REGULATIONS – PIZZICA SECTION
ART. 1 – DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCIPLINE
The Pizzica is a traditional dance belonging to the family of popular dances from Southern Italy, characterized by a lively rhythm, energy, and emotional intensity.
Within the framework of the World Dance Competition, it is interpreted as Choreographic Pizzica, a form that blends traditional elements of Salento folklore with stage research and the collective expression of contemporary dance.
ART. 2 – STYLES
CHOREOGRAPHIC PIZZICA
This style involves the performance of choreographies with movements that are not necessarily synchronized, except for certain moments when the entire group dances in unison.
The use of scarves, shawls, or other small choreographic elements worn by the dancers is allowed, as well as acoustic musical instruments (e.g., frame drum), which may be played live or used as scenic elements.
Small stage sets are permitted, provided they are coherent with the theme and not cumbersome.
At the end of the performance, the stage must be left clear and clean.
Dangerous objects or anything that might hinder other groups are not allowed.
ART. 3 – AGE CATEGORIES
The age categories are as follows:
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Promotional: 6–7 years
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Mini: 8–9 years
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Youth: 10–12 years
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Junior: 13–16 years
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Adults: 17–25 years
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Senior: 25+
The group’s category is determined by the average age of its members.
For Duos, the age of the older dancer is taken as reference.
ART. 4 – LEVEL CLASSES
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B: dancers with little or moderate experience
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A: dancers with advanced experience
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P: professionals and teachers
ART. 5 – COMPETITIVE UNITS
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Soloist
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Duo
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Group (3–5 participants)
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Formation (6 or more participants)
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Ensemble (live acoustic music group with dancers)
ART. 6 – PERFORMANCE DURATION
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Soloists: min 1:30 – max 2:30 minutes
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Duo: max 3:00 minutes
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Groups / Formations: max 4:00 minutes
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Ensemble: max 6:00 minutes
ART. 7 – COSTUMES
Costumes must be consistent with the dance style and the participants’ age, respecting the aesthetic principles of Salento folklore.
Women
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Transparent or excessively low-cut garments are not allowed.
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Dancers must wear a long skirt reaching the ankles, in opaque fabric and of a color of their choice (within tasteful limits).
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The use of a scarf or shawl, triangular or rectangular, around the waist is permitted.
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The blouse may be sleeveless, short-sleeved, long-sleeved, or elbow-length, provided it is appropriate and consistent with the folklore style.
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Crop tops, thin-strap tank tops, and transparent garments are not allowed.
Men
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Transparent clothing is not allowed.
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The costume must include trousers, with or without a waist sash (3–5 cm wide), in a color of choice but consistent with the theme.
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A shirt or long-sleeved top (with optional rolled sleeves) is permitted.
Common Rules
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Heels higher than 1.5 cm are not permitted.
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Dancers may perform barefoot, provided the entire group maintains the same style (either all barefoot or all wearing shoes).
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Logos, text, or advertising symbols on costumes or props are prohibited.
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For the Youth category and younger, the use of a top (not a bra) is mandatory.
ART. 8 – EVALUATION
The jury will assign a score from 1 to 10, including half points and “+”, based on:
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Authenticity and coherence with folklore
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Interpretation and stage presence
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Technique and coordination
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Musicality and rhythm
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Choreographic originality and artistic quality
ART. 9 – PENALTIES
Disqualification will occur in the case of:
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Improper or unsportsmanlike conduct by a participant
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Absence after the third stage call
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Performance in the wrong category (e.g., a show dance in the folklore section)
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Use of dangerous objects (knives, swords, daggers, foils, or similar items)
ART. 10 – PERFORMANCE PROCEDURE
Each group or participant will perform individually and will be evaluated by the jury according to the established criteria.
Competitors will dance with their own music.
ART. 11 – MUSIC SELECTION AND SUBMISSION
The choice of music is free, provided that at least 50% of the track is related to Pizzica Salentina.
👉 Music must be uploaded via the choreography form, which the secretariat will send to all participants who have completed their registration.
The file must be in .mp3 format and properly named as follows:category_school-name_choreography-title.mp3
It is recommended to bring a backup copy on USB, indicating the group’s name and category.
