Ballet

To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.

REQUIREMENTS:

•  The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.)
• Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.
• Musical accompaniment must be provided by the contestant on a CD player clearly marked with the student’s name and branch. The CD must contain only the music for the performance. It is recommended that the contestant provide a backup CD.
• The theme and the dance form (ballet, modern, jazz, ethnic, hip hop, etc.) of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation.
• Aerobic exercises, street dancing, cheerleading and drill team routines may not be used.

NOTE: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Technical Proficiency/Skill (25 pts.)

  • alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility , coordination

• Clarity and Consistency in Style (25 pts.

• Phrasing/Dynamics/Musicality (25 pts.)

• Clarity of Intent/Interpretation of Choreography (25 pts.)

Contemporary

To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.

REQUIREMENTS:

•  The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.)
• Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.
• Musical accompaniment must be provided by the contestant on a CD player clearly marked with the student’s name and branch. The CD must contain only the music for the performance. It is recommended that the contestant provide a backup CD.
• The theme and the dance form (ballet, modern, jazz, ethnic, hip hop, etc.) of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation.
• Aerobic exercises, street dancing, cheerleading and drill team routines may not be used.

NOTE: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Technical Proficiency/Skill (25 pts.)

  • alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility , coordination

• Clarity and Consistency in Style (25 pts.

• Phrasing/Dynamics/Musicality (25 pts.)

• Clarity of Intent/Interpretation of Choreography (25 pts.)

Modern

To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.

REQUIREMENTS:

•  The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.)
• Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.
• Musical accompaniment must be provided by the contestant on a CD player clearly marked with the student’s name and branch. The CD must contain only the music for the performance. It is recommended that the contestant provide a backup CD.
• The theme and the dance form (ballet, modern, jazz, ethnic, hip hop, etc.) of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation.
• Aerobic exercises, street dancing, cheerleading and drill team routines may not be used.

NOTE: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Technical Proficiency/Skill (25 pts.)

  • alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility , coordination

• Clarity and Consistency in Style (25 pts.

• Phrasing/Dynamics/Musicality (25 pts.)

• Clarity of Intent/Interpretation of Choreography (25 pts.)

Traditional

To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.

REQUIREMENTS:

•  The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.)
• Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.
• Musical accompaniment must be provided by the contestant on a CD player clearly marked with the student’s name and branch. The CD must contain only the music for the performance. It is recommended that the contestant provide a backup CD.
• The theme and the dance form (ballet, modern, jazz, ethnic, hip hop, etc.) of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation.
• Aerobic exercises, street dancing, cheerleading and drill team routines may not be used.

NOTE: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Technical Proficiency/Skill (25 pts.)

  • alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility , coordination

• Clarity and Consistency in Style (25 pts.

• Phrasing/Dynamics/Musicality (25 pts.)

• Clarity of Intent/Interpretation of Choreography (25 pts.)

Dramatics

The art of staging or acting in plays

REQUIREMENTS:

1. The performance must be a minimum of three (3) minutes and maximum of five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the minimum and maximum time requirements are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.)

1. The selection must be of literate quality.

1. The material must be memorized.

1. Costumes, makeup, and props are optional, but not required.

 NOTE:  The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will b e accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Projection   (10 pts.)

• Structure  (10pts.): Does the performance have transitions/beats and a clear beginning, middle, climax, and end?  

• Memorization  (10pts.)

• Movement (10pts.): Is the blocking clear and does the actor commit to and follow through with his/her movements and gestures? 

• Emotional Connection and Honesty  (10pts.): Are you really "selling" that you are becoming this character  or are you simply "play-acting" ? 

• Imagination and Creativity (15pts.): Are you bringing something different to the piece or are you just reciting lines?  

• Stage Presence  (10pts.)

• Character Work  (10pts.)

• Specificity of Acting Choices (10pts.): Clear pursuit of Actions/Objectives

• Creation of the Space (5pts.)

Oratory

The art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively.  (This is not a dramatic presentation.)

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Only one (1) speech is to be presented, and it must not exceed five (5) minutes.
2. The selection of the speech is the decision of the contestant; it should either be an original (written by the contestant) or an excerpt from a speech written by a famous individual or historical figure.
3. The speech is not to be presented as a dramatic presentation.
4. Costumes and props are not permitted.
5. The material must be completely memorized.
6. Contestants are encouraged to prepare and deliver original selections. However, if the contestant decides to present a selection already published, we recommend that they not limit their selection to speeches delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There are many great speeches by famous people, such as Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Malcolm X, etc.

NOTE:  The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will b e accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Delivery (25 pts.)
  1. Voice
  2. Diction,
  3. Pronunciation
  4. Enunciation
  5. Gestures,
  6. Emphasis
     
• Interpretation (25 pts.)
  1. Content
  2. Subject Adherence,
  3. Theme,
  4. Logic and Color
     
• Platform Presence (25 pts.)
  1. Poise,
  2. Appeal,
  3. Impression,
  4. Attitude and Effect
     
• Projection (25 pts.)
  1. Voice
  2. Emphasis
  3. Tone
  4. Pitch
  5. Volume

Instrumental / Classical

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with tones of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. The musical selection must be one specifically written for solo performances. The performance may be an excerpt and may not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirements are subject to point deduction.)

1. Contestants must PRESENT six (6) copies of the sheet music to the judges at the time of competition.

1. If the selection chosen is written with piano accompaniment, it must be performed in that manner. Contestants must provide their own accompaniment

1. The composition to be performed must be consistent with the nature of the instrument and the level of musical proficiency of the performer.

1. The selection of music and instrument is solely the decision of the contestant.

1. The only instrument provided for the performances will be a piano.

NOTE:  The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will b e accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Interpretation, Expression, Tempo, Phrasing, and Historically appropriate style   (20 pts.)

• Intonation and touch (piano)   (20 pts.)

• Stage presence, choice of music   (20 pts.)

• Technique, articulation, Breathing, Rhythm, Facility and Accuracy   (20 pts.)

• Tone quality, Beauty, Control, Characteristic timbre    (20 pts.)

Instrumental / Contemporary

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with the tones of the present.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. The musical selection must be one specifically written for solo performances and may not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction.)

2. The selection performed should feature a solo performance. If other players are needed (as in a jazz selection), they must be provided by the contestant.

3. The only instrument provided for performance will be a piano. Any additional instruments or equipment needed must be provided by the contestant.

4. The selection of music and instrument is solely the decision of the contestant.

5. Examples of contemporary music are R&B, Broadway, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, etc.

NOTE: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Effectiveness of style, Improvisation (20 pts.)

• Intonation, Touch (piano) (20 pts.)

• Stage presence, Choice of music (20 pts.)

• Technique, Articulation, Breathing, Tonality, Rhythm, Facility (20 pts.)

• Tone quality, Beauty, Control, Characteristic timbre (20 pts.)

Vocal / Classical

The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Only one (1) song is to be performed, and it must not exceed five (5) minutes.  (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.)

1. Musical accompaniment must be provided by the competitor. Competitors should not perform to a CD. Contestants requesting accompaniment must submit sheet music with their registration packet.

1. Contestants must PRESENT six copies (6) of the sheet music to the judges at the time of competition.

1. The material must be memorized.
   
2. Costumes are not required.

NOTE:  The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will b e accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Choice of Music (10 pts.)

• Diction (25 pts.) :
  • Correctness of pronunciation

• Interpretation (10 pts.)
  
  
  • Expression
  • Phrasing
  • Historically appropriate style
  • Tempo

• Intonation (10 pts.)

• Stage presence (10 pts.)

• Technique(25 pts.)

• Tone quality (25 pts.)