Rules for Competition

Tampa Bay Classic 2007
Contest Rules & Judging Guidelines

Beata Howe - Chief Judge

THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS OF PASSES OR COMPETITION FEES.

General Guidelines:

*Contestants must be 18 years or older to compete in our pro or open competition divisions. *Competitors will be one Male Leader and one Female Follower except in Pro-Am where same sex is permitted.

*Contestants must be 10 years or older to compete in our Pro Am Divisions.
*Contestants must be 18 years or older to compete in our Classic, Showcase or Strictly Swing Divisions.

*Contestants competing in Jack & Jills must conform to the World Swing Dance Council guidelines and points system.

*Contestants must be 17 or under to compete in Youth Divisions.

To award full prize money, a division must have a minimum of 5 couples. Maximum number of entries will be the decision of the promoter. The promoter has the option to offer to run a division with less than 5 couples and the option to reduce or eliminate the prize money on a reduced division. Contestants will be notified in the case of low entry and the promoter’s decision to offer the competitors the option to exhibit or compete for reduced prize money

$15,000.00 in combined awards, gifts and prize monies will be distributed at the 2007 Tampa Bay Classic.

Who Can Compete? The Tampa Bay Classic is open to all dancers who want to have fun with competition. Special care has been taken to include many different types of dance at different skill levels. For this reason the Tampa Bay Classic offers divisions from novice to professional. We offer 4 dances for Pro Am, Jack & Jill and Strictly.

Judges decisions are final. In the unlikely case of ties in scores, the contest will be decided by the Chief Judge’s score. Deductions or demotions for violations of rules are applied by the Chief Judge from indications and observations of the judges.

Multiple Division Entry:

Rule #1 - You may not dance with the same partner in more than one division of the same style of dance, unless by luck of the draw in a J&J you happen to draw one of your partners. You may dance a Pro/Am Division and a non-Pro/Am Division with the same partner as long as all other rules are observed. You may enter another Division of the same dance style with a different partner so long as all other rules are observed.

Rule #2 - You may not dance in two divisions with the same routine.

Rule #2A - You may not dance in two divisions with the same partner.
Rule #3 – You may dance an age division and a level division of J&J or Strictly Swing. You may not dance 2 Strictly Divisions of the same style of dance with the same partner. You may only dance one age division of your choice and qualification. (i.e. you may dance one open division and one age division if you are eligible)

DANCE DIVISIONS

Divisions

Showcase: This is an open style swing division. Time and judging starts at first movement of performance with or without music. A minimum of 3 lifts or aerials required. (Lifts to be at knee level or above and to include at least one lift or aerial with partner above the waist) Drops and breakaways permitted. Performance minimum of 2 minutes and maximum of 3 minutes…60% Swing
*This division is governed by the rules set forth by NASDE (National Association of Swing Dance Events. www.nasde.com
Classic: Separate entrances permitted but must join together within 32 beats of music, however, time and judging starts at first movement of performance with or without music. No lifts, aerials or acrobatic moves. Disconnection (hands) only in spins and turns. (Drops allowed). Costumes allowed and encouraged. Performance minimum of 2 minutes and maximum of 3 minutes….80% swing.
*This division is governed by the rules set forth by NASDE (National Association of Swing Dance Events. www.nasde.com
Strictly Swing: No Routines. No lifts aerials or acrobatic moves. No costumes. (Drops & short breakaways allowed). Time of performance, promoter option. Method of how competition is held, by heats or by solo couple, promoter option, 90% Swing.
*This division is governed by the rules set forth by NASDE (National Association of Swing Dance Events. www.nasde.com

Rules Coordinator Annie Hirsch: 949-673-8893: email wsdcannie@aol.com

NASDE Statement of Swing to be used to identify the presence of swing in the NASDE competition divisions.

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.

NASDE General Rules:

1. Contestants must be 18 years or older by the end of the event to participate in a NASDE Classic, Showcase, and/or Strictly Swing division.

2. Competitors will be one Male Leader and one Female Follower.

3. The maximum number of entries in each division is at the promoter's discretion. There is no minimum number of entries. If fewer than ten couples enter a division, NASDE points will still be awarded.

4. In the NASDE divisions, the competitor guidelines for expected swing content are: at least 60% in Showcase, 80% in Classic, and 90% in Strictly Swing. It is at the judges discretion to determine that the swing content requirement has been met.

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

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

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

2. Costumes are allowed and encouraged.

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

4. Separate entrances are permitted.

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

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

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

8. At most five partner weight support moves are permitted with a partner not maintaining floor contact.

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.

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

2. Costumes are allowed and encouraged.

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

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

5. Couples must maintain physical contact except for spins, turns, short break-a-ways, and recoveries.

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

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

Strictly Swing Division: 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 as long as both partners keep at least one foot on the floor.

1. Length of performance is at the promoter’s discretion.

2. Costumes are not allowed. However, matching or complementary outfits suitable for social dancing are acceptable

3. This division will be danced in heats and/or spotlight at the promoter’s discretion.

4. Couples must maintain physical contact except for spins, turns, short break-a-ways, and recoveries.

5. Pre-choreographed routines are not allowed.

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

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

Hustle Dancing Definition for use in any Hustle Category:

A dance form using and combining the creative elements of circular rotation, slotted movement, elliptical rotation, traveling movement, visual lead and follow within the rhythm and timing of the Dance.

Strictly Hustle Divisions: Partnering (adapting to each partner's styles), lead and follow, dance ability, technique, floor craft and versa
.No costumes, routines, entrances or exits allowed. Lifts, drops and acrobatic moves are prohibited. The music is selected by that event organizer, you pick the partner. Dancers will dance for two (2) minutes.

Other Dance Divisions

Classic Rising Star
The rules for this division are the same as for NASDE Classic. This division is designed for the couple who would like to dance against non-pro/advanced level competitors. In some areas this is considered a Rising Star Division. This is also a great division to enter if you have never entered a solo division and want experience. Costumes are recommended and will count towards scoring & ranking in the division.
Sophisticated Strictly Swing (35+)

This category is for lead and follow dancing. There are no planned entrances or exits. No routines, lifts, or aerials. Leadable breakaway patterns are allowed for short duration but should be good examples of lead and follow. No costumes allowed, however, tasteful clothing is recommended. Any form of Swing dancing is allowed. There is a minimum requirement of 90% recognizable swing. The organizer picks the music, which will be approximately 90 - 140 beats per minute. This may require a preliminary round in heats and a final round solo. We may play a slow and fast song or part thereof. Dancers competing in this event must be at least 35 years of age prior to Nov 4th, 2007.
Sophisticated Swing and Masters (35+ and 50+) Routine Division
The only qualification for these divisions is age. Sophisticated Swing requires a minimum age of 35 years for each person. Masters requires a minimum age of 50 years for each person. You will perform solo to music of your choice from 2 - 3 minutes in duration. It can be a classic or showcase style and is a swing division. Costumes are recommended and will count towards scoring & ranking in the division.
Cabaret Division
This division is for styles of dance other than Swing (10% swing content is allowed). Theatre Arts, Nightclub, Argentine Tango, any ballroom dance other than Swing, Hustle, or Lindy. Anything Goes! Can be a couple, single, or a team. Time duration is 2 minutes minimum and 4 minutes maximum.

Young America Divisions

Young America Solo
This is for couples of one male and one female over the age of 6 and no older than 18 as of the first day of the contest. It will be broken down into 2 divisions if there are enough competitors. These divisions are called Youth (ages 6 - 12) and Teen (ages 13-18). Youth Definition - where the average age of the contestants is less than 13 years of age and the older partner may not be more than 15 years of age. Teen Definition - where the average age of the contestants is at least 13 years of age and the older partner may not be more than 18 years of age. There must be a minimum of 3 couples in each age group or there will be just one Junior category. This division runs solo to music of your choice from 2 - 3 minutes. Generally Showcase rules with the exception that no lifts may go above the shoulder level. Shoulder sits and shoulder level lifts are acceptable.

Team Challenge Division

Teams must consist of a minimum number of 6 members. Time limit from 2 - 4 minutes. Any form of Swing is possible and Showcase rules generally apply. Teams will be judged on entrance, exit, timing, teamwork, formations, music interpretation, and variety, as well as execution. Have fun! For a Team entry form please call 615-242-2674.

Pro-Am

This consists of several divisions: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Solo. All divisions must consist of one professional dancing with one amateur. Same sex leader and follower is permitted.

We ask competitors to assign himself or herself to either Professional or Amateur status using the following criteria:

1. A competitor is considered a professional if he or she has:

a. Worked(s) at a dance studio as a dance instructor

b. Rented a facility to teach dancing

c. Received a total of $1200.00 or more in prize money, performance fees, dance instruction fees, or any other type of compensation for dancing or teaching of dance.

2. A competitor is considered Advanced Amateur if he or she does not meet the criteria for Professional status and has significant experience in competing in competitions on a national level.

3. A competitor is considered to be Intermediate Amateur if he or she does not meet the criteria for Swing Professional or Advanced Amateur status and has developed skills above the Novice level.

4. A competitor is considered to be Novice Amateur if he or she is new to swing competition and or has never won a novice competition or placed in a division higher than novice.

5. Amateurs may only dance one level (Novice, Intermediate or Advanced) per dance style (Swing, Hustle, NC2, Lindy) . They may be different levels in different styles of dance. They may compete with different Pros in different dances. They may also dance one Pro/Am Solo Routine of each dance style.

Multiple Pro/Am Entries -- Pros can dance with a maximum of 5 students in any one dance level unless there are enough other competitors to spread out the heats. Event director’s discretion - please contact us before the event. We encourage you to dance as many entries as possible to help promote the level of our dance.

Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced are “Strictly” in format and are the same definition as above - no tricks, heated format, and music that we choose. In a "Strictly" pro-am only the Amateur is judged - and judged against his (lead) or her (follow) competitors. Medals are awarded - Gold Honors, Gold, Silver, Bronze - in relation to how well a student performs against the standard expected for their entered level. A ranking of these medals will also determine a placement value in the competition.

Solo pro-am is a Solo Routine Division. You can use music of your choice from 2 - 3 minutes in length. There is only one category - both leaders and followers are in the same category so it is a “mixed” division. Solo Pro-Am is judged as a couple and all couples compete against each other for a ranking rather than a medal. This category is governed by “Showcase” rules, which means lifts and drops are allowed - but the exception is that they are not mandatory. This gives an amateur a place to work on whatever style they would like at the level they can achieve. Teachers are suggested to keep the amateur at a corresponding level to the student’s ability.

** Note – Pro/Am Routine Divisions may have low numbers of entries. In the interest of running a smooth and fast event and to allow for plenty of social dancing, Solo Divisions of different dances (Swing, Hustle, NC2, Lindy) may be back to back and there may not be time for costume changes for Pros or Ams. Please take this into consideration when making your entries.

Jack & Jills

This fun competition is for all dancers. We offer 4 dances with many level options:

Swing – Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, 35+ Nov, 35+ Int, 35+ Adv, All Star

Lindy – Open (mixed level competition)

Hustle – Novice Intermediate, Advanced

Night Club 2 – Open (mixed level competition)

Jack & Jill Divisions must have one male as leader and one female as follower. Partners are drawn at random either by roll of a die, the contestants or by the computer. If by chance normal partners are put together - we will not switch partners. “Luck of the draw” will prevail. All WCS levels will be determined by the World Swing Dance Council recommendation list. We also will offer an All Star Jack & Jill. World Swing Dance Council Rules and Guidelines apply to all WCS Jack & Jill Divisions. Points requirements as set forth by the World Swing Dance Council for entry to different skill levels will be enforced. If you wish to petition up or down please do so in writing prior to the event.

General Skill Level Guidelines for Jack and Jill Competitors

Novice: Just like it sounds. May be dancing less than 2 years and a beginning to intermediate skill level. Sometimes an advanced dancer but a NOVICE competitor.

Intermediate: Dancing more than one year and intermediate to advanced dance and competition skill level.

Advanced: Not quite a professional but skilled and seasoned advanced dancer/competitor.

Jack & Jill prelims and finals may dance to a variety of tempos. This category is judged on lead and follow skills as well as dance technique, timing, musicality, contrast and variety expected for that level. Preliminaries will be judged individually and you will have more than one partner. Finals will be Judged as a couple. This is subject to change at the discretion of the Chief Judge.

Definitions:

Lift: A lift is described as any move where both feet of one partner are off the floor and the weight of that partner is supported by the other partner.

Drop: A drop is described as any move where the entire head and torso of one partner is entirely below the waist level of the supporting partner and the weight of that partner is mostly or totally supported by the supporting partner.

Aerial: An aerial is a move where one dancer is lifted out of contact with the floor with the assistance of his or her partner and the entire body is in a position higher than the waist of the supporting partner.

Acrobatic: an acrobatic movement shall be described as any move where one person independently passes his/her foot, leg, or body over and across the plane of either partner’s head or independently brings both feet off the floor and one foot is above either partner’s shoulder level or both feet are above either partner’s waist level.