RECREATIONAL LEVEL (Beginner):
Dancers who study less than one (1) to Three (3) hours per week at the studio.
For dancers with limited technical training with a focus on basic foundational movements. No more than 3 hours of technique classes (i.e.: ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, etc.). Dancers/routines in this level will receive adjudicated awards and are eligible for special judge’s awards. Overall awards will be presented.
Recreational Level dancers perform basic movements, combinations, and transitions within choreography. Choreography features simple rhythms and an evolving understanding of musicality. Dancers are developing control of dynamics and beginning to explore performance quality and artistry.
Recreational Level skill examples include, but not limited to single pirouettes, chainé turns, piqué turns, dancing on the balls of the feet in tap, and basic leaps.
COMPETITIVE LEVEL (Intermediate):
Dancers who study four (4) to six (6) hours per week at the studio.
Competitive Level dancers should demonstrate proper execution of fundamental dance skills while beginning to incorporate more advanced movements. Dancers at this level typically train in no more than five technique classes per week across major dance styles (including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop). This level allows dancers to apply small technical advancements to foundational skills.
Dancers competing in this level will receive adjudicated awards and are eligible for special judges’ awards. Overall awards will also be presented.
Examples of Competitive Level skills include single and double pirouettes, à la seconde turns (basic), chainé turns, piqué turns, maxi ford turns, arabesque penché (pitch), and attitude positions. Leap and jump skills at this level may include grand jetés, saut de chat, calypso leaps, switch leaps (introductory), double stag leaps, jeté battu (introductory), and leap-to-turn combinations. Tap skill examples include flaps, ball changes, shuffles, shuffle-ball-changes, Irish steps, single- and double-time steps, cramp rolls, paddle and roll combinations, pick-ups, introductory pullbacks, riffs, toe drops, heel drops, traveling steps, and basic turning steps in tap.
ELITE LEVEL (Advanced):
Dancers who study over Seven (7) hours per week in the studio.
Routines at the Elite Level may range from simple to highly complex at the discretion of the choreographer. Dancers demonstrate strong dynamic control and advanced artistry through emotional expression, energy, and performance quality.
Elite Level dancers demonstrate advanced turning, jumping, and tap technique within their choreography. Turning skills at this level may include triple pirouettes, multiple fouetté turns, à la seconde turns with control, leg-hold turns, illusion turns, tilt turns and traveling turn sequences with changes of direction. Leap and jump skills may include switch leaps, calypso leaps, jeté battu, tour jetés (introductory), firebird leaps, tilt jumps, grand jetés with turns, and complex leap-to-turn combinations performed with height and control. Tap skill examples include wings, introductory toe stands, advanced pullbacks, grab-offs, pick-ups into wings, double and triple time steps, riffs with directional changes, traveling cramp roll sequences, paddle and roll combinations at increased tempo, scuffles, toe drops with turns, and advanced turning steps in tap.