Beseda Dance

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 If any technical difficulties should arise, the contestant should have the opportunity to restart the talent.

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 Talent contestants are not to encourage audience participation in their performance. If contestants do encourage audience participation, they will receive a 10-point penalty.

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

Czechs in Texas have preserved many aspects of their cultural heritage. One of these cultural activities practiced by SPJST youth is the Beseda dance, which is a composite of the many dance steps that were popular in the various provinces and regions of what is now the Czech Republic. When the people came together for a Beseda, which means visiting or social gathering, they would each perform the dance representing their province. There are actually seven distinctive Beseda dances, one for each of the provinces or regions. The combination of all these folk dances became known as the Beseda dance. The Česká Beseda is the official form danced in the SPJST Youth Program. The Česká Beseda features the “Heel and Toe Polka,” or “Double Polka.” The polka and waltz steps are the most frequently used steps in the Beseda, and they are usually alternated in the dance.

The Beseda is danced by four couples forming a circle. SPJST Youth Clubs exhibit the Beseda dance at District and State Youth Achievement Days and other events. Beseda Rules 8 The SPJST-edited version of the Czech Beseda (Česká The Beseda Dance is a composite of the many dance Beseda) will be used. CDs and steps that were popular in the various provinces videos are available from the and regions of what is now the Czech Republic. State Fraternal Director. 8 There is no limit to the number of Beseda circles per lodge performing at District YAD. 8 Dancers from two or more lodges may combine to form a Beseda circle if one lodge does not have enough dancers to form a circle. 8 Beseda dancers may enter all other YAD contests. 8 Beseda circles are required to perform at State YAD in order to receive their participation awards.

*Denotes change to Youth Club Handbook from previous year.