All competitions will be judged based on the Relative Placement System.  The judges will evaluate all competitors on the following elements:

Timing - swing rhythm is 4/4 timing, dancing on the downbeat and in sync with the music; the interplay of body movement to the beat of the music.

Teamwork - how well you dance as a couple; one partner doesn't dominate the other; adapt, flow and blend with your partner; act-react.

Technique - how well you execute your moves proper foot placement; balanced and centered body movements.

Degree of Difficulty - movements and steps over and above the norm.

Execution - how well you do what you do; body position; graceful; in unison.

Projection - entertaining and pleasing to the eye; using personalities to "grab" the audience; an addition to the performance rather than a distraction, "SHOWMANSHIP".

Choreography - balance of the dance; varied; creative; not repetitious; responding to the feel of the music, musical phrasing; appropriate, varied execution - "contrast" (smooth/crisp).

Judges decisions are final. Because swing dancing is a subjective form of dance and there is no official criterion, individuals view the dance differently; therefore, protests will not be allowed.

Contest Requirements

Classic Division
Limited to the more traditional style of Swing dancing. The emphasis is on timing, footwork, teamwork and style. Acrobatic moves, aerials, and lifts are not allowed. Dips, drops, leans, leveraged moves and slides are allowed. Once contact is made, there should be no intentional break in contact (hands) except for free spins or turns. Side-by-side routines and other companion dances are permissible but dancers must keep contact during their execution except on spins and turns. A MINIMUM OF 80% RECOGNIZABLE SWING IS REQUIRED. (Definition of Swing includes other types of swing dances such as Shag, Lindy, Balboa, etc. Non-Swing dances include Cha-Cha, Hustle, etc.) Costumes are allowed and encouraged. Performance duration must be a minimum of 2 minutes and maximum of 3 1/2 minutes.

Strictly Swing Divisions (PRO-AM, Amateur, Professional)
This division shall be a lead/follow competition. Pre-choreographed routines are not allowed. Although it is common even in Strictly Swing to have amalgamations and choreographed breaks, the essence of lead and follow must be maintained in and out of these patterns. Short break-a-ways are allowed. Costumes are not allowed. Music will be randomly selected by the DJ. 90% SWING IS REQUIRED. (Definition of Swing includes other types of swing dances such as Shag, Lindy, Balboa, etc. Non-Swing dances such as Cha-Cha, Hustle, etc. are not allowed). All other guidelines for these contests are the same as the Classic Division (see above). (In the PRO-AM Strictly Swing Contest, only the AM will be judged. Pros should not out-dance their partner.)

Open Jack and Jill Division
This division is open to all levels of dancers. Luck of the draw, anything can happen. This is a lead/follow competition. Lifts, aerials and acrobatic moves are not allowed. Once contact is made, there should be no intentional break in contact for more than 8 beats of music, except for free spins or turns. 100% Swing is required.

Professional Division
A competitor is deemed a Professional if:

You have been a finalist in a Professional or Invitational level Jack & Jill competition; OR

You have earned $2500 or more teaching dancing within any 12 month period within the last three years; AND

That $2500 or more earned teaching was for teaching swing dancing (not ballroom, line dancing or country dancing) whether teaching private lessons, group lessons or workshops; AND

You have the credentials to be an Advanced Division competitor.

Amateur Division
If you do not qualify as a Professional under the above definition, you must classify yourself as an Amateur.

Competitors will be one Male Leader and one Female Follower.

You must enter couples contests with different partners.