Rules and Regulations for all Categories

 

A detailed and Regularly Updated Rules and Regulations is available for download at www.hiphopinternational.com or you click on the icon to download the Rules directly.

Entrant Eligibility

 

1. Crews must abide by the eligibility rules of HHI.

2. Entrants entered into international and world events are responsible for verifying personal information and certifying their national eligibility and dates of birth.

 

Composition of a Crew

A crew consists of a minimum five (5) to a maximum of eight (8) members. The members of the crew may be made up of any combination of males and females within the defined age divisions.

 

Performance Music Requirements

1. The routine must be performed, in its entirety, to music selected and prepared by the crews. The competition organizer(s) will not provide the crews’ music.

2. A crew’s competition music must be recorded on a CD and be the only piece of music recorded on the CD.

3. The CD must be in good condition containing no scratches. It is a crew’s responsibility to keep a back-up CD available at all times for use.

4. The crew name and division must be printed on the CD.

5. There is no maximum or minimum number of songs or recordings that may be used in the routine.

There are two sections to Judge and separate judges are selected to judge the sections:

1. Skill
2. Performance

You may have 6 judges (excluding the Head Judge) divided into 3 Skill and 3 Performance.

1. Skill Judging

Skill Judging is further divided into the following sub-sections, each of which would amount to a % of the total score:

* Musicality
Choreography must fit the music of choice as well as the timing to the music. Beat technique / syncopation are critical where dancers show how they use rhythmic variations emphasizing upbeat, downbeat, tempo and accents. The dancer(s) need to stay on the music the whole time, while using identifiable phrases in the choreography work.

* Synchronization / Timing
How on point (in sync) is the dancer or dancers in a crew. The moves need to be complex, but still look comfortable. In the case of a Crew all members need to do ALL the moves in unison. Movement that’s faster needs to be executed well to the music. Be careful not to add too much sound effects as it may impact your synchronization.

* Execution
Dancers need to be able to control their body movement well to the music and this includes all tricks. All the moves need to be completed with arm and body extension done properly. Work on your music and make sure the judges can pick up what it is you are trying to achieve with the music. Too many edits WILL influence your execution.

* Difficulty of Execution of Authentic Street Dance Styles
Crews and Individuals need to show a degree of difficulty when executing for example ‘Popping’ moves. This includes the understanding of the foundation of these styles.

2. Performance Judging

 

Performance Judging is further divided into the following sub-sections, each of which would amount to a % of the total score: Note: Performance count the most (normally 60%)

* Creativity
It is important to present a routine in a unique and one of kind way adding moves that are yours alone and presented creatively. Think of original ways to construct your theme or routine, or ways going to the floor and coming up again. Unique transitions etc. Creativity does NOT mean building as many structures as possible.

* Staging, Spacing, Formations and Level Changes
Dancers must always be aware of their spacing. Do challenging formation changes and use the full stage. There are three levels that are judged: Low (floor), Mid (upright) and high (jumps or feet leaving the ground). Include a good variety of all of the above. Bending your knees slightly does NOT mean that you are using a lower level move. DEPTH is critical.

* Showmanship, Intensity, Confidence, Projection and Presence
Movements must always be dynamic with minimal pauses and poses. ALL members in a crew must be moving at the same time (although moves may differ between the members). Intensity of the routine must be strong at all times with uninterrupted confidence. Facial expressions, eye contact and body movement should display the confidence levels. You must always ‘Sell It’ on stage.

* Street Presence / Attire
Dancers always need to demonstrate an authentic and uninhibited representation of Hip Hop Dance. Presence includes attitude, energy, posture and street style and clothing should reflect the real character and natural style of the urban street environment.

* Entertainment Value / Crowd Appeal
Always connect with the audience. Pull in the crowd as to leave a lasting impression. You want them to remember you. Remember: Getting a standing ovation ONLY means that you succeeded in winning over the crowd and only counts for 10% of your overall score.

* Variety of Hip Hop Styles
This category speaks for itself and once you are profound in all the styles of Hip Hop Dance, you will be able to add a good variety of styles to a routine. Remember: All routines should be clean; trying to add ALL the styles in a short timed routine will end up looking messy. Use three styles as a minimum, but execute them extremely well.

Many crews come to competition unprepared, with little to no idea on what the judges are looking for. Every year crowds, friends and families are unhappy with the outcome of competitions merely because they do not know or understand what it is the Judges are looking for.


EXAMPLE of a JUDGES perspective:
- One group or dancer may get favored by the crowd and general public immediately as they dance to the people and sell it really well on stage.
- Another group may not appeal so much to the crowd although they still perform well and have all round clean movement.
You may now find that the second group wins, based on the Judges perspective merely looking at it from a SKILL point of view or other small factors such as formation changes and levels.