jewelry as a part of a costume is allowed.
10. All male performers’ costumes must include a shirt that is fastened, however it can be
sleeveless.updated version as of 24 March 2014 23
Props
1. A prop is defined as anything that is used as part of your choreography that is not attached
to your costume.
2. Wearable and handheld items / props that compliment the choreography will be allowed in
the Jazz and Hip Hop Categories. They may be removed and discarded from the body.
3. The Freestyle Pom Category will not allow props, as poms are to be used for 80-100% of
the routine. If there are male performers in this category they are not required to use poms.
4. No large free standing props will be allowed in any category, such as chairs, stools,
benches boxes, stairs, steps, ladders, bars, sheets etc. Any item that bears the weight of the
participant is considered a standing prop.
6. Music
The duration of the dance performances of individuals must be between one and one and a
half minutes. In case of teams the duration must be between two or three minutes. Time starts
to the first sound of music and continues until the end when all the dancers are still. Teams
should bring their tracks on audio CDs. If it is possible only that specific song should be on
the CD. The CD must be labelled: name, town, team name. We do not take responsibility for
damaged CDs or unplayable quality.
7. Jury, scoring DANCE
Top dance professionals, choreographers will be members of the jury who will evaluate each
team on a separate score sheet. The judges fill out the score sheets independently, without
influencing one another. Neither competitors nor other people can disturb the members of the
jury during their work. In the end, the average score of all judges give the team score.
The qualification of productions consists of the following elements:
CHOREOGRAPHY (maximum 10 points)
The productions must have dynamic and creative choreography, with physical, emotional
expression. The choreography must be in sync with the chosen music. It is favourable if the
choreography takes advantage of the musical accents. The presented style elements should
harmonize with the dance. The spectacle and the mood of the performance must be in relation
to each other.
PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUE (maximum 10 points)
The jury evaluates the artistic effect of the production by qualifying the expressive power of
the choreography (whether the message is recognizable or not) and the performance style of
the dancers. The dancers’ communication with the audience (self-confident behaviour on
stage, radiation and impressive diction), and the unique style can elevate the quality of
productions.
OVERALL IMPRESSION (maximum 10 points)
Evaluation of dancers’ coordination, individual or group dance technique, moving together (to
music and with teammates), music beats, and correct usage of starting and ending the
performance. If the costume suits the content, it can raise the level of production.
Total number of points: 30 points
When in doubt, such as same score the jury will decide on the PERFORMANCE
TECHNIQUE!
8. Jury, scoring CHEERDANCE
Cheerleading judges will be members of the jury who will evaluate each team on a separate
score sheet. The scoring sheets correspond to the ECU rules. The judges fill out the score
sheets independently, without influencing one another. Neither competitors nor other people
can disturb the members of the jury during their work. In the end, the average score of all
judges give the team score.
The qualification of productions consists of the following elements:
Distribution of points in Freestyle Pom divisions:
Judging Criteria
Description
Execution of Pom
Motion Technique
TECHNIQUE
Execution of Dance
Technique
Execution of
Technical Skills
GROUP
EXECUTION
Synchronization /
Timing with Music
Uniformity of
Movement
Spacing
CHOREOGRAPHY
Musicality /
Creativity /
Originality
Routine Staging /
Visual Effects
Clean arm lines, levels, placement is sharp,
strong and
precise
Correct placement & levels of arms / torso / hips
/ legs /
hands / feet, body control, extension, balance,
style in
movement
Proper execution of leaps, turns, jumps, lifts,
partner
work, etc.
Moving together as one with the music
Points
10
10
10
10
Movements are the same on each person, clear,
clean
and precise
Equal / correct spacing between individuals on
the
performance surface during the routine and
transitions
Use of the music accents, style, creative, original
movement
10
Formations and transitions, visual impact of
group work,
10
10
10
Degree of Difficulty
OVERALL
Communication /
Crowd Appeal &
Appropriateness
levels, opposition, poms, etc.
Level of difficulty of skills, movement, weight
changes,
tempo, etc.
Ability to exhibit a dynamic routine with
showmanship
and audience appeal
Age appropriate music, costume and
choreography that
enhances the performance
TOTAL
10
10
100
Distribution of points in Hip Hop divisions:
Judging Criteria
TECHNIQUE
GROUP
EXECUTION
Description
Strength of
Movement
Execution of Hip
Hop Style(s) –
Placement / Contro
Execution of Skills /
Athletic
Incorporations
Synchronization /
Timing with Music
Uniformity of
Movement
Spacing
CHOREOGRAPHY
Musicality /
Creativity /
Originality
Routine Staging /
Visual Effects
Degree of Difficulty
OVERALL
Communication /
Crowd Appeal &
Appropriateness
TOTAL
Strength and presence in movement
Points
10
Correct placement & levels of arms / torso / hips
/ legs /
hands / feet and body control in the extension of
style of
hip hop: tutting, popping, locking, waving,
lyrical, etc
Execution of floor work, freezes, partner work,
lifts,
tricks, jumps, etc.
Moving together as one with the music
10
Movements are the same on each person, clear,
clean
and precise
Equal / correct spacing between individuals on
the
performance surface during the routine and
transitions
Use of the music accents, style, creative, original
movement
10
Formations and transitions, visual impact of
group work,
levels, opposition, poms, etc.
Level of difficulty of skills, movement, weight
changes,
tempo, etc.
Ability to exhibit a dynamic routine with
showmanship
and audience appeal
Age appropriate music, costume and
choreography that
enhances the performance
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
100
Distribution of points in Jazz divisions:
Judging Criteria
Description
Execution of
Technical Skills
TECHNIQUE
GROUP
EXECUTION
Placement / Control
/ Extension
Style / Strength of
Movement
Synchronization /
Timing with Music
Uniformity of
Movement
Spacing
CHOREOGRAPHY
Musicality /
Creativity /
Originality
Routine Staging /
Visual Effects
Degree of Difficulty
OVERALL
Communication /
Crowd Appeal &
Appropriateness
TOTAL
Proper execution of leaps, turns, jumps, lifts,
partner
work, etc.
Correct placement & levels of arms / torso / hips
/ legs /
hands / feet, body control, extension, balance
Style, strength and presence in movement
Points
10
10
10
Moving together as one with the music
10
Movements are the same on each person, clear,
clean
and precise
Equal / correct spacing between individuals on
the
performance surface during the routine and
transitions
Use of the music accents, style, creative, original
movement
10
Formations and transitions, visual impact of
group work,
levels, opposition, poms, etc.
Level of difficulty of skills, movement, weight
changes,
tempo, etc.
Ability to exhibit a dynamic routine with
showmanship
and audience appeal
Age appropriate music, costume and
choreography that
enhances the performance
10
10
10
10
10
100
9. Order of the competition
The order of each competitor happens on the basis of a scenario. The time given in the
scenario is only informational. During the program there may be delays, so competitors
should prepare for their performances in advance, because it is possible that they have to be
on stage before the specified time. Please follow the performance of minimum five groups in
front of you to get to the stage on time.
Subdivision of Productions:
1. A contestant is on stage and performing.
2. The next group is waiting behind the scenes.
3. The subsequent group is waiting at the ramp door of the stage in the auditorium.
It is required to hold the final position for three seconds at the end of the performance in order
to make the reference photos. Please, compose the final position in advance.
•If you have more than one production and they are in sequence of the original scenario,
please inform us via mail or phone if you want us to change the order of performances for
technical reasons (e.g.: dancers need more time to change costumes). There will be no
possibility to change the order on the spot. The scenario (competition order) received at the
registration on the day of the competition will be considered as final.
10. Course of the competition
After the registration and the opening ceremony contestants perform by age group, category
and genre. That is:
DANCE
-Hip-hop, individual, mini, peewee, junior, senior
- Hip-hop, doubles, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Hip-hop, team, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Jazz, individual, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Jazz, doubles, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Jazz, team, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Modern, individual, mini, peewee, junior, senior
- Modern, doubles, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Modern, team, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Acrobatic rock & roll, individual, mini, peewee, junior, senior
- Acrobatic rock & roll,doubles, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Acrobatic rock & roll, team, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Tap dance, individual, mini, peewee, junior, senior
- Tap dance, doubles, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Tap dance, team, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Show, individual, mini, peewee, junior, senior
- Show, doubles, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Show, team, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Disco, individual, mini, peewee, junior, senior
- Disco, doubles, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Disco, team, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-DANCE AWARDS
CHEERDANCE
-Jazz, individual, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Jazz, doubles, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Jazz, team, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Hip-hop, individual, mini, peewee, junior, senior
- Hip-hop, doubles, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Hip-hop, team, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Freestyle, individual, mini, peewee, junior, senior
- Freestyle, doubles, mini, peewee, junior, senior
-Freestyle, team, mini, peewee, junior, senior
CHEERDANCE AWARDS
Course of the competition is subject to change!
There will be short breaks after the performances of each age group.
The award ceremony will be held after the last performance.
11. After Cheer dance awards, two additional program is offered to the
participants:
1. Professional conference led by the renowned jury
There is an opportunity to listen to the evaluation of the performances, and to discuss
professional issues. The jury will give useful advice to choreographers, coaches. The jury
will hold a short presentation of dance as art, in relation to previously agreed topic. (e.g.:
impact of competition concerning personality development, the contemporary dance
pieces in the theatrical life, Drama Pedagogy during dance classes, etc.., and on other
topics that may interest coaches and dance teachers).
2. Workshop for the competitors
Dancers, dance teachers will hold short, 20-30 minute dance lessons to the participants,
with the intention of giving the participants something that they can exploit later. We are
thinking about having a jazz or hip-hop lesson during the day in order to learn a joint
choreography where all the competitors take part. This is not only worthy closure of the
day, but it has team-building and community-forming effect as well. So it is a positive
experience for those, who failed to achieve the expected results in the tournament.
I wish everyone a successful preparation and good work!
Molnár Ágnes
Miskolc Steelleaders KSE head coach
Main organizer of Dancearena
Info: steelleaders@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/Dancearena2014
+36709301614