This is a partnered Slow Balboa competition open to dancers of all levels and is $30 per couple. For this competition, Slow Balboa includes Dean Raftery Slow Balboa, Laminu, Balboa done slowly, and Kelly and Mickey’s Slow Balboa. Competitors do not need a full weekend pass to participate.
Prelims Format
Contestants will dance in “all skate” format to 3-4 songs randomly chosen by the contest DJ of 1 minute 30 second length. Couples will be judged as a unit and will be chosen for finals based on callback format.
Participants must attend a competitor meeting at 4:15pm in the Room 311 of the Irish American Heritage Center or they may be scratched from the competition. Prelims will occur immediately after the meeting in the Erin Room of the Irish American Heritage Center.
Finals Format
Contestants will dance one “all skate” warm-up, a spotlight or dual spotlight (depending on the number of finalists), and one “all skate” final. Couples will be judged as a unit and will be chosen for first, second, and third prizes based on relative placement scoring.
Finalists will be announced and posted during the Sunday night dance. Finals will occur Sunday in the main ballroom at 8:30pm. Finalists must be present in the Erin Room (ballroom) at 8:15pm and attend a brief competitors’ meeting near the DJ booth or risk being scratched from the competition.
Judging Criteria
Contestants will be judged on their ability to
- Connection: Couples are assessed on their ability to work as a team including how well they can listen and react to their partner. Although this is a social dance competition, preparation as a team is valued.
- Musicality: Judges will assess couples general timing (ability to stay on rhythm) as well their macro and micro musicality skills.
- Technique: Contestants are assessed on their ability to cleanly execute Slow Balboa movement along with the technique and skills that are specifically required for lead and follow roles. For this competition, Slow Balboa includes Dean Raftery Slow Bal, Balboa done slowly, Kelly and Mickey Slow Bal, and Laminu. Lindy hop and blues are not considered Slow Bal.
- 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 true to the nature of Slow Balboa.
Prizes
First, second, and third place couples receive medals and a cash prize.
- 1st place – $300
- 2nd place – $200
- 3rd place – $100