Competition Information
Jack and Jill Info
Strictly Swing Info
Jack and Jill Info
WSDC Jack & Jill Divisions:
- Newcomer
- Sophisticated
- Masters
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- All-Star <WINNERS invited to dance in Schampions>
NON – WSDC Jack & Jill Divisions:
- Schampions Jack & Jill – No points awarded, must be ridiculously good!
- All-American Jack & Jill – All in everyone!! All levels enter and it’s luck of the draw. Must pre-register; Dancers enter individually.
- Masters Novice Jack & Jill – This is meant for our NEW masters dancers with only newcomer or novice points.
- Pro/Am Jack & Jill – Pros (Allstars and Champions) will draw an amateur. Separate divisions NOV/INT/ADV also Separated for Leaders & Followers.
Strictly Swing Info
Master Choice Strictly Swing:
Get ready for the fun! Master dancers (age 50 and older) may invite any dancer available to compete from the Newcomer level through All-Star (invited dancer’s age must be 49 or younger). Choreography is not allowed. Dancers must pre-register as a partnership and both dancers must hold a pass type that allows competitions for that day.
Switchly Strictly Swing:
It’s time to switch it up! In this division, dancers switch lead & follow roles with their partners, aiming to lead or follow 50% of the time. Dancers of any skill level or age may enter the division, with a maximum of 1 All-Star or Champion allowed per partnership. Choreography is not allowed. Dancers must pre-register as a partnership and both dancers must hold a pass type that allows competitions for that day.
All-star/Champions 3-for-all Strictly Swing:
3 in the pool at once! Make a trio and do your best. In this chaos, the “Steals” trios tend to maintain two leaders and one follow allowing the two leaders to pass the one follow between themselves. The “Doubles” trios tend to maintain one leader and two follows allowing the two followers to follow the single leader throughout the dance. *This is in no way required*
Strictly Swing – Low:
For this division, the partnerships must enter based on the highest level either dancer qualifies for according to the WSDC points they have earned, and the WSDC level criteria for Jack & Jill. Newcomer through Novice dancers may partner for this division. This is a lead & follow division, no choreography is allowed. Dancers must pre-register as a partnership and both dancers must hold a pass type that allows competitions for that day.
Strictly Swing – High:
For this division, the partnerships must enter based on the lowest level either dancer qualifies for according to the WSDC points they have earned, and the WSDC level criteria for Jack & Jill. Intermediate through Advanced dancers only may partner for this division. This is a lead & follow division, no choreography is allowed. Dancers must pre-register as a partnership and both dancers must hold a pass type that allows competitions for that day.
All-star – Strictly Swing:
For this division, the partnerships must enter based on WSDC points they have earned qualifying to the All-Star level for Jack & Jill. At least one person in the partnership must qualify as All-star in WSDC competitions for this division. The other may be All-star and below.(no champions.) This is a lead & follow division, no choreography is allowed. Dancers must pre-register as a partnership and both dancers must hold a pass type that allows competitions for that day.
*Top 4 will be invited to participate/compete in the SwingCouver JnJ Charades Challenge
Champions – Strictly Swing:
For this division, the partnerships must enter based on WSDC points they have earned qualifying to the Champion level for Jack & Jill. At least one person in the partnership must qualify as a Champion in WSDC competitions for this division. The other may be Champion and below. This is a lead & follow division, no choreography is allowed. Dancers must pre-register as a partnership and both dancers must hold a pass type that allows competitions for that day.
*Top 4 will be invited to participate/compete in the SwingCouver JnJ Charades Challenge
SWINGCOUVER COMPETITION GUIDELINES
General Competition Requirements
- Entries: All contests must have a minimum of five (5) entries to be valid.
- Judges: SwingTime will adhere to all guidelines set by WSDC regarding judges.
- Scoring System: Finalized scoring inputs will be computerized by a professional scorer.
Contest Requirements
- Waiver Forms:
- Each contestant must sign the appropriate waiver form.
- Contestants under eighteen must have a parent or guardian sign any required forms.
- Role/Gender Requirements:
- SwingCouver is open to individuals of any gender dancing either lead or follow, as they prefer.
- Contestants are encouraged to register in whichever role they prefer.
- Appropriate Behavior and Dress Code:
- The Organizer aims to encourage expressive and exciting dance performances without sacrificing quality and good taste.
- Actions that make judges uncomfortable in a social dance setting, such as wearing inappropriate attire or showing disrespect, are prohibited.
- Competitors should consult with the Organizer or Chief Judge in advance regarding routine/competition attire acceptability.
Responsibilities of Competitors
- Planning Ahead:
- Check the weekend schedule in advance to meet registration deadlines and bring appropriate competition attire.
- Arrive on time for all meetings and competitions.
- Check at the event for any schedule changes.
- Knowing the Rules:
- Competitors should read these rules carefully before their competition.
- Adherence to these rules is mandatory, regardless of whether the competitors have read them.
- Questions about the rules should be directed to the Chief Judge in advance.
- Being Prepared to Compete:
- Competitors should be present in the ballroom at least 15 minutes before the start of their competition.
- Competitors are responsible for their bib numbers.
- Cancellation after the registration deadline results in the loss of the entry fee.
- Demonstrating Good Sporting Conduct:
- Competitors must display good sporting conduct at all times, 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.
Definitions
- Points: Jack & Jill points are listed in the World Swing Dance Council Competitors Registry.
- Swing Content: The NASDE Statement of Swing is a guide to assist judges in determining swing content. Swing is an American Rhythm Dance based on 6-beat and 8-beat patterns incorporating a variety of rhythms built on 2-beat, single, delayed, double, triple, and blank rhythm units.
Division Rules
- Jack and Jill Divisions:
- Purpose: Highlight social dance skills in spontaneous swing dancing and the ability to dance well with various partners.
- Format: Competitors enter as individuals, are randomly assigned partners, and dance to music selected by the Competition DJ. Preliminary and semi-final rounds may be held depending on the number of entries.
- Judging Criteria:
- Timing: Ability to dance on the downbeat and include syncopations.
- Technique: Footwork, balance, control, frame, and execution of turns & spins.
- Teamwork: Partners working together as a team.
- Content: Choreography and musical interpretation.
- Showmanship: Ability to maintain the audience’s attention.
- WSDC Divisions:
- Skill Levels: Competitors may enter two different skill levels for the J&J competition in different roles (leader and follower) under WSDC rules.
- Division Qualifications: Follow the World Swing Dance Council recommendations for fair grouping of dancers.
- Strictly Swing Divisions:
- Purpose: Encourage lead and follow partner dancing.
- General Rules:
- Maximum entries per division are at the event’s discretion.
- Minimum swing content of 75%.
- Specific Rules:
- Performance length at the promoter’s discretion.
- No costumes allowed; matching outfits acceptable.
- Danced in a heated format, with exceptions for All-Star & Champions.
- Couples must maintain physical contact except for spins, turns, and short break-a-ways.
- No pre-choreographed routines allowed.
- Dancers must maintain floor contact during weight support moves.