APPENDIX 2 - Scoring Breakdown
Total Score: 100 points.
Each performance is evaluated according to five criteria. Each criterion has a maximum of 20 points, for a total of 100 points.
Technical Proficiency — 20 points
Evaluation of the dancer’s technical ability and physical control.
Judges assess:
- Alignment, posture, balance
- Strength, turnout, flexibility (where stylistically relevant)
- Clarity and precision of footwork
- Control in jumps, turns, and transitions
- Genre‑specific technical foundations
Threshold Guide
17–20 points — Excellent technical ability; strong control and precision
13–16 points — Good technique with minor inconsistencies
9–12 points — Developing technique; noticeable weaknesses
0–8 points — Insufficient technique; major issues in control or alignment
Execution & Group Precision — 20 points
Evaluation of how accurately the choreography is performed.
Judges assess:
- Accuracy and clarity of movements
- Timing and consistency
- Synchronization in group dances
- Spacing, formations, and transitions
- Clean entrances and exits
Threshold Guide
17–20 points — Highly accurate execution; excellent synchronization
13–16 points — Generally clean performance; minor timing or spacing issues
9–12 points — Noticeable inconsistencies in timing or clarity
0–8 points — Frequent errors; poor synchronization or unclear execution
Artistic Interpretation & Musicality — 20 points
Evaluation of expressive and musical performance.
Judges assess:
- Emotional expression and character
- Use of musical accents and phrasing
- Mood, storytelling, and presence
- Connection to the music
- Authenticity and projection
Threshold Guide
17–20 points — Strong artistic presence; excellent musical phrasing
13–16 points — Good expression; some missed accents or weaker moments
9–12 points — Limited expression; inconsistent musical connection
0–8 points — Minimal artistry; weak musical interpretation
Choreographic Design & Overall Cohesion — 20 points
Evaluation of the choreography and the cohesion of the performance.
Judges assess:
- Creativity and originality
- Structure and flow
- Suitability for age and level
- Use of space, patterns, and dynamics
- Cohesion of all elements
Threshold Guide
17–20 points — Strong, well‑structured choreography; excellent cohesion
13–16 points — Good choreography; minor structural or cohesion issues
9–12 points — Basic or uneven choreography; limited creativity
0–8 points — Weak structure; poor cohesion or unsuitable choreography
Costume & Visual Presentation — 20 points
Evaluation of the visual appearance and professionalism of the performance.
Judges assess:
- Appropriateness for age and style
- Neatness, fit, and safety
- Hair and makeup suitable for the dancer's age, the character and the dance style
- Visual impact
- Professional presentation
Threshold Guide
17–20 points — Excellent presentation; costume enhances performance
13–16 points — Good presentation; minor issues in neatness or fit
9–12 points — Adequate costume; noticeable inconsistencies
0–8 points — Poor presentation; inappropriate or unsafe costume, overall appearance unsuitable for the age, dance style or character.
Appendix 3 - Class descriptions
Repertoire Ballet
Any piece coming from recognized Ballet Repertoire.
In the Mini repertoire solos, the teachers are allowed to slightly simplify the variations to fit the technical level of the children.
In the Mini category we strongly advise the teachers to choose age appropriate variations.
It is strictly prohibited to use any kind of protected original choreography, unless the dance teacher sends DGPS the written permission from the designated organisation. This includes all Balanchine, Lacotte and Mat’s Ek works, as well as any other choreographer which requires formal permission to be danced in a competition environment.
Ballet – any style (excluding repertoire)
Any method of ballet, which uses an academic ballet technique. A Neoclassical ballet style may be employed in this category. This uses traditional ballet technique, but in a less rigid way. For example:
- different or innovative use of port de bras;
- a strong use of off-balance movements or positions;
- or a mixture with more modern movements in the upper body, whilst still using a very strong classical use of the leg lines.
National / Folklore / Character Dance
The dance will show the typical style of dance from a certain country/countries.
The music used in the performance must be relevant to that country. The music must be national/folklore music that shows the typical sound of music in that country.
Due to the variety of countries represented in the national classes, no marks are awarded for authenticity of the dance.
Bollywood – should be entered into the Show Dance category.
Lyrical
Lyrical combines ballet technique with expressive, fluid movement. The choreography should emphasize emotion, musicality, and storytelling. Acrobatics must be minimal and used only when they enhance the choreography.
Show Dance
Show Dance emphasizes theatricality, storytelling, and character. Props may be used if safe and manageable. Acrobatics must be minimal.
(Bollywood Dance would fit into this category).
Jazz Dance
Jazz features dynamic movement, isolations, syncopation, and strong musical interpretation. Styles such as Broadway or commercial jazz are permitted. Acrobatics must be minimal.
Contemporary
Contemporary incorporates modern dance principles, grounded movement, and expressive freedom. Choreography may blend elements of ballet, jazz, or modern, but must remain stylistically coherent. Acrobatics must be minimal.
Please Note: Contemporary Dance is not to be confused with Lyrical Dance. The elements required for the Contemporary dance class, must be visible within the creative dance and the technique of the dancer performing.
Song and Dance / Musical
Musical theater dance is the type of dancing, usually ballet, jazz, hip-hop, or tap, used in choreographed sequences for musical theater. It is characterized by its representational nature, its integration of song, dance and dialogue to tell a story, and an energy unique to the form. The performer of Song and Dance should have a high level of understanding of the physicality and techniques of the dance and how they are used with artistic interpretation and good vocal techniques to present an emotional story. Performers should demonstrate good control of their body and voice while they are performing.