BASIC OVERVIEW INFORMATION
CPFA SCORING SYSTEM AND CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS For Entry Division Value Continuum Each category is evaluated on a 1-5 continuum. 1 is the least number of points scored. A competitor would score a 1 if they at least completed the routine, demonstrated some attempt at skills, but showed a gross lack of competency. 3 is the middle of the continuum and should be awarded if a competitor shows an average level of competency. 5 is the highest score of the continuum and should be awarded if the competitor shows an unusually high competency (to the point of perfection) in a category. Quarter and Half points can and should be used.
ARTISTRY (max 20pts) COSTUME & THEME – 5pts Demonstrates a consistent theme throughout costume, character, and movement, showing time and creativity in development of costume, makeup and hair
DANCE – 5pts Demonstrates fluid movement both on and off the pole as well as between poles, more than just walking or rolling on the floor, look for movements “between” tricks, are they connected to the theme and are they telling a story, not looking for professional dance, but are looking for thoughtful movement
TRANSITIONS - 5pts Evaluating both the movements on the floor between poles as well as the movements between tricks on the pole. Competitor should move fluidly from trick to trick without an apparent “pause” to stop or start any movement.
MUSICALITY – 5pts Demonstrates the ability to use the high/low, weak/strong points of the music, planned movements to specific points in the song, is their movement specific to this song or could we replace with any other song? Is it incorporated into the movement or is it just background sound?
TECHNIQUE max 40pts (category is multiplied by 2 - 20x2)
SELECTION – 5pts This category is dedicated to evaluating the tricks/moves a competitor selects to present for their strength and flexibility. The competitor should show confidence and conditioning adequate for each skill presented, tricks are performed with no hesitation or wobble, tricks are performed with lifting, controlled energy, no momentum swinging unless dictated by the skill performed. A competitor will score highly in this category if they are demonstrating the strength/flexibility required for the skill they choose. The competitor will score low here if they are presenting moves that they do not have the appropriate flexibility/ strength for the moves they chose.
LINES & POINT – 5pts looking for full extension in all joints in every trick and floor movement, toes must be pointed in all movements unless deliberately flexed for style, are they using full extension of their spine and body to present each move when possible?
CREATIVITY IN POLE/FLOOR WORK - 5pts As this division limits the use of inversions and other skills that require high levels of difficulty, in this subcategory competitors are awarded high points for creatively using spins, floor work, and transitions, not just completing spin after spin but using the pole and floor as creative canvas for movement, it’s not how artistic the movements are but how creative/innovative
EXECUTION – 5pts Looking for safe technique when entering, during, and exiting each skill, are joints fully extended? Are they holding the skill with their body rather than throwing the skill up and hoping it will stay? Are they in complete control with every movement? Are they conditioned enough for the entire routine?
MISSED SKILLS (max of -3) Did they attempt a move and fail? Was there a gross uncontrolled slip or fall? One point per occurrence can be deducted up to a maximum of 3
RESTRICTED MOVES DEDUCTION (-5 for each occurrence) There are strict parameters around pole skills in this division, Competitor can climb, spin or sit on the pole. If the feet are off the floor, competitor must keep the head above the hips at all times, the only aerial skills allowed are pole sits (pole between the legs with one or both hands connected and head above or in line with hips and supine, or in an armpit hold (feet can be free of pole, head must remain above hips). No other positions are allowed aerially on the pole. For each restricted move performed, the competitor will earn a 5 point deduction from each Technique Judge.
PRESENTATION (max 20pts)
BALANCED CHOREOGRAPHY – 5pts Where applicable, is competitor using the static and stationary poles equally? Are tricks placed evenly throughout routine (not front loaded)? Are they using the depth of the stage (coming to audience)? Competitors should be presenting unique skills throughout routine, not repeating skills, unless intentional for style.
CONFIDENCE – 5pts Do they look ready/confident? Evaluation beings from the stage entrance all the way to the stage exit. Body posture and language should speak to confidence, is their head held high or are they looking at the floor? Do they look frightened/disengaged or excited/composed/present?
ORIGINALITY – 5pts Is the routine original? Look for the overall theme, music, costume (not whether it is good or not, but is it original?). Are their tricks/transitions unique or have you seen them performed the same way many times before?
AUDIENCE CONNECTION – 5pts Are they connecting with audience in any way (eye contact, emotion)? Are they engaging or entertaining? Do they keep the audience’s attention? Do they turn their energy to the audience at least occasionally? Do they make the audience feel something?
ARTISTRY - Maximum of 20 points
COSTUME & THEME – 5 Points Demonstrates a consistent theme throughout re: Costume, Character, Movement, while showing Time and Creativity in the development of Costume, Makeup and Hair. DANCE – 5 Points Demonstrates Fluid Movement both on and off the pole as well as between poles, more than just walking or rolling on the floor, look for movements “between” tricks. Are they connected to the theme and are they telling a story? Not looking for professional dance, but while looking for ‘thoughtful’ movement. TRANSITIONS – 5 Points Evaluating both movements on the floor between poles as well as movements between tricks on the pole, competitor should move fluidly from trick to trick without an apparent “pause” to stop or start any movement. MUSICALITY – 5 Points Demonstrates the ability to use the high/low, weak/strong points of the music, planned movements to specific points in the song. Is the movement specific to this song or could we replace with any other song? Is it incorporated into the movement or is it just background sound?TECHNIQUE - Maximum of 40 points
(Category is multiplied by 2.) SELECTION – 5 Points This category is dedicated to evaluating the tricks/moves a competitor selects to present for their strength and flexibility. The competitor should show confidence and conditioning adequate for each skill presented. Tricks are performed with no hesitation or wobble, tricks are performed with lifting, controlled energy, no momentum swinging unless dictated by the skill performed. A competitor will score highly in this category if they are demonstrating the strength/flexibility required for the skill they choose (i.e. perfectly flat split in a jade, smooth/strong lift into handsprings). The competitor will score low here if they are presenting moves that they do not have the appropriate flexibility/strength for the moves they chose. LINES and POINT – 5 Points Looking for full extension in all joints in every trick and floor movement, toes must be pointed in all movements unless deliberately flexed for style. Are they using full extension of their spine and body to present each move when possible? DIFFICULTY – 5 Points Aside from strength or flexibility, how difficult are the moves the competitor is presenting? Are they demonstrating floor moves that are challenging? Such as; handsprings, phoenix, tumbling on pole, janeiro – these are all more difficult than leg hangs, laybacks, and two handed spins. Evaluation of this category should award competitors points for difficulty if they are able to complete the skill presented. Can you tell what they are trying to present? If the execution is off, that will be evaluated elsewhere, movement should look safe even if it not perfect in order to be considered, if there is a fail in the attempt of the skill, it will not be considered when giving the difficulty score. EXECUTION – 5 Points Looking for safe technique when entering, during, and exiting each skill while asking ‘are joints fully extended?’ Are they holding the skill with their body rather than throwing the skill up and hoping it will stay? Are they in complete control with every movement? Are they conditioned enough for the entire routine?MISSED SKILLS – Maximum of -3
Did they attempt a move and fail? Was there a gross uncontrolled slip or fall? One point per occurrence can be deducted up to a maximum of 3. PERFORMING RESTRICTED AMATEUR MOVES will be a 5 point deduction for each occurrence. *Please see the order of operation for handling this situation in the section titled: “SCORE CARDS AND DESCRIPTIONS”PRESENTATION - Maximum of 20 points
BALANCED CHOREOGRAPHY – 5 Points Where applicable, is competitor using the static and stationary poles equally? Are tricks placed evenly throughout routine (not front loaded)? Are they using the depth of the stage (coming to audience)? Competitors should be presenting unique skills throughout routine, not repeating skills, unless intentional for style. CONFIDENCE – 5 Points Do they look ready and confident? Evaluation beings from the stage entrance all the way to the stage exit. Body posture and language should speak to confidence, is their head held high or are they looking at the floor? Do they look frightened, disengaged or excited and composed as well as ‘present’? ORIGINALITY – 5 Points Is the routine original? Look for the overall theme, music, costume (not whether it is good or not, but is it original?) Are their tricks and transitions unique or have you seen them performed the same way many times before? AUDIENCE CONNECTION – 5 Points Are they connecting with audience in any way (eye contact, emotion)? Are they engaging or entertaining? Do they keep the audience’s attention? Do they turn their energy to the audience at least occasionally? Do they make the audience “feel” something?Value Continuum
Each category is evaluated on a 1-5 or 1-10 continuum. A score of 1 is the least amount of points scored. A competitor would score a 1 if they at least completed the routine, demonstrated some attempt at skills, but showed a gross lack of competency. A score of 3 or 5 is the middle of the continuum and should be awarded if a competitor shows an average level of competency. A score of 5 or 10 is the highest score of the continuum and should be awarded if the competitor shows an unusually high competency (to the point of perfection) in a category. Quarter and Half points can and should be used.
ARTISTRY (doubled) - Maximum of 30 points
COSTUME AND PROPS – 5 Points (doubled)
Same minimum costume coverage required as all other CPFA divisions. This division should be creative, multi-textured and innovative. Does the costume portray the theme/character/story presented throughout? Multiple textiles should be used to create an effective translation of the theme. Time and thorough planning should be readily demonstrated. IF competitor is using props they should show thoughtful use of such prop. It should be used to demonstrate a feeling, idea, or concept and should not become just a static item on stage. The prop should be referred to or used throughout the performance. PROPS ARE NOT REQUIRED.
THEME/STORY – 5 Points
A clear, cohesive theme, story or character should be present. Competitor should show a considerable effort in developing their theme throughout the entire performance. This theme should be a prominent part of their performance, not just an afterthought. The audience should feel gripped or drawn in or entertained by the theme.
MUSICALITY – 5 Points
The music chosen should be engaging, not flat. The music is an integral framework that the performance is built around, competitor should use the high/low points and accents of the song.
PRESENTATION - Maximum of 20 points
ORIGINALITY – 5 Points (doubled)
Competitor should show a significant ability to present their theme/story/character in a unique and original way. Choice of costume and props should show an effort in finding original expression. Movements on the floor, with props and on the pole, should be presented in a unique fashion (in reference to what is currently happening in the industry).
ENTERTAINMENT– 5 Points
Performance should hold the attention of the audience from beginning to end (no flat/boring spots). The audience should feel something when viewing the performance (an emotion, impact, excitement). The competitor should show effort in developing facial expressions and in using props/costume and placement of skills within the routine to create an entertaining effect.
EXPRESSION – 5 Points
Competitor should use body language, facial expressions and costumes or props to specifically convey a feeling, idea or emotion. Facial expressions and body movements should contain a variety of expression, not the same face the whole time or ballet arms the whole time. The audience should feel/react to the competitor’s ability to express well.
TECHNIQUE - Maximum of 20 points
Note that there is no sub-division for difficulty. Tricks are not given credit for level of difficulty; instead the competitor should focus on choosing skills and combinations that are fluid, polished and directly relate/portray their theme/story/character regardless of level of difficulty.
SELECTION – 5 Points
This category is dedicated to evaluating the tricks/moves a competitor selects to present for their strength and flexibility. The competitor should show confidence and conditioning adequate for each skill presented, tricks should be performed with no hesitation or wobble; tricks are to be performed with lifting, controlled energy, no momentum swinging unless dictated by the skill performed. A competitor will score highly in this category if they are demonstrating the strength/flexibility required for the skill they choose (i.e. perfectly flat split in a Jade, smooth/strong lift into Handsprings). The competitor will score low here if they are presenting moves that they do not have the appropriate flexibility/ strength for the moves they chose.
LINES & POINT – 5 Points
Looking for full extension in all joints in every trick and floor movement, toes are to be pointed in all movements unless deliberately flexed for style, using full extension of their spine and body to present each move when possible.
EXECUTION – 5 Points
Looking for safe technique when entering, during, and exiting each skill on the pole and on the floor. Are their joints fully extended? Are they holding the skill with their body rather than throwing the skill up and hoping it will stay? Are they in complete control with every movement? Are they conditioned enough for the entire routine?
TRANSITIONS – 5 Points
All transitions both on the floor and in the air should be smooth. Do they carry their theme/character onto the pole or does it disappear once? Competitor should show effort in making all pole skills reflect their theme character and that all transitions between skills are smooth and seamless.
Value Continuum
Each category is evaluated on a 1-5 or 1-10 continuum. A score of 1 is the least amount of points scored. A competitor would score a 1 if they at least completed the routine, demonstrated some attempt at skills, but showed a gross lack of competency. A score of 3 or 5 is the middle of the continuum and should be awarded if a competitor shows an average level of competency. A score of 5 or 10 is the highest score of the continuum and should be awarded if the competitor shows an unusually high competency (to the point of perfection) in a category. Quarter and Half points can and should be used.
PRESENTATION (doubled) - Maximum of 40 points
DANCE FLOW – 5 Points (doubled)
Competitor should show a significant ability to present their theme/story/ character in a unique and original way. Choice of costume and props should show an effort in finding original expression. Movements on the floor, with props and on the pole, should be presented in a unique fashion (in reference to what is currently happening in the industry). Attention to balanced use of spin, static and floor work should be made.
ENTERTAINMENT/AUDIENCE CONNECTION/STAGE PRESENCE– 5 Points
Performance should hold the attention of the audience from beginning to end (no flat/boring spots). The audience should feel something when viewing the performance (an emotion, impact, excitement). The competitor should show effort in developing facial expressions and in using props/costume and placement of skills within the routine to create an entertaining effect.
MUSICALITY – 5 Points
The music chosen should be engaging, not flat. The music is an integral framework that the performance is built around, competitor should use the high/low points and accents of the song.
TECHNIQUE - Maximum of 20 points
Note that there is no sub-division for difficulty. Tricks are not given credit for level of difficulty; instead the competitor should focus on choosing skills and combinations that are fluid and polished.
SELECTION – 5 Points
This category is dedicated to evaluating the moves a competitor selects to present for their strength and flexibility. The competitor should show confidence and conditioning adequate for each skill presented, tricks should be performed with no hesitation or wobble; tricks are to be performed with lifting, controlled energy, no momentum swinging unless dictated by the skill performed. A competitor will score highly in this category if they are demonstrating the strength/flexibility required for the skill they choose The competitor will score low here if they are presenting moves that they do not have the appropriate flexibility/ strength for the moves they chose.
LINES & POINT – 5 Points
Looking for full extension in all joints in every trick and floor movement, toes are to be pointed in all movements unless deliberately flexed for style, using full extension of their spine and body to present each move when possible.
EXECUTION – 5 Points
Looking for safe technique when entering, during, and exiting each skill on the pole and on the floor. Are their joints fully extended? Are they holding the skill with their body rather than throwing the skill up and hoping it will stay? Are they in complete control with every movement? Are they conditioned enough for the entire routine?
TRANSITIONS – 5 Points
All transitions both on the floor and in the air should be smooth.
Value Continuum
Each category is evaluated on a 1-5 or 1-10 continuum. A score of 1 is the least amount of points scored. A competitor would score a 1 if they at least completed the routine, demonstrated some attempt at skills, but showed a gross lack of competency. A score of 3 or 5 is the middle of the continuum and should be awarded if a competitor shows an average level of competency. A score of 5 or 10 is the highest score of the continuum and should be awarded if the competitor shows an unusually high competency (to the point of perfection) in a category. Quarter and Half points can and should be used. Please note that 3/4 of your routine (in sofa/chair) should be on the sofa/chair and 1/4 on the floor.
PRESENTATION - Maximum of 40 points
DANCE FLOW – 5 Points (doubled)
Competitors should display creativity at the base of the pole and on the floor. Focus should be on fluid, clean movements, flow and grace. Movements on the floor, with props and on the chair/sofa, should be presented in a unique fashion (in reference to what is currently happening in the industry).
ENTERTAINMENT/AUDIENCE CONNECTION/STAGE PRESENCE– 5 Points
Performance should hold the attention of the audience from beginning to end (no flat/boring spots). The audience should feel something when viewing the performance (an emotion, impact, excitement). The competitor should show effort in developing facial expressions and in using props/costume and placement of skills within the routine to create an entertaining effect.
MUSICALITY – 5 Points
The music chosen should be engaging, not flat. The music is an integral framework that the performance is built around, competitor should use the high/low points and accents of the song.
TECHNIQUE - Maximum of 20 points
Note that there is no sub-division for difficulty. Floor and chair/sofa tricks are not given credit for level of difficulty; instead the competitor should focus on choosing skills and combinations that are fluid and polished.
SELECTION – 5 Points
This category is dedicated to evaluating the moves a competitor selects to present for their strength and flexibility. The competitor should show confidence and conditioning adequate for each skill presented, tricks should be performed with no hesitation or wobble. A competitor will score highly in this category if they are demonstrating the strength/flexibility required for the skills they choose The competitor will score low here if they are presenting moves that they do not have the appropriate flexibility/ strength for the moves they chose.
LINES & POINT – 5 Points
Looking for full extension in all joints in every movement, toes are to be pointed in all movements unless deliberately flexed for style, using full extension of their spine and body to present each move when possible.
EXECUTION – 5 Points
Looking for safe technique when entering, during, and exiting each skill on the chair/sofa and on the floor. Are their joints fully extended? Are they holding the skill with their body rather than throwing the skill up and hoping it will stay? Are they in complete control with every movement? Are they conditioned enough for the entire routine?
TRANSITIONS – 5 Points
All transitions both on the floor and on the chair/sofa should be smooth.
Each category is evaluated on a 1 through 5 continuum. A score of 1 is the least amount of points scored. A competitor would score a 1 if they at least completed the routine, demonstrated some attempt at skills, but showed a gross lack of competency. A score of 3 is the middle of the continuum and should be awarded if a competitor shows an average level of competency. A score of 5 is the highest score of the continuum and should be awarded if the competitor shows an unusually high competency (to the point of perfection) in a category. Quarter and Half points can and should be used.
ARTISTRY - Maximum of 20 points
COSTUME & THEME – 5 Points
Demonstrates a consistent theme throughout re: Costume, Character, Movement, while showing Time and Creativity in the development of Costume, Makeup and Hair.
DANCE – 5 Points
Demonstrates Fluid Movement both on and off the pole as well as between poles, more than just walking or rolling on the floor, look for movements “between” tricks. Are they connected to the theme and are they telling a story? Not looking for professional dance, but while looking for ‘thoughtful’ movement.
TRANSITIONS – 5 Points
Evaluating both movements on the floor between poles as well as movements between tricks on the pole, competitor should move fluidly from trick to trick without an apparent “pause” to stop or start any movement.
MUSICALITY – 5 Points
Demonstrates the ability to use the high/low, weak/strong points of the music, planned movements to specific points in the song. Is the movement specific to this song or could we replace with any other song? Is it incorporated into the movement or is it just background sound?
TECHNIQUE (doubled)- Maximum of 40 points
SELECTION – 5 Points
This category is dedicated to evaluating the tricks/moves a competitor selects to present for their strength and flexibility. The competitor should show confidence and conditioning adequate for each skill presented. Tricks are performed with no hesitation or wobble, tricks are performed with lifting, controlled energy, no momentum swinging unless dictated by the skill performed. A competitor will score highly in this category if they are demonstrating the strength/flexibility required for the skill they choose (i.e. perfectly flat split in a jade, smooth/strong lift into handsprings). The competitor will score low here if they are presenting moves that they do not have the appropriate flexibility/strength for the moves they chose.
LINES and POINT – 5 Points
Looking for full extension in all joints in every trick and floor movement, toes must be pointed in all movements unless deliberately flexed for style. Are they using full extension of their spine and body to present each move when possible?
DIFFICULTY – 5 Points
Aside from strength or flexibility, how difficult are the moves the competitor is presenting? Are they demonstrating floor moves that are challenging? Such as; handsprings, phoenix, tumbling on pole, janeiro – these are all more difficult than leg hangs, laybacks, and two handed spins.
Evaluation of this category should award competitors points for difficulty if they are able to complete the skill presented. Can you tell what they are trying to present? If the execution is off, that will be evaluated elsewhere, movement should look safe even if it not perfect in order to be considered, if there is a fail in the attempt of the skill, it will not be considered when giving the difficulty score.
EXECUTION – 5 Points
Looking for safe technique when entering, during, and exiting each skill while asking ‘are joints fully extended?’ Are they holding the skill with their body rather than throwing the skill up and hoping it will stay? Are they in complete control with every movement? Are they conditioned enough for the entire routine?
MISSED SKILLS – Maximum of -3
Did they attempt a move and fail? Was there a gross uncontrolled slip or fall? One point per occurrence can be deducted up to a maximum of 3.
PERFORMING RESTRICTED AMATEUR MOVES will be a 5 point deduction for each occurrence.
*Please see the order of operation for handling this situation in the section titled: “SCORE CARDS AND DESCRIPTIONS”
PRESENTATION - Maximum of 20 points
BALANCED CHOREOGRAPHY – 5 Points
Where applicable, is competitor using the static and stationary poles equally? Are tricks placed evenly throughout routine (not front loaded)? Are they using the depth of the stage (coming to audience)? Competitors should be presenting unique skills throughout routine, not repeating skills, unless intentional for style.
CONFIDENCE – 5 Points
Do they look ready and confident? Evaluation beings from the stage entrance all the way to the stage exit. Body posture and language should speak to confidence, is their head held high or are they looking at the floor? Do they look frightened, disengaged or excited and composed as well as ‘present’?
ORIGINALITY – 5 Points
Is the routine original? Look for the overall theme, music, costume (not whether it is good or not, but is it original?) Are their tricks and transitions unique or have you seen them performed the same way many times before?
AUDIENCE CONNECTION – 5 Points
Are they connecting with audience in any way (eye contact, emotion)? Are they engaging or entertaining? Do they keep the audience’s attention? Do they turn their energy to the audience at least occasionally? Do they make the audience “feel” something?
You will be judged on three things: Artistry (dance, transitions, flow, unique movement) , Creativity in Editing (how creatively did you use your editing skills to create an exciting work of art to watch) and Theme ( how well did you tell your story or express your emotion, was the theme clear, did it make the audience feel something).
Artistry is worth 5 points, Creativity is worth 10 points and Theme is 5
These are the score cards used by the educated judges. These cards begin with the category descriptions and guidelines for scoring. Please note that these are written to the judges and the verbiage indicates such. For sanctioned competitions, there are to be 3 judges. The judges will be responsible for only ONE category of the score card. Competition Judging Categories will be as follows:
* ARTISTRY – 1 Judge = 20 Points Maximum Per Competitor (For Pole Art Only - the score card for the Artistry Judge is multiplied by 2, resulting in a potential high score of 40 points.)
* PRESENTATION – 1 Judge = 20 Points Maximum Per Competitor
* TECHNIQUE JUDGING – 2 Judges = As the competitions are focused on Pole Fitness, the score card for the Technique Judge is multiplied by 2, resulting in a potential high score of 40 points (does not apply to Pole Art- there will be one judge for technique and 2 for Artistry).
*Within this system a perfect score would be 80 points.
FOR AFTER HOURS L1 & L2:
TECHNIQUE – 1 Judge = 20 Points
PRESENTATION (doubled) – 1 Judge = 40 Points Which consists of the following:
Dance Flow: 5 points (doubled)
Entertainment/Audience Connection/Stage Presence: 5
Musicality: 5
