Attendees can choose to compete in a variety of Balboa and Collegiate Shag competitions throughout the weekend. A full-weekend pass or weekend dance pass is required to compete. See our Pricing page for price details, and our Policies page competition rules.
Balboa Competitions
Both Pure Balboa and Bal-Swing are permitted during Balboa competitions.
Collegiate Shag Competitions
All Collegiate Shag rhythms (i.e. single, double, triple, and long-double) are allowed in the strictly competition, but the Shag Mix & Match competitions only permit the double-rhythm basic (i.e. the six-count 'Slow-Slow-quick-quick' basic). Feel free to incorporate any two-count, four-count, and eight-count moves, but to keep the contest fun for everyone, please limit your basic to double-rhythm.
Competitors' Meetings
Competitors' meetings are mandatory for all competitions. Meetings will take place right before prelims each afternoon after classes.
Mix & Match Competitions
In a Mix & Match, contestants do not need a partner. Each person is matched with someone at random. In the preliminary round, every competitor is given three songs and dances each song with a different partner. Those who make it through to the final round dance with a single, randomly-selected partner to DJ'd music. Aerials are not allowed during the Mix & Match, but dips and floor tricks are permitted.
Competitors may compete as both a follow and lead in the same contest. In the prelims, you will dance both roles in separate heats. 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.
Amateur Balboa & Amateur Collegiate Shag
You can compete in the Amateur division if:
You are new to competition
You have not placed in an Amateur competition
Your skill level is beginner or intermediate in the role you choose to dance in this competition
If you are unsure whether you qualify for the Amateur division, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Advanced Balboa & Advanced Collegiate Shag
You can compete in the Advanced division if:
You are new to competition but consider yourself an advanced dancer
You are a seasoned competitor and have placed in/won Advanced or Open competitions
Your skill level is Advanced in the role you choose to dance in this competition
If you are unsure whether you qualify for the Advanced division, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Invitational divisions are for dancers invited by the organizers. Those invited are dancers who have placed in the top 3 at national contests and dancers who professionally and consistently teach on a national and international level.
Strictly Competitions
In a Strictly, you must have a partner ahead of time to enter the competition. Unlike a Mix & Match, you do not trade partners throughout the competition. One person in each couple pays the competition fee.
Open Balboa & Open Collegiate Shag
The Open divisions are open to any level of dancer, but are generally targeted at more experienced dancers.
The Triple Threat
A triple threat is someone who exhibits three skills necessary to excel in a particular field. Do you have game in Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and Lindy Hop? You could go home with a first-place cash prize – last year's was $1000! Instructors and students alike can compete in the Triple Threat, so bring your A-game. Let's see something!
This is a Strictly-format competition, so plan to enter with a partner. One person in each couple pays the competition fee.
Prizes
We award medals to the top three placements in all competitions. First-place winners also receive a cash prize.
Registration
Contestants register and pay as individuals and specify a partner for Strictly competitions. There is no limit to the number of competitions one can enter. We do not refund competition fees if you change your mind, cannot attend the event, or transfer your pass.
Judging Criteria
Musicality: Dancing with the music is key, and will definitely help you stand out in our competitions. Listening is a subtle art, and shows when done well! Technique: As best they can, the judges will assess lead-follow technique used by the dancers, even during the strictly. Creativity: Presenting new moves that still keep true to the spirit of the dance is a great way to promote a dance as well as win points with our judges. Authenticity: You don't have to be a dance historian to dance in your style authentically. What we are looking for here is not a flawless recreation. However, it is important for competitors to demonstrate that they understand the unique form of each dance style. Footwork: We encourage clean footwork. Give us some precise, well-executed variations in footwork. That will definitely help you beat out the competition.
Other Suggestions
Aerials: Doing aerials is not forbidden in our Strictly competition, but it's also not considered a key factor in judging. Aerials aren't going to count against you (unless you do them poorly), and you'll probably entertain the crowd. But also keep in mind that this isn't something that we place a lot of emphasis on.
Borrowed moves: Some moves are shared by several dances. The swing-out is one example of this and tandem dancing is another. There is a point at which it becomes obvious that one has temporarily left one dance for the sake of incorporating a beloved move from another (e.g. the "Shag-out"). Please avoid this. Incorporating moves from other dances is not a bad thing, but you must be willing to alter them considerably in order to make them fit the technique and aesthetic of your dance.
Choreographed sequences from movies: Imitating lengthy choreographed sequences (not to be confused with stand-alone moves) taken from vintage clips is not uncommon in competitions. If you really want to do well in our contests, steer clear of this trend. Show us something new. That's the way to really impress our judges!