Tap in Azul Fest It's a tribute to rhythm and musicality in their purest form. This style combines technique, precision, and creativity, where the feet become instruments that interpret the music with energy and dynamism.

Each tap choreography should emphasize the connection between movements and sounds, exploring different rhythmic patterns and dynamics. Value is placed on clean step execution, fluid transitions, and the performers' ability to convey emotions and tell stories through sound and movement.

The goal of Tap at Azul Fest is to offer a space where artists can merge their creativity with rhythmic technique, highlighting group and individual synchronization and exploring new forms of expression through rhythm and music.

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

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.

Tap dancing, or American footwork, is a dance style based on rhythmic precision and clean footwork. Its execution must combine control, speed, musicality, and clarity in the articulation of each sound, ensuring a fluid performance in sync with the music..

1.1 Execution of movements (10 points)

Evaluates the precision, control and technical quality in the execution of Tap steps.

Each step is expected to be well-defined and articulated, ensuring that the sounds are clear, with proper separation between hits.

The technique must be based on correct postural alignment, with activation of the body's core that allows for movement control.

The execution of traditional steps such as shuffles, flaps, pullbacks, wings, cramp rolls, time steps, riffs, among others, will be valued, respecting their rhythmic structure and sound clarity.

Good use of body weight and weight distribution between both feet must be maintained, ensuring balance and stability.

Uneven strokes, imprecise sounds, or loss of control in rhythmic execution will be penalized.

For soloists: The individual's performance accuracy, clarity of sound, and ability to maintain a clear technical line will be assessed.

For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: The uniformity of the steps will be analyzed, ensuring that all members maintain the same rhythmic and technical quality.

1.2 Transitions (10 points)

Evaluates the fluidity and naturalness of the connection between movements, ensuring that rhythmic combinations are dynamic and well executed.

In Tap, transitions should be clean and well-structured, without interruptions in the rhythmic flow.

Changes between combinations are expected to be organic and well-synchronized, avoiding abrupt cuts or loss of sound clarity.

The correct connection between different rhythmic patterns, weight changes, and speed variations will be assessed, while maintaining musicality.

Forced transitions, lack of control in rhythm changes, or interruptions in the flow of sound will be penalized.

For soloists: We will analyze how each transition complements the choreographic structure without affecting the continuity of the rhythm.

For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: Synchronization in transitions and group cohesion in execution will be evaluated.

1.3 Body control (10 points)

Evaluates the stability, alignment, and mastery of the body in the execution of movements, ensuring that posture favors sound precision.

In Tap, balance and posture should be firm but relaxed, avoiding unnecessary tension that affects the mobility of the feet.

Dancers are expected to maintain good weight distribution throughout each combination, ensuring that sounds are controlled and free of additional noise.

Performers' ability to maintain proper body alignment while performing complex sequences will be assessed.

Executions with a lack of body control, misaligned postures, or movements that compromise the clarity of the footwork will be penalized.

For soloists: The ability to maintain stability and control without affecting the rhythmic fluidity of Tap will be measured.

For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: The uniformity of body control and the group's ability to project a synchronized and homogeneous performance will be analyzed.

Tap choreography must combine rhythm, dynamism, and musicality, integrating a fluid and creative structure. The choreographer's ability to construct a balanced composition with clean transitions and strategic use of stage space will be evaluated.

2.1 Creativity and Originality (10 points)

Evaluates the choreographer's ability to innovate within Tap, ensuring that the composition has identity and a strong rhythmic impact.

The choreography is expected to maintain a clear and musically attractive structure, avoiding repetitive or disordered sequences.

The incorporation of different rhythmic patterns will be valued, with varied combinations and the use of strategic silences.

The choreography must respect the essence of Tap, integrating traditional steps with innovative combinations.

The use of rhythmic games, speed contrasts, and variations in sound intensity will be appreciated to enrich the proposal.

In group choreographies, awards will be given for the use of strategic formations, changes of direction, and visual effects that enhance the performance.

Choreographies that are monotonous or fail to achieve a balance between rhythmic complexity and artistic expression will be penalized.

For soloists: The dancer's ability to execute choreography with originality, maintaining coherence in the execution of rhythmic patterns, will be evaluated.

For duos, trios, teams, groups, and megagroups: Group cohesion and how choreographic composition enhances group interaction and synchronization will be analyzed.

2.2 Technical Complexity (10 points)

Analyze the difficulty level of the choreography in relation to the correct execution of the steps and their integration with musicality.

The choreography is expected to include combinations of different difficulty levels, ensuring variety in the execution.

In group choreography, the complexity also lies in the coordination of movements between the dancers, ensuring that everyone maintains the same groove and energy.

The integration of advanced tap techniques, such as wings, pullbacks, pickups, and riffs, within a coherent rhythmic structure will be valued.

The choreography should reflect the natural evolution of the sound, avoiding forced combinations or those that do not fit with the dynamics of the music.

Choreographies with low difficulty, monotonous sequences, or lack of exploration of the rhythmic language characteristic of Tap will be penalized.

For soloists: The dancer's ability to execute dynamic combinations with technique, maintaining control and expressiveness will be evaluated.

For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: The complexity of the group structure will be analyzed, ensuring that technical difficulty is well integrated into the collective execution.

2.3 Use of Space (10 points)

Evaluates the distribution and use of stage space within the choreography, ensuring a balanced and attractive staging.

Stage occupation is expected to be dynamic and strategic, allowing each dancer to utilize the space effectively.

In group choreography, movements and formation changes must be well organized, avoiding dead zones or unintentional transitions.

The combination of static movements, displacements, and level changes will be analyzed, ensuring that the visual composition is varied and powerful.

Choreographies that do not make the most of the stage space, such as disorganized movement or poor layout that affects visual harmony, will be penalized.

For soloists: The dancer will be assessed on how effectively he or she explores space, ensuring an expressive and well-projected performance.

For duos, trios, teams, groups, and mega-groups: The interaction between dancers and how spatial distribution reinforces the choreographic proposal will be analyzed.

Musicality in tap is the central axis of this style's performance. Unlike other dance genres, tap not only follows the music but also creates its own sounds and rhythms, becoming a percussion instrument within the choreography. Performers will be evaluated on their ability to interpret the music accurately, respecting tempo, accents, and sound clarity.

3.1 Musical Performance (10 points)

Evaluate the relationship between movements and musical structure, ensuring that each performance reflects the energy and rhythm of tap.

Musicality is expected to be precise and well-defined, maintaining clear synchronization with the tempo of the music.

The interpretation must be aligned with the musical structure, respecting accents, rhythmic variations, and strategic silences.

The dancers' ability to play with off-beats, syncopations, rhythmic subdivisions, and speed changes while maintaining a controlled performance will be assessed.

In group choreographies, collective synchronization with the music will be essential, ensuring that all performers maintain the same rhythmic clarity and sound dynamics.

Performances that are out of rhythm, lack of connection to the music, or poorly defined sounds that create rhythmic disorder will be penalized.

For soloists: The dancer's ability to interpret music with rhythmic precision and maintain a consistent groove will be analyzed.

For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: Group cohesion in musical performance will be assessed, ensuring that the musicianship is consistent and well-executed across the entire team.

Key Elements of Musicality in Tap

Clarity and sharpness in sounds: Each blow must be precise and well articulated.

Use of pauses and rhythm contrasts: The dancers' ability to play with strategic silences and changes in intensity will be assessed.

Coordination between sound and movement: The steps should be a natural extension of the rhythm, ensuring that the dance and percussion are a unity.

Group Sync: All performers must reflect the rhythm changes in the music evenly.

This block assesses the quality of execution, rhythmic precision, timing, and group cohesion within the choreography. In Tap, each dancer is a percussion instrument, so it is essential that the execution be clear, controlled, and well-aligned with the music and the group.

4.1 Individual Performance (Soloists) (15 points)

Evaluates the dancer's technical precision, rhythmic clarity, and stage presence throughout their performance.

Each performer is expected to maintain clear execution, with defined sounds and absolute control of rhythm.

The performance should reflect confidence, fluidity, and connection with the music, ensuring a performance without unnecessary movements.

The correct application of rhythmic patterns, subdivisions, and tempo control will be evaluated, avoiding accelerations or mismatches with the music.

The performance must maintain a constant and controlled intensity, without drops in energy or imprecise sounds.

Diffuse strokes, unclear sounds, or lack of control in rhythmic execution will be penalized.

For soloists: The dancer's ability to execute accurately will be evaluated, ensuring a performance faithful to the Tap style.

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

Evaluates group coordination and uniformity in the execution of movements and sounds, ensuring that the whole group appears cohesive and balanced visually and aurally.

The group is expected to maintain precise synchronization in movements, formations, and rhythmic combinations.

In Tap, group cohesion is key to projecting a uniform sound performance with a strong visual impact.

All members will be valued for performing the movements with the same intention, projection, and level of rhythmic clarity, avoiding noticeable differences in the quality of execution.

The uniformity of the distribution of space, the adjustment of rhythmic accents, and the intensity of the group performance will be analyzed.

Mismatches in timing, energy gaps between members, or individual performances that disrupt group cohesion will be penalized.

For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: Accuracy of timing and the ability to maintain a consistent and visually striking performance will be assessed.

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

Evaluates the homogeneity in the execution of movements and sounds, ensuring that all performers maintain the same quality and technical level.

Uniformity in intensity, clarity of sounds, and tempo will be measured, ensuring that the group sounds and appears cohesive at all times.

In group sequences, the intensity of rhythm and expressiveness must be kept balanced among all members.

Movements are expected to be precise and well-structured, avoiding imbalances that affect the visual and auditory harmony of the group.

Differences in performance between dancers, as well as variations in rhythmic intensity or energy that disrupt the team's uniformity, will be penalized.

Key Elements of Tap Performance

Definition and clarity in sounds: Each stroke must be executed with clarity and precision.

Control and fluidity: The execution must reflect the rhythm without rigidity or imbalances.

Group Sync: Rhythmic cohesion is essential in group choreography.

Attitude and stage presence: The interpretation must convey confidence and absolute control of the rhythm.

The visual impact of tap dancing is not only based on rhythmic execution, but also on stage presence, costumes, and the aesthetic coherence of the performance. The overall image of the dancer or group will be evaluated, ensuring that each visual element reinforces the essence of tap dancing and its connection to the music.

5.1 Costume and Characterization (10 points)

Evaluate the coherence of the costume with the choreographic proposal and the identity of the tap, ensuring that it reinforces the stage image without affecting the technical execution.

The costumes should reflect the tap style and the artistic approach of the choreography, without interfering with the dancer's mobility.

The use of colors, cuts, and textures that complement the visual proposal without overwhelming the aesthetic will be valued.

In group choreographies, the costumes must maintain visual cohesion, allowing the ensemble to project a uniform image without detracting from the identity of each performer.

Clothing is expected to be functional and comfortable, ensuring complete freedom of movement for the correct execution of the steps.

Inappropriate attire that restricts mobility, creates visual distractions, or does not represent the essence of Tap will be penalized.

For soloists: The costume will be evaluated to ensure it enhances stage presence without compromising fluidity of movement or clarity of sound.

For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: The uniformity and harmony of the wardrobe will be analyzed, ensuring that all members project a cohesive and well-structured image.

Key Elements of Visual Impact in Tap

Coherence with the artistic proposal: The wardrobe must be aligned with the style and music chosen.

Functionality of the changing room: It should allow complete freedom of movement without interfering with the execution of the steps.

Elegant and well-crafted style: Creativity in the choice of clothing and details that enhance the performance will be valued.

Group uniformity with individual identity: In group choreographies, the costumes must reinforce cohesion without losing the authenticity of each dancer.

Emotional connection is a key factor in tap dancing, as this style is not only about executing precise sounds, but also about conveying energy, attitude, and a strong stage presence. Beyond technique, this block assesses the performers' ability to project confidence and connect with the audience through rhythm and body language.

6.1 Stage Projection (5 points)

Evaluates the presence, attitude, and expressiveness of the dancer or group on stage, ensuring that the performance is dynamic and authentic.

The stage projection in Tap must be vibrant and expressive, reflecting the character and musicality of the style.

Performers are expected to maintain a strong and confident presence, avoiding neutral expressions or a lack of connection with the music.

Facial expression, posture, and body language must complement the rhythmic interpretation, ensuring that the choreography comes alive beyond the sound.

In group choreographies, all members must project the same energy and commitment, ensuring cohesion in the performance.

Lack of expressiveness, disconnection from the music, or a weak stage attitude that affects the performance will be penalized.

For soloists: The dancer's ability to fill the stage with their presence and achieve an authentic connection with the audience and the music will be evaluated.

For duos, trios, teams, groups and mega groups: The uniformity of the stage projection of all members will be measured, ensuring that energy and expressiveness are homogeneous.

Key Elements of Emotional Connection in Tap

Authenticity in interpretation: The emotional connection must be genuine and aligned with the intention of the choreography.

Strong stage presence: Attitude and energy must remain constant throughout the presentation.

Interaction with the audience and the music: The ability to generate visual and emotional impact on viewers will be valued.

Group cohesion: In groups, the emotional connection must be uniform, projecting collective strength in execution.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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