CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

At TeamX, we celebrate creativity and individuality in all dance categories. There is no “one-size-fits-all” formula, and dancers are encouraged to express their unique style. Dance is about more than just award-winning routines; it’s about discovering your own voice on the floor. Our judging panel is dedicated to providing the most constructive and valuable feedback of your season. The detailed descriptions of each category are outlined below.

SOLOS

A solo performance in any style of dance. The soloist is judged on artistry, musicality, and technical execution. The performance should connect with the audience and provoke an emotional response.

DUOS/TRIOS

Duos and trios are free to explore any dance style in their routine. The performance will be evaluated on technical execution, artistry, and musicality, with emphasis on the dancers’ unique approach and connection with each other and the audience.

JAZZ

The jazz category at TeamX is an inclusive space for a range of styles, from traditional jazz to Broadway. Technical elements such as turns, leaps, and extensions may be incorporated into the routine, and the choreography should be dynamic, strong with energy indicative of the specific music choice.

HIP-HOP

Hip-hop is an ever-evolving genre, and TeamX embraces its fluidity and transformation. Any street or hip-hop style is accepted, and the routine will be judged on the quality of execution, musicality, and overall performance.

LYRICAL

Dancers interpret the lyrics, mood, or intent of a song using ballet, jazz, and/or modern techniques. Incorporates sustained movements, emotional expression through facial and body language, and alignment with the music's theme.

CONTEMPORARY

Emphasizes movement through space, body awareness, and a variety of movement qualities. Gestures and motifs such as suspension, off-center movement, and dynamic shifts express movement through the entire body, breaking away from strict ballet or jazz forms.

CHARACTER DANCE

Centers around embodying a specific character, whether human, animal, object, or abstract concept. Utilizes multiple dance styles to enhance character development through music, costuming, and choreography, ensuring clarity and engagement without relying on pre-existing audience familiarity with the theme.

MILITARY

The Military style involves clean, crisp movements with visual formation changes and complex arm, hand, and/or leg lines. The routine should complement the music, and teams will be judged on both musicality and unison.

KICK

Focuses on kicks as the central movement element for more than three-fourths of the routine. Allows for creativity in movement style while emphasizing a variety of kick sequences. The routine can incorporate any dance style, and while no specific tricks are required, the complexity of kick sequences, height, and speed will be evaluated.

OPEN/PROP

The Open division encompasses any style of dance, not represented by any of the existing category descriptions (ie. Ballroom, Folk Dances etc.). The Prop division includes the use of props in dance routines. Proper technique in prop usage and integration with dance is key. The routine should demonstrate appropriate difficulty and showcase control and creativity with props.

POM

Any style of dance may be used to perform a pom routine, but intricate pom motions are key. The team should display difficulty through pom motions in addition to technical elements and sequences. The choreography should complement the music, with a focus on musicality and uniformity.

NOVELTY/MUSICAL THEATRE

Emphasizes a unique thematic concept or storyline that does not require prior audience knowledge. Incorporates technical dance movements that support the theme, with optional use of props, costumes, and sets to enhance the presentation.

DANCE/DRILL

Combines elements of both military and dance divisions. Requires an equal incorporation of dance and military movements throughout the routine.

ALL-MALE DANCE

Teams consist entirely of male dancers. Allows for any dance style or combination of styles.

CO-ED DANCE

Teams must include at least 2 males and 2 females. Emphasizes partnering interactions for at least 50% of the routine, with flexibility in choosing dance styles or combinations.