A Hint of Dance Team

Hi! So like I promised, I will explain the style of dance from the video of my last posting.


To start off, I should let you know that I attended a small, all-girl, Catholic high school in Fullerton, CA. This school had a dance team that, like other teams, held try-outs in order to see who would compete as the JV and varsity teams.


High school dance teams usually compete in various styles of dance. Here are some basic styles and descriptions that some high school dance teams choose to compete under:


Jazz
Routine should include jazz technique. Sharp jazz choreography is essential.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQJRDnKD23k


Pom (the style from the video in my first post)
Routine incorporating the use of pom pons; teams are penalized for any dropping of poms. Pom technique includes sharp, cheer-like motions. Some of the technique that is really emphasized in this style are jumps like toe-touches. Creating visuals with the poms and formations are important with this style.
Example: (also in my first post) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etms3_E41h8


Hip-Hop
Routine consisting of clean and tight hip-hop movement. The routine may be themed, but the music may not contain inappropriate lyrics. Visuals with formations are important in this style.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f5Uh1E-q3k&feature=related


Lyrical
Routine should demonstrate balance, extension, isolations and control utilizing the lyrics or mood of the music.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJe2PshwiBw


Contemporary
Routine should utilize contemporary style to show extension, balance, and musicality. Movement can combine lyrical, modern and company style techniques.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fss9eWT_Tx0


These are the typical categories included in high school dance team competitions. Most dance teams compete in only one or two categories, but some choose to compete in four or five... it just depends on the coach's desire. For instance, my team only competed in pom and jazz every year.


So this was a broad overview of high school dance teams. In my next blog I'm going to include information and videos of some college dance teams, because I am also on the Cal State Long Beach Dance Team... so stay tuned. ;]