TDI Essentials for Coaches

Core PhilosophyWho is TDI: TDI is the Midwest’s Premier Category Championship Circuit. TDI honors the rich tradition of category competition while fostering new trends and developments in competitive team dance. Our unsurpassed judging system goes beyond just “picking winners.” It recognizes the unique artistic qualities and diverse technical demands required of the separate and distinct categories of team dance competition and provides meaningful feedback that helps teams grow and develop within their chosen genre. Results are understandable, rankings are meaningful, and awards are well-deserved.

TDI respects the emergence of the IHSA state series for dance and in an effort to serve those teams participating in IHSA , offers the IHSA category competition throughout the regional season by certified IHSA officials who are also TDI certified officials. Integrating the IHSA category at regional competitions also eases the competition limits imposed by IHSA bylaws, allowing teams to compete with their IHSA routines and traditional category routines at the same contest. Moreover, TDI extends automatic bids to IHSA finalists to TDI’s Category Championship and provides a non-member option for non-finalists to take qualify their IHSA routines and place them in a category to go “head to head” at TDI’s Category Competition.

Core PhilosophyTEAM: TDI believes in the power of the TEAM. Individual schools and programs can raise up individual talents and accomplishments, but TDI will ALWAYS remain committed to valuing every member of each team and the GROWTH and ACCOMPLISHMENTS of the TEAMS as WHOLE. We believe that as many kids as possible should have the opportunity to be a part of a team experience!

Coach: Always consider what is best for the coach, support the coach, educate the coach, communicate through the coach, and respect the coach, (have fun with the coach) and the coach AND students AND the program will benefit.

Affordability: For profit circuits charge per student. Prices ranges from $35 - $59 per person. TDI is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to keeping costs low at every turn.

Core PhilosophyEducation: TDI believes strongly in providing an educationally based competition circuit designed to provide teams with meaningful feedback that coaches and teams can use to grow and develop their programs.

No Conflicts: TDI’s bylaws contain a strong conflicts of interest policy. No currentPresident, Director or Executive Director of TDI has had any direct affiliation with ANYteam in its 9 year history and NEVER WILL! In addition, TDI adheres to a 4-level conflicts screening policy to ensure that judges and officials also do not have any direct conflict with any team they are judging.

Sportsmanship: At TDI, character counts. We recognize the value of sportsmanshipby awarding it as its highest honor at our Championship which includes financial scholarship of $1,000 to the winning team. . This award is called the TRUE COLORS SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD and is awarded each year based on public nomination.

What Coaches Need to Know About

TDI Score Sheets

TDI Judges and OfficialsEVALUATION JUDGES 

Technical (TDI Flag)

Artistic (TDI Dance)

Artistic (TDI Flag)

Technical (TDI Dance)

Each TDI Category performance is judges by 2 Artistic and 2 Technical Judges who are separately trained and certified in these areas.

TDI Adjudication System

• Artistic • Technical

50%

TDI puts equal weight on the artistic quality as well as technical skill, not only be using separately trained Artistic and Technical judges, but using separate Artistic and Technical score sheets, each worth 50 points of the100 total possible points.

50%

Artistic Score Sheet

Evaluation Criteria Program Concept Musicality Choreography Staging Stage Presence

Each sub-caption of the score sheet is worth 10 points for a total of 50 points. As a result, no one aspect of the performance is “more important” than the other.

Program Concept• The intent of the production, the shaping and pacing

of the format• A “blue print” for the total package• The purpose, feel, or personality of a production• Guides the connection between the music,

movement, forms, and emotional content of the performance

• Elements can include authenticity, visual script design, performance effect, and costume & set design

Musicality• The use of physical actions to express and

connect an emotional meaning to the music– It is what makes the connection between the music,

the performer, and the audience• Samples of music defined by motion or action• Denotes the phrases and ideas defined by the

chorography– What is ultimately trying to be expressed by the

choreographer

Choreography• Is the art of making structures in which movement

occurs– The connection of these structures

• Literally “dance writing” or “dance composition”• Choreography is the act of creating a physical and

emotional script for dancers• Creating original (not necessarily never seen before) and

memorable moves/combinations that fit the music and create an emotional connection between the choreography and the audience

Staging• Is the utilization of space to create focus,

flow and emphasis• If a team’s routine is a house, then staging

would be the foundation on which choreography can be supported Transitions

Traditional Drill

Staged Moments

Organic

Stage Presence• The ability to command an audience with

impressive style or manner• Bringing the performance to life• Moves beyond simple expression of

“facials”• Displays the grasp that the performers

have over their production

Identity

Communication

Emotion

TDI Technical Score Sheet

Evaluation Criteria

Difficulty Technique and Placement Ensemble Accuracy Form Balance Clarity of Style

Difficulty• The degree of difficulty attempted and the ability of the

team/performers to achieve and maintain the tempo, demand and energy of the music. Elements include:

- Advanced Dance/Equipment Skills

- Phrase Development

- Equipment Use

- Form Variety

- Transitional Pathways

- Difficulty of Design

- CONNECTION of Dance and Equipment Skills

Technique and Placement• The ability of the individual and the team to successfully

execute the technical skills required for their given genre. Elements include:

– Basic fundamentals

– Balance

– Posture

– Turnout

– Muscle control

– Initiation of Movement

Ensemble Accuracy

• The ability of each individual to perform to the group standard; the achievement of excellence. Elements include:

– Timing and Unison

– Body Orientation

– Release Points

– Equipment Angles

– Articulation

– Precision

Form Balance• The degree of clarity concerning shape and design of form,

including spatial relationships with regards to depth, interval and alignment. Elements include:

– Readability and Accuracy

– Spatial pathways

– Step size

– Control of form

– Depth, Interval and Alignment

Clarity of Style

• The display and achievement of the chosen style; the manner and consistency in which the members communicate their given style. Elements include:

– Consistent

– Authenticity

– Projection

– Physicality

– Expression of movement

The Score Sheet Question

• Each sub-caption poses a question to the adjudicator with a question that aides in the process of deciding which Level (1-6) on the rubric best represents the answer to the question.

Performance Evaluation Rubric

Attempts Experiences Develops Understands Applies Exceeds

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6

1-4.9 5.0-6.5 6.6-7.5 7.6-8.5 8.6-9.4 9.5-10

1-24.9 25-32.9 33-37.9 38-42.9 43-47.4 47.5-50

The Six Stages in Learning

TDI’s six-level rubric reflects the stages involved in the learning process. This is an educationally-based rubric where each “box” describes the evolution of first experiencing the routine to internalizing and expertly performing it. These stages are the following...

• Box 1 ATTEMPTS - The team/performer has received the choreography and is attempting it in a "first draft" form.

• Box 2 EXPERIENCES - The team/performer begins to move through the material and starts connecting the movement and/or equipment to the music.

• Box 3 DEVELOPS - The team/performer conforms the material to physical application and discovers his/her capabilities and what must be done to improve. The student practices the skill.

• Box 4 UNDERSTANDS - The team/performer knows what is expected, grasps the material presented and is becoming skilled in its application. Muscle memory and dexterity are developing.

• Box 5 APPLIES - The team/performer has a solid grasp of the material, can demonstrate the skills with good proficiency, and applies the skills and emotional content to the meaning of the choreography. The student is now "performing".

• Box 6 EXCEEDS - Skills are fully absorbed and easily applied. The convergence of technical excellence, meaningful choreography and portrayal is communicated beyond expectation. The performance exhibits a degree of professionalism.

Communication that Needs to Occur

With Students and/or

Choreographers

Any Choreographer should…

• Be fully aware of the purpose and criteria of the TDI Score Sheet Rubric (back of score sheet).

• Be knowledgeable as to the five sub caption scoring areas on both the Artistic and Technical Score Sheets (front side of both score sheets-10 total).

• Understand the category definition(s).• Be aware of NFHS and TDI Performance Rules

(penalty sheet).

The Critique• Intended to serve as a brief opportunity for

coaches to ask the judges questions or get clarification on comments made on video/oral critique SD cards.

• Meant to offer an exchange of information regarding areas of question regarding the program/performance.

• Chance to clarify any confusion with the judge's observations.

• Critique situations should take on an educational approach!

TDI Judges and Officials

“Floor” OFFICIALS

Time and Penalties Official - TPO Ready Line Official - RLO

Head Contest Official - HCO

Officials you meet along the way!

“Behind The Scenes” OFFICIALS

SD Card Official

Tabulation Official

Competition Categories

and Divisions

TDI Competition Divisions

• High School – TDI Dance: Title, Club, and Prep– TDI Guard and Flag Teams – TDI JV Dance and JV Guard/Flag

• Youth – TDY Dance – ages 9 – 9th grade– TDY Flag – ages 9 – 9th grade

TDI High School Competition Categories

• Pom• Open Pom• Open Dance • Hip Hop• Lyrical• Kick• IHSA

• Open Flag• Winter Guard Show• JV Open Flag

Performance Time LimitsAll Dance categories except Lyrical: 1:45 – 3:00 minutesAllows teams easy cross over to and from other competition venues.

Lyrical Dance: 1:45 – 4:00 minutesLonger length allows for the development of concept and storyline required of these categories.

Winter Guard Show: 3:00-6:30 minutesLong length and broad range allows for teams to develop their own version of a true Winter Guard Show.

Open Flag: 1:45-4:30 minutes

JV Open Guard/Flag: 1:45-5:30 minutes

TDY Open Flag: 1:45-3:00 minutes

What is a Pom?

• A pom is a grouping of streamers that can be held in one hand.

• A pom can be be attached to Elastic strings.• If a pom is attached to anything [else], it

becomes a prop, which is not permissible in the TDI/TDY Open Pom category.

What is a Pom?Additional notes for Pom:•No foreign objects can be added to a pom other than an elastic band.

•Set-up of poms must be done in a timely manner.

•A hoopla is permissible in the Pom and Open Pom categories. A hoopla (commonly used at the collegiate level) is defined as a hoop with streamers directly attached. The hoopla may or may not have an affixed handle.

•Poms may be connected to each other, but, in the Open Pom category, it must be done so using only the existing streamers.

What is a Prop?

A Prop is a foreign-object introduced into a performance, used to create or enhance a desired effect.

A prop is further defined as something that is not a core material required in a particular category (ie. Pom, flag).

What is a Prop?

Costume Clarifications: •Costumes can be manipulated without concern of prop usage regardless of the category

•If the category does not permit props, and a prop is affixed to a costume and manipulated, it will result in a violation. (ie. In an Open Dance performance, a teddy bear sewn inside a costume that is manipulated during the performance is considered a prop)

•Hats, capes, jackets, shoes, masks and eyewear etc. are considered part of a costume

What is a Prop?

Additional Expectations when using Props: •A set is not considered a prop, and therefore is not permitted with any TDI category.

•Set-up and Take-down of props must be done in a timely manner.

•For those categories allowing props, props must be used on a minimal scale: performance must stay true to the category requirements.

•Spirit Rules must be followed when using a prop.

POM 1:45-3:00

The Pom category emphasizes the use of poms being featured with visual effects and creative color work

• Poms used as the emphasis throughout the performance

• Featured pom work includes but is not limited to; exchanges to create an effect, tosses, passes, tricks, color opposition, creative pictures, etc.

• Pom work highlights the musical composition of the performance concept.

• Props are permitted but should not be the focus of the performance

OPEN POM 1:45-3:00

Open Pom is a blend of any style of dance and pom work.

• Choreography highlights both the pom element and the dance element at different points or in unison during the performance.

• Pom work highlights the musical composition of the performance concept.

• No props or flags permitted.

OPEN DANCE 1:45-3:00The Open Dance category allows all dance styles.

• Routines may include elements of Lyrical and Hip Hop, but should not be predominately Lyrical or Hip Hop.

• Combinations and dance movement with an emphasis on body placement, style control, extension, flow, and continuity should be demonstrated.

• Flexibility, proper technique and proper posture are all elements of a successful routine.

• No props, poms or flags permitted.

HIP HOP 1:45-3:00

Hip Hop is a trendy style of current dance form that emphasizes style, attitude, rhythmic movement, athleticism, strength, body control and creative, non-traditional musical interpretation that allows the rhythm of the music to be seen through the movement of the body.

• Hip Hop includes but is not limited to; Street Style, Funk, Popping, Locking, Isolations, and Break Dancing.

• No flags, props or poms permitted.

LYRICAL 1:45-4:00 Lyrical is an interpretive dance style and is one of the purest forms of self-

expression. The term "lyrical" transcends the style of movement (ie., does not have to be ballet) and instead defines the relationship between the emotional composition of the music and/or literal interpretation of the lyrics and the emotional appeal and movement portrayed through the choreography. Each gesture “speaks” to the audience. The performers portray a particular mood or tell a story as the choreography ‘spills’ from one musical phrase to the next.

• Emphasis is on extension and stretching of the body, dancing from the inside out. General expression, body dynamics and flow of movement are all important elements of a successful Lyrical performance.

• Technical dance elements incorporated throughout the routine.

• Flexibility, balance, control and extension demonstrated.

• No props, flags or poms permitted.

KICK 1:45-3:00 A Kick routine consists of visually effective kick combinations, dance work and

utilization of the floor. Emphasis is on the variety of kicks, kick combinations and creative connections. Body alignment, flexibility, kick height, proper posture, proper kick technique, maintenance of the line connection, and team stamina are all important elements of a successful kick routine.

• Performance must incorporate kicks/kick combinations.

• It is recommended that no less than 50 kicks be performed by at least half the team.

• Eligible kicks need to be 90 degrees or above and unassisted to be counted.

• Lifts, control moves and leaps are not considered kicks.

• No props, flags or poms permitted.

IHSA 1:45 – 3:00A performance in the IHSA category consists of visually effective dance performance with an emphasis on technique, style control, extension, flow and continuity. Poms may be used but no other props. Choreography should build in excitement, and movement should effectively highlight the music in a demonstration of unison and musicality. Creative formations, unique transitional skills and a variety of movement should be included. Difficulty should be demonstrated through advanced skills, phrase development and transitional pathways. The performance should display proper technique, accurate formations, creativity, and showmanship.

• ANY dance style (or combination of styles) may be used.• Proper technique, unison, musicality, choreography, and formations are all

elements of a successful routine.• Poms are permitted.• Props and flags are NOT permitted.

TDI Flag Categories

• Winter Guard Show• Open Flag (formerly separate

categories of Tall, Short, and Lyrical Flag)

• JV: Open Guard/Flag

Winter Guard ShowA Winter Guard Show places emphasis is on creating a mood, personality or on the

interpretation of a story line, theme, or concept and should be reflected by the musical choice. Equipment and movement choices should be implemented in order to best represent the intended purpose of the show. There is no priority on any particular piece of equipment or style of movement in order to create effect.

• Types of guard equipment may include (but not limited to): tall flags, short flags, rifles, sabers, air blades, swing flags, chain flags.

• Tarps may be utilized provided guards monitor the time limits of set-up and take down. Guards will have 1:15 seconds to set up their tarp and 1:15 to remove their tarp in addition to their performance time.

• Live music is permitted.• Props are permitted on a minimal scale to enhance the performance.

Varsity Open FlagAn Open Flag performance consists of visually effective flag combinations that may

include a variety of tosses, free-arm expression, three-dimensional use of spatial planes, and phrase sharing of equipment and body. Footwork and/or dance presence are strongly recommended BOTH in movement of form AND within equipment phrases. Visually effective placements of equipment, body, and formations must complement the musicality of the show.

• ANY sized Flags can be used as the emphasis throughout the performance.• Winter Guard equipment such as rifles, sabers, air blades, short flags, swing flags

are permitted on a minimal scale to enhance the performance.• Props are permitted on a minimal scale to enhance the performance.• Tarps and live music are NOT permitted. • Sets/backdrops are NOT permitted.

The performers portray a particular mood or tell a story as the choreography spills from one musical phrase to the next. Successful elements include, but are not limited to, a variety of toss combinations, free-arm placement, three-dimensional use of spatial planes, and movement of form.

• Flags (Tall or Short) used predominantly throughout the performance.• Rifles, sabers, air blades, and swing flags are permitted on a minimal

scale to enhance the  performance. • Some technical dance elements must be incorporated throughout the

routine.• Flexibility, balance, control and extension is demonstrated.     Tarps are NOT permitted.     Live music is NOT permitted.     Sets/backdrops are NOT permitted.• Props are permitted on a minimal scale to enhance the performance. 

Varsity Open Flag

JV Open Guard/FlagA JV Open Guard/Flag performance consists of visually effective flag combinations

that may include a variety of tosses, free-arm expression, three-dimensional use of spatial planes, and phrase sharing of equipment and body. Footwork and/or dance presence are strongly recommended BOTH in movement of form AND within equipment phrases. Visually effective placements of equipment, body, and formations must complement the musicality of the show.

• ANY sized Flags can be used as the emphasis throughout the performance.• Winter Guard equipment such as rifles, sabers, air blades, short flags, swing flags

are permitted on a minimal scale to enhance the performance.• Props are permitted on a minimal scale to enhance the performance. • Tarps and live music are NOT permitted. • Sets/backdrops are NOT permitted.• Winter Guard Shows are permitted.

Definition and Use of “Sets”• Sets will be permissible in all Varsity and JV Guard categories .

o A Set is defined as a structure (mobile or stationary) that is placed on the floor to aid in the transitional components of a performance.

o Sets will be permitted in all Guard categories with the following parameters:o No more than 6 individual set pieces can be utilized.o Set pieces must be no larger than 8ft x 6ft eacho Sets must be able to be constructed within the time parameters available for

routine set-up. NOTE: No additional time will be added to the set-up for teams using sets.

o Set pieces must have smooth edges to prevent the damage to any performance floor. Cost of damage repair is the responsibility of the team utilizing the set.

o Any set-piece being utilized during a performance must follow NFHS Spirit Rules for “Props”.

Qualifying for TDI Championship

Youth and Junior Varsity qualify at regional contests.

Youth: qualifies with a minimum score of 75

Junior Varsity: qualifies with a minimum score of 78

Varsity Dance and Flag Teams qualify at one of two TDI Sectionals

Varsity Dance 1A = 80; 2A = 82; 3A = 83* For 2014-15, all teams advancing to the IHSA finals will receive

automatic bids to the TDI Category Championship

Varsity Guard 81

SPECIAL AWARDS STRUCTUREat Regionals, Sectionals and Championship

Regionals: The intent is to recognize specific areas of excellence:

Technical Excellence Award -- highest technical score of the day Artistic Excellence Award -- highest artistic score of the day

Championship: The intent is to recognize TEAM excellence.

● Champions – Category Champions will be named for every category/division. Ex: Dance 2A Kick Champion

● “True Colors” Sportsmanship Award: Awarded to up to two teams displaying the highest level of Sportsmanship during the season (as witnessed by membership, school administrators, spectators and TDI)

TEAMDance Youth (TDY) Categories

• Open Pom• Open Dance• Hip Hop• Kick• Open Flag

Category Descriptions for TDY

• Open Pom: Can be TDI Open Pom or Pom • Kick: Same as TDI, just 35 kicks • Open Dance: Any dance style including

Lyrical but not predominantly Hip Hop• Hip Hop – Same as TDI• Open Flag – Includes TDI Tall Flag, Short

Flag and Lyrical Flag

TDY OPEN FLAG 1:45 – 3:00• A TDY Open Flag performance places emphasis on the use of flags (tall and/or short).

TDY Open Flag performances consist of visually effective flag (tall and/or short) combinations that may include a variety of tosses, free-arm expression, three-dimensional use of spatial planes, movement of form, and phrase sharing of equipment and body. Footwork and dance presence are a necessity BOTH in movement of form AND within equipment phrases. Visually effective placements of equipment, body, and formations must complement the musical composition of the performance concept.

• • Tall Flags and/or Short Flags may be used as the emphasis throughout the performance. • Rifles, sabers, air blades and swing flags are permitted on a minimal scale to enhance

the performance.• Props are permitted on a minimal scale to enhance the performance.• Tarps are NOT permitted.• Live Music is NOT permitted.• Sets/backdrops are NOT permitted. • Winter Guard Shows are NOT allowed in TDY.

• Rules Changes for new season• INDEX (quick reference!)• Definitions• General Risk Management• Dance/Drill Risk Management

•Purchase it here today or at www.nfhs.com, under “spirit”Each RULE has sections and articles. Sections and articles typically have a situational ruling (look for the *)In back of the book, there are visuals Rule/Section/Article

NFHS Spirit RulesReading the Spirit Rules Book

New NFHS Safety Rules for 2014-2015

• Information available through….– NFHS website – IHSA website– Questions? Send to:

officialsteamdanceillinois.org

TDI Violations Sheet Information

How to understand the sheet:• Top Portion is information about the team• Ready Line Area and Warm Up Area is where the RLO and TPO will

document any rule infraction that they have worked with you to proactively eliminate

• Performance Area is where the HCO will identify any rule infraction that may have occurred during the performance. Some rules will result in a Warning, others will result in a violation deduction.

• Bottom Portion is where the HCO records the performance time and tallies up any violations that may have occurred.– NOTE: Coaches do not sign this form, but are ALWAYS recommended to see

the HCO after the performance to discuss anything that may need attention.

TDI Violations Sheet

Downloadable from TDI website