Dance Performance, Eastern

Atlantia A&S Criteria

Individual or group entries.

Information also available as PDF.

DOCUMENTATION (0-30 points. SCORE 0-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Must have at least “EZ Doc” information. More is acceptable, although one or two pages (not counting visuals and bibliography) should be more than enough. If your documentation is more than three pages for exceptionally detailed and in-depth work, you should provide an executive summary. The best documentation will cover what they did in period, what the creator did in the project, and why the difference (if any). It will explain any conscious compromises made, and provide footnotes, illustrations, and references, as well as any original research or experimentation as it applies to the project. Give score based on the following considerations:

  • A minimum of: what it is, where is it from, when is it from, and references;
  • Materials used in the project;
  • Techniques and tools used during the process;
  • Research (country, period of origin, typical characteristics, etc.), visual references (books, portraits, etc.) from reliable sources;
  • Artistic design, i.e. the relationship between various elements such as steps, music, costume, etc. (as appropriate); as well as context in which dance would be performed; explanation of any theme.

AUTHENTICITY (0-20 points) [SCORE 0-10 and then DOUBLE THE SCORE]:

  • 0: Entire dance is clearly out of period (Ex: high heels or cabaret costume; bared midriff except in distinctly Indian dances; seduction);
  • 1: Modern music; may have period feel, but uses modern instruments. Modern steps (if appropriate), but with period feel;
  • 2: Generally period style, but with some obviously out-of-period elements (e.g., extensive veilwork-unless Indian; costuming inaccuracies; obviously modern music on tape); OR obvious mixture of styles from different cultures/periods;
  • 3: Authentic music (regardless of instruments) with “inauthentic” steps (if appropriate) or authentic steps (if appropriate) with “inauthentic” music;
  • 4-5: Period performance with minor inconsistencies;
  • 6: Completely period performance: period movements, adequate costume, appropriate accompaniment (Ex: folkloric tape with proper instrumentation), consistency of performance to music and music style;
  • 7-8: Steps (if appropriate) and music, both authentic and appropriate to each other. Allow for inappropriate ornamentation (Ex. hand placement, style of reverence…); 
  • 9-10: #3 plus special effort to create completely period impression: Ex: live music, use of authentic prop(s) from indicated culture as appropriate, development of traditional period theme with trappings, etc.

COMPLEXITY (1-10 points):

Rank the ambition of the entry, not the workmanship, scale of 1-10 considering the following:

  • Variety and difficulty of steps and sequences (of steps);
  • Difficulty and variety of upper body gestures and movement;
  • Difficulty and variety of self-accompaniment and/or prop use; 
  • Difficulty of theme/narrative/mood;
  • Scope of endeavor (length of dance, etc.).

PERFORMANCE replaces “WORKMANSHIP” on the score sheet. (3-30 points. SCORE 1-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Rank the quality of execution (performance) and success of the entry on a scale of 1-10 considering the following:

  • Grace, precision, accuracy ;
  • Timing, smoothness, transitions;
  • Use of space;
  • Isolation movements (only the parts that should move, do);
  • Showmanship, audience awareness, expression of theme or mood;
  • Consider the following only if applicable — use of self-accompaniment, props, veils, etc.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (1-10 points):

Evaluate the work as a whole, rating the complete effect and appeal beyond the mere technical proficiency. Consider how you react to the entry (intuitive response) and other items not previously addressed.