Competition Judging

Criteria to Judge

Competition scoring is done based on the basic parameters of any Indian classical dance. There will be 4-12 independent judges on the panel. Each judge will score based on the criteria described below. Scores will be fed into a standard score tallying system. The final score will be the average score of all independent evaluations.

The panel of judges includes - teachers, scholars, choreographers, and dance administrators. We will be transparent about every score to the public. We believe in honesty and accurate analysis of artistic values. If you need more answers, please feel free to call us.

The following are the main criteria for evaluation.

• aangika abhinaya includes the necessary sthanakas, such as aramandi or proper standing postures of kathak or tribhangs of Odissi; hand gestures; body bending, etc. Anga, Upanga, and Pratyanga positions concerning taalam and bhavam will be noted. - 30 points
• vaachika abhinaya - Vaachika is based on quality of composition, literature, rhythm variation, recording and intensity of music for choreography as related to dance composition. An optional announcement within the recording might give a better idea of the dance. But it has to come within the time limit of the dance. Reciting the bolls recitation in Kathak or similar styles will be a part of Vaachikabhinaya - 10 points
• aahaarya Abhinaya - A full costume is suggested, how ever a practice costume (half saree or an elegant chudidaar) is sufficient. Each candidate must be properly bejeweled and must have ankle bells - 10 points
• Saatvika Abhinaya - Portray necessary abhinaya for all the dances. Abhinaya may vary from a simple expression to a complex sanchari bhaava (a story telling) or showcasing of Navarasa (9 sentiments) or Nayika/nayaka bhavas (hero and Heroines). For junior groups, a simple abhinaya or expression is sufficient. - 20 points
• Taal and Laya - Accuracy in rhythm concerning speed and tempo - 20 points
• Space usage and overall presentation - Utilization of area for performing; entry/exits - 10 points

For Groups of 2 or more, additional factors will be considered

• Choreography - This will be the mark of a choreographer, which showcases the ability of the dance Guru or a choreographer to portray their pattern-making or storytelling or prop-making, or different costume-making skills. - 25 points
• Coordination-synchronization - This is the ability of the dancers to present the geometrical formations, characters of the story-telling or any unique poses while dancing. Their synchronization of movements, abhinaya, will be observed as a group presentation. - 25 points

All judges will give one or two lines of general feedback apart from scoring, which helps the student to do a better job.