NDADD Judging Criteria

Category Specific Criteria
20 points

Kick

1. Kicks require skill and effort.
2. Backs and legs are straight.
3. Toes are pointed and feet are together on the preps.
4. Arms connections are controlled and consistent.
5. Height and placement of kicks are uniform.

Dance

1. Routine  belongs in the dance category; choreography is of the jazz or ballet style, not precision.
2. All team members are capable of performing the chosen style of dance.
3. Movements demonstrate a high level of energy.
4. Individual kicks are allowed, but not linked kick lines.

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 arms.
3. Poms are used consistently throughout the team.
4. Individual or linked kicks are allowed as long as they incorporate movement of the poms.

Hip-Hop

1. Choreography is of the hip-hop or funk style, not precision.
2. All team members are capable of performing the chosen style of dance.
3. Movements demonstrate a high level of energy.
4. Chosen style of technique is controlled and uniform.

Novelty

1. The theme is evident and fully developed through the music, movements, props, and costumes.
2. Props are effectively used to fully enhance the theme- no live props are allowed.
3. The emphasis of the routine is the dance, enhanced by the props and theme.
4. Routine should be creative and original, with visual effectiveness.

Junior High & JV Level

1. All team members properly execute a minimum of one leap and one turn.
2. Routine must contain at least 20 kicks.
3. Kicks require skill and effort; backs and legs are straight; arm connections are controlled and consistent; height and placement of kicks are uniform.
4. All team members are capable of performing the choreography.
5. Movements demonstrate a high level of energy, are tasteful and age-appropriate.

Showmanship
20 points

1. Dancers demonstrate good projection, stage presence, poise and self-confidence.
2. Dancers show attitude and enthusiasm and make the dance entertaining.
3. Facial expressions, if used, enhance the performance.
4. Dancers recover quickly from mistakes and hide nervousness.
5. Costumes are uniform within the team, with no holes or stains; hair, accessories and makeup are not distracting.

Execution
20 points

1. Movements are appropriately synchronized.
2. Dancers know the routine; dancers are not watching each other.
3. The routine has a lack of errors. (Deductions for errors based on the severity and number of errors.)
4. The spacing of the dancers is precise in all formations.
5. All skills/stunts are successfully completed.

Choreography
20 points

1. Choreography is visually effective; the dance is fun to watch.
2. Choreography is original and creative; formations and combinations of steps are unique.
3. The dance makes good use of music changes, and movements could not be transposed to another song.
4. Choreography uses a variety of steps, level changes and floor space.
5. Transitions are flowing and continuous.

Difficulty and Skills
20 points

1. Choreography, formations, and transitions require skill and effort.
2. The dance contains a variety of difficult choreography and transitions, with little repetition.
3. Movements create difficult combinations and show various skills.
4. Dancers show stamina, making the performance appear effortless.
5. Splits, if used, are flat.