Texas High School Salsa
Championship
Saturday, May 16, 2009

Workshop
 Competition
Salsa Social

 
Novice

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced Divisions

 A one day Salsa Celebration for high school 
students 9th-12th grade

Sponsored by

 Texas Association for Hispanic Dance and Culture
 a 501 (c )3 a Non-profit  Cultural / Educational Organization

Workshop
Mountain View College
4849 W. Illinois Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75211

Salsa Social
Hilton Garden Inn
800 North Main Street
Duncanville, Texas 75116

Live Music TBA

Special Guest Artists

TBA

Salsa Class taught by Augie Sandunga Dance Co.
 Carrolton, Texas 

Who May Participate

Public school students 9th through 12th grade.  Different categories allow dancers of levels of ability and opportunity to participate. A partner is not required to participate in the workshop, Jack & Jill Competition or Salsa Social. 

The Mission

To support the development of curricular and extra-curricular salsa programs in Texas public high schools.

The Salsa Championship is designed to bring out the best in high school students while at the same time addressing their developmental needs.

12 Reasons for High School Salsa Clubs

1. Appealing to many high school students.
2. Bust the "Oreo Stereotype" of education.
3. Unites students from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds.
4. Engages students who might not belong to a school organization.
5. Allows students to shine before their peers.
6. Introduces students to a fund life-long physical activity.
7. Challenges students to develop emotional and social skills.
8. Celebrates cultural diversity.
9.  Introduces male students to dance without the fear of tights.
10.Provides students who cannot afford drill team a performing group.
11. Expands cultural horizons and knowledge of far away places.
12. Creates a natural bridge to other forms of dance and academic subjects.
 

How students will be assessed

The entrance, exit, and the usage of the stage space, the choreography, as well as the technique, projection, timing, costuming, and overall impression will be evaluated. 

Honored Judges

Judges to be announced. Decisions of the adjudicators are final.

Divisions

Novice no previous experience

Beginner first year of experience

Intermediate 2-3 years experience

Advanced 4 or more years

Championship Categories

All Level Jack & Jill
Couple Routines
Ensemble Couple Routines
Latin Fusion Ensemble Routines 
  

Definition of Categories

All Level Jack & Jill in this category students perform sequences learned in class. They do not present routines. Large groups will dance simultaneously with a partner. Judges will select dancers from each group to go on to the next round until one novice, beginner, one intermediate and one advanced couple is selected in bachata, merengue and salsa. The winning couples will have a dance off to select the Best All Around Jack and Jill Dancers in each skill level.

Couple Routine Competition is a duet performed by a female and male partner who dance primarily in partner positions. Shine sections may be included in this category.  Intermediate and advanced couples will  prepare three routines each 2:00 min. in length. They will compete in Bachata, Merengue and Salsa. Two high point awards will be presented, one to the intermediate couple and another to the advanced couple with highest combined scores in the three events.

The Ensemble Couple Competition is for  groups composed primarily of couples that dance the majority of the dance in partner positions. Shines sections may be included in this category. Experience levels are averaged on the application to determine categories.

The Ensemble Latin Fusion Competition is for routines that are composed primarily of shines and free style interpretation of  a selected Latin rhythm. Dancers may dance in a closed position but only briefly. This category allows groups that are composed primarily of female dancers to perform. All male groups are encouraged to compete. Experience levels are averaged on the application to determine categories.

Awards

All Level Jack and Jill
Best  Bachata Dancers (Novice, Beg. Int. Adv Awards)
Best Merengue Dancers (Novice, Beg. Int. Adv. Awards)
Best Salsa Dancers (Novice, Beg. Int. Adv Awards)

Best All Around  Novice Dancers
Best All Around  Beginner Dancers
Best All Around Intermediate Dancers
Best All Around Advanced Dancers

Couple Choreographed Routines
Best  Bachata Couple (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Best Merengue Couple (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Best Salsa Couple (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

High Point Intermediate Couple
High Point Advanced Couple

Ensemble Routines

Best  Couple Ensemble (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Best  Latin Fusion Ensemble  (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Best Ensemble Couple Choreography (Int. and Adv.)
Best Latin Fusion Choreography (Int. and Adv.)

Certificates

Individual certificates will be presented to all students participating in the Salsa Championship. First, Second and Third Place Certificates will be presented to all winning students.

Fees
 

One inclusive flat rate fee for one or all activities. Directors/sponsors are required to be members of TAHDC.

Rules and Procedures

 Failure to comply with festival policies is ground for disqualification. Good conduct and sportsmanship will be required of all participants.

Deadlines 

All entries must be postmarked and paid in full by midnight April 16th. Late entries accompanied by late fees will be accepted until April 30.
 

In the Ensemble Categories 12 routines will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. 

Payment Information

When sending payments, send one check or money orders for your group. Make your check or money order payable to the Texas Association for Hispanic Dance and Culture (TAHDC ). Send entries accompanied by payment to  PO Box 227496, Dallas, Texas 75222. 

Hotel Information

Groups traveling from out of town will need to make reservations early. The Hilton Garden in Duncanville has given us a great discount.

Choreographic Assistance
 

We are presently working on a list of instructors who you may contact for assistance in preparing your entries.

Luis Delgadillo 214-923-9404, Dallas' most important Salsa Personality. To view spectacular salsa performances to inspire your choreography visit http://www.texassalseros.com/videos.shtml

Vicente Vergara, 214-339-2787 or 214-552-1313 student choreographer and director:  Vicente and his partner were the 2006 Salsa Championship High Point Winners with a score of 99.25. Vicente has won numerous awards in competition not only in salsa but also for bachata and merengue.   In addition to coaching and choreographing for  the Mountain View Latin Dance Club, Vicente has worked with several high school salsa teams.  As you would expect, Vicente loves to perform.  His joy is contagious.