Mountain Magic 2018 (Revised10/18/18) Competition Rules & Guidelines

NOTE: World Swing Dance Council (WSDC), Country Two Step Tour (CTST) & Hustle Dance Tour (HDT) points will be awarded as applicable. Their respective RULES and GUIDELINES apply to the noted contests. Please review details on their respective websites (listed below).

A. CONTEST CATEGORIES b) submit registration form, pay the entry fees, register by 1. Jack & Jill contest entry deadline and read & comply with these rules West Coast Swing Novice (WSDC) c) be 18 years old or have parent/ legal guardian consent form. West Coast Swing Intermediate (WSDC) 3. Jack & Jill contestants may dance in one WCS*, one Hustle, West Coast Swing Advanced (WSDC) one NC2, one Country (CTST) plus the All-American and West Coast Swing Masters (50+yrs) (WSDC) Triple Challenge divisions. (*Masters WCS may also dance West Coast Swing All-Stars/Champions (WSDC) their respective skill level.) Contestants may also dance in the West Coast Swing All American Cabaret and Couples Divisions: one Strictly Swing, one Just Hustle Novice (HDT) Hustle, one Just NC2 and one Just CW2 but must dance with Hustle Intermediate (HDT) a different partner in each division. Pro/Am contestants may Hustle Advanced (HDT) compete in one skill level per dance. Country 2-Step Novice (CTST) Country 2-Step Intermediate (CTST) 4. Contestant Bib numbers will be assigned for the weekend. Country 2-Step Advanced (CTST) You must wear this number for your competition(s). Nightclub 2-Step Novice 5. Contests may be combined or cancelled if fewer than 5 Nightclub 2-Step Intermediate/Advanced couples are registered in a division; 3 couples in Pro/Am. Open Triple Challenge (WCS, Hustle, NC2, CW2) 6. Contestants must demonstrate good sportsmanship at all 2. Couples times, both on and off the dance floor. Inappropriate behavior Strictly Swing A (Advance/All-Star/Champion/Pro) and poor sportsmanship may result in disqualification from all Strictly Swing B (Novice/Intermediate) competitions for the weekend and possibly future events. Just Dance Hustle A (Advanced/Professional) Just Dance Hustle B (Novice/Intermediate/Amateur) 7. If you are not in the ballroom for your competition (with your Just Dance Country 2-Step A (Advanced/Professional) bib number) when your name is called, you will NOT dance. If Just Dance Country 2-Step B (Novice/Int/Amateur) you miss the competition, or withdraw after registering, you will Just Dance Nightclub A (Advanced/Professional) forfeit your entry fee. Please be aware of your competition time Just Dance Nightclub B (Novice/Intermediate/Amateur) and be in the ballroom 15 minutes prior to contest. Check the Main Lobby “Information Board” for any schedule changes. 3. Open Cabaret (solo, couple, group or team) 8. Scores will be posted following the final Sunday awards. “Anything goes” - any dance, style, level (including WCS) 9. World Swing Dance Council ( WSDC ) points are awarded for 4. Pro/Am respective WCS Jack & Jill divisions. Country Two Step Tour WCS Novice (leader, follower) (CTST) points are awarded for CTST Country Jack & Jill WCS Intermediate/Advanced (leader, follower) divisions. Hustle Dance Tour (HDT) points awarded for HDT Hustle Novice (leader, follower) Hustle Jack & Jill divisions. Hustle Intermediate/Advanced (leader, follower) Country 2-Step Novice (leader, follower) C. JACK & JILL Country 2-Step Intermediate/Advanced (leader, follower) Jack & Jill competitions have been designed to demonstrate Nightclub 2-Step Novice (leader, follower) competitors' social dance skills in spontaneous dancing and their Nightclub 2-Step Int/Advanced (leader, follower) ability to dance well with a variety of partners.

** Overall Top Pro/Am Student Award (leader, follower) 1. Divisions These division descriptions have been created as guidelines. The B. General Contest Requirements WCS divisions use the World Swing Dance Council (WSDC) 1. All contestants are responsible for reading these rules and Points Registry for eligibility. HDT & CTST use their guidelines and adhering to them. Contestants with questions respective rules (see websites). Any competitor unclear about should consult the Contest Desk or Chief Judge. their category status should check with the Contest Registration Desk or the Chief Judge for proper classification prior to the 2. All Contestants must: registration deadline of the contest in question. Should a a) have a weekend VIP ticket (Cabaret only requires a Sat full-day ticket) competitor not meet the guidelines of a particular contest, they

MMContestRules2018.docx, Pg 1 of 4 10/20/18 may submit a petition to the Chief Judge to dance at that level. 3. Music selection and the order in which it will be played Final decisions rest with the Chief Judge. will be pre-selected by the DJ & Competition Committee. a) Novice 4. Contestants will be judged individually, on a callback This division is intended for dancers with limited or no basis, and must demonstrate good teamwork with all their competition experience. Competitors are expected to know partners. Should there be an imbalance in the number of the basic steps as listed in the dance content section of leaders or followers, some contestants may dance twice. General Definitions (section G). WCS competitors may b) Final round enter this division if they have earned fewer than 16 Novice Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters & Open divisions points. (Must move to Intermediate after 30 Novice points.) will dance in a group format. Champions will dance in a b) Intermediate spotlight format and may include a group review dance. An This division is intended for dancers with some competition uneven balance of contestants may alter this format. experience at the National level*. WCS competitors may enter this division if they have earned at least 16 or more D. COUPLES: JUST DANCE/STRICTLY SWING Novice points. This division is designed to highlight lead/follow social dance skills in spontaneous partner dancing. Competitors enter as a c) Advanced couple (selecting the partner of their choice - there are no This division is for dancers with significant competition gender restrictions ) and dance to music randomly selected by experience at the National level*. WCS Competitors may the Competition DJ. enter this division if they have earned 30 or more Intermediate points. 1. Divisions a) Strictly Swing A – Advanced/All-Star/Champion/Pro levels; d) All-Stars/Champions (WCS) Open to full or part-time Instructors skilled at the Advanced This division is intended for the top level dancers. WCS level or above, OR you have danced in All-Stars/Champions competitors may enter here if in the past 36 months you have divisions, OR you have placed in the top 5 of an Advanced either earned 45 or more Advanced points -OR- earned 3 division at the National level*. All-Star or Champion points in past 36 months –OR- b) Strictly Swing B – for Novice or Intermediate dancers submitted a successful petition to dance in this division. with some or no competition experience who have never e) Masters (WCS) been a finalist in an Advanced, or above division at a 3-day This age-based division is intended for dancers who are at National event*. least 50 years of age and know the WCS basic patterns. c) Just Dance A (Hustle, Country 2, NC2) – open to f) All-American WCS - Open to all skill levels. Advanced level dancers and above. g) Open Triple Challenge – Open to all skill levels; must d) Just Dance B (Hustle, Country 2, NC2) – same description know the basics and must do at least 3 of the 4 dances: as Strictly Swing B. West Coast Swing, Hustle, Country Two Step, Nightclub Two Step. Overall final placement is based on best 3 scores. 2. Guidelines a) There must be a minimum of 90% recognizable content for *Examples of 3-day National Events include: each respective dance. Boogie By the Bay, Capital Swing, Dallas Dance, Disco b) All dancing is to be "lead/follow", no routines allowed. America, Fresno Dance Classic, Grand Nationals, MADJam, c) Couples must maintain contact except for spins, turns, side Int’l Hustle & Salsa Competition, Paradise Dance Festival, by sides, and short breakaways. Portland Dance Festival, Summer Hummer, Swing Diego, d) Dancers must maintain their own physical contact with the Swing Fling, Swingfest, Swingthing, South Bay Dance Fling, floor during partner support moves. U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, Country Worlds, etc. e) At most, 5 partner weight support moves are permitted. f) Elements not allowed include, but are not limited to, lifts, 2. Guidelines aerials, gymnastic maneuvers, routines, and formal a) All Jack & Jill dancing is gender neutral; you may enter as entrances & exits (see general definitions section). a leader or follower. Partners are paired at random and will g) Costumes are not allowed ; matching attire is acceptable. dance to music pre-selected by the Competition DJ. b) There must be a minimum of 90% recognizable content 3. Format for each respective dance. a) Preliminary and Semi-final rounds (if necessary): c) Partners must maintain contact throughout the dance, 1. Couples will dance grouped in heats. Number of heats will except for free turns, spins, side-by-sides, breakaways. be determined based on the number of couples entered. d) Not allowed: drops, lifts, aerials, gymnastic maneuvers, 2. Couples will be judged on a call-back basis. entrances, exits, and routines. (see general definitions) b) Final round: e) Champion Jack & Jill: drops are allowed. 1. Finalists will dance in group format unless otherwise noted.

3. Format a) Preliminary & Semi-final rounds (if necessary) E. OPEN CABARET 1. Contestants will dance grouped in heats. Number of heats This “anything goes” division is open to any style of dance will be determined based on the number of contestants. (including swing routines) with any number of competitors 2. There are no restrictions drawing one’s partner, (solo, couple, group or team). You may enter more than one spouse or relative. MMContestRules2018.docx, Pg 2 of 4 10/20/18 routine however you may not enter this division more than d) Nightclub Two Step once with the same group, couples partner, or more than one NC2 styles using a basic rhythm of QQS [aka Rhythm] solo dance. You may not dance with the same partner you (1&, “2”) or SQQ [aka Smooth] (“1”, 2&) are recognized by danced with in Just Dance or Strictly Swing (teams excepted). this event. Whichever rhythm is selected, that rhythm must be 1. Dancers supply their own music and perform a prearranged danced throughout the entire dance. choreographed routine. Costumes are required. 2. Dance Content 2. Anything Goes - Lifts, aerials, drops, gymnastic/acrobatic a) WC Swing - Competitors are expected to be familiar with moves, side by sides, and breakaways are all allowed. basic patterns, including but not limited to: starter step, basic 3. Performance time must be a minimum of 2 minutes and a throwout, underarm turn, push break/sugar push, tuck and maximum of 7 minutes . Time and judging starts at first turn, right and left side pass, turning basic, basic whip, hand movement of dancer(s), with or without music. change patterns, and some exposure to spins & turns. 4. Contestants will draw for dance order (at DJ booth) during Saturday evening floor trials (6pm-Main Ballroom). b) Hustle - Competitors should be familiar with basic patterns, Contestants must submit their music to DJ at this time. including but not limited to: release/throwout, cross body lead, hesitation/time step, underarm pass, wheel, wraps, shadow F. PRO/AM turns, right and left side pass, hand change figures, New York This just dance division for the Dance Teacher and their walks, & some exposure to spins & turns Students is designed to highlight lead/follow social dance c) Country Two Step - Competitors should be familiar with skills. Each Pro Teacher is allowed a maximum of 5 Student basic patterns, including but not limited to intertwining weave entries per division . Contestants may enter one time per movements utilizing basic closed, side by side and promenade dance. There is no gender or lead/follow restriction positions plus some exposure to wraps, spins and turns. (e.g. A female teacher may dance with a female student) d) Nightclub Two Step - Competitors are expected to be 1. Divisions: familiar with basic patterns, including but not limited to: basic a) WCS Novice (Leader, Follower) step, underarm turn, left turn, right turn, open breaks, hand b) WCS Int/Adv (Leader, Follower) change figures, and some exposure to spins/turns/rolls. c) Hustle Novice (Leader, Follower) d) Hustle Int/Adv (Leader, Follower) 3. Drops e) Country 2-Step Novice (Leader, Follower) Not allowed in Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Masters f) Country 2-Step Int/Adv (Leader, Follower) J&J levels. Any maneuver during which one of the competitor's g) Nightclub 2-Step Novice (Leader, Follower) heads is below their partner's waist level is considered a drop. h) Nightclub 2-Step Int/Adv (Leader, Follower) (e.g. splits, neck drop, layout) 4. Lifts & Aerials* 2. Guidelines: Not allowed except for Open Cabaret! A lift or aerial is any The same as Strictly Swing/Just Dance (see section D) maneuver lasting longer than a fraction of a beat of music 3. Format: Final Only during which a dancer's weight is NOT supported primarily Couples will dance grouped in heats. Number of heats will be through their own feet. determined based on the number of entries. This definition does not include the following: 4. Top Teacher Award a) flea hops, b) bunny hops, c) kicks, d) leveraged body leans, e) heel clicks & jumps (done solely by the individual and not 5. Top Student Award (WCS, Hustle, Nightclub, Country) assisted by the partner) Awarded to highest overall total placement point winner. 5. Gymnastic/Acrobatic Maneuver* G. GENERAL DEFINITIONS Not allowed except for Open Cabaret! A gymnastic maneuver 1. Dance Categories is any move that serves to illustrate a type of acrobatic ability a) Swing (WSDC guidelines apply) that is not part of a recognizable dance pattern. Gymnastic-type West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Carolina Shag, Lindy, maneuvers include, but are not limited to, cartwheels, back- Lindy Hop, Push, Whip, Hollywood Swing, Imperial Swing, flips, etc Jitterbug, Jive, and Hand Dance are some of the recognized * The intent of prohibiting lifts, aerials, and gymnastic-type styles of swing. maneuvers is to discourage the use of any moves that might b) Hustle (HDT guidelines apply) endanger the well-being and safety of another competitor. Hustle styles using a basic rhythm of "&1,2,3" or "1,2,&3" Please dance safely and use good judgment. are recognized by this event. Whichever rhythm is selected, 6. Side-by-Sides that rhythm must be danced throughout the entire dance. Are allowed - however restrictions apply! A side-by-side is a (See Hustle Dance Tour site for more detail.) set of symmetric or complementary movements or footwork c) Country Two Step (CTST guidelines apply) executed by a couple. Any footwork combinations recognized CW2 styles using a basic rhythm of "QQSS" or by the judges as components of Carolina Shag, or any of the "SSQQ" are recognized by this event. Whichever rhythm is listed recognizable swing styles, are allowed as long as they do selected, that rhythm must be danced throughout the entire not exceed 16 beats of music. Excessive use of side-by-sides dance. improperly phrased to the music are considered a routine and are not allowed.

MMContestRules2018.docx, Pg 3 of 4 10/20/18 7. Breakaways dancing for showmanship. Any action that the judges believe Are allowed - however restrictions apply! A breakaway is a would likely make them feel uncomfortable in a social dance set of symmetric or complementary movements or footwork setting is prohibited and subject to penalties. executed by a couple who intentionally break contact (except Note 2 : All Judges' decisions are final. for spins and turns and should not exceed 16 beats of music. 8. Routine I. PENALTIES Not allowed... except for Open Cabaret! Any segment which, The penalties assessed will be determined by each individual in the opinion of the judges, consists of prearranged judge. Judges are directed to lower the contestant's score as choreography in excess of 16 beats of music is considered a much or as little as they determine is necessary based on the routine and therefore not allowed. nature of the violation. In addition, if a violation is noted by a majority of the judges on their score sheets, the couple shall be 9. Entrance & Exit placed out of the award money by the Chief Judge. Not allowed... except for Open Cabaret! An entrance and exit are formal, generally choreographed segments at the 1. Error beginning and end of a performance, respectively. An error is a mistake - an apparently “unintentional” breach of these rules. An example of an error includes, but is not limited 10. Costumes to, a brief unintended loss of contact between the partners. Not allowed... except for Open Cabaret ! Matching or complementary attire suitable for social dancing are not 2. Violation considered costumes and are allowed in Strictly Swing, Just A violation is an apparently “intentional” breach of these rules. Hustle, Pro/Am and Jack & Jill. Examples of violations include, but are not limited to, a lift in a Jack & Jill, a routine in Strictly Swing or a maneuver that H. JUDGING CRITERIA endangers another competitor. All competitions will be judged using the relative placement scoring system and based on the following criteria: J. MISCLASSIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY* If a misclassification is discovered before the start of the 1. Timing competition, the competitors in question will be given the option Swing is danced beginning on the downbeat. Timing extends to reclassify themselves (if possible) or withdraw. If the error is to much finer distinctions than a single beat. It includes discovered after the start of the competition, the competitors whether a competitor is fractionally ahead or behind the beat will be disqualified & their placements/awards given to the next as well as matching the syncopated rhythm of the music. in line. *WCS division eligibility is based on WSDC Points 2. Teamwork Registry Rules. (Ref: www.swingdancecouncil.com) Swing, Hustle, NC2 and CW2 are connected partner dances. The demonstration of this connection and the appearance of K. RE-STARTS "lead/follow" or "action/reaction" between the partners is an Restarts will only be permitted in the case of music system expected part of any competition dance. One partner ignoring, failure or other catastrophic failures such as, but not limited to, "out-dancing", disrespecting, or jeopardizing the safety of the shoe or clothing failures. Restarts will not be permitted for other (or other competitors) demonstrates poor teamwork. Do reasons such as contestant dissatisfaction with their music, not dance at the expense of your partner or any other performance or partner draw. competitors participating. L. DIRECTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES 3. Technique Final decisions on any matter rest solely with Event Director, How well the competitors execute the movements comprising Chief Judge & Committee. Changes, if necessary, will be posted their dance constitutes technique. This includes aspects such at the Registration desk. These rules are subject to change. as control of balance, weight changes, foot placement, body lines, follow-through & extension, spins and turns. M. AWARDS 4. Choreography Prize Money The selection and order of movements and transitions Prize money will be split evenly between partners; Groups shall executed during a dance comprise choreography. Good designate one recipient name. choreography demonstrates a close connection with the music It is the responsibility of the contestant to collect their awards. as well as variety and contrast in movements. This includes a Awards will NOT be mailed after the event. couple's ability to match or compliment their patterns, syncopations, and actions to the music including musical ______phrasing, accents, breaks, character, texture, mood, and tempo. Copyright 2018 (10.18.18) Web: www.michelledance.com Degree of difficulty is also evaluated. Michelle Kinkaid's Mountain Magic Dance Convention Tel/Fax: 415/585-6282 Email: [email protected] 5. Presentation/Showmanship Creating an atmosphere of excitement by inviting and WSDC www.worldsdc.com generating interest in a performance is the desired effect of HDT www.facebook.com/hustledancetour/ good presentation. While showmanship is one aspect of CTST www.countrytwosteptour.com/ presentation, it cannot substitute for good dancing. WSDC Petition https://www.worldsdc.com/wp- content/uploads/2017/12/2018.1D-WSDC-Petition-Form.pdf Note 1 : It is the Event's intent to permit expressive and exciting performances without sacrificing the quality of MMContestRules2018.docx, Pg 4 of 4 10/20/18