Official Rules & Regulations
Hip Hop Dance Championships
Hip Hop International’s Hip Hop Dance Championships are competitive dance events that provide dancers with opportunities to showcase the artistry and technique of Hip Hop dance and street dance, nationally and internationally, with the chance for television and media exposure and prestigious national and world championship titles. Crews showcase their ultimate works of skill and performance in a choreographed routine. Creativity, showmanship and artistic freedom are always encouraged provided integrity, good taste and safety are not compromised.
Hip Hop Dance Defined
There is no one definition to describe hip hop dance. Hip hop dance is a fusion of street dance disciplines and cultural interpretations that capture the look, attitude, posture, music and elements of the urban environment to make it uniquely hip hop. Hip Hop dance is continuously transforming and redefining itself with each new generation of dancers.
A Winning Hip Hop Dance Routine
The highest scoring hip hop dance routine according to Hip Hop International contains a variety of street dance styles, showmanship, original signature moves, engaging music and a demonstration of continuous and uninterrupted complete body (head to toe) hip hop dance choreography.
Zim Finest Dance Group in association with Hip Hop International (HHI)
In November of 2011, ZFDG was privileged to become affiliated with World Hip Hop which is the biggest and most successful International Hip Hop Company in the world, hosting World hip-hop finals in the U.S.A. annually. In order to become licensed with WHH, a dance company has to show that they are of the highest level of excellence in terms of dance shows and caliber of dancers, as well as possessing a top standard of professionalism in terms of their work ethics and practices. ZFDG is proud to have reached these standards and to be approved for licensing as this places Zimbabwe's Finest Dance Group as the premiere dance company in the country
Hip Hop International founded in 2000 and based in Los Angeles is the producer of multiple live and televised street dance competitions. Among them are MTV’s Randy Jackson presents America’s Best Dance Crew, the USA Hip Hop Dance Championship, the World Hip Hop Dance Championship, the World Battles and Urban Moves Dance Workshops. Hip Hop International is recognized in more than 100 countries by its broadcasts on MTV and other international networks.
Hip Hop International is represented by official licensees throughout the world who respect the origins of hip hop and who conduct their events and competitions under the auspices of Hip Hop International and who qualify street dancers and dance crews to represent their country in Hip Hop International’s World Hip Hop Dance Championship and World Battles: Bboy, Popping, Locking and All Styles.
Entry Criteria
Entrant Eligibility
1. Crews must abide by the eligibility rules of ZFDG/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.
Age Divisions
Varsity: Ages thirteen (13) to seventeen (17)
Adult: Ages eighteen (18) and older
Example: Varsity division. a 17‐year‐old turning 18 within the competition year (by 12/31) can compete as a Varsity or Adult.
Age Requirement
1. Each Participant’s proof of age will be validated by submitting to the event organizer, prior to a local or national competition, a current driver’s license, birth certificate copy, student ID and/or passport indicating date of birth. For international/world competition a copy of a birth certificate or passport are required.
2. A crewmember whose age falls between two age divisions in the competition year (ending December 31) may compete in either division within that year.
3. Up to two members in a crew may compete up into an older age division but no crewmember may compete in a younger age division.
Participation Limit
A crewmember may not compete in more than one (1) crew per age division per competition.
Entry Changes or Substitutions
For circumstances beyond the control of the crewmember(s) (including situations effecting Defending Champions), substitutions of participants in the crew may be made. A maximum of two substitutions will be permitted for crews consisting of 5 to 6 crewmembers and a maximum of 3 substitutions for crews comprised of 7 to 8 crewmembers. A crew may also elect not to substitute its missing crewmember(s) as long as the crew does not go below five (5) members. ZFDG must approve the changes prior to the show.
Attire*
Attire may include accessories such as hats, caps, gloves, scarves, jewellery, etc. Removing pieces of clothing during the performance is permitted provided it is not offensive or out of character. Discarded clothing should be placed outside the competition area and never thrown off the stage into the audience. Appropriate under garments must be worn by all crewmembers both male and female, at all times. Clothing too short and/or too tight will be scrutinized and may be deemed inappropriate especially for overexposure of certain areas of the body and/or age appropriateness. Body oils, body or face paints or other substances applied to the body or clothing that may affect the clean dry surface of the stage and the safety of fellow competitors are prohibited. Crews may wear dance/stomp boots, sneakers or athletic sport shoes. All footwear must have clean, non‐scuff soles (street shoes, dress shoes, high heels and street boots are not acceptable). Tap shoes, jazz shoes and bare feet are prohibited.
Props
Props that are not considered an integral part of a crew’s “attire” are prohibited (i.e. canes, chairs, tambourines, musical instruments). Kneepads or any other performing apparatus to aid in the safety and proper execution of a move is allowed but concealed, when possible, so as not to detract from the performance or the judges’ concentration on the performance. When in doubt contact Hip Hop International for clarification.
Medical Attention
1. It is the responsibility of the crew, coach or crew administrator to report a crewmember’s injury or illness to the event organizer(s).
2. If at any time prior to or during competition a crewmember is ill, injured, or his/her physical or emotional condition is at risk by participating, he/she may be declared ineligible to compete, or disqualified from competing further. The competition organizer(s) reserves the right to withdraw any competitor who appears to have such serious disability or injury or needs medical attention.
3. The competition organizer(s) reserves the right to request the submittal of a physician’s written authorization for a crewmember to compete who is deemed medically or emotionally at risk by the competition organizer.
Feedback
Following the posting of the results and at a time determined by the event organizer, crews who have been eliminated from the competition may be invited to meet with a representative(s) of the judging committee for a review and critique of their routine (time permitting). One crewmember and their coach or choreographer may take part in the feedback session. The feed back session (lasting approximately 10 minutes) is offered as positive reinforcement and a means to assist crews for future competitions. The judge representative may Immediately cancel the session if crewmembers become argumentative or disrespectful of the process.
The Routine’s Length
Varsity and Adult Divisions: The routine’s length for varsity and adult crews is two (2) minutes. A grace period of five (5) seconds plus or minus is allowed resulting in a minimum of one minute fifty five seconds (1:55) and a maximum of two minutes five seconds (2:05). Timing begins with the first audible sound (includes cueing beep) and ends with the last audible sound. Routine length (music) that is less than (<) one minute fifty‐five seconds (1:55) or is greater than (>) two minutes five seconds (2:05) for varsity and adult will result in a deduction.
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. Music length for Varsity and Adult Crews: The length of recorded music for varsity and adult crews is two (2) minutes with a five (5) second (plus or minus) grace period.
3. The music for Varsity and Adult Crews must include at least one segment of a minimum of thirty seconds (: 30) of continuous music uninterrupted by musical edits or sound effects placed anywhere within routine.
4. A crew’s competition music must be recorded on a CD and be the only piece of music recorded on the CD.
5. 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.
6. The crew name and division must be printed on the CD.
7. The exact time within the competition music where the continuous and uninterrupted music segment starts and ends must be printed on the CD.
8.There is no maximum or minimum number of songs or recordings that may be used in the routine.
Note: the judging panel concludes that fewer songs may be preferable over multiple music selections/mixes allowing for greater crew focus on continuous dancing.
9. Sound effects and original compositions are permitted. Crews are highly cautioned and advised against the music becoming too complex with too many edits, sound effects or songs preventing them from exhibiting a clean and continuous dance performance.
10. The competition music must not contain inappropriate, lewd or offensive language.
11. The competition organizer(s) reserve the right to ask the crew to replace the music for one that is acceptable or the organizer may substitute a crew’s music for another piece of music of the organizer’s choice for such situations.
Scoring the Routine
The Hip Hop Crew routine is evaluated according to the Performance and Skill criteria for the highest possible total score of 10 points.
Performance criteria and point value:
Performance = 50% or five points of the total score
The judges will reward routines for incorporating unique and original/creative moves, a high number of hiphop street dance styles executed, good usage of the stage, formations, showmanship, intensity and street appearance resulting in an entertaining routine that evokes emotional response.
Creativity (10%)
Choreographing and presenting your routine in a unique and one of a kind way with signature moves and combinations of moves that are yours alone. Original ways to go to the floor, getting up from the floor, transitions and music editing that sets you apart from the other routines. Be special, different and fresh with all aspects of your routine.
Staging, Spacing, Formations, and Level changes (10%)
The crew must demonstrate awareness of spacing between the members through a full range of unique, complicated and challenging formations, interactive partner moves and patterns. The full use of stage will also be considered. The routine should include three (3) levels of movement (low/mid/high) utilizing arm, hand, leg, foot, torso, and head movements with transitions that are creative and unpredictable.
Showmanship, Intensity, Confidence, Projection & Presence (10%)
The routine contains dynamic movements from beginning to end by the crew as a whole and as individuals containing minimal pauses and poses. During featured performances by one or more members of the crew, the remaining members must continue performing movements that add to the overall intensity of the routine. Projection of the crewmembers is consistently strong throughout the entire routine with an uninterrupted display of confidence measured by facial expression, eye contact and body movement. The crewmembers should perform with enthusiasm, passion and a “natural” ability to “sell it” on stage.
Street Presence/Attire (10%)
Street presence is the capability of the crewmembers to demonstrate an authentic and uninhibited representation of hip‐hop dance. Street presence includes attitude, energy, posture and street style. Clothing and accessories worn should represent and reflect the real character and natural style of the urban street environment with a unique look that sets the crew apart. Crewmembers do not have to be dressed identical or similar. Individuality of dress is encouraged. Crews may wear stylized clothing representing their routine’s theme. Theatrical costumes are not typical of the urban street (e.g., storybook characters, animals, Halloween costumes, etc.) and are not recommended. When in doubt contact ZFDG for clarification.
Entertainment Value/Crowd Appeal (10%)
Crewmembers and their routine should connect with the audience and evoke emotional responses, i.e., excitement, joy, laughter, involvement and /or sense of drama relative to the style presented. The routine should leave a memorable and lasting impression.
Skill criteria and point value:
Skill = 50% or five points of the total score
The judges will evaluate the execution and difficulty of the style(s) performed; popping, locking, breaking, hip hop, house, etc. The judges will consider the quality of movement throughout the routine, including arm, leg and body placement, combinations of three levels‐floor, standing and air, and synchronization of the crewmembers.
Musicality (10%)
Performance and choreography corresponding to timing and music usage and the crew’s ability to perform simultaneously to the music. Movements and patterns performed to the simulated sounds of the crewmembers in the absence of recorded music (e.g., foot stomping, hand clapping, vocals, etc.) will also be considered musicality and judged similarly.
Musicality Beat
Technique/Syncopation ‐ The movements within the routine must demonstrate musical structure and style, i.e., using rhythmic variations emphasizing upbeat, downbeat, tempo and accents in single, double, halftime and syncopated musical patterns.
Musicality Moves
Related to Music Staying in time with the music, moving to the beat of the music, and using identifiable phrases to construct the routine’s choreography.
Synchronization/Timing (10%)
The movements of the crewmembers are performed in sync; the range of movement, speed, timing and execution of moves are performed by all members in unison. Peel off or in cannon movements are allowable.
Execution/Controlled Mobility and Stabilization (10%)
The crew must maintain control of the speed, direction, momentum and body placement throughout the routine.
Difficulty of Execution of Authentic Hip Hop Dance Styles (10%)
Difficulty is measured by the levels of ability demonstrated by all the crewmembers and the variety of styles performed. Consideration is given to the number of crewmembers who attempt and successfully complete complex choreography and who demonstrate through their variety of dance styles and their execution and understanding of the foundation and origin of hip hop/street dance. Additional consideration and awarding of difficulty points is given to crews who attempt difficult moves with all or most of their members. Example: a crew of five who all attempt and clearly accomplish a breaking move will score higher than if only two members attempt and complete the move. Further, if the same crew correctly performs locking, popping and breaking styles they will score higher in difficulty than a crew of 5 when they demonstrate the breaking move.
Variety of Street Dance Styles (10%)
A minimum of three (3) street dance styles must be performed in a routine to receive Variety points. The more styles a crew includes and performs correctly in the routine the higher the variety score will be. Crews should include in their performance a broad selection of street dance styles selected from the list provided without excessive use of the same move or patterns. A varied range of styles should be shown in the choreography of arm, leg, and body movements.
What to Consider in the Development of Your Routine
To develop a winning routine CAREFULLY choose street dance styles that best represent your crew’s strong points and the flavour of its personality. Crews are encouraged to be fresh, imaginative and innovative in their choreography and to follow their own style and identity. Crews are encouraged to showcase choreography using continuous upper and lower body dance movement throughout the segment. This is a minimum – crews may extend this throughout the performance. Avoid following or being influenced by past World Champions’ routines. There is no distinct model for a winning routine. What is considered unique and special one year may be considered overused the next year. HHI judges seek performances that are different, new, original and showcase a variety of authentic urban street dance styles. Be yourself and express your crew’s diversity with passion, intensity and style. A winning routine must include an ample amount of dance. Do not make the mistake, of using too many songs and incorporating too many sound effects as it often inhibits dance performance. Editing the music excessively or adding too many sound effects can prohibit phrasing, 8 counts and musicality. The songs in a routine are meant to leave a lasting impression or express a musical theme allowing for clean uninterrupted dance. Over usage of edits and sound effects often leads to a no music no dance outcome. Be cautious and preserve the musicality of your routine.
Frequently overlooked or forgotten by crews is finding “The Groove”. The groove is the dancer’s reaction to the beat and the undertone of the music. It helps a dancer to improvise and express their dancing more from the inside out. The groove exists in all types of music and dance and certainly within all styles of street dance. It’s what makes the dance “funky”. Find the groove in your music and express it in your crew’s routine. It’s another opportunity to showcase the dance and be rewarded by the judges. Crews should consider including fewer street dance styles in their routines and executing them perfectly rather than performing more with the possibility of poor execution. The minimum number of street dance styles is 3. Don’t risk a lower score by attempting a greater variety that are improperly performed. Judges will assess the abilities of the crew through the weakest crewmember. Crews should be aware that having a younger member that isn’t clearly as strong as his/her crewmembers may lower the crew’s overall score.
The inclusion of a reasonable usage of traditional (cultural) dances and folklore to enhance individuality and further identify the crew is allowable and welcomed – examples: Salsa, Capoeira, Bollywood, etc.. Moves performed in a routine (that require preparation into the move e.g., back flip) will be considered tricks with no values awarded unless they are preceded, followed and integrated within the hip hop dance choreography. The inclusion of TRICKS (a practice established by the use of specialized skills representative of a particular field of activity which does not conform to hip hop dance e.g., gymnastics) may add to the overall production of a routine, but may not place it higher than another crew’s routine. No special points will be awarded for the inclusion “specifically “ of tricks but using them to heighten the routine’s theme, personality and excitement is an allowable risk.
Originating and utilizing one of a kind “signature moves” to increase creativity and crowd appeal is encouraged. The inclusion of a SIGNATURE MOVE (a difficult, dexterous, or clever act designed to amuse intrigue and/or amaze, which involves the majority of the crewmembers at the same time) will enhance a routine and increase a score if executed well and is relevant to the overall interpretation of a routine. The creation and use of a signature move will help to identify a crew from the other crews. Crews are cautioned however to limit the number of signature moves in a routine since the set up time to perform them may take away from the time needed to perform a proper amount of hip hop dance choreography needed for a high scoring routine. Crews are permitted to use more than one routine or variations of the same routine to an HHI championship event.
List of Deductions
PERFORMANCE
All crewmembers not on stage for the opening of the performance or for exiting during or re‐entering the stage during the routine 1.0
Late Start ‐ failure to appear on stage within 20 seconds of being announced .05
Grandstanding .05
Pre start ‐ pre‐performance display greater than ten (10) seconds .05
Fall trip or stumble/per occurrence – Major .1
Fall trip or stumble/per occurrence – Minor .05
False start/unsubstantiated .1
MUSIC
Varsity and Adult Division Routine length (not 1:55‐2:05) .1
Contains inappropriate language .1
No inclusion of continuous uninterrupted music segment .15
PROHIBITED MOVES
Lewd gestures, comments or movements/per occurrence .05
ATTIRE
Use of props .1
Clothing or props tossed into audience .05
Clothing/shoes inappropriate .05
Attire not intact (untied laces /clothing articles) .05
Use of body oils, paints or other substances that affect the performance area .05
Full Crew Start
All crewmembers must start together on stage and remain on stage for the full 2:00 minutes of the routine.
There is no entering or exiting the stage by crewmembers at any time. A deduction will be taken for failure to adhere to this.
Late Start
A crew who fails to appear on stage and strike a starting position within twenty (20) seconds after being called will be deemed a late start and receive a deduction.
Pre Start
A pre start occurs when prior to taking the start position; the crew demonstrates excessive introductions or displays for longer than ten (10) seconds after all crewmembers have entered the stage. A deduction will be given.
No Show
A crew who fails to appear on the stage and initiate the starting position within sixty (60) seconds after being called will be declared a “no show” and disqualified.
Grandstanding
Grandstanding is a post performance display or posing at the end of the routine. A deduction will be given.
Falls
1. Major Fall
a. A Crewmember(s) falls from a lift or support that is unrecoverable.
b. A Crewmember falls during the performance that is unrecoverable.
2. Minor Fall
a. A highly noticeable, accidental error during the performance that is recoverable.
b. A Crewmember stumbles, trips, or falls during the performance that is recoverable.
The following are a list of Street Dance Styles from early foundation to present*:
Locking
Popping
Bboying/Bgirling (breaking)
Wacking/Punking
Vogueing
House Dance
Party Dances or Club Dances (popular or trendy dances)
Hip Hop Dance/Choreography
Krumping
Stepping/Gumboots
Traditional dance and folklore is welcome and considered part of a street dance routine.
Discrepancies in the Rules and/or Competition
Any problem or discrepancy during a competition will be brought to the attention of the competition organizer who will address it with the Head Judge, and the respective decision(s) made will be final.
Protests
Protests are prohibited and will not be accepted regarding any score or result of a decision.
Awards Ceremony
The competition will conclude with a ceremony honouring the crews with the highest total scores.
