NDADD Judging Criteria
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CATEGORY SPECIFIC CRITERIA – 20 POINTS (not used in Collegiate Division)

Kick

1. Kicks require skill and effort.
2. Upper body (back straight, arms are controlled and consistent)
3. Lower body (toes are pointed, feet together on preps, legs are straight)
4. Emphasis is placed on the uniform height and placement of kicks.

Jazz

1. Upper body (extension, control, placement)
2. Lower body (extension, control, placement)
3. Movements demonstrate musical interpretation and visual effectiveness.
4. Emphasis is placed on proper technical execution.

Pom

1. Poms are the focal point of the dance.
2. Poms are utilized for full visual effect, as more than an extension of the arm.
3. Poms are used consistently throughout the team.
4. Emphasis is placed on poms through controlled pom motions and difficult pom skills.

Hip Hop

1. Choreography focuses on contemporary upbeat moves that are dynamic and have a street style feel.
2. Dancers demonstrate proper body movement, control and isolations.
3. Movements demonstrate musical interpretation, creativity, and rhythm.
4. Emphasis is placed on strong, powerful moves with an athletic feel (“pop, lock & drop”).

Novelty

1. Theme is fully developed through the creative and original use of music, movements, props, and costumes.
2. Theme is clearly evident throughout the routine.
3. Props are visual and effective, show variety, and enhance the theme.
4. Emphasis is placed on the routine as a dance enhanced by the props and theme.

Junior High

1. Dancers demonstrate proper kick technique.
2. Dancers demonstrate proper dance technique.
3. Movements demonstrate musical interpretation and visual effectiveness.
4. Emphasis is placed on incorporating all required elements into the routine.

SHOWMANSHIP - 20 points

1. Dancers demonstrate good projection, stage presence, poise, self-confidence, and facial expressions to enhance the performance.
2. Dancers show energy and emotion to make the routine entertaining.
3. Dancers recover quickly from mistakes and hide nervousness.
4. Costumes are uniform within the team, tasteful, and age-appropriate. Costumes, hair, accessories and makeup are not distracting.

EXECUTION - 20 points

1. Dancers properly execute technical elements in accordance with the ability level of the entire team.
2. Movements are appropriately aligned, controlled and synchronized, and all skills/stunts are successfully completed in time with the music.
3. Routine has a lack of errors. (Deductions for errors are based on the severity and number of errors.) Dancers know the routine; dancers are not watching each other or coach.
4. Spacing of the dancers is precise in formations.

CHOREOGRAPHY - 20 points

1. Choreography is visually effective; the routine is fun to watch.
2. Choreography is original and creative; combinations are unique. Spotlighting, if used, enhances the routine.
3. Choreography uses a variety of steps, formations, level changes and floor space. Routine incorporates unique and smooth transitions.
4. Routine makes good use of tasteful, age appropriate music and music changes.

DIFFICULTY & SKILLS - 20 points

1. Choreography, formations and transitions require skill, effort, and flexibility.
2. Routine contains a variety of choreography, with little repetition. Points are awarded based on the number of dancers successfully performing skills.
3. Movements create challenging combinations and show various skills.
4. Dancers show stamina, making the performance appear effortless.
   

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