Powerhouse Dance Company: Varsity & Majorette Competition Guide

Welcome, Powerhouse Dancers!

This guide outlines the expectations and requirements for our upcoming competition season. Success at the competition level requires dedication, precision, and a commitment to excellence. Please read this document carefully and refer to it throughout the season to ensure you are fully prepared.

1. General Competition Requirements

These are the fundamental requirements for all Powerhouse competitors, regardless of team or division.

• Team Eligibility: All dancers must be official members of the Powerhouse Dance Company and in good standing with the organization.

• Code of Conduct: Sportsmanship is paramount. All dancers, coaches, and parents must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and respect. This includes respecting all judges, event staff, and other teams. Unruly or unsportsmanlike behavior may result in deductions or disqualification.

• Uniformity & Appearance: Dancers must be in full, approved uniform with hair and makeup done to specifications for all performances. A clean, cohesive look is essential for a professional and polished appearance.

• Music Licensing: All routine music must be properly licensed for competition use. A printed copy of proof of licensing must be available at check-in. Without this, the team may be disqualified.

• Team Roster: A final, official roster with all participating dancers' names and information must be submitted to the competition organizers by the designated deadline.

• Attendance: All team members are required to attend all practices, rehearsals, and choreography sessions. This is a team sport, and every dancer's presence is critical to perfecting the routine.

2. Varsity Dance Team: Competition Categories & Requirements

The Varsity Dance Team competes in various divisions, including Pom, Hip-Hop, and Jazz. Routines will be judged on a variety of criteria, from technique to showmanship.

Routine Requirements:

• Time Limits: Routines must not exceed the specified time limit (typically 2:15 for many divisions). Timing begins with the first note of music or first movement. Exceeding this limit will result in a penalty.

• Choreography:

  • Pom: Routines should feature sharp, synchronized movements with poms, incorporating visual formations and level changes. A high degree of difficulty in pom placement and transitions is highly scored.

  • Hip-Hop: Focus on strong, isolated movements, and intricate footwork. Routines should showcase a high-energy performance with varied choreographic elements like popping, locking, and breakdance-inspired tricks.

  • Jazz: Routines should emphasize technical precision, flexibility, and fluid movements. Turns, leaps, and extensions should be executed with clean lines and control.

• Skill Requirements:

  • Turns: Dancers should be proficient in a variety of turns, including pirouettes (doubles, triples), fouetté turns, and à la seconde turns.

  • Leaps & Jumps: Leaps should have full extension and height, with pointed toes and straight legs. Skills like split leaps, switch leaps, and C-jumps are expected.

  • Tumbling & Acro: All tumbling and acro skills must be executed safely and must be pre-approved. Dancers are expected to execute basic tumbling like front/back walkovers, handsprings, and aerial cartwheels.

Judging Criteria (Varsity Dance):

• Execution & Technique (40%): Precision, synchronization, control, proper body placement, and clean lines.

• Choreography (30%): Creativity, staging, transitions, and degree of difficulty.

• Showmanship & Performance (20%): Energy, facial expressions, audience engagement, and overall performance quality.

• Difficulty (10%): Complexity of skills, formations, and routine structure.

3. Majorette Dance Team: Competition Categories & Requirements

The Majorette Dance Team brings a unique blend of high-energy routines, powerful stands, and intricate tricks. Our majorette routines should showcase the discipline's signature style and showmanship.

Routine Requirements:

• Time Limits:

  • Field Show: (Varies, but typically up to 5:00) This category is a theatrical, high-impact routine that tells a story and incorporates various styles and a distinct theme.

  • Stand Battle: (Varies, but typically 1:30 - 2:00 per round) This category focuses on synchronization, creativity, and energy, with teams performing to provided music.

  • Captain's Battle: (Typically up to 1:00) A showcase of individual skill, creativity, and "swag" from the team's captains.

• Choreography:

  • Field Show: Should incorporate a variety of majorette styles, including bucking, popping, and intricate footwork. Visuals, formation changes, and a clear theme are crucial.

  • Stand Battle: Emphasize sharp, in-sync movements, high energy, and a confident stage presence.

• Skills & Tricks:

  • Routines should feature a wide range of majorette-specific skills, including death drops, jumps, and high-energy hip-hop and jazz-inspired movements.

  • Tricks and stunts must be executed with proper form and safety.

Judging Criteria (Majorette):

• Creativity & Originality (30%): Unique choreography, innovative formations, and an engaging theme.

• Showmanship & Energy (30%): Confident performance, powerful stage presence, audience interaction, and dynamic facial expressions.

• Synchronization & Precision (20%): Dancers moving as one unit, with clean, sharp movements and synchronized timing.

• Technique & Difficulty (20%): Execution of majorette-specific skills, turns, and flexibility.

4. Pre-Competition Checklist & Preparation

• Finalize Uniforms: Ensure all costume pieces are clean, complete, and in good condition.

• Music Submission: Upload the final routine music to the competition's online portal and bring a backup on a USB drive, clearly labeled.

• Team Check-In: The team must check in at the registration desk at the designated time, typically two hours before the doors open. Coaches must have all required credentials.

• Warm-up: Arrive in the warm-up area with plenty of time to stretch and run through the routine.

• On-Stage Etiquette: Dancers should enter and exit the stage with spirit and purpose. No excessive gestures or celebrations.