ACRO/GYMNASTIC

Acro & gymnastic dance uses all the athletic qualities of acrobatics & gymnastics combined with the classic techniques of dance.  It’s a blend of acrobatics & dance choreography performed to music.  The dance must include 50% of dance moves and a minimum of 30% of acrobatics movements.

 

BALLET

Ballet is a theatrical dance made up of formalized ballet steps and movements. Ballet choreography normally involves a story, theme, atmosphere or emotion. Ballet performances can include Classical, Romantic or Neoclassical styles.

 

BALLROOM

This style is made up of a variety of different dances like Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot & Quickstep.  It also encompasses alternative styles like Argentine Tango, Boogie, Rock ‘n Roll & Sokkie.

Choreography can be of one style only or a mix of styles together.

Ballroom is a structured form of partner dancer with elegant moves, precise steps and close body contact.

 

CONTEMPORARY/MODERN

Contemporary dance is made up of fluid, expressive styling drawing from Ballet and Modern Dance techniques, but without any strict rulings.  This allows the dancer to explore & express the movements of the body in a very individual way.  Choreography often displays unique works reflecting social or political contemporary issues creating thought provoking routines.

Contemporary dancers often show emotion through movement & breath.

 

FREESTYLE/ MEGADANCE/ ENERGY

Freestyle is a fast, athletic style of dance which originated in the 1970’s from John Travolta’s Saturday Night Fever movie.  It was also known as “Disco” dance and was considered a new style, hence the name Freestyle. This style is usually performed to Club Music with a steady beat & bass line & incorporates a variety of movements including fast spins, high kicks and fast arm & foot movements.  Rhythmic interpretation is also prevalent. 

 

ETHNIC & FOLK

These styles incorporate traditional cultural dances that have been passed through generations and reflect the traditions/cultures of a particular region or community.

Some ethnic/folk dances have set moves or choreographies that are often related to festivities, ritual holidays or events.

Many tribal dances are ceremonial & are performed to mark important milestones or events of the tribe.

Examples of dance styles in this category would be Pantsula, Zulu, Afro Beats/Fusion, Irish, Scottish, Indian, Spanish etc.

 

HIP HOP & STREET STYLES

Hip Hop is a dynamic, expressive style done to Hip Hop music incorporating isolations, freestyling, fluid arm gestures and intricate foot movements.  Personality and attitude go hand in hand with these styles.

Hip Hop draws from many different dances such as Krump, Animation, House, Breakdancing, Popping & Locking etc.

Hip Hop choreography is a mix of street styles, not only one street style.  Mainstream hip hop focuses on memorizing moves while original Hip Hop was more individual, unique in movement and more freestyling.

Street dance is an umbrella term for various dance styles that developed on the streets with a strong emphasis on personal expression & connection to the rhythm.

 

JAZZ

Jazz is an expressive style of dance to syncopated music stemming from various music sounds like blues & ragtime.

Jazz dance is explosive, grounded & sensuous. Dancers create a conversation between the dancers’ body movements, the musicians & the instruments.

There are many subgenres like Jazz Funk, Modern Jazz, Commercial Jazz & Lyrical Jazz to name a few.

Jazz is sharp, rhythmic & full of personality.

 

LATIN

Latin is a vibrant, rhythmical & passionate style that in modern times can be done in solo or couples format.

There are a variety of different styles like Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, Salsa, Mambo & many more.  Dances can be performed singly or in a segue/mix of styles.  It’s characterized by expressive hip movements, body isolations & lively rhythms with fluid body movements & energetic foot rhythms.  The dancers body is expected to relate to the rhythm & tempo of the music.  While there are expected structured steps, personal interpretation and performance are encouraged.

 

LYRICAL

Lyrical dance comes from the word ‘Lyrical’ which means to have a poetic, expressive quality and the dancer uses feelings & emotions to express their choreography.  The dance draws from a mix of styles like Ballet, Jazz and other styles of modern dance.

Lyrical is characterized by fluid, continuous, graceful movements and using the space on the floor.

 

MUSICAL THEATRE

Musical theatre has its roots in the history of Broadway musicals.  Singing, dancing & acting are the 3 skills required for this genre.

Musical theatre dance is about embracing a character/s in a show & telling the story through dance.

Usually moves from Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and tap are used in the choreography.

Musical theatre shows aspects like love, anger, humour through movement, music and technical enhancement.

Disclaimer: Dance X dancers will be expected to mime on stage as microphones will not be provided for the singing element.

 

OPEN

Any dance that does not fit into a particular category, or is a mix of genres will be considered suitable for the Open section

 

PAS DE DEUX/ADAGE

Pas de deux or adage must have 4 or more lifts in the choreography.

This is a dance duo where two dancers come together to perform ballet steps.  The four major elements are promenades, lifts, turns, jumps (although there are others).

Other styles of dance duos are also accepted if similar in character.

Adage (Adagio) means slowly, or at a leisurely pace.  It covers a wide range of movements that are performed slowly.

 

TAP

A dance style where dancers wear metal taps attached to the toe & heel of their shoes which creates rhythmic sounds with their feet.  The percussive, audible beat makes ‘music’ with the tappers feet.

Can be danced with any style of music.

Disclaimer: Dance X cannot guarantee the floor surface or sound will be suitable for tap dance.  Please check the venue & floor surface before entering.