Event Information
Below are the specific guidelines for each event, please read carefully before registering. Aerials are allowed in all events except the Jack ‘n’ Jill (see below for definition of aerials).
Lindy Hop:
Couples get on the floor and dance Lindy Hop to the music provided. You must enter as a couple.
BPM Range: 160 – 220bpm
Format: Phrase-by-phrase spotlight = 2 phrases per spotlight. Each couple will get 3 spotlights. There will be a short non-judged warm-up all-skate before we begin the judged phrase-by-phrase format followed immediately by a judged final all-skate.
NEW RULES - BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES WELCOME
Up and Comers
This event has been opened up to all dancers who have never competed (excluding our practice Jack 'n' Jill) and have never taught before.
You must enter as a couple and dance Lindy Hop. You don’t need to worry about phrase by phrase spotlights, everyone will dance on the floor together in an all-skate. Get out there and have some fun! Of course we'll help you
BPM Range: 120 – 160bpm
Format: All-skate for 3-4 mins
Solo Charleston:
Wild, crazy solo 20s Charleston moves are what we’re looking for here. Come on, show us what you got, we want to see style and a whole lotta personality.
BPM Range: 220 – 260bpm
Format: : Phrase-by-phrase spotlight = 2 phrases per spotlight. Each person will get 3 spotlights, followed immediately by a final all-skate.
Jack and Jill:
This event is for everyone and anyone of any level to take part, and have some fun. In a Jack n Jill dancers are judged on their ability to lead/follow. Dancers will also be expected to dance Lindy Hop and will be judged accordingly as per the judging criteria. You enter as an individual and you don’t know who your partner will be… it’s completely random! No aerials are allowed in this event.
Heats: Your partners will be determined randomly. You will dance to 3 tracks, of various tempos – with a different partner each time. You will be judged individually.
Finals: Your competition number will be pulled out of a hat to determine your final partner. All couples will dance in three sections: all-skate, spotlight, all-skate…all approximately 60 sec long. You will be judged as a team.
Competitor Information
All divisions will be judged using the below criteria and guidelines. The judge’s decision will be final.
Eligibility:
This competition is open to all dancers
Registration Fee:
£5 per person per competition
Registration Fee Cap:
£10
Comp Registration Deadline: Register and pay before 8th March 2010. Places are limited.
Swing Content:
Each event must display a majority of recognizable swing content. This may include associated swing dances such as Balboa, Shag, Blues and 20’s Charleston. Aerials are allowed in all events except Jack ‘n’ Jill (see below for definition of aerials).
Formats:
The format for each event is explained within the event description. Should there be too few entries in any division to run heats, an instant final will be run. There will be a maximum number of entrants allowed for each competition, so register and pay early to avoid missing a place to compete. All events with the phrase-by-phrase format will include a short un-judged all-skate warm-up before the judging begins in the prhase by phrase.
Prizes:
Will be awarded for 3rd, 2nd and 1st in all events.
And remember, dancing is about having a good time, so challenge yourself, do your best, feel the adrenalin rush but keep it supportive and fun.
Judging Criteria
Technique: The ability of the dancers to use core dance and movement technique to execute all of the above mentioned criteria.
Lead & Follow: The skill of clear leading and following techniques that enable the flow, individual expression, moves, musicality and execution of the dance.
Timing: How well the couple stays in time with the music and each other.
Entertainment: Your ability to entertain the audience. It’s not all about dancing; it’s about personality as well. The couple’s ability to engage the crowd.
Level of Difficulty: The complexity of the moves and interaction between the couple, lead and follow ability in the context of the moves and musicality. Innovation will also be considered under this criterion, this being the ability of the couple to execute moves to the music that are clearly not scripted/choreographed.
Musicality: How the music is interpreted by a couple, suitable expression of the music with dance and use of musical highlights/lowlights. The couple’s interpretation and understanding of musical phrasings.
Definitions:
All-skate: Where all couples in an event dance on the floor at the same time.
Phase by phrase spotlight: Each couple takes turns to perform solo for 2 phrases. You will be judged on your ability to recognize your spotlight of 2 phrases and enter and leave the dance floor at the appropriate time.
Couples keep rotating through until they have all danced the correct number of spotlights.
i.e. 1 phrase is equal to 4×8s (Jazz phrasing) or 6×8’s (Blues Phrasing)
2 phrases are equal to 8×8s (Jazz phrasing) or 12×8’s (Blues Phrasing)
Couples keep rotating through until they have all danced 3 spotlights each.
If you are confused, please have a look at the format of the competition run here. A short non-judged warm-up followed by, each couple competing 3 spotlights followed immediately by an all-skate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O8koTLwbTs&feature=related
Swing: Any dance style that falls into the 30s/40s “swing era” ie. Balboa, Shag, 20s Charleston, Blues, Lindy Hop, Fast Lindy.
Aerials: Any lift/jump where a person’s feet rise above the level of their head. This does not include small jumps/throws, leans and dips.
