Competition Rules

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Swing Dance America – Competition Rules

General Rules

Statement of Swing

Swing is an American Rhythm Dance based on a foundation of 6-beat and 8-beat patterns that incorporate a wide variety of rhythms built on 2-beat single, delayed, double, triple, and blank rhythm units. The 6-beat patterns include, but are not limited to, passes, underarm turns, push-breaks, open-to-closed, and closed-to-open position patterns. The 8-beat patterns include, but are not limited to, whips, swing-outs, Lindy circles, and Shag pivots. Although they are not part of the foundation of the dance as stated above, 2- beat and 4-beat extension rhythm breaks may be incorporated to
extend a pattern, to phrase the music, and/or to accent breaks.

The objective is to provide a competitive performance venue for the various unique styles of swing that have developed across the nation to include the Carolina Shag,Dallas Push, East Coast Swing, Hand Dancing, Hollywood Swing, Houston whip, Imperial Swing, Jive, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, Rock-n-Roll, and West Coast Swing, to name a few.

This statement will be used only to identify the presence of Swing content in a performance. It is not intended to be a full definition of Swing, or to be used to evaluate
the quality of the performance. Each Judge will evaluate the presence of Swing content, which will be one of the criteria that determine a final score.

General Rules and Information
1. Contestants must purchase a full “Weekend Pass” to compete in any division and pay the appropriate contest fees.

2. Contestants must sign a waiver and are responsible for reading these rules.

3. Contestants are responsible for checking the contest postings to assure their name is spelled correctly and they are placed in the correct contest/division.

4. “Hustle” includes Three Count, New York, Latin, and Four Count.

5. All divisions will have a leader (male or female) and a follower (female or male).

6. Contestants must wear the bib number that will be assigned to them at the time of sign in, or by the contest registration desk. There will be a $10 replacement
charge. Exception: Followers do not need to wear their bib number during Strictly Swing or Strictly Hustle contests. Couples in routine divisions do not need to wear
their bib number.

7. Contestants may compete in all dance divisions they qualify for including Jack & Jill, Strictly Swing, Pro-Am Swing, Pro-Am Hustle, Rising Star, Classic, Showcase and Master Routines. (Dancers must be age 50+ by the end of the event to dance
in the Masters Division).

8. If you compete in a Routine Division, you may compete in a different Routine Division, Strictly Swing, Strictly Hustle or Just Hustle with a different partner.
Exception: You may compete with the same partner in two different style Routine Divisions, only if there are Two Routines and Two DIFFERENT dances.
For example a West Coast Swing Routine and a Hustle Routine with the same partner.

9. Eligibility: Competitors should choose levels appropriate to their skill and dance styles. We reserve the right to move competitors to more appropriate levels or to reject entries inappropriate for any of our divisions.

10. For specific details on “Hustle” competitions please click on the Hustle Dance Tour button above.

11. Clothing:
a. NO JEANS DURING COMPETITION. Exception: If it is a specific costume for a choreographed routine.

12. Behavior: Competitors should conduct themselves maturely and display sportsmanship. Contestants displaying poor behavior may be disqualified from
competiton with no refund, or ejected from the event.

13. Contest Attendance. If you are not in the ballroom when your name and number are called for your contest division, and have not arrived by the end of all contestants being announced, you will not be allowed to dance in that contest.
Be aware of scheduled contest times and be prepared to dance with your bib.
Judges

There will be a minimum of (5) judges for all competitions. In addition, SDA will have a Chief Judge and alternate judges available. A referee judge will be used for all routine
divisions. All judges scores are final.

Judging Criteria
The Relative Placement System will be used to judge all competitions. All Competitors will be judged using the following criteria:

Timing – “How Your Body Connects to the Music”. Swing is a dance beginning on the downbeat. Timing extends to more finely distinctions than a single beat. It includes
fractionally ahead or behind the beat, as well as matching the syncopated “swing” of the music.

Technique – “How Well You Do What You Do.” How well the Competitors execute themovements comprising their dance constitutes technique. We are looking for good footwork, balance, control, frame, and how well turns & spins are executed, and control of arms and hands.

Teamwork – How Well You Work Together.” Swing is a connected, partner dance. The demonstration of this connection and the appearance of lead/follow or action/reaction between the partners is an expected part of any competition. It is the ability to work together as a team. One partner ignoring or out-dancing the other, or jeopardizing the safety of the other (or other Competitors), indicates poor teamwork.

Content/Choreography – “What You Do.” The selection and order of movements and transitions executed during a dance comprises choreography. Good choreography demonstrates an intimate connection with the music and its phrasing, as well as variety and contrast of movements. Choreography must be tasteful and respectful to the audience.

Showmanship/Presentation – “How Well You Sell What You Do.” To create an atmosphere of excitement by inviting and generating interest in a performance is the desired effect of good presentation. While providing a good show is one aspect of presentation, a good show is not a substitute for good dancing.

Swing Content
In all divisions, the amount of Swing content that is required or allowed will be evaluated by each judge. A judge will mark his score sheet as follows.

1. Swing Warning - If a judge feels there may not be enough Swing content in a routine, they will mark their sheet with an SW and their score will not reflect a lower score.

2. Swing Violation – If a judge feels there isn’t enough Swing content in a routine, they will mark their sheet with an SV and their score will reflect a lower score.

Review your division for requirements or restrictions.

Contest Categories and Qualifications WSDC Jack & Jill Contests (WSDC Rules Apply. For more information go to www.worldsdc.com).

Competitors may dance in One Skill Level and One Age Level.

Newcomer (skill level). A dancer who has not yet earned WSDC points. Should have practical knowledge of the basic patterns.

Novice (skill level). A dancer who has earned less than 15 Novice WSDC points.
Intermediate (skill level). A dancer who has earned 15 or more Novice WSDC points and less than 30 Intermediate points.

Advance (skill level). A dancer who has earned 30 or more Intermediate WSDC points.
All Star (skill level). A dancer who has 45 Advance WSDC points in the last 3 years.

Juniors (age level). Competitor must be 10-17 years of age and have a parent or guardian’s signed consent.

Masters (age level). Competitor must be at least 50 years of age by end of event.
Chief Judge will determine format for all Jack & Jill Divisions based on number of
competitors.

Strictly Swing & Strictly Hustle (Just Dance) Contests
Competitors may dance in One Skill Level and one Age Level with a different partner.

1. ProAm Strictly Swing or ProAm Strictly Hustle means the Professional (Leader or Follower) dances a non-choreographed dance with an Amateur (Leader or
Follower).

2. The Amateur must dance at the same level in ProAm Strictly or Pro AM Strictly Hustle that the Amateur dances in Jack & Jills of that particular dance. Example: If the Amateur competes in the Advanced level of Swing in a Jack & Jill, that
Amateur must also compete in the Advanced ProAm Strictly Swing contest. If the Amateur competes in the Advanced Hustle Jack & Jill Division, that Amateur must
also compete in the ProAm Advanced Strictly Hustle.

3. Competitors must demonstrate a minimum of 90% swing content in Strictly Swing Divisions and 90% Hustle in Strictly Hustle Divisions.

4. No choreographed routines.

5. No lifts or aerials allowed in all divisions. Partner supported moves are allowed in Advance and Champions divisions only.

6. Costumes are not allowed, but matching clothing are encouraged.

Novice (skill level). For couples who both compete at the Novice WSDC level.
Intermediate (skill level). For couples who both compete at the Intermediate WSDC level.

Advance (skill level). For couples who both compete at the Advance WSDC level.

Masters (age level). For couples who are both age 50+ by end of the event.

Champion (skill level). For couples who have a least one partner who regularly competes in Invitation/Champion WCS divisions or the Master division of USWDC. Must be at least
18 years of age.

Chief Judge will determine format for all Strictly Divisions based on number of competitors.

Routines
Music: BRING AT LEAST TWO (2) CD’S WITH YOUR MUSIC TO THE EVENT – JUST IN CASE ONE HAS A SKIP, OR ONE GETS BROKEN, ETC. IN ADDITION, PLEASE ALSO HAVE AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF YOUR MUSIC READY AND AVAILABLE TO DELIVER TO THE APPROPRIATE CONTEST DJ PRIOR TO FLOOR TRIALS.

Rising Star Division
This single division includes various styles of Swing including West Coast, East Coast,
Lindy Hop, and Shag, Hand Dance.

Dancer Eligibility
1. Never placed or made a qualifying final of a NASDE Classic or Showcase division
(No NASDE points).

2. Never won the US Open Rising Star division.

a. Individuals may petition the RST committee no less than seven (7) days prior to the event at which they wish to compete with a different (eligible) partner by emailing petition@risingstartour.com

General
1. Contestants must be eighteen (18) years or older by the end of the event to participate.

2. A couple may consist of opposite, or same sex dance partners. This is up to the discretion of each event.

3. The maximum number of entries in each division is at the Event’s discretion.
4. Minimum number of entries is three (3). If there are less than 3 couples, the event shall offer the competitors the opportunity to perform an exhibition, with judges’ feedback.

5. Swing content of any style is 70%. It is at the judges’ discretion to determine that the swing content has been met.

6. An individual is not permitted to dance twice within the same division or in another NASDE swing routine.

Specific
1. Performance time is a minimum of 2 minutes and a maximum of 3 minutes.

2. Competitors select their own music.

3. Costumes are required.

4. Time and judging starts at first movement of performance with or without music.

5. Separate entrances are permitted.

6. Breakaways and side by side patterns are permitted, not longer than eight beats.

7. Lifts are optional but not required.

8. Maximum of 4 partner weight support moves (lifts are not considered weight support moves).

Classic Division
Swing dancing that allows choreography with an "on the ground" approach to the dance. Drops,leans, circular movements and other partner weight support moves are allowed as long as both partners keep, at least, one foot on the floor.

General
1. Contestants must be 18 years or older by the end of the event.

2. Competitors will be one Leader and one Follower.

3. Guidelines for expected swing content are 80% in Classic. It is at the judges’discretion to determine that the swing content requirement has been met.

4. An individual is not permitted to dance twice within the same division.

Specific
1. Performance time is a minimum of 2 minutes and maximum of 3 minutes. The clock begins when the performance starts as determined by the chief judge.

2. Competitors select their own music.

3. Costumes are allowed and encouraged.

4. Time and judging starts at first movement of performance with or without music.

5. Separate entrances are permitted but the couple must physically join together within 32 beats of music.

6. Couples must maintain physical contact except for spins, turns, short break-aways, and recoveries.

7. Break-away in Classic Division to be no more than 8 beats effective January 1, 2009.

8. Dancers must maintain their own physical contact with the floor during partner weight support moves.

9. At most five partner weight support moves are permitted.

Showcase Division
Swing dancing that allows choreography with flair toward lifts and other partner weight support moves.

General
1. Contestants must be 18 years or older by the end of the event to participate.

2. Competitors will be one Leader and one Follower.

3. Guidelines for expected swing content are 60% in Showcase. It is at the judges’ discretion to determine that the swing content requirement has been met.

4. An individual is not permitted to dance twice within the same division.

Specific
1. Performance time is a minimum of 2 minutes and maximum of 3 minutes. The clock begins when the performance starts as determined by the Chief Judge.

2. Competitors select their own music.

3. Costumes are allowed and encouraged.

4. Time and judging starts at first movement of performance with or without music.

5. Separate entrances are permitted.

6. Break-a-ways and side-by-side patterns are permitted.

7. At least three partner weight support moves are required with the partner at knee level or above.

8. At least one partner weight support move is required with the partner above the waist.

9. There are no lift maximums.

Pro/Am Routine Spotlight Division
This division is offered for all styles of Swing including West Coast, East Coast, Lindy Hop,Hand, Shag and Hustle.

1. Students enter with their instructor and perform a choreographed routine to music they choose.

2. Routines are spotlighted.

3. Both the instructor and the student performance are judged.

4. Dance order will be chosen at random and posted prior to the division start time.

5. Music provided by the competitors must be a single track on a clearly labeled CD
at least 2 minutes and no longer than 3 minutes.

6. Costumes are encouraged.

7. Lifts and drops are allowed but not required.

8. Time starts with first performance movement.

9. Routines must include at least 75% recognizable swing, or hustle.

Masters Division
1. Both partners must be at least 50 years young by the end of the event.

2. Routines must be at least 60% recognizable swing.

3. Lifts and drops are not allowed.

4. This is a spotlight division.

5. Dance order chosen at random and will be posted prior to division start time.

6. Music provided by competitors. Must be a single track on a clearly labeled CD at least 2 minutes and no longer than 3 minutes.

7. Time starts with first performance movement.

8. Costumes are recommended.

Team Division
1. Each team must have a minimum of two (2) couples.

2. There is a limit of 10 team entries.

3. Each team must dance a minimum of 2 ½ minutes and no longer than 4 minutes.

4. Time begins at start of first performance movement.

5. Costumes are required.

Hustle Routine Division
This division includes all recognizable forms of Hustle including: Three count, Latin, New York and Four Count.

Choreographed Hustle Routine danced in any Hustle style.

1. Routines are spotlighted.

2. Dance order is chosen at random and posted prior to the division start time.

3. Music provided by each couple and must be a single track on a clearly labeled CD at least 2 minutes and no longer than 3 ½ minutes.

4. Costumes are allowed and encourage.

5. Choreographed entrances will be counted towards time limits.

6. Lifts and drops are allowed but not required.

Hustle Team Challenge Division

This is a Team Division that requires Eight (8) members per team.

1. Four (4) male leaders, and Four (4) female followers.

2. Four Leaders: 2 Hustle Professionals (Pros), and 2 Amateurs (Ams).

3. Four Followers: 2 Hustle Professionals (Pros), and 2 Amateurs (Ams)

4. One couple from each team will dance in competition with couples of the same construct from the other teams, in a “lead/follow” or Strictly Hustle (Just Hustle)
contest for about 2 minutes per couple. The dance order of the couples from all Teams is as follows:
a. Amateur – Amateur
b. Pro/Am (Female Pro)
c. Pro/Am (Male Pro)
d. Pro/Pro

5. Each of the above couples will dance and compete. The judges will rank each couple after each round. The Team with the lowest cumulative score after all pairings above have danced in competition with couples of the same construct
from the other team, wins the tournament.

​Swing Dance America – Competition Rules

Swing Dance America – Competition Rules