Swing Rules
The 2009 Ft. Wayne Showdown West Coast Swing Competition will
be held on Saturday evening at approximately
10:00 CST. All competitors must purchase weekend pass.
Competitors must be signed up by 6:00 CST.
Competitors must be in ballroom (TBA) by 9:30 CST.
Entry fee is $10 per dancer, with 100% payout returned (number
of placements TBD). The more people who compete, the
bigger the prize!
Two divisions are offered (dancers may only dance in one
division):
Division I:
· Dancers less
experienced who have been dancing WCS less than 2 years.
· Dancers who
have not completed in a level higher than Novice.
· Dancers who do
not instruct or is a partner to a instructor on a regular basis.
· Dancers may be
placed in Division II at the discretion of Directors and/or
Judges.
Division II:
· Dancers who do
not qualify in Division I.
You will be judged and scored as a couple.
All dancing in Jack & Jill competitions is to be Male
Lead/Female Follow.
Should there be an imbalance in the number of leaders and
followers entered in the contest, some contestants may be
required to dance twice.
No choreography is allowed. One of the key elements of a
WCS Jack & Jill contest is the element of improvisation, which
is why choreography is not allowed. This improv-based feature
can prove to be extremely entertaining. No routines, lifts,
aerials, planned entrances or exits are allowed.
No costumes are allowed.
Competitors are not allowed to dance with “regular” partner (one
that they dance and/or have competed with in a choreographed
routine.) Social dance partners are accepted and will be
considered “luck of the draw”.
Separation in performance is permitted on spins, turns and
recognized breakaways.
Swing is a connected partner dance. The demonstration of this
connection and appearance of “lead/follow” or “action/reaction”
between partners is the goal of teamwork, i.e. a balanced
performance with give-and-take between partners. One partner
ignoring, “out-dancing,” disrespecting, or jeopardizing the
safety of the other partner (or of other competitors) indicates
poor teamwork. Compensating and adjusting for one’s partner are
components of good teamwork.
Divisions will dance to a minimum of two songs, in addition to a
warm-up song.
Multiple heats may be necessary due to the number of
competitors.
Judges will be selected at the discretion of the Directors.
Judges placements are final.
Download a copy of these rules here. (pdf file)