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Available contests:
rising star division
Dance Eligibility:
To compete in rising star, each dancer must:
Rising Star Tour official rules apply:
Specific Rules:
Restart Guidelines:
Couples may request a restart in the following cases:
If a contestant is injured during their performance. This is for safety concerns.
To compete in rising star, each dancer must:
- Be fifteen (15) years or older by the end of any qualifying event at which they are competing.
- Never have placed or made a qualifying final of a NASDE Classic or Showcase division.
- Not have Champion or Invitational points within the last ten (10) years.
- Never have won the RST top point award in previous seasons.
- Never have placed top three (3) in the Open Rising Star division.
Rising Star Tour official rules apply:
- If any Event rule conflicts with published RST rules, the RST rules take precedence.
- A competitive couple must consist of one leader and one follower. They must remain in their respective roles throughout the entire routine with an allowable exception of an 8-count maximum of role switching.
- A minimum of 3 couple entries in the division is required for the division to occur.
- If a member event offers an RST competition and cancels the division due to not having 3 or more couples, the competitors who registered and arrived prepared to compete will be allowed to compete for RST points. Cash prize money can be reduced at the discretion of the Event Director
- An individual is not permitted to dance twice within the same division
Specific Rules:
- Guidelines for expected swing content in Classic is 75%. It is at the Judges’ discretion to determine that the swing content requirement has been met.
- Performance time is a minimum of 2 minutes and maximum of 3 minutes. The clock begins and judging starts at the first dance movement of the performance, with or without music.
- Competitors select their own music.
- Costumes are allowed and encouraged.
- Separate entrances are permitted but the couple must physically join together within 32 beats of music.
- Couples must maintain physical contact except for spins, turns, short breakaways, and recoveries. If combined, separation cannot be more than 8 beats of music. For example, if a competitor does a free spin or a turn, is not connected to their partner, and goes straight into a side-by-side break-away, the entire separation cannot be more than 8 beats of music.
- A maximum of seven (7) partner weight-support moves are permitted, with up to three (3) of the seven (7) available as optional lifts.
- Both partners must keep at least one foot on the floor during weight-support moves. If the foot comes off the floor, it will be considered a lift.
Restart Guidelines:
Couples may request a restart in the following cases:
- The DJ plays the wrong music for your routine.
- The sound system fails.
- Flooring is faulty.
- Lights go out in the ballroom during the performance.
- Shoe breaks, becomes unfastened or untied.
- Costume tears or breaks, and loose items could endanger dancers or expose a part of body that would not normally be exposed in a public setting.
- If such a problem occurs during a performance, the Chief Judge may stop the performance, until the problem can be addressed and rectified at the time of the competition.
- The competitors may also willingly stop their performance and ask the Chief Judge for a Re-start.
- The competitors must request the re-start prior to their departure from competition dance floor.
- They must speak to the Chief Judge when the problem occurs.
- If it is determined that a Re-Start is allowable, the Chief Judge will then make a decide based on their situation and ask the couples to dance/restart as quick as possible.
- Staff Judges will be instructed by the Chief Judge to judge the competitors on the repeat performance only. The performance that occurred before the Re-Start will not be counted toward the competitor’s overall ranking.
- Dissatisfied with their dance order.
- Dissatisfied with their performance.
- Dissatisfied with their partner.
- Dissatisfied with their music.
If a contestant is injured during their performance. This is for safety concerns.
entry deadlines:
- WSDC Jack and Jill contests: Newcomer, Novice, Sophisticated, Masters, Intermediate, Advanced, and All Star
- Non-WSDC Jack and Jill contests: Challenge All American, Under 35, Pro-Am Jack and Jill Novice, and Pro-Am Jack and Jill Intermediate, and Masters Novice
- Strictly Swing contests: Novice, Masters, Intermediate/Advanced, Generational, and All Star/Champions
- Pro-Am Routines: Novice and Intermediate/Advanced
- Pro-Am Strictly Swing contests: Newcomer, Novice, and Intermediate
- Rising Star Routines (part of the Rising Star Tour)
Thursday 9:30PM: Registration closes for Challenge J&J
Friday 1:00PM: Registration closes for Pro-Am J&J
Friday 7:00PM: Registration closes for Pro-Am Routines
Saturday 11:00AM: Registration closes for all Saturday Contests
11 AM Sunday: Registration closes for Strictly Swing Contests
Entry deadlines are FIRM. There will be no exceptions. (You are cute. We love you. Those deadlines still apply to you, too.) Official policies governing all Floor Play Swing Vacation's competitions are below. All competitors are responsible for reading and following the rules.
general rules:
ALL CONTESTS ARE DEGENDERED
1. Waivers:
Each competitor must sign an entry/waiver form and pay in full BEFORE competing.
2. Weekend Pass:
The weekend pass gives you access to all competitions, open dancing, shows, and most workshops.
3. Age:
Jack and Jill contests are open to ages 18 and above.
Competitors between ages 11 and 17 may petition to compete in Jack and Jill contests.
Strictly Swing and Pro-Am are open to all ages.
Rising Star must be fifteen (15) years or older by the end of the event.
Sophisticated is 35 and above.
Masters is 50 and above.
4. Costumes:
Costumes are not allowed in any category except Pro-Am Routines. Strictly Swing partners may choose to coordinate outfits.
5. Swing Definition:
This is a ‘Swing Dance’ competition and all recognized swing styles are allowed, including Whip, Push, West Coast, Swing, Shag, Lindy Hop, Imperial, Swingout, Jitterbug, Stepping and others.
6. Entry Limits and Requirements:
Dancers may compete in multiple swing contest categories during the weekend. You may compete or enter a particular contest more than once, but each entry must be at the different level. If you are unable to compete in a different level, you may only compete in the contest once.
There is no limit to entries to any division except for Pro-Am routines and Pro-Am strictly swing. A professional may dance with up to five (5) amateurs at each level of pro-am strictly swing or pro-am routines.
If there are fewer than five (5) entries in any division, Floor Play Swing Vacation reserves the right to combine or cancel that division. Floor Play Swing Vacation also reserves the right to have all lead/follow categories run in a heated format in lieu of prelims or spotlight format to facilitate event schedule constraints.
7. WSDC Jack and Jill Contents: NEW - YOU CAN DANCE IN MORE THAN ONE J&J!
WSDC points will be used to determine the level for all Jack & Jill competitors. Masters may compete in the appropriate WSDC level and in masters. You may compete as a leader and follower per WSDC guidelines.
Here are details on how it works:
Leader and Follower points will be tracked separately in Points Registry.
Competitors qualify for their dance level based on either their Leader or Follower points, whichever is higher.
Competitors are allowed to compete in their non-dominant role one level down if they do not qualify in both for the same division. HOWEVER - Competitors with no/limited competition success in their secondary role may submit a petition to dance one (1) additional level down in that role.
Competitors will not be permitted to dance both roles in the same division.
Competitors with points in both their primary and secondary roles at the same skill level must select only one (1) role to compete in (either their primary or secondary role) for that event’s skill level contest.
Competitors – please contact points@worldsdc.com if any points are/were incorrectly allocated to the wrong role in the system.
8. Qualification for Newcomer Dancers:
Designed for the dancer that is BRAND NEW to competition. This division is not open to all levels.
9. Lifts, Drops, and Aerials:
Lifts, drops and aerials are allowed in Floor Play Swing Vacation’s routine divisions (rising star and pro-am routines). Drops that are considered ‘safe’ and that work within the realm of ‘lead/follow’ are allowed in the Advanced, All Star and Master’s divisions of Jack and Jill and Strictly Swing ONLY.
Definition of a LIFT: That point when both feet are off the ground, and weight is not self-supported.
Definition of an AERIAL: The point at which one partner is off the ground due to the other partner and not maintaining contact with their partner.
Definition of a DROP: The point at which the head goes below your partner’s waist and weight is not self-supported.
10. All rules will be strictly enforced - Scoring and penalties will be at the discretion of each individual judge.
1. Waivers:
Each competitor must sign an entry/waiver form and pay in full BEFORE competing.
2. Weekend Pass:
The weekend pass gives you access to all competitions, open dancing, shows, and most workshops.
3. Age:
Jack and Jill contests are open to ages 18 and above.
Competitors between ages 11 and 17 may petition to compete in Jack and Jill contests.
Strictly Swing and Pro-Am are open to all ages.
Rising Star must be fifteen (15) years or older by the end of the event.
Sophisticated is 35 and above.
Masters is 50 and above.
4. Costumes:
Costumes are not allowed in any category except Pro-Am Routines. Strictly Swing partners may choose to coordinate outfits.
5. Swing Definition:
This is a ‘Swing Dance’ competition and all recognized swing styles are allowed, including Whip, Push, West Coast, Swing, Shag, Lindy Hop, Imperial, Swingout, Jitterbug, Stepping and others.
6. Entry Limits and Requirements:
Dancers may compete in multiple swing contest categories during the weekend. You may compete or enter a particular contest more than once, but each entry must be at the different level. If you are unable to compete in a different level, you may only compete in the contest once.
There is no limit to entries to any division except for Pro-Am routines and Pro-Am strictly swing. A professional may dance with up to five (5) amateurs at each level of pro-am strictly swing or pro-am routines.
If there are fewer than five (5) entries in any division, Floor Play Swing Vacation reserves the right to combine or cancel that division. Floor Play Swing Vacation also reserves the right to have all lead/follow categories run in a heated format in lieu of prelims or spotlight format to facilitate event schedule constraints.
7. WSDC Jack and Jill Contents: NEW - YOU CAN DANCE IN MORE THAN ONE J&J!
WSDC points will be used to determine the level for all Jack & Jill competitors. Masters may compete in the appropriate WSDC level and in masters. You may compete as a leader and follower per WSDC guidelines.
Here are details on how it works:
Leader and Follower points will be tracked separately in Points Registry.
Competitors qualify for their dance level based on either their Leader or Follower points, whichever is higher.
Competitors are allowed to compete in their non-dominant role one level down if they do not qualify in both for the same division. HOWEVER - Competitors with no/limited competition success in their secondary role may submit a petition to dance one (1) additional level down in that role.
Competitors will not be permitted to dance both roles in the same division.
Competitors with points in both their primary and secondary roles at the same skill level must select only one (1) role to compete in (either their primary or secondary role) for that event’s skill level contest.
Competitors – please contact points@worldsdc.com if any points are/were incorrectly allocated to the wrong role in the system.
8. Qualification for Newcomer Dancers:
Designed for the dancer that is BRAND NEW to competition. This division is not open to all levels.
9. Lifts, Drops, and Aerials:
Lifts, drops and aerials are allowed in Floor Play Swing Vacation’s routine divisions (rising star and pro-am routines). Drops that are considered ‘safe’ and that work within the realm of ‘lead/follow’ are allowed in the Advanced, All Star and Master’s divisions of Jack and Jill and Strictly Swing ONLY.
Definition of a LIFT: That point when both feet are off the ground, and weight is not self-supported.
Definition of an AERIAL: The point at which one partner is off the ground due to the other partner and not maintaining contact with their partner.
Definition of a DROP: The point at which the head goes below your partner’s waist and weight is not self-supported.
10. All rules will be strictly enforced - Scoring and penalties will be at the discretion of each individual judge.
It is the desire of the Organizer to encourage expressive and exciting dance performances without sacrificing quality of dancing and good taste. To encourage this balance, any action that the judges believe would make them uncomfortable in a social dance setting (such as wearing inappropriate attire or showing disrespect toward one’s partner, other dancers, or the event) is prohibited. Competitors should check with the Chief Judge in advance if they have questions regarding the acceptability of their routine/competition attire.
responsibility of competitiors
It is the Organizer’s goal to encourage all competitors to assign themselves to a fair and appropriate classification using the honor system. If competitors feel uncomfortable with their assigned classification, they may petition for reclassification on their entry form by providing a brief, written explanation of the reason(s) for their request. Competitors must submit such petitions at the contest registration desk prior to the earliest registration deadline for the competition(s) in question. Petitions for reclassification will be reviewed by the Chief Judge, in consultation with the Organizer, and contestants will be notified as quickly as possible of the outcome.
- Planning: Competitors should check the weekend schedule in advance to arrive in time to meet registration deadlines. They should bring appropriate competition attire. They should also plan to be on time for competitions. Competitors are responsible for checking at the event for any changes to previously announced schedules, which are always subject to change.
- Knowing the Rules: All competitors should read these rules carefully prior to competing. Competitors are responsible for adhering to these rules whether they have read them or not. Questions about the rules should be addressed in advance to the Organizer and/or the Chief Judge.
- Being Prepared to Compete: Competitors should be present in the ballroom at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their competition. Any change in partnership for the couple’s competitions may require an additional entry fee as well as a new entry form and waiver.
- Demonstrating Good Sporting Conduct: Competitors must always demonstrate good sporting conduct, both on and off the competition floor. Competitors may not speak to judges regarding their placements or scores until after the awards have been given. It is bad sportsmanship to badger or argue with judges about placements and scores. Competitors must also refrain from any behavior that the judges deem inappropriate. Failure to adhere to this code of behavior may result in disqualification.
petitions for reclassification
changes to these rules
The Organizer will make every effort to conduct all competitions in accordance with these rules. However, the Organizer reserves the right to make any changes in schedule/format deemed necessary for any competition.
strictly swing divisions
Swing dancing that encourages lead and follow partner dancing at its best. Although swing includes amalgamations and patterns that are familiar to many dancers, the essence of lead and follow must be maintained in and out of these patterns. Strictly Swing division is not meant for long and extended pre-choreographed phrases. Choreography “on the fly” is the objective. Drops, leans, circular movements and other partner weight support moves are allowed (in the allowed divisions) as long as both partners keep at least one foot on the floor.
Division Qualifications:
It is the Organizer’s goal to encourage all competitors to assign themselves to a fair and appropriate classification using the honor system. If you do not feel comfortable dancing within these qualifications, please petition accordingly.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, All Star: For these divisions, a couple must enter the highest level either partner qualifies for based on the WSDC points they have earned and the WSDC level criteria for Jack & Jill.
Masters (50+): Both partners must be 50 years of age or older. Because this is an age requirement rather than a skill level requirement you may also enter another Strictly Swing contest at the appropriate skill level if you wish.
Generational:
NEW - Any dancer may enter this division except for Champions.
NEW - Only 1 partner can be Advanced or All Star
There must be a 20-year age gap between partners (minimum of 20, not 19 ½).
Because this is an age requirement rather than a skill level requirement you may also enter another Strictly Swing contest at the appropriate skill level if you wish.
It is the Organizer’s goal to encourage all competitors to assign themselves to a fair and appropriate classification using the honor system. If you do not feel comfortable dancing within these qualifications, please petition accordingly.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, All Star: For these divisions, a couple must enter the highest level either partner qualifies for based on the WSDC points they have earned and the WSDC level criteria for Jack & Jill.
Masters (50+): Both partners must be 50 years of age or older. Because this is an age requirement rather than a skill level requirement you may also enter another Strictly Swing contest at the appropriate skill level if you wish.
Generational:
NEW - Any dancer may enter this division except for Champions.
NEW - Only 1 partner can be Advanced or All Star
There must be a 20-year age gap between partners (minimum of 20, not 19 ½).
Because this is an age requirement rather than a skill level requirement you may also enter another Strictly Swing contest at the appropriate skill level if you wish.
jack & Jill divisions
Our qualifications for entries promote fairness and competitor enjoyment by grouping dancers of similar ability in the same division. Our rules are based on the World Swing Dance Council recommendations. It is the Organizer’s goal to encourage all competitors to assign themselves to the appropriate classification using the honor system. If you are not comfortable dancing in the division where these qualifications place you and would like to dance up or down, please petition.
- Newcomer: Designed for the dancer that is BRAND NEW to competition. Any Newcomer who makes finals and gets 1 point recorded in the WSDC registry now moves up to Novice in that role. You are NOT required to dance in Newcomer if you’d like to go straight to Novice.
- Novice: Competitors must stay in Novice until they have earned at least 16 points in Novice. Required to move up with 30+ novice points or 1 Intermediate point.
- Intermediate: Competitors must have earned at least 16 points in Novice; and less than 30 points in Intermediate. Required to move up with 45+ Intermediate points or 1 Advanced point.
- Advanced: Competitors must have earned at least 30 points or more in Intermediate. Required to move up with 90 Advanced points (no time limit) or 1 All Star Point.
- All Star: Competitors must have earned at least 60 points in Advanced (no time limit).
- Sophisticated: For competitors who are at least 35 years old by the end of the event. Competitors may also dance in a skill level Jack & Jill (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced or All Stars) and Masters.
- Masters: For competitors who are at least 50 years old by the end of the event. Competitors may also dance in a skill level Jack & Jill (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced or All Star).
pro-am Strictly Swing divisions
Students enter with their teacher. This division is designed to highlight social dancing skills at a performance level with an emphasis on lead/follow technique.
For this contest, amateurs are defined as anyone who does not teach dancing on a regular, ongoing basis or earn a significant amount of income teaching or performing. A professional is defined as someone who earns a significant amount of income teaching or performing dance. Anyone who has previously competed in open or professional level competition must be considered a Pro for this purpose.
For this contest, amateurs are defined as anyone who does not teach dancing on a regular, ongoing basis or earn a significant amount of income teaching or performing. A professional is defined as someone who earns a significant amount of income teaching or performing dance. Anyone who has previously competed in open or professional level competition must be considered a Pro for this purpose.
- Only the student is evaluated. Different skill levels are offered for both Leader and Follower roles. Each skill level and role are a separate contest.
- Each professional shall have no more than 5 entries in each Division offered.
- It is the Organizer’s goal to encourage Pro/Am competitions as a learning tool for the students.
- Length of performance is at the promoter’s discretion. Music will be chosen by the Organizer.
- Costumes are not allowed. Matching or complementary outfits, however, are acceptable.
- This division will be danced in heats.
Division Qualifications:
It is the Organizer’s goal to encourage all competitors to assign themselves to a fair and appropriate classification using the honor system. If you do not feel comfortable dancing within these qualifications, please petition.
It is the Organizer’s goal to encourage all competitors to assign themselves to a fair and appropriate classification using the honor system. If you do not feel comfortable dancing within these qualifications, please petition.
- Newcomer: This division is for students with little to no competition experience. Students are expected to perform solid basics. Limited variations are allowed but not required. No leans, drops, or breakaways are allowed. All material should be recognizable as familiar, common “leadable” social patterns.
- Novice: This level is based on WSDC skill level. Students are expected to perform solid basics. Limited variations are allowed but not required. No leans, drops, or breakaways are allowed. All material should be recognizable as familiar, common “leadable” social patterns.
- Intermediate: This division is for students with significant prior competition and or dance experience. Students are expected to perform clean basics with variations and musicality. Judges will consider musical interpretation, showmanship, and creativity.
pro-am spotlight routine
This single division is offered for all styles of Swing: West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Hustle, Shag and Hand Dance or any other style of popular swing dance.
- Students enter with their teacher and perform a choreographed routine to music they choose.
- Expected swing content of any style is 70%. It is at the judges’ discretion to determine that the swing content has been met.
- For this contest, amateurs are defined as anyone who does not teach dancing on a regular, ongoing basis or earn a significant amount of income teaching or performing. A professional is defined as someone who earns a significant amount of income teaching or performing dance. Anyone who has previously competed in open or professional level competition must be considered a Pro for this purpose.
- Routine must be at least 2 minutes long and no longer than 3 minutes.
- Competitors select their own music.
- Costumes are required.
Appropriate Behavior & dress Code
Non-wsdc divisions:
Challenge All American:
Thursday Night fun contest
Jack & Jill - Masters Novice:
Not a WSDC points division
Must be 50 years of age or higher
Must not have any WSDC intermediate or higher points
Under 35 Jack & Jill:
Not a WSDC points division
Judged by Top 5 Masters Open J&J Winners
Must be 35 years of age or younger
Pro-Am JNJ - Novice
Pro-Am JNJ - Intermediate
Thursday Night fun contest
- All-American J&J with a twist
- Anyone can enter
- Each song will be a different challenge
- Challenge may include – Walk-Walk, triple-triple only
- Challenge may include - Dance in two squares only
- Challenge may include - Dance with one arm only and more!
Jack & Jill - Masters Novice:
Not a WSDC points division
Must be 50 years of age or higher
Must not have any WSDC intermediate or higher points
Under 35 Jack & Jill:
Not a WSDC points division
Judged by Top 5 Masters Open J&J Winners
Must be 35 years of age or younger
Pro-Am JNJ - Novice
Pro-Am JNJ - Intermediate