With the classic format of competition, a couple would dance for a previously choreographed song, but with restrictions and limitations to their drops, lifts and moves. A showcase is the same with the classical format, but they are not subject to much restriction. A strictly format employs a no pre-choreographed steps rule, wherein the competing couple dance to randomly selected music at various heats. History If you study dancing history then you will see that breakdancing is nowhere to be found in the records. The trend started in the streets of New York -- a way for kids and teenagers to show off their "cool moves" with the inclusion of music. It was observed that this form of modern dance is a combination of athletic moves and dance maneuvers -- with emphasis on extreme "power moves" with "freezes" during breaks in the music. The ban was officially lifted in the 1930s due to a successful defense posed by Reis Machado that was able to convinced the authority of Capoeira's cultural value. Today, there are even various dancing schools aimed specifically at teaching capoeira to willing students. From the traditional Angola styles, several variations were introduced into this dancing technique until it was categorized as a sport. What happens is that the person leading the dance steps first with his left foot, while the follower steps the right foot back at the same time. After that, the leader then steps to the right using his right foot, and the follower simply follows the leader and steps her left foot in the same direction. Known dance genres that is influenced by African American artists includes tap dancing, cakewalk, swing, Hustle, funk and disco, and of course, the famous moonwalk performed by Michael Jackson that is considered to be an innovation of modern Hip Hop dances today. Inclusive In Dance Competitions The unique quality of African American dance has made it a highlight in many dance competitions today. Considering that the dance involves a lot of swings, leaps, and pirouettes common in Ballet routines; the shoes have to be light and sturdy. Jazz shoes are often made from high-quality leather with flat soles for smooth turns and leaps. The soles are also made flat without any protrusions to incorporate the sliding maneuver that many jazz dancers tend to perform on stage.