Rules - Dance Choreography
2011-2012 PTA Reflections Program
DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY
Theme: “Diversity Means …”
Students must adhere to the general participation rules as well as the following Dance Choreography Rules.
Description
Dance choreography entries must be original choreographed dance composition works recorded on a DVD or CD. The choreography must be the work of one student and must demonstrate creativity and interpretation of the current Reflections Program theme.
There may be up to three dancers performing the choreography. The choreographer may be the performer or one of the performers, but does not have to be. Costumes are not necessary. If costumes are used, however, the choreographer must also create the costumes or directly note that the costumes are not the original work of the student.
Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique. Therefore, it is very important that the student show a clear relation of the dance choreography to the theme. The connection should be made evident through the use of song, props, or the dance itself.
Originality
Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. Use of copyrighted material other than music is prohibited.
Plagiarism is defined as taking and using another person’s ideas, writings, or inventions as one’s own. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified and returned to the students.
Student Entry Form
All participants are required to fill out in its entirety and sign the Student Entry Form. Each participant is also required to submit an artist statement to describe how his or her piece relates to the theme. While there is no required length, the artist statement is mandatory for all entries. Students who have not completely filled out the entry form will not be eligible to participate in the program. In situations where the child cannot fill out the entry form or write legibly, a parent may sign his or her child’s name.
Students have the option of placing the titles of their works on the Student Entry Form and must answer a few questions about how they created their works (see Required Information).
Return of Artwork
The national PTA office does not return dance choreography entries.
Judging
All national entries are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and interpretation of the theme. Due to the diversity of dance styles, the interpretation of the theme is weighted very heavily in judging.
Music
The title, composer, and performer of any background music must be credited and documented on the Student Entry Form. If the entry’s connection to the theme is expressed in the song choice, this should be explained in the artist statement.
Presentation
Entries may not exceed five minutes.
All grade divisions must submit a DVD or CD of a performance of the choreography.
The choreographer is not required to be the (or one of the) performer(s).
The performance should directly relate to the theme.
Submissions should be in one of the following file formats:
.MPG / .MPEG
.MOV / .QT (Quicktime Video)
.WMV (Windows Media Video)
The recorded performance should be saved as a file on the DVD/CD, not as a DVD/CD movie.
Submit the DVD or CD in a plastic or cardboard container; identify both the DVD/CD and the container with the student’s name, grade division, state, and year.
Pack the DVD/CD in a large envelope.
Secure the Student Entry Form to the outside of the envelope with masking tape.
Recommendations for Quality Recordings
Use a tripod to hold the camera still.
Make sure there is plenty of lighting, especially if shooting indoors.
Turn off all noise-making devices in the room (air conditioners, fans, telephones, etc.).
Make sure the background music (if any) is audible on the recording.
Required Information
On the Student Entry Form, state who performed the choreography and credit the background music.
Required Artist Statement
On the Student Entry Form, describe what inspired you to create this work and how it relates to the theme. This is required for all grade divisions.
Tags: Dance, reflections, rules