CONTEMPORARY DANCE GUIDELINES

Contemporary Dance in Azul Fest It is a space that celebrates the freedom of movement, innovation, and emotional depth that characterize this artistic style. This genre offers performers the opportunity to explore and express ideas, emotions, and narratives through a unique combination of technique, creativity, and scenic connection.

Every contemporary dance choreography should emphasize fluid movement, expressive use of space, and the integration of technique with narrative. Improvisation, organic transitions, and an authentic connection between performers and audience are valued. This style allows artists to break boundaries, merge disciplines, and explore new body languages.

The goal of Contemporary Dance at Azul Fest is to provide a space where creativity and interpretation take center stage, allowing performers to bring their personal and unique vision to the stage. This style celebrates individual and group expression, highlighting dance's ability to communicate and move in profound and original ways.

CHOREOGRAPHY CATEGORIES AND TIMES

It is determined by Calendar Age, that is, it will depend on the year of birth of the participants and is calculated as follows:

Current Year – Year of Birth = Calendar Age

Example: 2025 – 2000 = 25 Years

SOLO/DUO/TRIO

CATEGORY AGE MINIMUM TIME MAXIMUM TIME
Baby 3 to 6 years 1:10 minutes 1:50 minutes
Infant A 7 to 9 years old 1:10 minutes 1:50 minutes
Infant B 10 to 12 years old 1:10 minutes 1:50 minutes
Juvenile A 13 to 15 years old 2:00 minutes 2:30 minutes
Juvenil B 16 to 18 years old 2:00 minutes 2:30 minutes
Adult 19 to 35 years old 2:00 minutes 2:30 minutes
Senior +35 years 2:00 minutes 2:30 minutes
Professional All ages 2:00 minutes 2:30 minutes
Mix Mix of ages 2:00 minutes 2:30 minutes

TEAMS/GROUPS/MEGA GROUPS

CATEGORY AGE MINIMUM TIME MAXIMUM TIME
Baby 3 to 6 years 2:00 minutes 3:30 minutes
Infant A 7 to 9 years old 2:00 minutes 3:30 minutes
Infant B 10 to 12 years old 2:00 minutes 3:30 minutes
Juvenile A 13 to 15 years old 2:00 minutes 3:30 minutes
Juvenil B 16 to 18 years old 2:00 minutes 3:30 minutes
Adult 19 to 35 years old 2:00 minutes 3:30 minutes
Senior +35 years 2:00 minutes 3:30 minutes
Professional All ages 2:00 minutes 3:30 minutes
Mix Mix of ages 2:00 minutes 3:30 minutes

There will be a tolerance of 10 seconds.
In the event of not complying with the regulatory time
may lead to the disqualification of the group.
Please cooperate, keep your time well.
In all cases the timing of the routine will begin
with the 1st choreographic movement or musical note and will end in the same way.

1. TECHNIQUE IN CONTEMPORARY DANCE

The technique in Contemporary Dance It is an essential element that allows for the expressiveness of movement based on principles such as fluidity, body control, and integration with gravity.

1.1 Execution of movements (10 points)

Evaluates the precision, control, and technical quality of the movements performed. In contemporary dance, the execution should reflect clarity in the movement's intention, avoiding unnecessary tension and promoting fluidity of movement.

Movements are expected to be articulate and reflect the choreographic intention without rigidity.

Changes in dynamics and the ability to transition between different body states are valued.

✅ For soloists: The ability to execute complex movements with autonomy and control is measured, highlighting individual expressiveness.

✅ For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: In addition to individual performance, group technical coherence is assessed, ensuring that members share a unified aesthetic line.

1.2 Transitions (10 points)

Continuity and fluidity between movements are analyzed, ensuring that transitions are organic and natural.

In Contemporary Dance, transitions often include weight shifts, shifts, and floor movements that must be performed fluidly and in connection with the body's energy.

Abrupt transitions that affect the coherence of the movement are penalized.

✅ For soloists: Each transition must be harmoniously integrated into the choreographic proposal.

✅ For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: Group transitions are expected to be synchronized and allow for a fluid stage connection.

1.3 Body control (10 points)

Evaluates body control in alignment, posture and stability during execution.

The Contemporary Dance requires conscious use of the body's core to manage level changes, turns, and controlled falls.

Breathing integrated with movement and interaction with gravity to generate fluidity are valued.

✅ For soloists: The ability to maintain balance and control in each dynamic is measured.

✅ For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: Uniformity in body control among members is assessed.

2. CHOREOGRAPHY IN CONTEMPORARY DANCE

In Contemporary Dance, Choreography is an artistic expression that combines technique, originality, and expression. This block evaluates the integration of these elements into a cohesive and fluid proposal.

2.1 Creativity and Originality (10 points)

Evaluates the ability to generate unique combinations of movement, exploring dynamics and textures typical of contemporary style.

The innovative use of body and space is valued, incorporating qualities such as suspension, collapse, resistance, and fluidity.

Originality also encompasses the integration of stage elements or accessories, as long as they complement the proposal without interfering with the technical execution.

Choreographies that explore organic and non-traditional movements, avoiding predictable choreographic structures, will be appreciated.

✅ For soloists: Creativity is measured by the ability to generate dynamic contrasts, the use of different spatial levels, and originality in movement combinations.

✅ For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: The interaction between members, the composition of striking visual images, and the construction of innovative group sequences are valued.

2.2 Technical Complexity (10 points)

Analyze the difficulty level of the choreography, including jumps, spins, falls, movements, and weight combinations.

A fluid integration of advanced technical elements that challenge the dancer's endurance, body control, and adaptability is expected.

The complexity lies not only in the execution of movements, but in the natural transition between them and the relationship with musicality.

In groups, the difficulty increases with dynamic formation changes, canon movements, and high-precision spatial structures.

✅ For soloists: The technical level is expected to challenge the dancer, while maintaining control and polished execution.

✅ For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: It measures how individual complexity merges into a synchronized and coordinated group execution.

2.3 Use of Space (10 points)

Evaluates the use of stage space, ensuring balanced and expressive movements.

In Contemporary Dance, the use of space is essential to generate immersive movement dynamics, avoiding dead areas within the staging.

The exploration of three-dimensional space is valued, including high, medium and low levels.

Limited use of space or lack of dynamism in movement is penalized.

✅ For soloists: The use of space should be varied and expressive, reflecting spatial awareness and control of directions.

✅ For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: Group transitions are expected to utilize space effectively, generating interesting visual effects and maintaining a clear stage organization.

3. MUSICALITY IN CONTEMPORARY DANCE

Musicality in Contemporary Dance It's key to highlighting the connection between the movements and the rhythmic elements of the music. This section assesses how dancers interpret musical dynamics, adapting to changes in tempo, accents, and sound textures present in the chosen piece.

3.1 Musical Performance (10 points)

Evaluates the dancer or group's ability to synchronize movements with the nuances of the music, reflecting both major rhythms and melodic transitions.

In Contemporary Dance, the relationship with music is not limited to following a fixed beat, but can also play with silences, changes in intensity and extended musical phrases.

A conscious interpretation of musical accents is expected, using movement variations (fast, smooth, explosive or controlled) to enrich the choreographic proposal.

Musicality is also reflected in the ability to project the emotions that music conveys, aligning artistic intention with technical execution.

✅ For soloists: The dancer's ability to independently mark rhythmic and dynamic changes, demonstrating a deep connection to the music, is assessed.

✅ For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: The collective ability to interpret music in a synchronized manner is measured, avoiding gaps or differences in intensity between the members.

Key Elements of Musicality in Contemporary Dance

✔ Connection with dynamic changes: Dancers must adapt to variations in tempo, intensity and sound nuances.

✔ Use of silences and pauses: The incorporation of moments of stillness is valued to generate expressive contrasts.

✔ Internal rhythms and breathing: The relationship between breathing and music influences the fluidity and naturalness of movement.

✔ Artistic coherence: The performance must be aligned with the nature of the musical piece, reflecting its structure and narrative.

4. INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE AND GROUP COORDINATION IN CONTEMPORARY DANCE

This block evaluates the quality of the dancer's or group's performance, ensuring precision, uniformity, and visual coherence within the choreography.

4.1 Individual Performance (Soloists) (15 points)

Evaluates the dancer's precision, control, and projection throughout their entire performance.

The soloist must demonstrate absolute mastery of movement, avoiding synchronization errors or mismatches with the music.

The performance must convey strength, confidence, and fluidity, using the body as a means of expression without depending on other dancers.

In Contemporary Dance, the emotional and technical connection must remain constant, aligning with the rhythmic changes of the music.

The ability to adapt to changes in pace and dynamics is measured, ensuring that each transition is executed smoothly and without loss of energy.

✅ For soloists: Endurance, precision, and consistency in the execution of movements are valued, ensuring quality from start to finish.

4.2 Synchronization and Cohesion (Duos, Trios, Teams, Groups and Mega Groups) (10 points)

Coordination between dancers is analyzed, ensuring that everyone maintains the same timing and rhythm without any discrepancies.

The Contemporary Dance requires groups to work as a synchronized unit, where each performer complements the collective movement.

Members are expected to perform movements with the same intensity and energy, avoiding visual differences within the team.

During formation changes, transitions must be precise and fluid, ensuring that the dancers move in harmony without disrupting the choreographic structure.

Synchronization is evaluated based on the clarity of movement and the rhythmic adjustment of each dancer with respect to the others.

✅ For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: Uniformity in rhythm and transitions is valued, projecting cohesion throughout the routine.

4.3 Uniformity (Only for Duos, Trios, Teams, Groups and Mega Groups) (5 points)

Evaluates the homogeneity in the execution of movements, ensuring that all performers maintain the same aesthetic and energy.

Consistency in posture, range of motion, and intensity level is measured, avoiding differences between team members.

A cohesive group should move as a fluid unit, where each dancer reinforces the visual structure without standing out individually (unless intentional within the choreography).

Clean formations, synchronized transitions, and unity in the interpretation of movements are valued.

Key Elements of Performance in Contemporary Dance

✔ Definition of movements: All steps must be executed with clarity and power.

✔ Connection with music: The execution must respond directly to the rhythmic accents and the artistic intention.

✔ Fluency and control: The dancer or group must move confidently and naturally, without forcing movements.

✔ Accuracy and timing: For groups, accuracy in joint execution is essential.

5. VISUAL IMPACT IN CONTEMPORARY DANCE

The visual impact on Contemporary Dance It complements the artistic proposal, reinforcing the narrative and the stage identity of the choreography. This section evaluates the costumes, characterization, and overall aesthetics of the presentation, ensuring consistency with the concept and style performed.

5.1 Costume and Characterization (10 points)

Evaluate the aesthetic coherence of the costumes and accessories in relation to the artistic concept of the choreography.

The wardrobe must be functional, allowing mobility and comfort, without interfering with technical execution.

In Contemporary Dance, creativity is valued in the choice of visual elements, seeking to complement the atmosphere of the piece.

The use of makeup and hairstyles should be integrated subtly, avoiding overshadowing the performance or technique.

Costumes that restrict movement, are unsafe, or are unrelated to the artistic proposal will be penalized.

✅ For soloists: The costumes are expected to reinforce the dancer's identity and expression, while maintaining harmony with the music and artistic concept.

✅ For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: The uniformity or coordination of the team's attire is assessed, ensuring that it reinforces the group's aesthetic and visual cohesion.

Key Elements of Visual Impact in Contemporary Dance

✔ Conceptual coherence: The costumes and visual elements must be aligned with the artistic proposal.

✔ Functionality: Accessories and clothing should be practical and not interfere with movement.

✔ Style and creativity: Originality in visual presentation is valued without losing the essence of the style.

✔ Group uniformity: In group choreographies, the visual elements should generate a sense of unity.

6. EMOTIONAL CONNECTION IN CONTEMPORARY DANCE

Emotional connection is one of the pillars of Contemporary Dance, It allows dancers to convey feelings and emotions to the audience. Beyond technique, this section assesses the performers' ability to project their energy, connect with the audience, and reinforce the artistic narrative of the choreography.

6.1 Stage Projection (5 points)

Evaluate the presence and attitude of the dancer or group on stage, ensuring that each movement is charged with intention and expressiveness.

The projection should be natural and convincing, reflecting the character and emotion of the selected piece of music.

In Contemporary Dance, dancers are expected to maintain a constant energy that is congruent with the dynamic changes of the choreography.

Emotional authenticity is valued, avoiding forced or overacted interpretations.

Connecting with the audience is a key factor, whether through the gaze, gestures, or intensity of movements.

✅ For soloists: It measures how the dancer manages to fill the stage with his or her presence and how his or her individual performance impacts the audience.

✅ For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: It is assessed that all members project the same energy, avoiding differences in intensity that could break cohesion.

Key Elements in the Stage Projection of Contemporary Dance

✔ Emotional authenticity: Performers must reflect genuine emotions in their movements.

✔ Stage presence: Attitude and energy must be constant and consistent throughout the routine.

✔ Interaction with the public: The ability to generate a direct emotional impact on viewers is valued.

✔ Group cohesion: In groups, the emotional connection must be uniform, projecting itself as a team.

7. DEDUCTIONS IN CONTEMPORARY DANCE

To ensure fairness and compliance with competition standards, deductions will be applied if participants fail to meet certain technical or structural aspects of their presentation.

Deductions will be subtracted from the total score obtained in the evaluation and will apply to soloists, duos, trios, teams, groups, and mega groups.

7.1 Time Exceeded (3 points will be deducted for every 10 seconds over the maximum time allowed.)

Each category has a set time limit for submission.

If the total choreography time exceeds the maximum allowed, 3 points will be deducted for every additional 10 seconds.

The duration must strictly adhere to tournament regulations to avoid penalties.

✅ Suggestion: It is advisable to rehearse with a stopwatch to ensure that the choreography does not exceed the time limit.

7.2 Abrupt Musical Editing (5 points will be deducted if the music ends abruptly.)

The music editing should be clean and fluid, ensuring that the track ends naturally or with a proper closure.

If the music cuts off suddenly or without a fade out, a 5-point deduction will be applied.

The editing must be aligned with the choreographic concept, avoiding cuts that disrupt the performance experience.

✅ Suggestion: It is recommended to review the track edition before the event and ensure it has a clean finish.

Key Elements to Avoid Deductions

✔ Check the duration of the choreography: Make sure the music doesn't exceed the time limit.

✔ Edit music correctly: Avoid abrupt cuts or unexpected terminations.

✔ Rehearse with the final track: Check that the musical version fits well with the choreography before the competition.

Important Note:

Restriction of Dangerous Movements:

The use of whiplash and whiplash is prohibited in the Baby and Children categories.

In the other categories, it is recommended to pay special attention to the choice of movements, always prioritizing the safety of the dancers.

Use of Elements and Accessories on Stage:

The choice of music should be related to the elements used and the story you want to tell or develop in the choreography.

It is recommended to create situations and construct narratives that can be adapted to the group, taking into account the age and profile of the dancers.

The use of adult stories in children's choreography is discouraged.

Rules on the Use of Scenic Elements:

There will be no restrictions on the use of props, as long as they are not watery or remain on the stage after the performance, as they could interfere with the next act.

The use of fire, flares, or flammable materials is prohibited, as they pose a risk to the safety of participants and the public.

If props are used, the group must remove them during the blackout to ensure the continuity of the event.

Consideration of Skills:

Skills from other disciplines or dance styles outside the competition will not be evaluated.

8. EVALUATION PROCESS

The evaluation process is based on a detailed form covering various aspects of the presentation. The items evaluated and their corresponding scores are detailed below:

Technique (30 points):

Precision, control, and technical quality in the execution of movements are assessed, including fluid transitions and body control.

Choreography (30 points):

Creativity and originality.

Technical complexity.

Efficient use of stage space.

Musicality (10 points):

Precise interpretation and connection with the rhythmic and dynamic elements of the music.

Execution (15 points):

Soloists (15 points):

Stage presence, individual projection, and the ability to maintain precision and expressiveness throughout the performance are valued.

Duos, Trios, Teams, Groups and Mega Groups (15 points):

It includes synchronization, cohesion and uniformity among the members, ensuring a homogeneous collective performance.

Visual Impact (10 points):

Costumes and characterization, aligned with the style and artistic proposal of the choreography.

Emotional Connection (5 points):

Ability to convey emotions, stage projection and connection with the audience.

Total: 100 points

Deductions:

Time exceeded: -3 points for every 10 seconds additional to the maximum allowed time (after the 10-second tolerance).

Abrupt musical edition: -5 points if the music ends abruptly.

And for the purposes of awarding points, the ranks are unified as follows:

40 TO 70 POINTS

THIRD PLACE

71 TO 84 POINTS

SECOND PLACE

85 TO 100 POINTS

TOP

9. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TEACHER OR CHOREOGRAPHER

The teacher is responsible for the entry and exit of his students on stage, and for reviewing the manner of exit and entry.

He is legally responsible for each of his students and himself, and must sign a participation agreement before the event and present the documentation, including photocopies of the under-18 age categories, with the authorization of the parents.

The organization requires the instructor to take out liability insurance for their equipment, students, assistants, or companions, in case of injuries or any other damages that participants under their care may suffer. Otherwise, the instructor will be held responsible for any inconveniences arising from such incidents.

The teacher must have read and understood these regulations. I am only directing this to teachers who handle and use dance techniques with their students, understanding that they may be re-categorized depending on whether or not their presentation has the corresponding technique, and they may never discuss the jury's decision.

10. REQUIREMENTS AND FEES FOR PRESENTING CHOREOGRAPHY

IMPORTANT: Children under 2 (two) years old do not pay admission, but neither do OCCUPY SEAT, otherwise they will have to pay the same.

It is prohibited to occupy the aisles, standing or sitting, for whatever reason.

Each person must remain in their seat throughout the entire show.

It is the teacher's obligation to transmit these rules to his or her participating audience.

At the time of the awards ceremony, only the teacher representing his or her school will go up.

Only the instructor and one adult, duly identified by the production company, will be allowed into the dressing rooms. In the case of a group of more than 30 people, mostly children, one additional adult will be allowed in.

We are now available to answer any questions you may have.

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