JUDGING CRITERIA


PERFORMANCE 50%
The judges will reward routines for incorporating unique and original/creative moves, good usage of the stage, formations, showmanship and authentic presence of dance styles resulting in an entertaining routine that evokes emotional response.
​
CREATIVITY (10%)
Choreographing and presenting the routine in a unique and one-of-a-kind way with signature moves and combinations of moves that has the X factor. Original ways to go to the floor, getting up from the floor, transitions and music selection that sets the dancer apart from other routines. Be special, different and fresh with all aspects of the routine.
 
 
STAGING, SPACING, FORMATIONS, AND LEVEL CHANGES (10%)
Dancers must demonstrate awareness of spacing/position between the members through a full range of unique, complicated and challenging formations, interactive partner moves and patterns. The full use of the stage will also be considered. The routine should include levels of movement; floor, kneeling, crouching, standing and air, utilizing arm, hand, leg, foot, torso, and head movements with transitions that are creative and unpredictable.
 
 
SHOWMANSHIP: INTENSITY, CONFIDENCE, PROJECTION & PRESENCE. (10%)
The routine should contain dynamic movements from beginning to end by the dancer/dancers as a whole and as individuals with minimal pauses and poses. Projection of the dancer is consistently strong throughout the entire routine with an uninterrupted display of confidence measured by facial expression, eye contact and body movement. The dancer should perform with enthusiasm, passion and a natural ability to "sell it" on stage.
 
 
STYLE PRESENCE & ATTIRE (10%)
Style presence is the ability of the dancer/dancers to demonstrate an authentic and uninhibited representation of their styles of dance. Style presence includes attitude, energy, posture and charisma. Dancer/dancers may wear stylized attire representing their routine's theme but must be cautious it does not lose the fundamental identity, look and presence of street dance and hip hop.
 
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE/AUDIENCE APPEAL (10%)
Dancer/Dancers and their routine should connect with the camera and evoke emotional responses, i.e., excitement, joy, laughter, involvement and /or sense of drama relative to the style presented. The routine should leave a memorable and lasting impression.
​
​
SKILL 50%
The judges will evaluate the execution and difficulty of the style(s) performed; popping, locking, breaking, hip hop, house, etc. The judges will consider the quality of movement throughout the routine, including arm, leg and body placement within each style.
​
​
MUSICALITY (10%)
Performance and choreography corresponding to timing and music usage and the Dancer/Dancers ability to perform simultaneously to the music.
Beat Technique/Syncopation - The movements within the routine must demonstrate musical structure and style, l.e., using rhythmic variations emphasizing upbeat, downbeat, tempo and accents in single, double, halftime and syncopated musical patterns.

Moves Related to Music - Staying in time with the music, moving to the beat of the music, and using identifiable phrases and components of the music (e.g., vocals and instruments) to construct the routine's choreography.
 
 
SYNCHRONIZATION/TIMING (10%)
The movements of the Dancer/Dancers are performed in sync; the range of movement, speed, timing and execution of moves are performed by Dancer/Dancers are in unison.

 
EXECUTION/CONTROLLED MOBILITY AND STABILIZATION (10%)
The Dancer/Dancers must maintain control of the speed, direction, momentum and body placement throughout the routine.

 
DIFFICULTY OF EXECUTION OF AUTHENTIC DANCE STYLES (10%)
Difficulty is measured by the levels of ability demonstrated by Dancer/Dancers in the variety of styles performed. Consideration is given to who attempt and successfully complete complex choreography and who demonstrate through their variety of dance styles and their execution an understanding of the foundation and origin of the dance styles. Additional consideration and awarding of difficulty points is given to dancers who perform more difficult moves together.


VARIETY OF DANCE STYLES (10%)
Dancer/Dancers should include dance styles in their performance selected from the list provided below without excessive use of the same moves or patterns.

The following is a list of street/club/funk dance styles from early foundation to present from which dancers can incorporate into their routine (including but not limited to):

Hip Hop Dance
Locking Popping Breaking
Whacking
Voguing
House Dance
Party Dances or Club Dances (popular or trendy dances)
Krumping
Stepping/Gumboot Dance
Dancehall
Commercial
Afro Style

Dancer(s) "identifiably performing" three (3) or more dance styles will receive the maximum of one point (1.0) or the full 10%.
 
Dancer(s) "identifiably performing" two (2) dance styles will receive a maximum of point 5 (5).
 
Dancer(s) "identifiably performing" one (1) dance style will receive a maximum of point two five (.25).

Traditional/cultural/folkloric dance elements are welcome in a routine, but they must be kept to a minimum i.e., limited in the number of traditional/cultural/folkloric moves and the amount of time they are used in the performance.

Qualification criteria: The top ten entries that score above the average will earn a qualification to complete at the NZ Hip Hop Dance Championship. Note: the final decision on the number of entries that advance to Nationals sits solely with our Judiciary Director/Head Judge.  
​