USASF Worlds Divisions & Categories

USASF Division Notes

• Routine time minimum is 1:45 to a maximum of 2:15.
• A minimum of 50% of the teams in the Senior Divisions will advance from Semi-Finals to Finals regardless of the number of teams competing in Semi-Finals.
• U.S. teams competing in the Small Senior Pom, Senior Small Jazz, and Senior Small Contemporary/Lyrical divisions who received an at-large bid will compete in a preliminary round and a minimum of 50% will move into the Semi-Final round with all the teams who received partial paid bids.
USASF Scoring System found here & USASF Rules found at usasf.net.

IASF Worlds Divisions & Categories

IASF Division Notes

• The eligible age for an athlete is determined by the BIRTH YEARS column on the Age Grid.
• Routine time minimum is 1:45 to a maximum of 2:15.
• The top 3 teams from each country will advance from Semi-Finals to Finals.
• IASF Scoring System and IASF Rules found at www.iasfworlds.com.

USASF Category Descriptions

Hip Hop

A Hip Hop routine can incorporate any authentic street style movement with an emphasis on execution, style, creativity, originality, body isolations and control, rhythm, uniformity and musical interpretation.

Pom

A Pom routine contains important characteristics such as strong pom quality of movement (clean, precise, sharp motions), synchronization, visual effects and may incorporate pom elements (i.e. pom passes, jump sequences, leaps/turns, kick lines, etc). Poms must be used in 80% of the routine.

Jazz

A Jazz routine can encompass any range of jazz movement including traditional jazz, commercial jazz, musical theater, jazz funk or stylized hard-hitting jazz. Movement is crisp and/or aggressive in approach and can include moments of softness while complementing musicality. Emphasis is placed on style, body alignment, extension, control, uniformity, technical elements, and communication.

Contemporary / Lyrical

A Contemporary or Lyrical routine uses organic, expressive, pedestrian and/or traditional modern and/or ballet vocabulary as it complements the lyric, mood and/or rhythmic value of the music. Emphasis is placed on control, expressive movement, dynamics, alignment, use of breath, uniformity, communication and may incorporate purposeful elements and skills.

Kick

A Kick routine emphasizes control, height uniformity, extension, toe points, timing and creativity of a variety of kick series and patterns. A kick is defined as one foot remaining on the floor while the other foot lifts with force. Kicks should be performed throughout the routine. Inadequate utilization of kicks may also affect the panel judges’ overall impression and/or score of the routine.

IASF Category Descriptions

Hip Hop

A Hip Hop routine incorporates authentic street style influenced movements with groove and style. An emphasis is placed on group execution including synchronization, uniformity, and spacing. The choreography of a dynamic and effective routine utilizes musicality, staging, complexity of movement and athleticism. Distinctive clothing and accessories reflecting the Hip Hop culture must be worn.

Pom

A Pom routine incorporates the use of proper Pom motion technique that is sharp, clean and precise while allowing for the use of concepts from Jazz, Hip Hop and High Kick. An emphasis is placed on group execution including synchronization, uniformity and spacing. The choreography of a dynamic and effective routine focuses on musicality, surpristing and innovative pom pictures, staging of visual effects through fluid and creative transitions, levels and groups, along with complexity of movement and skills.

 

Jazz

A Jazz routine incorporates traditional or stylized dynamic movements with strength, continuity, presence and proper technical execution. An emphasis is placed on group execution including synchronization, uniformity, and spacing. The choreography of a dynamic and effective routine utilizes musicality, staging, complexity of movement and skills. The overall impression of the routine should be lively, energetic and motivating, with the understanding that the dynamics of movement may change to utilize musicality. Costuming should reflect the category style.

High Kick

A High Kick routine incorporates the use of proper high kick technique that includes flexibility, endurance, stamina, upper and lower body strength, placement and control, while allowing for the use of creative concepts such as staging and skills. High kicks are required to be used throughout the majority of the routine in a purposeful manner and should be the emphasis of routine content. The choreography of a dynamic and effective high kick routine focuses on musicality, staging of visual effects through intervals in kick lines, fluid and creative transitions, levels and groups, along with complexity of movement and athleticism. An emphasis is placed on execution including synchronization, uniformity, and spacing. Costuming should reflect the category style.

Open Open

An Open Open routine incorporates organic, pedestrian and/or traditional modern or ballet vocabulary as it complements the lyric and/or rhythmic value of the music. An emphasis is placed on group execution including synchronization, uniformity, and spacing. The choreography of a dynamic and effective routine utilizes musicality, staging, complexity of movement and skills. Costuming should reflect the category style.