Rules & Regulations

Dance Competition Rules & Regulations

All routines must adhere to NDCA-approved syllabus figures for their respective divisions.
Closed Divisions: Pro/Am & Amateur – American or International – Newcomer, Pre-Bronze, Bronze 1, Full Bronze, Newcomer Silver, Silver I, Full Silver, Gold 1, Full Gold.
Open Divisions: Pro/Am & Amateur – American or International – Single or Multi-Dance: Open Bronze, Open Silver, Open Gold, Scholarships, Pre-Championships, Open Amateur Championships, Solo Exhibitions, and all Professional Divisions.
Lifts are not permitted in any division except for Professional Theatre Arts.
Solo Exhibitions: Competitors may participate in solo performances, which must adhere to time constraints if applicable. Music should be provided via USB in MP3 format where required.
Age categories may be merged when there are less than three (3) entries in a category.
Competitors may dance in two age categories and four consecutive levels, plus the Open division.
Scholarship Divisions: Competitors must enter a minimum of five (5) single dances (four in smooth) in the same style of each scholarship entered to be eligible.

Registration Requirements: All participants must complete registration before the deadline, submitting all required documentation and payments.
Membership Verification: Competitors must be active members of a recognized governing body (e.g., NDCA) and must provide proof of membership upon request.

Proficiency Levels: Defined as Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Open categories, competitors must register in appropriate levels based on their experience.
Age Categories: Competitors will be classified based on their age groups and may be eligible for multiple categories based on official guidelines.

Judging Criteria: Competitors are evaluated based on technique, musicality, presentation, and adherence to syllabus guidelines.
Scoring System: The Skating System will be used to determine placements.

Event Categories: Includes Single Dance, Multi-Dance, Scholarships, and Showcases.
Dance Styles and Tempos: Competitors must adhere to recognized dance styles and their required tempos, as outlined by the NDCA.
1. International Style Dances
- Ballroom (Standard):
  - Waltz: 30 MPM (90 BPM)NDCA
  - Tango: 32 MPM (128 BPM)
  - Viennese Waltz: 58 MPM (174 BPM)NDCA
  - Foxtrot: 30 MPM (120 BPM)NDCA+1NDCA+1
  - Quickstep: 50 MPM (200 BPM)NDCA+1dance-forums.com+1
- Latin:
  - Cha Cha: 31 MPM (124 BPM)NDCA
  - Samba: 50 MPM (100 BPM)
  - Rumba: 24 MPM (96 BPM)NDCA
  - Paso Doble: 55 MPM (110 BPM)
  - Jive: 43 MPM (172 BPM)NDCA
2. American Style Dances
- Smooth:
  - Waltz: 30 MPM (90 BPM)NDCA
  - Tango: 30 MPM (60 BPM)
  - Foxtrot: 30 MPM (120 BPM)
  - Viennese Waltz: 53 MPM (159 BPM)NDCA
  - Peabody: 60 MPM (240 BPM)
- Rhythm:
  - Cha Cha: 30 MPM (120 BPM)NDCA+1NDCA+1
  - Rumba: 31 MPM (124 BPM)NDCA
  - Swing: 35 MPM (140 BPM)
  - Bolero: 22–24 MPM (88 BPM)NDCA
  - Mambo: 47 MPM (188 BPM)NDCA
  - Merengue: 30 MPM (60 BPM)NDCA
  - Paso Doble: 55 MPM (110 BPM)NDCA
  - Samba: 50 MPM (100 BPM)NDCA
  - West Coast Swing: 30 MPM (120 BPM)
  - Polka: 60 MPM (120 BPM)
  - Hustle: 30 MPM (120 BPM)

The dress code for all divisions follows the NDCA Rule Book standards. Participants should ensure they adhere to appropriate attire regulations as outlined in official NDCA guidelines.

Sportsmanship Expectations: All competitors, instructors, and attendees are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully.
Penalties for Misconduct: Violations of etiquette or sportsmanship rules may result in warnings, point deductions, or disqualification.

Substance Regulations: Competitors are prohibited from using any performance-enhancing substances.
Testing Procedures: Drug testing may be conducted, and competitors found in violation will be subject to penalties.

Top Teacher Awards: Eligible teachers must meet minimum entry requirements to qualify. Points are awarded based on the number of entries and placements in all Pro/Am divisions, including Solo and Scholarship Events.
Studio Awards: Recognizing studios with outstanding participation and placement across competition events.
Pot of Gold Award: A competitor must dance a minimum of 20 dances to qualify, with specific eligibility requirements depending on placement in other award categories.
Points are based on the World Dancesport Series and participation in affiliated competitions including Man In Black Dance Tour, Leading Follows Network, Fourdney Foundation, NDCA Premier Ranking Event, and Best of the Best.

All entries must be submitted by the official competition deadline.
Late entries may be accepted with an additional late fee where applicable.
No entry can be accepted without payment.
Refunds are not provided for cancellations; however, credits may be issued for future competitions based on event policies.
Hotel package cancellation credits may be subject to a surcharge if canceled less than five (10) days before the event.

Music Selection: Competitors must ensure music selections meet competition guidelines, avoiding inappropriate themes or lyrics.
Performance Duration: Solo exhibitions must adhere to set time limits.

Medical Assistance: Medical personnel will be available on-site for emergencies.
Emergency Exits: Participants should be aware of designated emergency exits and safety procedures.

All attendees, including competitors, spectators, and officials, must adhere to the rules of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA).
The competition organizers are not responsible for lost or stolen items left in changing rooms, ballrooms, or hotel rooms.
Attendees participate at their own risk, and neither the competition organizers nor NDCA will be held liable for any injuries sustained during the event.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official competition website and the NDCA regulations: ndca.org.