DLCF JUDGING CRITERIA:
Our goal at De Leon Cirque Fest is to follow the VIVA Fest judging criteria so that we can create a competition season with the same objectives.
We want to recognize quality performances and reward competitors that perform an act that is both entertaining and marketable to a broad and varied audience. For this reason, it is important for all competitors to note that the appreciation of an act by any given person is not an exact science and may vary from judge to judge.
To address any serious dissimilarities in scores, the score collector will ask the judges to confer and re-evaluate. The score collector will then take note of any changes, if any, as a result of the conversation. Appropriate action will be taken to resolve any issues resulting from a modified score.
Judges are to score based on what is seen at the time of the performance and not on what they think the competitor is capable of doing or what a judge may have observed a competitor doing either in rehearsal or a previous encounter.
Judges will strive to be consistent and all competitors will receive the same appreciation and consideration. Judges will not rank a routine based on other performances seen at the VIVA Fest, but instead will evaluate routines based on an absolute standard set by the industry.
Competitors must understand that in an artistic performance, there is a subjective element to the judging. Concerns and complaints can be addressed to De Leon Cirque Fest at the end of the competition day directly to the scorekeeper or by email info@deleoncirquefest.com. Please note the De Leon Cirque Fest will do its absolute best to address any concerns and use all feedback to improve future editions of the De Leon Cirque Fest. If necessary De Leon Cirque Fest may issue a duplicate award.
Anticipated number of judges on the student series panel: 3
BEGINNER LEVEL STUDENT:
- Under 180 seconds (3 min)
- Must be on apparatus for at least 80% of routine
- Open to all apparatuses
- Judging is based 50% on character/artistry and 50% on form/execution/technique.
Beginning Student section point breakdown
For the beginning student section, scores will be given for 2 different categories with a maximum of 10 points for each category totaling 20 possible points.
The 2 categories are:
-Execution
-Artistry/entertainment
ADVANCED LEVEL STUDENT:
- Under 180 seconds (3 min)
- Must be on apparatus for at least 80% of routine
- Judging criteria: Up to 30 points possible – up to 10 points based on difficulty, up to 10 points based on character and artistry and up to 10 points based on form, execution and technique.
- Judging may be adjusted to reflect judging changes that will be implemented at VivaFest.
Advanced Student section point breakdown
For the advanced student section, scores will be given for 3 different categories with a maximum of 10 points for each category totaling 30 possible points.
The 3 categories are:
-Difficulty
-Execution
-Artistry/entertainment
EMERGING PRO:
- Under 240 seconds (4 min)
- Must be on apparatus for at least 80% of routine
- Judging criteria: Up to 30 points possible – up to 10 points based on difficulty, up to 10 points based on character and artistry and up to 10 points based on form, execution and technique.
- Judging may be adjusted to reflect judging changes that will be implemented at VivaFest.
Emerging Pro section point breakdown
For the Emerging Pro section, scores will be given for 3 different categories with a maximum of 10 points for each category totaling 30 possible points.
The 3 categories are:
-Difficulty
-Execution
-Artistry/entertainment
Difficulty:
The Difficulty score includes difficulty and credit for connections (two high-level skills that are connected).
An element is not recognized if it fails to be completed. e.g. a skill should be performed without a fall for an aerial act, without a fumble for a handstand act, and without a drop for a juggling act.
For emerging-pros, an often unperformed skill would be rewarded in this category (e.g. a full salto on the double trapeze, a multiple cylinder balance on the role bola, a one arm handstand switch on the canes . . . .)
New tricks or difficult transitions could be rewarded in this category (e.g. a modification on an aerial silk drop that makes it especially difficult).
This score also reflects the average difficulty of the entire routine.
Note the De Leon Cirque Fest strongly discourages competitors to perform a “trick” or combination that would be deemed too advanced for their skill level. Students of all levels are invited to participate in the De Leon Cirque Fest and we want to encourage safe routines. We feel we have created a scoring system that will help encourage students to perform a safe routine because points are granted for routines that present formidable technique no matter the level of difficulty.
Execution:
Deductions are made for lack of form and errors in technique. Points are awarded for visible ease of movement as a result of strength. Flexibility is rewarded when it contributes to the form of a trick and the overall fluidity of the act. (e.g. if a “roll up on straps” is not fluid because of lack of form and placement; points would be deducted from this category). Awkwardness and hesitation would negatively impact a competitor’s score while control and flow are rewarded.
Artistry/Entertainment:
Originality in transitions is rewarded. Innovation in choreography and how it contributes to the overall quality of the performance is rewarded in this category. Pacing and musicality are considered for this category and the overall appeal of the act for the spectator is rewarded. Although there is the possibility of subjectivity in this category, please note that the De Leon Cirque Fest believes that a great act can and should appeal to every taste and transcend subjective boundaries.
Variety in the routine is also rewarded in this category.
Please note any skill you choose to use during your act will be judged in how it directly enhances the overall entertainment value of your routine. e.g. an aerial silk act with an added acrobatic tumbling pass on the stage away from your aerial silk would only be awarded credit if it somehow creates an interesting transition to a relevant prop or creates a relationship with the apparatus being used. Additional skills are not discouraged but should appear seamless in regards to their contribution to the routine.
Points will be awarded based on how all aspects of the performance are integrated into the routine.
Note for group acts, all team members should make a significant contribution to the act.
AWARDS:
All winners for each category will be presented with an award. All competitors will receive a certificate with their score and feedback from the judges.