Characteristics and Movement There are many kinds of Tap styles and all forms of tap dancing will compete against each other.’
The quality of the strikes against the floor must be clear and rhythmical and in harmony with the music. The music must not contain pre-recorded tap sound. Personal amplification devices are not permitted No more than 30 seconds of a cappella or tacet (silence) may be used in any one routine. “A Capella” is an open phrase of multiple measures in length, but completely absent (silent) of any/all music.
The Organiser must make sure the stage has adequate floor microphones and speakers to make the music clearly audible to the audience and adjudicators.
Music must be played at the beginning and at the end of the performance.
Tap Dance Competition format
a. Music is of the dancers’ own choice.
b. All teams dance one by one to their own music.
How to perform Tap Dancing
a. Tap Dance is a choreographed performance.
b. It is allowed to change clothes or remove items from the costume.
c. Acrobatics and lifts are allowed but will only enhance the dancers score if the acrobatic movements are well integrated in the performance with style and finesse.
d. Props are allowed if they can be brought on to the stage in less than 20 seconds. It must be possible to fold all scenic props and backgrounds so that they can be easily pass through a normal size door frame.
e. In the Juvenile age group, under 12 years of age, it is not allowed to dance on the top of a pointed toe for more than 2 beats of a bar, with the weight taken on to that foot or onto both feet while standing on the top of the toes of both feet.
Criteria for Judging
a. The judges will reward clever choreography, a realistic theme or a small story.
b. Innovative and modern use of figures and movements within the style of dancing that is performed will be highly rewarded.
c. The judges’ will use the 2-dimensional system by giving two set of crosses in the qualifying heats, one cross for Artistic Merit, the other for the Technical Merit.
d. The judges’ will use the 2-dimensional system by giving two sets of placing in the final, one set for Artistic Merit, the other for Technical Merit.