Rubric - Dance (Tap) Audition Rubric

A traditional 4-level, 100-point tap dance audition rubric scoring sound quality and clarity, footwork precision, rhythm and syncopation, tonal and dynamic variety, and performance style.
4 - Exceeds Expectation 3 - Meets Expectation 2 - Approaching Expectation 1 - Below Expectation
Taught Combination & Improvised Chorus
100%
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Sound Quality & Clarity
20%
20 Points
Every sound is distinct, clean and intentional; no dragged, doubled or swallowed taps at any speed....
15 Points
Clear, articulate sounds with a few blurred taps in the fastest passages....
10 Points
Sounds are frequently muddy or unequal; individual taps are hard to distinguish....
0 Points
Sounds are indistinct throughout; the rhythmic content cannot be heard clearly....
Footwork Technique & Precision
20%
20 Points
Relaxed ankles, precise weight transfer and clean execution of complex steps, wings, pullbacks and turns....
15 Points
Secure technique and weight transfer; complex steps are executed with minor unevenness....
10 Points
Ankles are stiff and weight transfer is heavy; advanced steps are approximated....
0 Points
Technique cannot support the material; steps break down and weight transfer is out of control....
Rhythm, Time & Syncopation
20%
20 Points
Unshakable time with expert command of syncopation, over-the-barline phrasing and rhythmic independence....
15 Points
Solid time and accurate syncopation; phrasing stays close to the obvious rhythmic choices....
10 Points
Time drifts and syncopated figures are simplified or misplaced....
0 Points
Time and rhythmic content are lost; the phrase structure cannot be followed....
Dynamics, Tempo & Tonal Variety
20%
20 Points
Wide dynamic and tonal palette from whisper-soft to full volume, with complete tempo control at any speed....
15 Points
Good dynamic contrast and tonal variety; tempo is controlled with slight rushing at speed....
10 Points
Dynamics stay at one level and tonal variety is minimal; faster tempi are unstable....
0 Points
No dynamic or tonal variation and tempo cannot be maintained....
Style, Musicality & Performance
20%
20 Points
Authentic, personal style with deep musical interaction; performance is confident and captivating....
15 Points
Clear stylistic understanding and musical engagement; presence is strong and consistent....
10 Points
Style is imitative and musical interaction is limited; performance energy comes and goes....
0 Points
No stylistic identity, musical engagement, or performance presence....