Kitchen Etiquette

A competitive sport, judged similarly to gymnastics, ice skating, or dance

The rules of the sport

• Performance takes place on Chairs/stools and Counter tops.

• Performances can be by solo or team participants• If the floor is touched, it can only be touched once

by a hand or foot, before the participant must move to another chair/ countertop

• The exception to touch the floor more than once in a row may be made if the person is spinning

• Participants may set their own courses in the beginning of the event

• Judging is entirely subjective, although it is recommended judges have some experience with athletic movement.

• A basis of grace and strength are expected in the performance, and points would be removed for poor form, if the participant looks particularly awkward, as agreed by judges, or if any fall or injury is incurred.

Example of a youth participant in a game-losing move

• Performances generally last a few minutes, and the bulk of the scoring is given to style points. There are no specific criteria for costumes, and personal expression is judged by how well the judges determine it matches the physical movements, and other stylistic elements chosen by the performer.

• While 2 basic implements – the counter and the chair are standard to the performance, a match between participants might also have a theme including 2 other items, such as a fork and a piece of food, a pitcher of water and a glass, or matches and candles.

Example of team beginning their set

Example of a team in mid-act

Another example of a poorly executed maneuver… notice positioning on oven handle…

• Falling generally causes a disqualification, unless, in rare cases, the way in which the participant falls causes the judges to award massive style points.

Style points- flair matches headdress…. But rest of costume is not impressive

Keeping off the floor…

Judges would evaluate form, and performer’s ability to do what they are trying to do.

Example of a stylish dismount

Further clarifications

• Performances are judged based on the performer’s ability to – hold a pose if it looks like they are trying to hold it – get to the next elevated surface it looks like they are trying to get to with grace and flair.

• Style points are awarded to performers based on judges subjective observations of whether or not the performer has a well developed personal style, and if the performance and costume displays that style

• In the higher levels of competition, where performers are capable of making most moves they attempt, style points make up the bulk of the competition.

• Judges are expected to judge contestants by how well they perform their own style, while performing with skill and grace. Judges are expected not to judge contestants based on the judges personal likes or dislikes of said styles.

What you need to succeed in kitchen etiquette contests.

• Strength, balance, and a performing style that you can sustain for at least a few minutes

• Sturdy countertops and chairs, and a clear knowledge of when the angle of pressure against a chair makes it an unstable base.

• A good set-up for the performance to traverse the kitchen, use all available elevated surfaces (counters and chairs) that are safe, and as stated before, only touch the floor with one limb before returning to an elevated surface, unless the participant is spinning.

Another excellent dismount