Boogie Woogie NJS - Judging Seminar

Saturday09:00 – 10:00 Presentation NJS 10:00 – 13:00 Music Theory 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch 14:00 – 16:00 Dance technique:

Basic step (rhythm and Foot Technique) Basic dancing, Lead & Follow, Harmony

16:00 – 17:30 Dance Figure Basic Dance Figure Advanced Basic Figures Highlights Figures

17:30 – 18:15 Spontaneous interpretation 18:15 – 18:30 Dance Performance

Sunday 09:30 – 10:30 – Interpretation with Highlight 10:30 – 11:00 – Recapitulation all criteria's 11:00 – 11:15 – Break 11:15 – 13:15 – Judging a final with discussion and evaluation13:15 – 13:45 - Code of conduct and standard of ethics 13:45 – 14:00 – Closing the seminar

Why the NJS BW? The NJS for BW has been developed with aim to support the evolution and the changes of BW as

an advanced and complex competition dance.

Is important that the NJS is enough detailed in order to achieve a judgment that is fair and transparent towards our dancers.

Further we had to respect the intentions of many different countries trying to support their style of dancing BW in the WRRC.

Valuable inputs from various stakeholders have been taken into consideration.

NJS BW framework The approval on the GM is about the framework not the details.

Adjustment will be done until the implementation taking in account the inputs from federations, judging seminars and competition tests.

How will NJS BW be implemented? Through continuous seminars and training sessions for judges, coaches and dancers with aim

to secure the right skills an acceptance of the NJS.

2016 – Examination for all judges

2016: Full implementation

The music is exclusively provided by WRRC, whereby only the titles approved by the WRRC Executive Board must be used.

The tempo should not be deviate more than +-1 bar. This mean that in each round the tempo allowed must be for fast round 48-49, 49-50, 50-51, 51-52 bpm and for slow round 27-28, 28-29, 29-30 bars per minutes.

It is mandatory that the DJ uses homogeneous songs in each round, with same speed and energy. A piano boogie is very different from a 50’s song with a lot of breaks. As well the swing song is very different from a piano or a 50’s song which makes the preconditions different for each couple.

Please note that within the same round piano boogie cannot mix with other music style.

To make these rules effective for each competition WRRC will prepare music selection lists that the DJ has to use randomly.

In European and World championships no live music is allowed.

Live Music can only be used in World Master and World Cups in accordance with the WRRC Presidium approved list of songs and by using a rhythm box.

Before the competition the supervisor should interact with the DJ in order to secure that above rules will be followed.

Regardless if the dancer is doing it on its own or together below directives is applied:

Rotations of more than 180° around the body’s width or depth axis are not allowed.

Figures are allowed only if one partner can perform them alone or if there is permanent contact between the ground and at least one foot.

Judges & Observer 5 judges will be appointed for World Master/World Cup 7 judges will be appointed for World and Continental championships 1 Certified Boogie observer will be appointed for all Boogie competitions.

The observer role is to supervise participants while they dance and to ensure that all WRRC regulation have been met Depending on the non conformance a Yellow cards will be given to the couple.

Judges are responsible for overseen the overall performance of the couple A value on the scale from 0 to 10 will be provide according to the criteria’s defined in

the NJS. This value will be converted in points based on the importance of the criteria. No deductions.

The total number of points will determined the place of the couple.

Observers are responsible for overseen the conformance of the rules defined in the NJS.Depending on the non-conformance a yellow cards will be given to the couple:

Figures Numbers of highlights figures: minimum 3 up to the 2nd round of qualification Numbers of highlights figures: minimum 4 starting ¼ final Numbers of Acrobatic figures: maximum 2 Numbers of side by side (maximum 2 in fast and 1 in slow) Length of the side by side in fast round: 1st side length maximum is 4X8 and the 2nd side length

maximum is 2X8 Length of the side by side in slow round: 1 side length maximum 4X8 Limitation of figures for juniors

Accessories and Clothes Proper matching dance costume must be worn to match the music style. Jeans, sport caps and shorts are not allowed. Dancers are obliged to wear appropriate underwear (for example no strings), appropriate stocking (for

example no stay up) and appropriate length of skirts (not more than 15 cm above the knee). Furthermore no provocative clothes. All accessories belong to the costume like Hats, caps, belts, suspenders, gloves etc. are allowed.

Others Figures danced on the floor and behaviors of the dancers must be adequate and not provocative. Couples have to dance within the given floor space and not in front of the other couple. For additional directives please refer to the Tournament Rules.

The following deduction will be done Yellow card: 3 points Red card: 30 Points

Mostly for the first violation a yellow card is shown.

A further yellow card during the same competition means deduction of points for the round in which the yellow card was shown, even if the reason for the second yellow card is a different one.

For some bigger violations of the rules and for finals sometimes also first violation means a red card. If a competitor already has one active yellow card, it is not deleted when the second card is red

4 main criteria’s divided in 6sub-criterias will be evaluated.

Values will be given taking into account the definition of all criteria’s described in the NJS word document.

The judge will reduce values in the appropriate criteria if a couple is doing mistakes.

We would like to emphasis that Dance Technique has strong influence in the other 3 main criteria’s.

In all rounds points accounted from all judges will follow the same algorithm as Rock’n Roll (average with standard deviation).

The total numbers of points will determined the place of the couple.

If a round contains both slow and fast then results from both sections will be added.

The total number of points of the fast round will be awarded by 10 %.

The judge provide value on the scale from 0 to 10 (judging sheet).

Value will be converted into points based on the importance of the criteria

The observer provides cards for non-conformance Yellow card: 3 Points Red card: 30 Points

DANCE TECHNIQUE1. Basic Steps Rhythm Foot Technique

2. Basic Dancing - Lead & Follow - Harmony

Dance technique is the most important element and the way to achieve dance excellence. It’s the underlying basic factor.

Dance Technique has been divided in 2 sub-criteria every one rewarded as follow Basic step – 15 points Basic Dancing, Lead and Follow and Harmony – 15 points.

The basic step of Boogie Woogie dance should represent the rhythm of the original music. Basic Steps (Rhythm and Foot Technique) sub-criteria will be judged all together and rewarded by a maximum of 15 points.Note:The expression syncopated triple steps is often used by the dancers, trainers and judges, but from the musician’s view this is not correct. The real meaning is to emphasize the beat on two and to dance in the shuffle rhythm. Please refer to the appendix

Rhythm Fast 6 count steps: “a – 1 - a – 2 – a – 3 – a – 4 – a – 5 – a – 6” Bounce only on every “a” Dancing within the rhythm with every steps (syncopated triple steps) The time of the connection between the floor and the foot should represent the beat in the music The basic steps must be performed on the beat Accentuation on the “2, 4 and 6” Variation of the steps are possible if they are in the rhythm

Rhythm Slow 6 count steps: “a – 1 - a – 2 – a – 3 – a – 4 – a – 5 – a – 6” Smooth bounce which fit the music The steps should follow the delay in the music Dancing within the rhythm with every steps (syncopated triple steps) The time of the connection between the floor and the foot should represent the beat in the music The basic steps must be performed on the beat Variation of the steps are possible if they are in the rhythm

Rhythm

Out of the beat Out of the rhythm Kick to early on count 1

Kick change instead of doing kick ball change

Not emphazising on count 2

Too long floor contact time

Not emphazising the perfect rhythm

Too late in the rhythm Too early in the rhythm

No bounce

No rolling

Mixing different step variation

No bending knees

Lindy syncopation out of arm (ladies)

Basic steps must be performed in a dynamic way in the Fast round

Bending the knees is necessary for obtaining a good bouncing

Harmony with the partner on the basic steps (rhythm, touching the floor at the same time, rolling and kicking at the same time)

The dynamic of the basic steps through the whole round with the same energy and in the music.

“Traveling” on the floor is essential and should be executed by following the lines and adapted to the natural basic variations

The footwork should be adapted to the style of the music

Basic dancing is when dancers are calibrating their own body movements in balance.

Center All movements have to start from the center.

Body The upper part of the body has to remain steady and isolated from the natural movement of the hips.

Arm Arm movement should support and be seen as an extension of the body movement and must always be

controlled in an natural way.

Head The head has to follow the natural direction of the shoulders, must be kept up and most of the time

only in two directions (eye contact with the partner or the audience).

Weight transfer Movement of a dancer’s weight from one foot to another.

Lines The basic dancing has to be on the line also when the travelling technique is used.

Lead and follow are designations for dancers performing a couple dances.

The male is traditionally the leader and the female is the follower.

The leader is responsible for guiding the couple and initiating transitions to different dance steps and for choosing appropriate dance steps to suit the music.

The leader communicates his choices and direction to the follower through clear physical and visual signals, thereby allowing the couple to be smoothly coordinated.

The position of the leader is essential to maintain the right distance and to be able to give a clear direction to the follower

The leader and the follower have to be visible as one unity without losing their individuality.

The leader has to communicate the direction of the movement to the follower.

Body Lead A body lead means when the leader initiates a lead by moving his body, which moves their

arm(s), and thus transmits a lead to the follower. 'Body lead' means much the same as 'weight transfer' from the leader. It is important that the leader is positioning correctly towards the follower.

Arm Lead An arm lead means when the leader moves his arm(s) without moving his body, or moves his

body in a different direction to his arm. It is important that the leader is positioning correctly towards the follower.

Visual Lead The visual lead means when the leader uses eye contact or body which the follower can only

see, but not feel.

Basic connection Way for the dancer to communicate and to be synchronized. Furthermore to be continuously connected and keep the basic contact point all the time without

shaking arms. The shoulder of the leader and the follower must be aligned within the giving frame by the

using the right muscles. Please refer to the document Boogie Woogie NJS – Anatomy. The shoulder from the leader and the follower should all the time maintain the natural position

Tension A type of connection which uses force in a direction away from and in direction to the partner

securing a good tension in the arms with no additional muscle work

Counterbalance Both partners putting an equal amount of bodyweight (giving more weight to the partner than

you actually could hold yourself)

Frame The frame provides connection between the dance partners, making leading and

following possible. A frame is a stable structural combination of both bodies maintained through the

dancers' arms and/or legs, and allows the leader to transmit body movement to the follower, and for the follower to suggest ideas to the leader.

Connection occurs in both open and closed dance positions

Follower The follower has to pay attention with all of the senses and needs to follow all the signals

from the leader. The follower shall be recognized by an initiated start and stop. The follower is expected to initiate any move until the leader gives an indication.

Hijacking Is when the follower steals the lead and the roles will be reversed for some time. It’s an

exception and can only be used as a variation in Lead & Follow

Less frame Too high pulse Too soft lead Too hard lead Variable connection Good connection points Too early leading Too late leading Positioning of the leader Girl dance on her own/dance before lead Shoulder gets out of natural position Too long stretch

Completeness if the couple is in harmony with each other

The ability of the couple to work as a team: one person should not be obviously “out dancing” the other

Harmony in body positions, arms, heads, same movement, “Nice picture”, etc…

DANCE FIGURES1. Basic Dance Figures

2. Advanced Basic Dance Figures

3. Highlights Dance Figures

Dance figures should contain basic, advanced and highlight figures with a minimum of 3 different highlight figures up to 2nd round of qualification and 4 different highlight figures starting from 1/4 final and at least 2 advanced dance figures.

Dance Figures criteria will be judged and rewarded as follow Basic figures will be judge as part of lead and follow (Dance Technique) Advances Dance Figures and highlight dance figures will be judge together as one criteria and rewarded by a maximum of

20 points.

A balanced repertoire of figures is mandatory.

For a high rating of the dance figures all the following must be considered

Execution of the figures Balance Accuracy

Synchronicity during a figure between the couple and the movement can be clearly recognized when a dance figure starts, and when it finishes

Harmony

Level of complexity in the figure (Difficulty) Different rotations with multiple simultaneous exchange of the dance pose Movements based on flexibility Movements demanding high level of coordination and isolation

Variety in term of different styles (advanced basic figures and highlights figures) as well as within each category

Originality and esthetic in the figures

All figures done with basic triple steps (6 count steps) with clear lead and follow. Figures which are from their character only one element and do not exceed the

length of six beats. Basic figures will be judged in the Lead and Follow, Basic Dancing and Harmony

(Dance Technique). A variation of different basic figures is recommended.

Some examples of basic figures: Change place In and out of arms Basic spin Sugar push Etc…

Exceptions: Swing out is considered as a basic step however it is preferable not to be used too frequently in order to maintain the characteristics of the Boogie Woogie dance

Figures executed with advanced lead and follow that contains a combination of some of the following elements:

Movements

Syncopations

Basic figures

These figures can be executed with different steps.

An especially significant or interesting figure with a specific originality that keeps the attention to the dance.

It is not just a combination or variation of basic figures. It is developed over one, two, three or four eights, it is characterized by its creativity and appears as a surprise.

Some examples: Lift Dip Circle variation Side by side (open figures with or without contact)

Slow: maximum 1 side by side 4X8 Fast: Maximum of 2 side by side, one 4X8 and one 2X8

Acrobatic will be judged as a dance figure, maximum 2 Others, from other that swing dance influence e.g. Argentina tango,

ballroom, salsa, break dance, Hip-Hop, Jazz Etc… Humour Extreme physic (split) Figures with different speed and power (e.g. slow motion, time lapse)

Side by SideA side by side figure is considered as a highlight when the following is met: Dancing a pre choreographed part Dancing mainly shoulder to shoulder with or without contact For at least more than one 8.

Note:If an acrobatic figure is performed during the side by side then a side by side and an acrobatic will be counted by the observer

AcrobaticA figure is considered as an acrobatic figure when one of the following is met: Rotations of more than 180° around the body’s width or depth axis in the air. The follower or Leader has her/his hips above the leader shoulders during the

execution of the acrobatic figure.Note:It is important that an acrobatic figure must be harmonized with music.

MUSIC INTERPRETATION1. Interpretation with highlights & Advanced

Dance Figures

2. Spontaneous

Interpretation of the music is fundamental for Boogie Woogie and it should be perceived as spontaneous and ends with the music.

Music Interpretation has been divided in 2 sub-criteria every one rewarded as follow: Spontaneous Interpretation – 10 points Interpretation with highlights and advanced dance figures – 30 points

Interpretation of music means fitting the dance with all its complexity to the music being played.

It’s about the dancer’s ability to receive, comprehend, be sensitive to, and have a working knowledge of musical concepts.

Dancers have to actively anticipating the music (rhythms, phrases, breaks, bridges, etc…) while executing the dance.

Interpretation of music can be shown with steps, body moves and figures.

Intro in the music dancers must interpret the mood and spirit of the intro to the music

Rhythm and rhythm variations Rhythm variations should be shown in the footwork, body work etc.

Structures: Swing, Blues, R’N’R Figures must be placed according to the structure of the music

Chorus, Phrases Dancers must move on the one in the music according to the phrases and chorus.

Breaks and bridges Can be interpretation with poses, moves, dancing a figure, dancing over, marking

with arms, leg, head etc.

Character of Music Dancers must interpret the theme, mood and spirit of the music

Lyrics To be able to detect the message in the lyrics. Singing and/or imitating the same is

preferable to be limited.

Instruments To show the instrument with footwork, moves etc or simulating playing the actual

instrument

Call & response Is a technique where one of the dancer performs and a second dancer answers with

a direct response. This can be done with footwork, body work, moves etc.

Variation in intensity and energy This can be done by changing the footwork, using more/less arms, head, body

work, changing the expression etc.

Music effects To show the small effects in the music with footwork, body work, moves etc.

Etc…

1. Interpretation with highlights & Advanced Dance Figures


Dance Figures

2. Spontaneous

The couple should select highlight figures that fit the music

Ability to connect with the music, interpret and phrase it in a way that is unique and interesting

Capability to import others dance styles and techniques

Counting 8s, phrases, and choruses

Adapt dance figures spontaneously to the various music elements

It is important that an acrobatic figure must be harmonized with music


Dance Figures

2. Spontaneous

Expressing different types of music contents with their body moves

Step variations have to fit the music

Arms, shoulders and head improvisation

Capability to import others dance styles and techniques

During the interpretation of the music it’s essential that the dancers maintain smooth transition between movements

Ability to recognize and select particular instruments that are played

Creating your own variations to music

DANCE PERFORMANCE1. Presentation

2. Performance

Dance Performance is the ability of the couple to attract and maintain the attention to the audience.

Dance Performance (Presentation and Performance) criteria will be judged all together and rewarded by a maximum of 10 points.

The dancers should equally contribute in order to achieve a balanced couple dance performance excellence without losing their individuality.


2. Performance

Presentation

Everything from the entry to the exit of the stage

Dance is presented clean and in harmony

General overall look

The performance should be carried out in a professional manner

Utilizing the floor on the stage


2. Performance

Performance Showmanship

Facial and body expression

X Factor

Charisma

Joy of dancing

Easy execution (relax, smooth)

Confidence

Playing characters

Attitude

Thank you!

Boogie Woogie Judge Commission: Leo Beck, Germany Jan Falk, Sweden Michel Planques, France Georges Santonja, Switzerland Aina Nygård, Boogie Woogie Commissioner WRRC

Boogie Woogie NJS - Judging Seminar

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