Dance: Modern

Description:

Dance that is performed through a series of improvisation, expressive gestures, and unconventional movements from your emotion/feelings and interpretation of your selected music.

Overview:
Are you ready to bring emotion and creativity to life through movement? Modern dance is all about interpreting music and feelings with expressive gestures, improvisation, and unconventional moves that tell a story. For this performance, your routine must be rooted in one or more recognized modern dance techniques—such as Dunham, Graham, Horton, Humphrey, Limon, or another established style. Let your artistry shine as you push boundaries and share your unique expression!

Notes for Judges ● Each contestant will have 5 minutes to present their performance and then the judging co-hort will have 5 minutes for any follow up questions and quick deliberations before the next contestant. Each contestant will only have an allocated time frame of 10 minutes. ● You should not under any circumstances engage with the students before or after the competition until the Awards Ceremony has concluded. ● You must provide honest constructive feedback for each contestant that you are judging. ● Scoring Rubric: ○ 95-100 - Qualifies as a Gold Medalist ○ 90+Up - Qualifies as a Silver Medalist ○ 85+Up - Qualifies as a Bronze Medalist ■ Please take heed that the identifying word here is “Qualifies”. There can be multiple contestants that can qualify as gold medalist and if that’s the case the highest score will receive the gold, and silver and bronze will be allocated to the next two highest scores. In the event the highest score is a 90 then there is no gold medalist and there’s only a possibility for a silver and bronze medalist as long as the remaining scores land within the 85+Up region.

Requirements:

1. Performance Time: The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes.

Note: Exceeding this time limit may result in points deduction or disqualification.

2. Costume: Costumes are optional but should be appropriate to the style and theme of the choreography.

3. Theme: Clearly identify the theme of the performance to the judges prior to the presentation.

This will help the judges understand your artistic intent.

4. Technique: Your performance must be rooted in one or more of the following modern dance techniques:

a. Dunham

b. Graham

c. Horton

d. Humphrey

e. Limon

f. or other recognized modern dance techniques

5. Contestant Introduction: State your introduction in full, per the Contestant Introduction Script, before beginning your performance.

6. Statement of Integrity: Submit a completed Statement of Integrity Form with your application

Necessary Equipment:

This equipment is provided and standard at the national competition.

Note: Contact your local ACT-SO Chairperson to see if this equipment is available at the local level.

1. 1 Sound System w/2 Speakers that is electricity based, not battery powered

2. Laptop w/charger or Phone w/Charger

a. Dongle Adapter for Macbooks

3. Aux Adaptor for playback from phones
a. USB C to 3.5 mm Aux Jack (most modern devices)
b. Lightning to 3.5 Aux Jack (older apple devices)

4. Aux cable

5. Outlet Surge Protector

Required Submissions:

• Bio (PDF) → First_Last_Bio
• Contestant Photo (PDF) → First_Last_CP
• Statement of Integrity (PDF) → First_Last_SOI
• Audio File (MP3) → First_Last_Audio

When uploading your documents, you must name each file exactly as shown above in order for it to be properly uploaded and integrated into our automated system.

Example: John_Doe_WP (using your own first and last name, followed by the file label shown for your category).

Note: If files are not received in these formats, they are out of compliance and ineligible until rectified. If they are not corrected before the deadline, the contestant will no longer be able to compete at this year's iteration of the National Competition

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

25 Points: Technical Proficiency/Skill

1. alignment

2. strength

3. endurance

4. flexibility

5. coordination

25 Points: Clarity and Consistency in Style

The clarity and consistency of your chosen modern dance style.

25 Points: Phrasing/Dynamics/Musicality

The quality of your phrasing, dynamic range, and musical interpretation.

25 Points: Clarity of Intent/Interpretation of Choreography

The clarity of your artistic intent and your ability to convey emotion through movement.

100 Total Points

Point Deduction -0.25 per 15 sec

For every 15 seconds the performance exceeds the allotted time limit (5 minutes), 0.25 point is deducted.

Tips for Dance Modern Contestants:

Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be.

Choose a Strong Song: Select a song that complements your dance style and inspires your performance.

Tell a Story: Use your body to convey a story or emotion through your dance.

Master the Fundamentals: Focus on strong technique and clean lines.

Perform with Passion: Let your enthusiasm shine through your performance.

Connect with the music: Feel the rhythm and let it guide your movements.

Stage Presence: Command the stage with confidence and charisma.

Dress to Impress: Choose a costume that enhances your performance and reflects your style.

Warm-up Before Your Performance: Prepare your body for the physical demands of dancing.

Have Fun! Enjoy the experience and let your love for dance shine.

By following these tips and focusing on the judging criteria, you can create a powerful and memorable performance!