Competitor Rules and Expectations

Competitors should read contest descriptions, rules, and judging criteria.

Registration

  • Competitors do not need a full weekend pass to participate. They only need to pay entry to the dance and the competition.
  • A couple consists of one lead and one follow. Leaders may be any gender. Followers may be any gender.
  • Only one person in a couple needs to register for the Open Pure Balboa and Open Slow Balboa competition. Partners’ names should be listed during registration.
  • Contest registration closes at 6:30 pm on Friday, September 27 for the Open Pure Balboa and ELEF Contest. Registration for the Newcomer Shuffle, Intermediate Shuffle, and Advanced Shuffle closes at 12:30pm on Saturday, September 28. Registration for the Slow Bal Contest closes at 12:30pm on Sunday, September 29. All contestants should pick up their competition number from the registration desk prior to the competitors meeting.

Levels

  • Please read contest descriptions for what constitutes a “newcomer,” “intermediate,” and “advanced” dancer. 
  • Shuffle (a.k.a. Mix and Match) competitions are divided into four levels (newcomer, intermediate, advanced, and invitational).  Contestants may only compete in one shuffle division unless they are competing in a different role (lead/follow).
  • Open pure balboa, ELEF, and open slow balboa competitions are open to competitors of ALL LEVELS. Novice and advanced competitors are encouraged to participate.

Expectations

  • Competitors are expected to behave in a courteous and respectful manner at all times during the event.
  • All competitors should be present at the competitors meetings, or they may be scratched from the competition without refund.
  • Only the leader needs a number for couples contests. Followers AND leaders need a number for the Shuffle competitions. Numbers should be worn on the torso and not on the leg. Competitors should keep numbers to be worn again in finals.
  • Finalists will be announced and posted at the Irish American Heritage Center and on Facebook.