TDI abides by the rules and regulations of the IHSA and NFHS and follows the
IHSA Spirit Rules
Click on the logos below to learn more:
TEAMDance Youth Categories
What Categories does TDY offer?
TDY offers the following for youth teams:
TDY Dance Team Categories
TDY Flag Team Categories
Below is a description of the TDY categories
Please click here for a full list of TDI Competition categories
OPEN POM ~ Time Range: 1:45 – 3:00 minutes
Open Pom is a blend of any style of dance and pom work. It can combine both Pom and Open Pom elements or be purely Pom or purely Open Pom (based on TDI category descriptions), with poms being featured with visual effects and creative color work. The poms are considered “props” and should be manipulated and highlighted as such.
- Choreography highlights both the pom element and the dance element at different points or in unison during the performance.
- Featured pom work includes but is not limited to: exchanges to create an effect, tosses, passes, tricks, color opposition, creative pictures, color massing etc.
- Pom work highlights the musical composition of the performance concept.
- No props or flags permitted.
OPEN DANCE ~ Time Range: 1:45 – 3:00 minutes
The Open Dance category allows all dance styles. Full lyrical routines are accepted in TDY Open Dance.
- Routines may include elements of Hip Hop, but should not be predominately Hip Hop.
- Technical dance elements, combinations and transitional movement should be present with an emphasis on body placement, style control, flow, and continuity.
- Flexibility, balance, control, extension, proper technique, proper posture and spatial awareness are all elements of a successful routine.
- Emotional appeal should be evident
- Choreography should highlight the musical composition of the performance concept.
- No props, flags or poms permitted.
HIP HOP ~ Time Range: 1:45 – 3:00 minutes
Hip Hop is a trendy style of current dance form that emphasizes style, attitude, rhythmic movement, athleticism, strength, body control and creative, non-traditional musical interpretation that allows the rhythm of the music to be seen through the movement of the body.
- Hip Hop includes but is not limited to; Street Style, Funk, Popping, Locking, Isolations and Break Dancing.
- Choreography is expected to be family friendly and age appropriate!!!
- Choreography should highlight the musical composition of the performance concept
- No flags, props or poms permitted.
KICK ~ Time Range: 1:45 – 3:00 minutes
A Kick routine consists of visually effective kick combinations, dance work and utilization of the floor. Emphasis is on the variety of kicks, kick combinations, and creative connections. Body alignment, flexibility, proper posture, proper kick technique, maintenance of the line connection, and team stamina are all important elements of a successful kick routine. Technical emphasis in TDY Kick is on maintenance of proper kick technique, and team’s ability to match kick heights throughout the kick combinations themselves, as opposed to emphasis on HIGH kicks and extended flexibility.
- Performance must incorporate kicks/kick combinations.
- No less than 35 kicks must be performed by at least half the team.
- Eligible kicks need to be 90º or above and unassisted to be counted.
- Lifts, control moves and leaps are not considered kicks.
- Choreography should highlight the musical composition of the performance concept.
- No props, flags or poms permitted.
TDY is proud to offer a flag division for youth organizations that have color guard or flag teams. This is a great opportunity to support and feed Illinois high school flag / guard teams as well. Exposing students to this activity in the youth age group helps them build their skills and confidence, while enjoying flag competition. It also allows them to watch the high school level teams perform and compete as well, which fosters creativity. The OPEN FLAG category guidelines are written out below. Please feel free to email us any questions you may have. We hope you enjoy competing with TDY Flag and have a positive and memorable 2008-09 season!
TDY OPEN FLAG ~ Time Range: 1:45 – 3:00 minutes
Emphasis is on the use of flags (tall and/or short). TDY Open Flag routines consist of visually effective flag (tall and/or short) combinations that may include a variety of tosses, free-arm expression, three-dimensional use of spatial planes, movement of form, and phrase sharing of equipment and body. Footwork and dance presence are a necessity BOTH in movement of form AND within equipment phrases. Visually effective placements of equipment, body, and formations must complement the musical composition of the performance concept.
- Tall Flags and/or Short Flags may be used as the emphasis throughout the performance.
- Rifles and sabres may be used on a minimum scale to enhance the performance.
TEAMDance Youth Dance Categories
TEAMDance Youth Flag Categories
TEAMDance Youth
The Official youth circuit of TDI
