Hot Rhythm Holiday
  • Home
  • Attend
    • Scholarship Application
    • Volunteering
    • FAQ
  • Artists
  • About our Classes
    • Balboa & Collegiate Shag Classes
  • Compete
    • Mix & Match
    • Strictly
    • Pro-Am Strictly
    • The Triple Threat
    • Contest Results
  • Where
    • Venues
    • Parking
    • About Austin
  • Policies
    • Cancelations & Refunds
    • Code of Conduct
    • Health Policy
    • The Fine Print
  • About Us
    • HRF Special Events
      • Jazz Babies Island Riverboat Excursion
      • Workshops
      • Special Projects
      • Hot Rhythm Hangouts
        • March Hangout
        • Collegiate Shag Research Presentation and Panel
    • Hot Rhythm Holiday Event Committee
    • The Hot Rhythm Foundation
    • Join our mailing list!
  • Home
  • Attend
    • Scholarship Application
    • Volunteering
    • FAQ
  • Artists
  • About our Classes
    • Balboa & Collegiate Shag Classes
  • Compete
    • Mix & Match
    • Strictly
    • Pro-Am Strictly
    • The Triple Threat
    • Contest Results
  • Where
    • Venues
    • Parking
    • About Austin
  • Policies
    • Cancelations & Refunds
    • Code of Conduct
    • Health Policy
    • The Fine Print
  • About Us
    • HRF Special Events
      • Jazz Babies Island Riverboat Excursion
      • Workshops
      • Special Projects
      • Hot Rhythm Hangouts
        • March Hangout
        • Collegiate Shag Research Presentation and Panel
    • Hot Rhythm Holiday Event Committee
    • The Hot Rhythm Foundation
    • Join our mailing list!
Search

Mix & Match

Levels
  • Amateur Balboa Mix & Match
  • Amateur Collegiate Shag Mix & Match
  • Advanced Balboa Mix & Match
  • Advanced Collegiate Shag Mix & Match
  • Invitational Mix & Match Balboa (by invitation only)
  • Invitational Mix & Match Collegiate Shag (by invitation only)

Considerations for choosing a level
  • We consider an "amateur competitor" anyone who has not placed first in an amateur or higher level contest at HRH or other event in the past 5 years. If you are unsure if you qualify as an amateur, email us at [email protected].
  • You should enter the Advanced level if you have placed first in an amateur competition or higher at HRH or like event.
  • ​If you are unsure which level to choose, it's a good idea to ask your peers, your dance instructor, or someone who is familiar with your dancing.
  • Events we consider national or like events include but are not limited to: Balorado, California Balboa Classic, Camp Hollywood, Great Lakes Balboa Escape, or Northwest Balboa Festival. If you placed first at another event, it's time to level up!
  • If you are invited to our Invitational Mix & Match, you should not enter any other level of Mix & Match.

Competing as both a follower and leader
  • In the prelims, you will dance both roles in separate heats. You must purchase a contest entry for both roles.
  • In the finals, you will be asked to choose your preferred role, if you qualify in both. This is to ensure a fair and excellent experience for all competitors. ​

Competing in multiple divisions
  • Dancers may only compete in one division per role. If you are competing as a follow in the Advanced Mixed Couples, you may not compete as a follow in the Amateur Mixed Couples or Amateur Classic, but you may compete as a lead.

Description
In a Mix & Match, competitors do not need a partner. Each person is matched with someone at random.

Prelims
In the preliminary round, competitors are given three songs and they dance each song with a different partner.

Finals
Those who make it through to the final round dance with a single, randomly-selected partner to DJ'd music.
Finals will be spotlight format with one couple dancing at a time for ~1 min 30 sec. ​HRH is an uptempo dance event! Be prepared to dance to tempos that range from 190 - 240 bpm.

Rules
For the safety of you and your partner, aerials and lifts are not permitted in Mix & Match contests. 
Violation of this rule in prelims or finals will result in removal from the contest without refund.
©  Hot Rhythm Foundation 2026
  • Home
  • Attend
    • Scholarship Application
    • Volunteering
    • FAQ
  • Artists
  • About our Classes
    • Balboa & Collegiate Shag Classes
  • Compete
    • Mix & Match
    • Strictly
    • Pro-Am Strictly
    • The Triple Threat
    • Contest Results
  • Where
    • Venues
    • Parking
    • About Austin
  • Policies
    • Cancelations & Refunds
    • Code of Conduct
    • Health Policy
    • The Fine Print
  • About Us
    • HRF Special Events
      • Jazz Babies Island Riverboat Excursion
      • Workshops
      • Special Projects
      • Hot Rhythm Hangouts
        • March Hangout
        • Collegiate Shag Research Presentation and Panel
    • Hot Rhythm Holiday Event Committee
    • The Hot Rhythm Foundation
    • Join our mailing list!