Golden State Raqs Competition Scoring & Judging

Golden State Raqs is a Feedback Focused competition! We know how hard you have worked and we want your performance to get attention and constructive commentary. We have brought in a panel of highly qualified, highly respected Master Instructors and Competitors to give you feedback on your piece. Each judge is here to guide you in where you are excelling and where you can grow. Judges will be offered plenty of time to fill out their scoresheets. We have also developed a Scoring System that is thorough, fair, and avoids ties as best as possible. Judges will retain their scoresheets until the end of the category, and will be allowed to revise scores as they see fit in that time. We have an odd number of judges on each panel, allow half-points for more accuracy of judging and less score repetition, and have a Judges Top-3 Ranking - all to offer the competitor valuable information and ensure a fair and impartial outcome. See below for detailed scoring criteria so you can come in knowing the expectations - and blow right past them!

Scoring Categories & Criteria

Technique:

Posture/ carriage, lines, stability, movement quality, movement vocabulary, proficient use of props

Musicality:

Movements show understanding of music structure, instrumentation, rhythms and emotional/cultural context

Appearance:

Costume, hair, makeup is appropriate for the stage and the style of dance being performed

Audience Connection & Personality:

Confidence, welcoming, connects to audience & judges, expresses their own individuality while also conveying the meaning of the music and/or accuracy in stylization

Diversity of Skills:

Use of choreography, improvisation, use of stage, originality, creativity, overall routine shows diverse skill set

Overall Presentation:

The overall impression left by the performance as a whole

Troupe - Staging:

Formations, smooth formation changes that suit the music, variety of shapes and directions used

Troupe - Cohesion:

Unity, precision, synchronization, energy

Numerical Score Criteria

Numerical Scoring System

Golden State Raqs uses a numerical scoring system based on 1-10. Whole and half-point scores are allotted for accuracy and to reduce possible ties. Preliminary scores will not carry over into Finals; Finalists will all start with blank score. Numerical scores are applied relative to the expected skill level of each category. See below for numerical scoring criteria/meaning.

Total Possible Points

Semi-Pro, Goddess, Fusion, Folklore: 420

Troupes: 560

Professional Preliminaries: 540

Professional Finals: 420

1 - Beginning or Insufficient

Does not yet demonstrate the foundational skills required for the category. Significant challenges with technique, timing, control, or presentation.

2 - Emerging

Demonstrates some foundational understanding, but execution is inconsistent and requires significant development.

3 - Developing

Shows progress and some successful elements, but technique, musicality, or performance quality lacks consistency.

4 - Approaching Competence

Developing dancer with moments of strength. Understands basic concepts but has noticeable areas needing refinement.

5 - Competent

Meets the expected standard for the division. Demonstrates solid foundational technique, musical awareness, and appropriate performance skills.

6 - Good

Above competent. Shows improved control, confidence, consistency, and a stronger connection between technique and expression.

7 - Very Good

Clearly above average. Demonstrates strong technical ability, musical interpretation, and stage presence with only minor areas for improvement.

8 - Excellent

A highly polished performance. Demonstrates advanced technique, strong artistry, musical understanding, and compelling presentation. Few noticeable weaknesses.

9 - Exceptional

An exceptional performance demonstrating a high level of refinement, individuality, command of the dance, and professional-level artistry. Distinctive and memorable.

10 - Outstanding

A rare, extraordinary performance demonstrating complete integration of technique, musicality, artistry, emotional expression, and command of the stage. Represents the highest level of achievement.