DEFINITIONS

Professional Showcase Divisions

One or both dancers have been paid to teach or to perform dance. A couple is defined as one male and one female dancer.

Professional Just Dance Heated Divisions

One or both dancers have been paid to teach or to perform dance. A couple is defined as one male and one female dancer.

Amateur Showcase Divisions

Neither dancer has been paid to teach or to perform. A couple is defined as one male and one female dancer.

Pro-Am Showcase Division

One dancer has been paid to teach or to perform, the other dancer is an amateur or student. A couple is defined as one male and one female dancer.

Pro-Am Heated Divisions

One dancer has been paid to teach or to perform, the other dancer is an amateur or student. A couple is defined as one lead and one follow (ie. a female instructor can lead a female student).   

Am-Am Heated Divisions

Neither dancer has been paid to teach or to perform. A couple is defined as one lead and one follow.

Team Showcase Divisions

Dancers can be professional, semi-pro, or amateur or a combination of the three. A team must consist of a minimum of 4 dancers.  No maximum number of dancers.

Same Gender Team Shines Showcase Division

Must be 3 or more dancers. Dancers can be professional, semi-pro, or amateur or a combination of the three. 

Same Gender Couple Showcase Division

2 dancers. Dancers can be professional, semi-pro, or amateur or a combination of the three. Shines or partner work or a combination of both can be performed.

Pro-Am Over 40 Division 

Amateur partner must be at least 40 years of age. One dancer has been paid to teach or to perform, the other dancer is an amateur or student. A couple is defined as one lead and one follow (ie. a female instructor can lead a female student).  

Am-Am Over 40 Heated Divisions

Defined as an amateur couple whose partners are BOTH at least 40 years of age. Neither dancer has been paid to teach or to perform. A couple is defined as one lead and one follow.

Salsa

All styles of Salsa are accepted. Couples can choose to dance either On-1 or On-2 but must maintain consistent to that timing for the duration of the routine or heat. Recognized timing for this competition is 1-2-3/5-6-7.  Pro-Am & Am-Am Heated Divisions will have separate categories for Salsa on 1 and for Salsa on 2.

 

CANCELLATIONS

If there are fewer than 3 entries in any division, the MSC reserves the right to cancel or combine that division. If a division is cancelled, the entry fee will be refunded. If a division is combined, the entry fee will apply to the combined division.

 

COSTUMES

Competitors are encouraged to wear costumes or matching outfits. We strongly suggest that jeans not be used as costumes. Costumes will be judged as part of Presentation.  For Pro-Am heated divisions, Pro-Am showcase divisions and Am-Am heated divisions, one person from each couple will be asked to wear a number sign pinned to their back in . In any Amateur Division, the male will wear the number sign. In any Pro-Am Division, the Amateur will wear the number sign. 

 

PROPS

No props are allowed in any division. 

 

DISPUTES

The head judge will have final say on all discrepancies. All questions and/or disputes should be brought to the attention of the head judge that evening.

 

SHOWCASE DIVISIONS

These competitions will be a “one-shot” deal, meaning that in the Professional, Amateur and Pro-Am Showcase Divisions, each couple will present a maximum 2:30 minute choreographed routine using their choice of music. The panel of judges will judge each couple. Top 3 in each division will receive prizes.   

Rules

Length of Routine:

Professional Showcase Divisions & Amateur Showcase Divisions – Must be 2:30 minutes or less, including entrance and exit.

Pro-Am Showcase Divisions: Must be 2:30 minutes or less, including entrance and exit.

Same Gender Couple Showcase Division: Must be 2:30 minutes or less, including entrance and exit.

Team Showcase Divisions (Salsa, Bachata & Same Gender Team Shines): Must be between 1:45 minutes and 3.5 minutes.

Music: A maximum of 3 songs can be mixed into your routine. Please submit music in advance. 

If you have not submitted in advance (and as a back-up) bring 2 USB’s with their pre-recorded music (ie. in case one USB does not work). One track on each USB only. Song must be edited to end where you chose (it is not the DJ’s responsibility to fade out or cut music at specific mark). The DJ will not slow down or speed up your track. Each USB must be identified with your name, competitor number and the division that you are competing in.

 

Judging Criteria (all showcase divisions):

20% TIMING The majority of the routine should show recognizable Timing in that dance genre (ie. Salsa, Bachata, Hustle*)

15% MUSICALITY Couples will demonstrate their ability to creatively work with the timing of their individual music. This can be done in a variety of ways, including patterns, footwork, “hits”, tricks, etc.

15% GENERAL DANCE TECHNIQUE & DANCE SPECIFIC TECHNIQUE Dance technique is reflected through balance, placement and line. This refers also to general technique for partner dance, where the movement is “grounded”, and there is clarity of proper weight changes from foot to foot. Movement should appear to be both clear and effortless.  Dance specific technique is sometimes referred to as “latin motion” or “sabor”

15% DIFFICULTY Reflected by difficulty of patterns, turns, intricacy of shine movements, and level of tricks, dips, drops and flares. Examples: The amount of turns done on both double and single foot. How intricate were the shines? Were moves properly executed? How about jumps, kicks, extensions? Any movements requiring exceptional balance, flexibility or strength? In order to get credit for any of these things, the movement must be successfully executed.

15% PARTNERING/CONNECTION This is reflected in the lead/follow aspect of the dance. Are partners truly connected, or are they merely executing choreography while holding hands? Synchronicity during side by sides or shines will also help determine the score in this category.

10% CHOREOGRAPHY The couple’s interpretation of the music. Good choreography should contain clever turn patterns and shines. All choreography should be musical, and couples should show a good usage of the space itself. Originality is a factor here.

10% OVERALL PRESENTATION/SHOWMANSHIP Overall Presentation score includes costuming, showmanship, and also good sportsmanship.

* Recognized Salsa Timing is designated for this competition as 1-2-3, 5-6-7. Competitors can choose to break ON 1 or ON 2, but must maintain consistency for the duration of the routine. The direction of the break step can be either to the front or the back, as long as the timing of the break is consistently maintained (either 1 and 5, or 2 and 6). The majority of the routine should show recognizable Salsa Timing.

HEATED DIVISIONS

A heated division is a lead/follow division, rather than a choreographed routine.  Several couples dance on the floor at the same time. Contestants may dance up to two levels (their own level, plus one level up).   No entrances or exits, lifts or tricks. A panel of judges will assign a score to each couple.

 

Rules:

Rhythm of dance must be maintained consistently throughout the performance.

No dips, lifts or tricks allowed.

Shines are permitted although not more than 20% of the performance may consist of shines or side by sides.

Must be recognizable Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue, Hustle, West Coast Swing, Kizomba and Bzouk dancing according to the division.

Professionals in the Pro-Am division may enter a maximum of 5 students in the exact same category and division (e.g.5 female students in Pro-Am Female Salsa on 1, Novice division). 

Callbacks: If there are fewer than 12 entries in a division, there will be no callbacks (ie couples dance just one time).  If there are 13-20 entries in a division, then between 6 and 10 couples will be called back to dance one more time to determine final placing.  If there are more than 20 entries in a division, then competitors could be called back once or twice to determine final placing. Note: This is subject to change and is up to the discretion of the head judge and the competition managers and may be modified due to time constraints.

Music: In the Pro-Am and Am-Am Heated Divisions, the competitors will dance to music selected by the DJ.  One song will be played in each heat for 1:10-1:30 minutes. For novice divisions, music will be a bit slower and easier to hear the beats.  Music will be mid-tempo for Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate levels and fast music will be played for Advanced divisions.

In the Professional Just Salsa, Just Hustle, Just Cha Cha, Just Bachata and Just Merengue heated divisions, 2 songs will be played, each for 1:30 seconds with a short pause in between the two songs.  

Lifts: A lift is defined as any movement during which one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner. Whether the feet are 2 inches off the floor or 10 feet off the floor, this type of assisted movement will still be considered a lift or trick. In all heated divisions, no move in which both feet leave the ground at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner will be permitted.  If both feet of either dancer leave the ground, points will be deducted. If any part of the body of either dancer is lifted above the partners’ shoulders, the couple will be disqualified with no refund.

 

Newcomer Level

This Level is for the first time competitor and/or beginner level dancer. This level is comprised of basic foundation elements. Must maintain connection at all times (i.e.. no shines). no traveling across the room Single and 1 ½ left turns allowed (ie Cross Body Lead) No double turns or multiple spins allowed. No consecutive 1 1/2 turns.

 

Novice Level

This Novice level supports good basic dancing and is designed for the beginner dancer/competitor. This level is comprised of basic foundation elements. Must maintain connection at all times (ie. no shines), no traveling across the room Single and 1 ½ left turns allowed (ie Cross Body Lead) No double turns or multiple spins allowed. No consecutive 1 1/2 turns.

Suggested Patterns*: Salsa: Single underarm turns, traveling 1 ½ turns (ie. cross body leads), in and out, cross body lead to check position Hustle: Cross Body Lead, Wheel, Hesitations, Underarm Turn Combination, New York Walk, Las Vegas, Grapevine, Shadow with Comb, Sliding Door, Cross Body Lead with Underarm Turn, Leader’s Behind the Back Pass, Open Breaks; Any pattern in the IHDA Bronze Manual. Bachata: Single turns right and left, traveling sideways and forward and back, sweetheart, etc.

*Patterns are suggestions only. You may use any pattern of your own as long as the guidelines are maintained.

Guideline: will usually be students who have been dancing for less than a year and/or have never competed in a heated competition before.

Pre-Intermediate Level

The Pre-Intermediate level is for those dancers who are advanced beginners or taking Intermediate level classes and newer to competition.  This level shows more rhythmic diversity and dancers can add more elements than just the basic foundations. Single and 1 1/2 turns allowed.  Can include consecutive 1 1/2 turns (ie cross body lead). No multiple spins. No free spins allowed.

Suggested Patterns:  Salsa: single or consecutive 1 1/2 turns (ie cross body leads), traveling turns, wrap turns, Around the World (natural top), Bridge, cross body lead to check position, waiter turn, etc.

Guideline: will usually be students who have been dancing for at least a year and may or may not have competed before.  

Intermediate Level

This level adds free spins, double turns, traveling in a straight line and everything that most dancers at a nightclub are doing. This level is normal, good, social hustle or salsa or bachata.  The Intermediate level adds rhythmic diversity with syncopations and more body movement and styling. Intermediate level patterns allowed including double turns, syncopations and shines Multiple spins not allowed (ie more than a double).

Suggested Patterns: Salsa:  Cross body leads with 1 ½ turns, Coca Cola, Around the World (Natural Top), Double outside turns, Double spot turns Hustle:  Swivels, Diva Walks, Wrap Turn Variations, New York Walk with Release, Progressive Circular Basic, Double Outside Turns and Variations, T-Turns and Variations, Diamond Turns, Double Syncopated Elements, Double Illusion Turn. Bachata: Coming soon *Patterns are suggestions only. You may use any pattern of your own as long as the guidelines are maintained.

Guideline: will usually be students who have been dancing at least 1-2 years, may or may not have competed before

 

Advanced Level

The Advanced level is for the more serious competitor.  A dancer should be proficient in intermediate level material before advancing to the advanced level.  The advanced level goes beyond good social dancing and is designed for dancers with strong technical skills, timing, musical interpretation and partnering skills. Anything goes – partnerwork, multiple spins, traveling, shines, intricate hand changes in patterns, multiple touch and go spot turns, etc.  Must still be lead follow but styling and musicality can be incorporated. No dips, lifts or tricks allowed. 

Guideline: will usually be students who have been dancing at least 2 years or may have competed before or been on a student performance team or amateur team.