a Contestants using recorded accompaniment must provide a CD/USB flash drive that contains only the song to be used for competition. CD/USB flash drive must be ready for play when given to sound crew or a penalty of one point per judge will be assessed. a All contestants will provide anything needed for their talents. CD/USB flash drives should be checked out prior to the beginning of YAD to be sure they are working properly. If someone is to assist with any of the equipment, be sure they understand how to help and where to begin the CD/USB flash drive so the talent will start as practiced for the contestant.
a A standard public address system will be provided by the hosting lodge. The DYC is responsible for all equipment being in good working order at District YAD. a Contestants will not announce their name, lodge, or hometown. A penalty of five points will be deducted from their total score if they identify themselves in any way to the judges. Contestants must announce the name of the talent they will perform.
a No outside assistance with talent acts is allowed. Any outside assistance will result in a 10-point penalty to the contestant’s score. a Applause will be allowed by the audience after each performance. Noise during the performance is discouraged. a Talent and talent costumes must be in good taste and age appropriate. The DYC at District YAD (State Fraternal Director at State YAD) will determine talent and talent costume appropriateness. Talent must be age appropriate and not offensive to the audience.
Talent Judging Criteria Technique (Level of Skill Shown)...........................40 points Rendition (Creativity) ............................................25 points Stage Presence (Poise/Personality) ................................20 points Extra Merit ..................................................15 points
Beseda Dance The Beseda is danced by four Czechs in Texas have couples forming a circle. SPJST preserved many aspects of Youth Clubs exhibit the Beseda their cultural heritage. One of dance at District and State these cultural activities pracYouth Achievement Days and ticed by SPJST youth is the other events. Beseda dance, which is a composite of the many dance Beseda Rules steps that were popular in the 8 The SPJST-edited version various provinces and regions of the Czech Beseda (Česká of what is now the Czech Republic. The Beseda Dance is a composite of the many dance Beseda) will be used. CDs and videos are available from the When the people came steps that were popular in the various provinces and regions of what is now the Czech Republic. State Fraternal Director. together for a Beseda, which means visiting or social gathering, they would each 8 There is no limit to the number of Beseda circles per perform the dance representing their province. There lodge performing at District YAD. are actually seven distinctive Beseda dances, one for each of the provinces or regions. The combination of 8 Dancers from two or more lodges may combine to all these folk dances became known as the Beseda form a Beseda circle if one lodge does not have dance. enough dancers to form a circle. The Česká Beseda is the official form danced in the SPJST Youth Program. The Česká Beseda features 8 Beseda dancers may enter all other YAD contests. the “Heel and Toe Polka,” or “Double Polka.” The polka and waltz steps are the most frequently used 8 Beseda circles are required to perform at State steps in the Beseda, and they are usually alternated in YAD in order to receive their participation awards. the dance.
*Denotes change to Youth Club Handbook from previous year.
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YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT DAY - TALENT/BESEDA
a If any technical difficulties should arise, the contestant should have the opportunity to restart the talent.
a Talent contestants are not to encourage audience participation in their performance. If contestants do encourage audience participation, they will receive a 10-point penalty.
