Characters Criteria

Can 2010 open class winners Silver Flame top the board in 2012 and take the trophies to the South-West? (photo courtesy of John Asher)

Characters are marked out of 10.

Good

To get the maximum 10 marks, characters must meet all these criteria:

• excellent performance that contributes to and is integral to the dance
• actions skilfully tailored to the performance, audience and venue
• positive interaction with dancers, lifting the performance
• effective involvement in dance itself
• draws in audience from the start
• engages audience throughout whole performance, resulting in appropriate responses to locks, tumbles, etc.
• only enhances the performance, doesn't detract at all
• responds effectively to problems if they arise
• appropriate kit.

Bad

Marks will be deducted if characters fails to meet any of the good criteria, for instance:

• detracting from performance e.g. taking attention away from dancers
• failing to engage audience at start and/or during dance
• failing to respond effectively to any problems that arise
• boring, uninspiring, annoying or embarrassing performance
• obstructing audience's view
• obstructing or interfering with dancers and/or musicians
• inappropriate kit
• no or poor involvement in dance.