Description of Style Categories

Jazz: An upbeat style of dance that where the focus is on technical skills.
Kick: Varied kick sequences are performed with an emphasis on kick technique and height.
Pom: Pom Pons used to create a visually effective, high energy routine, where the focus is on precision and placement.
Military: Style consisting of strong, sharp, linear movements focused on precision and placement.
Prop: An object is used to create an effect in a dance routine. The object (s) must be a majority of the time of the time and be the main focus of the routine.
Novelty: A theme is acted out by using dance movements that fit the “character” of the routine.
Lyrical: Style using fluid body movements and control that combines elements of ballet, modern and jazz while incorporating technique.
Modern: Style consisting of modern dance techniques such as suspension, release, and contraction. Characterized by bodily movements and rhythms less formalized than other forms of dance.
Contemporary: Style using newer philosophies of movement which depart from classical dance styles without losing the structure, form or technique.
Hip Hop: Style using “street” style movements that evolved from the hip-hop culture. This includes a wide range of styles including breaking, locking and popping.
Open: This is a routine that does not fall into the other categories such as Tap, Ballet or a routine that is a combination of different dance styles.
Productions: Typically a themed performance utilizing staging, props, and/or back drops that extends longer than the 3 minute time limit.