World Youth and Teenage Dance Competition -Season 3

Entry Requirements for the World Youth and Teenage Dance Competition -Season 3 (Online Submission & Jury Evaluation)

1. Basic Choreographic Skills

Focus on technical foundations and dance structure:

Technical Skills: Physical coordination, control over performance props, precision in movement execution, and dance style-specific techniques (such as the fifth position and arabesque in ballet, the "cloud hands" and "point-and-turn" movements in Chinese dance, freezes and the Thomas Flair in street dance, and the tap steps and waist turns in folk dance).

Theme Cognition: Familiarity with dance competition categories (solo dance, group dance, choreography, dance medley) and classic works/styles (such as the classical ballet charm exhibited in Swan Lake, the Dai dance style presented in Spirit of the Peacock, the passionate style of the dance adapted from The Yellow River Cantata, and the Dunhuang dance characteristics contained in The Silk Road and the Rain).

Dance Literacy: Understanding of professional dance knowledge (such as the principles of physical composition, the connection of dance sections), choreographic forms (such as solo dance, multi-person group dance, thematic dance choreography), and style recognition (such as matching performance techniques to dance types: the gentle rhythm of classical dance, the regional characteristics of folk dance, and the emotional tension of modern dance).

1. Artistic Expression & Cultural Context

Explore theme interpretation and historical depth:

Category Analysis: The origins and stylistic characteristics of dance forms (such as the Renaissance origin of classical ballet, the regional cultural attributes of ethnic folk dance, the era-specific evolution of modern dance, and the national artistic traits of traditional court dance).

Work Interpretation: Convey emotional narratives through dance elements (such as the tragic sentiment expressed by ballet in Giselle, the revolutionary passion presented by the dance Azalea), while connecting to dance cultural/historical backgrounds (such as recreating historical scenarios of classical dance, integrating traditional customs into ethnic dance, and reflecting social issues in modern choreography).

Modern Adaptations: The integration of traditional and modern elements (such as interpreting classical dance segments using modern dance techniques, combining ethnic dance movements with pop music rhythms).

1. Practical Creation Application

Emphasize original presentation and creative ability:

Submission Format:

High-definition video files of original dance works (performance or choreography works) (AI-generated content is prohibited; only basic image editing is allowed, such as frame cropping and volume adjustment, while excessive post-production modification or clip splicing is forbidden). The video must fully present the details of the work, including the precision of body movements, formation changes, and emotional expression. For group dance or choreography works, a dance script (if available) or choreography explanation should be attached to help understand the dance structure.

Materials: Professional props and costumes that conform to the dance category should be used (such as pointe shoes and tulle skirts for ballet, characteristic headdresses and costumes for folk dance, loose clothing and sneakers for street dance). A brief description of the materials must be included when submitting (e.g., "Solo Dance Butterfly: Ballet, white tulle skirt and pointe shoes"; "Group Dance Prairie Joy: Mongolian Dance, Mongolian robes and horse whips"; "Choreography Future City: Modern Dance, simple work clothes").

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Work Selection:

Children’s Group (8–12 yrs): Small-scale works (e.g., short-duration solo dances, simple group dances, children's theme dances), including performances of classic children's dances (such as Little Girl Picking Mushrooms, Pulling the Radish), basic dance practice combinations (such as elementary ballet barre exercises, entry-level folk dance small combinations), and simple original children's dances (including movement choreography and costume matching).

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Adolescent Group (13–18 yrs): Complex works (e.g., full-duration solo dances, multi-part group dances, series-themed choreographies), including in-depth interpretations of classic dances (such as ballet segments from The Nutcracker, folk dance adaptations of Butterfly Lovers), thematic choreography (e.g., "Beauty of Nature", "Cultural Heritage" series), integrated choreography of diverse dance forms (such as the combination of Chinese and Western dance styles, multi-dance collaboration in Ode to Mountains and Rivers), and conceptual dances (e.g., exploring environmental protection or youth growth issues through dance).

Improvisation Tasks: Adolescent Group  is required to complete a 30-minute quick performance or choreography task based on the designated dance theme (e.g., "Youth and Dreams", "Collision between Tradition and Modernity") or designated dance style (e.g., "Classical Dance Improvisation", "Ethnic Dance Movement Creation").

1. Judging Criteria & Format

Evaluation Areas:

Technical Ability (50%): Precision of performance techniques, control over props/costumes, and execution of dance style-specific techniques (e.g., movement standardization, formation uniformity, physical coordination, style restoration).

Artistic Expression (30%): Emotional depth, creative concept, and theme relevance (e.g., the effectiveness of the work in conveying emotions or themes, the adaptability of the creative concept to the dance style).

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Visual Effect (20%): Integrity of dance structure, creativity of presentation, and audience appeal (e.g., graceful physical lines, rich formation changes, overall stage atmosphere).

Submission Rules:

One entry per participant; no copied or plagiarized works (including direct reproductions of existing work).

Blind judging: Judges receive anonymized submissions with no participant identifiers.

1. Difficulty & Age Groups

Children’s Group: Focuses on basic skills (e.g., standardization of basic movements, simple formation coordination) and creative expression (e.g., conveying simple emotions through performance, creating interesting dance stories).

Adolescent Group: Higher requirements include theme complexity (e.g., exploring cultural identity and social issues through dance), cross-technical attempts (e.g., combining diverse dance styles with stage technology), and conceptual depth (e.g., conveying abstract concepts such as "courage and perseverance" through dance language).

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1. Submission & Results

Deadline: Upload digital submissions via the portal by [e.g., "May 31, 2026"].

Results: Announcement: Entries will be notified via email or social media within two weeks, and the results will be ranked based on the judges' scores. Awards include certificates and opportunities for online dance performances.

Exhibition: Outstanding works will be displayed on the official online dance platform of the competition, showcasing the diverse cultures and artistic expressions of youth and children's dance from around the world.

This framework balances technical proficiency and creative storytelling, highlighting the diversity of youth and children's dance globally while promoting the inheritance and innovation of dance techniques. advancement and cross-cultural exchange.