Format

Cost

  • Cost is $15 to enter at each qualifier (depending on the event)

  • $5 of each entry fees go to top 3 placements ​

  • $5 of each entry goes to the event to cover expenses of hosting the contest

  • $5 of each Entry goes to the season finals prize fund.

 

Qualifier Prelims (Stage 1)

  • Depending on the number of competitors this may be run in one or two heats

  • Dancers will get one partner in the prelims and will be scored as a couple

  • Couples will receive a raw score based on a consistent scale that all judges will abide by.  Every couple is scored.

  • Each heat will have 3 songs at approximately 2 minutes each.

  • Top 16 couples will advance to the qualifier finals (Stage 2)

    • In the event a dancer needs to dance in both heats and advances to the finals with both partners, the dancer in position 17+ is awarded finals position.  This typically happens when there are more leaders OR more followers.

 

Qualifier Finals (Stage 2)

  • Each dancer is given a point value based on their placement in the Prelims.  

    • 1st gets 1 point

    • 2nd gets 2 points

    • 3rd gets 3 points

    • etc...

  • Partnerships are randomized and the dancers individual scores are combined

    • 1st place Leader draws 12th place follower = 13 points

    • 3rd place leader draws 7th place follower = 10 points

  • Tournament bracket is seeded with lowest combined score in top seed

  • Bracket is built as a traditional tournament bracket

    • 1st seed against 16th seed

    • 2nd seed against 15th seed

    • etc...

  • 2 tier bracket system sets the stage that 1st seed and 2nd seed could meet in final round of qualifier barring no upsets

  • Tournament starts with a round of 16.  

  • 2 couples dance against each other for approximately 1 min

  • After dancing the couples turn their backs to the judges and the judges vote who advances

  • The Tournament format consists of multiple rounds

    • 16 Couples

    • 8 Couples

    • 4 Couples

    • 2 Couples 

  • 1 Couple will win the qualifier

 

Finals at the End of the Tournament Tour

  • The winners from each qualifier compete in the finals

  • If a winner cannot make it to the finals, the next dancer in line from the qualifying event earns the spot

  • The Finals will have a prelim and a final like each of the qualifiers

  • Winners get jackets and tickets to each fo the qualifying events

Rules

  • Open to all levels

  • Lead or Follow - Your Choice

    • If you qualify in a role, you cannot continue to compete in the other role​

    • Wildcard points are recorded separately by role

  • No lifts

  • Competitors must be at least 16 years of age. 

  • Winners (1st place) at a qualifying event can not particpate in any other qualifiers until after the finals

  • Scoring will be based on solid swing content and technique.  Musicality and showmanship will be used as tie-breakers at each judges discretion

  •  In the event of a blatant disregard for the rules, such as a lift, one of the following will occur based on the round violation occurred….

o    Prelims – If a majority of the judges, or the ref, see a lift, the couple will be disqualified and not advance to the finals.

o    Round of 16, 8, or 4 - Disqualified from the tournament with opponent receiving an automatic advancement to the next round.  If both couples execute a lift, both couples will be disqualified and the couple in the next round will receive a bye.

o    In the battle for Third - Disqualified from the tournament with opponent receiving an automatic Third Place.  If both couples execute a lift, both couples will be disqualified and Third Place will not be awarded.

o    In the battle for First - Disqualified from the tournament with opponent receiving an automatic First Place with Third Place and Fourth Place couples moving up one placement.    If both couples execute a lift, both couples will be disqualified and third place will not be awarded. Third Place and Fourth Place couples will move up to First and Second.