This is an “intermediate” level balboa and bal-swing competition and is $15 per person. The format is “mix and match” or “draw” so participants do not sign up with a partner. Competitors do not need a full weekend pass to participate. This is meant for intermediate and advanced dancers with some competition experience. Competitors may not compete in the advanced or newcomer shuffle unless it is in a different role. Dancers will be paired randomly and will dance to music selected by a DJ.
Who is an “intermediate?”
Intermediate competitors must not have made finals in any balboa contests at All Balboa Weekend, California Balboa Classic, Snowball, ILHC, Camp Hollywood, or similarly leveled events (including mix and match or strictly). (Semifinalists who did not make finals at All Balboa Weekend may still compete in the intermediate level). In addition, those who have been invited to the Master/Invitational level tracks at All Balboa Weekend, California Balboa Classic, or a similarly leveled event may not compete at the intermediate level. Those who placed first, second or third, in a previous Intermediate Shuffle at Great Lakes Balboa Escape or a similarly leveled contest must compete at the advanced level. Competitors may compete in the opposite role if these conditions still apply. Those who place first, second, or third in this contest must move up to the advanced level at the following year’s event.
Prelims Format
Contestants will be randomly paired with 3-4 partners and will dance in “all-skate” format to 1 minute 30 second songs chosen by the competition DJ. Leads and followers will be judged separately and chosen for finals based on callback format.
Participants must attend a competitor meeting at 4:15pm on Saturday, September 27 in Room 311 of the Irish American Heritage Center or they may be scratched from the competition. Prelims will occur at 5:15pm in the Erin Room of the Irish American Heritage Center.
Finals Format
Contestants will be randomly paired with 3-4 partners and will dance in “all-skate” format to 1 minute 30 second songs chosen by the competition DJ. Leads and followers will be judged separately.
Finals will occur at 10:30pm on Saturday, September 27. Finalists must be present in the Erin Room (ballroom) at 10:15pm and attend a brief competitors’ meeting near the DJ booth or risk being scratched from the competition.
Judging Criteria
Contestants will be judged on:
- Connection: As this is a social dance competition, judges will be look for your skill in listening to and reacting to a variety of partners. Competitors are expected to demonstrate teamwork with each partnership.
- Musicality: Judges will assess both your general timing (ability to stay on rhythm) as well as your macro and micro musicality skills.
- Technique: Contestants are assessed on their ability to cleanly execute Balboa and Bal-swing movements along with the technique and skills that are specifically required for follow or lead roles.
- Creativity: Competitors are encouraged to add personality to the dance by adding their own innovative movement choices, structure, and footwork. However, the dance should still remain in the format of Balboa and Bal-swing.
Prizes
First, second, and third place winners will receive medals and passes to a sponsoring dance event.