RULES & GUIDELINES

General Rules

General Rules Applicable to All Competitors

This competition is open to any South Island based dancer (defined as someone who has resided in the South Island for at least 6 of the past 12 months).

Competitors can only enter ONCE in each category. For freestyle categories, dancers may only enter once for any given style (i.e., if a competitor enters the Amateur Salsa freestyle they cannot then enter the Open Salsa Freestyle). The exception to this is Pro-Am Freestyle categories which are considered a separate category.

There must be a minimum of 3 registered entries in any given category for the category to take place. If the category has less than 3 entries, the organisation reserves the right to merge that category with another. Notice will be given to team leaders/competitors about this where applicable.

Competitors cannot compete in a given category using the same choreography as previous years of the South Island Latin Championship (or the South Island Salsa Competition) in that same category.

Heel caps MUST be worn on the dance floor at all times for all categories where heels are being worn.

Code of Conduct

SILC strives to be an inclusive competition. Any competitor that does not adhere to the General Rules, Code of Conduct and Terms & Conditions of the competition may be subject to disqualification from the competition and therefore forfeit any right to any prizes or awards presented. Any kind of harassment: verbal, physical or sexual will not be tolerated and the competitor will be disqualified and asked to leave the premises immediately.

Moves that depict or imply violence, sexual assault or degradation are not permitted and will be penalised (from penalty to disqualification). This includes performing moves which simuate sexual acts, hitting ones partner, throwing them to the ground, and pulling their hair.

Competitors will be marked down for costume malfunctions. Selected clothing must cover all personal anatomy and be of an appropriate and suitable style as not to cause offence, regardless of personal tastes. For the Youth category, we require appropriate dress as children and youth. We encourage modestly, and tastefully covered costumes that will not cause offence, or hinder the child’s / youth’s movement or performance.

Judges’ decision is final. Please be respectful in asking for feedback and information from the judges after the competition proper. In the event of any dispute, final decision will be made by the Head Judge.

Competitor Definitions

All dancers must meet the criteria for any category in which they are registering. If you are uncertain, please contact the organisers for clarification.

Youth

17 years or less at the date of the competition.

NOTE: Youth dancers aged 17 years may choose to compete in either youth or adult categories but not both with the exception being that youth dancers can compete in the Youth categories and also complete in the Open Salsa and Latin Shine teams as per the category rules.

Youth/Adult

17 years or less / 17+ years
Defined as a partnership between a youth dancer (17 years or less) and an adult dancer (17+ years). In these categories only the youth dancer is judged.

Amateur

17+ years

Defined as a dancer who does not currently make, and has never made any financial gain from any type of Latin and/or Brazilian dance related activities (including instructing, performing, competing and judging) and does not meet any of the Advanced criteria described below.

Advanced

17+ years
Defined as a person who meets one or more of the following criteria:

An individual who has taught Latin and/or Brazilian dance regardless of whether paid or not. This applies to both advertised classes and private lessons. This does not apply to those who assist or demonstrate along with a teacher provided they are not actively teaching.

An individual who has choreographed a team routine which has been performed at a national or international level event.

An individual who has judged at a regional, national or international level event regardless of whether paid or not.

An individual who has previously been required to compete as an Advanced dancer in this competition or any other competition with a similar definition of Advanced.

NOTE: Individuals who meet the definition of Advanced for any Latin and/or Brazilian style must compete as Advanced for all styles (i.e., someone who is considered Advanced for Zouk cannot enter a Salsa category as an Amateur).

Professional

17+ years
Defined as a person who has previously received or currently receives financial compensation from Latin and/or Brazilian dance related activities including teaching, performing, judging, etc. Please note that, due to the comparatively small size of the dance community in the South Island, this competition does not differentiate between a dancer who does these activities on a part time/casual basis and makes the majority of their income in another profession or one who makes the majority or entirety of their income from these activities.

Pro/Adv-Am

17+ years
Defined as a partnership between an amateur dancer and an advanced or professional level dancer as defined above.

In freestyle Pro/Adv-Am categories only the amateur dancer is judged. Errors made by the professional/advanced dancer can result in a deduction in score if they affect the amateur's performance.
For all other Pro/Adv-Am categories both competitors are judged.

Music Guidelines

Music lengths are listed below. Music that exceeds or subceeds these lengths will be penalised. The competition organisers reserve the right to not accept choreographies with music in excess of these lengths if required for timing.

Youth
- All youth choreos (1.15 - 1.45mins)

Adult

- All adult solos (1.10 - 1.50mins)

- All adult duets (1.10 - 1.50mins)
- All adult couples (1.30 - 2.00mins)
- All adult teams (1.30 - 2.30mins)

Music lengths are considered from the first discernible audio to the last. Please do not include your entrance and/or exit in your music cut. Tracks which fall outside these time limits by up to 10 seconds will be subject to a 5 point deduction with a further 1 point deduction for every 10 seconds thereafter.

A maximum of 3 songs can be used in the music cut of any given choreography.

All Salsa routines must be 100% recognisable Salsa music.

All Latin routines must be 100% recognisable Latin music specific to the genre being performed.

Showcase routines may be Latin or Non-Latin music (which is compatible with a recognisable Latin Dance Genre, i.e., Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Zouk, Cha Cha, Kizomba).

Competitors will need to send a copy of their competition music to the organisers by the closing of registration date. If music is not submitted by this time, your registration will be considered incomplete.

Please note that once you have submitted your music, we will not accept any re-submissions of music.

Competitors also need to bring with them a backup of their music on a USB, correctly labelled. The DJ will not slow down or speed up your music for you.

Division Definitions, Rules and Judging Criteria

Definitions

Continuous Turns

Refers to any turns, both travelling or on-the-spot, that continue without pause for more than 1 bar/4 beats/one count of 4. A maximum of 4 bars/16 Beats/2 counts of 8 are allowed for continuous turns.

Tricks
Includes dips, drops and leverage moves (counterbalances). These are defined as movements that requires the support of the other partner to maintain. One foot must remain on the floor at all times even during tricks. If both feet of either partner leave the floor via the assistance of the other partner, it will be considered a lift. For back-to-back tricks to be considered only one trick they need to flow seamlessly and purposefully from one element to the other, cannot change direction, and they should not occupy more than 2 counts of 8 (16 beats).

Dips - Defined as a trick in which one partners centre is lowered relative to their standing position but in a manner in which they could support themselves if the other partner did not.

Drops - Defined as a trick in which one partners centre is lowered relative to their standing position such that they could not support themselves if the other partner did not.

Leverage Moves - Defined as a trick in which both partners remain upright but the balance of either dancer is compromised without the support of the other dancer.

Lifts
Refers to any movement where both feet leave the floor with the assistance of one’s partner. A lift can be a sequence of acrobatic movements in which one dancer lifts, and in many cases, holds their dance partner above the floor. A lift is considered an elevation in which both feet are off the floor at some point during the move, and any part of the body of one dancer touches the body of the other to assist. For back-to-back lifts to be considered only one trick they need to flow seamlessly and purposefully from one element to the other, and they should not occupy more than 2 counts of 8 (16 beats). It will not be considered as a lift when the dancer raises both feet on their own without contact with the other dancer.

Props
Defined as any object carried by a performer which does not form part of their costume. This includes any part of a costume that is detached, whether intentionally or accidentally, from the body (e.g., jacket, hat, wig, etc). If, in a couples or teams section, an item of clothing is removed from one dancers body by another dancer (e.g., taking a hat off another dancer) this is also classified as a prop.

Rules

Freestyle Categories

General Rules applicable to all Freestyle Categories:

All freestyle categories are lead/follow categories (not choreographed). Freestyle categories will be judged on an ability to connect and improvise with one's partner and display connection, timing, technique and musicality to the music that is played.

The lead and/or follow positions may be performed by any gender however the lead and follow role must not switch between partners during the category.

Unlike the choreographed categories, the freestyle categories are scored using a ranking system only. Couples will be ranked for each song they dance to.

There are no restrictions on the combinations/moves that couples use. For amateur freestyle sections Judges will prioritise clean basic moves and connection over complex turn patterns.

Freestyle categories are JUST DANCING categories. Lifts are not permitted. Tricks are permitted in some freestyle categories (see individual category information below). In all cases tricks should be used sparingly so as to compliment the music and fit with timing. Excessive choreography will be penalised.

Individual shines are permitted; however, competitors are encouraged to use these sparingly in order to show creativity and musicality. The use of choreographed shines in Freestyle categories is discouraged.

Dancers will compete on the dance floor together to DJ selected music applicable to the chosen category: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba or Zouk.

The approximate length of each song will be 1.30 - 2.00 minutes and will be selected by the organisers.

Music tempo’s for freestyle sections will be as follows:

Freestyle Rules

Music Guidelines

Salsa Freestyle Rules

Bachata Freestyle Rules

Kizomba Freestyle Rules

Zouk Freestyle Rules

Choreographed Section Rules

Youth Solo Rules

Youth Duet Rules

Youth Team Rules

Solo Section Rules

Duet Section Rules

Dancers will be asked to rotate from front to rear of stage between songs to ensure all competitors are given time at front of stage. Dancers who fail to change positions or who move positions during the song to the detriment of other couples will be penalised.

If there are more than 5 couples registered in any freestyle category, the category will consist of Heats and a Final. Heats will contain a maximum of 5 couples, and each heat will consist of 2 pieces of music of approximately 1:30 – 2:00 minutes. The top 5 couples in each category will progress to the Final. In this case competitors overall score will be the average of their Heat and Final score.

If the category has less than 5 registered couples, couples will compete directly in a Final. The Final will consist of 2 pieces of music of approximately 1:30 – 2:00 minutes. In this case competitors overall score will be that of their Final score.

The Freestyle Category is a formal competitive category and costumes are encouraged.

Freestyle Category Specific Rules

Amateur Salsa Freestyle

Open to any Amateur Salsa dancers 17 years and older.

Lifts and Tricks are not permitted, with the exception of dips. Dips are are permitted, as long as both dancers keep at least one foot on the ground).

Open Salsa Freestyle

Open to any Salsa dancer (Amateur, Advanced, Professional) 17 years and older.

Lifts are not permitted. Tricks (dips, drops and leverage moves) are permitted as long as both dancers keep at least one foot on the ground).

Pro/Adv-Am Salsa Freestyle

Open to any Salsa couple with an Amateur dancer dancing with a Professional or Advanced partner. Both dancers must be 17 years or older.

Only the Amateur dancer will be judged. Errors made by the professional/advanced dancer can result in a deduction in score if they affect the amateur's performance.

Lifts are not permitted. Tricks (dips, drops and leverage moves) are permitted as long as both dancers keep at least one foot on the ground).

Amateur Bachata Freestyle

Open to any Amateur Bachata dancers 17 years and older.

Lifts and Tricks are not permitted, with the exception of dips. Dips are permitted, as long as both dancers keep at least one foot on the ground).

Open Bachata Freestyle

Open to any Bachata dancer (Amateur, Advanced, Professional) 17 years and older.

Lifts are not permitted. Tricks (dips, drops and leverage moves) are permitted as long as both dancers keep at least one foot on the ground).

Pro/Adv-Am Bachata Freestyle

Open to any Bachata couple with an Amateur dancer dancing with a Professional or Advanced partner. Both dancers must be 17 years or older.

Only the Amateur dancer will be judged. Errors made by the professional/advanced dancer can result in a deduction in score if they affect the amateur's performance.

Lifts are not permitted. Tricks (dips, drops and leverage moves) are permitted as long as both dancers keep at least one foot on the ground).

Amateur Kizomba Freestyle

Open to any Amateur Kizomba dancers 17 years and older.

Lifts and Tricks are not permitted, with the exception of dips. Dips are permitted, as long as both dancers keep at least one foot on the ground).

Open Kizomba Freestyle

Open to any Kizomba dancer (Amateur, Advanced, Professional) 17 years and older.

Lifts are not permitted. Tricks (dips, drops and leverage moves) are permitted as long as both dancers keep at least one foot on the ground).

Open Zouk Freestyle

Open to any Zouk dancer (Amateur, Advanced, Professional) 17 years and older.

Lifts are not permitted. Tricks (dips, drops and leverage moves) are permitted as long as both dancers keep at least one foot on the ground.

Choreographed Categories

General Rules Applicable to all Choreographed Categories

In all choreographed categories, soloists, couples or teams will perform one at a time to their chosen music. Music must meet duration and genre requirements (refer to Music Guidelines above).

For all partnered categories, shines are permitted and encouraged, but must not exceed 30%. An excess of 30% of shines will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score.

There are no restrictions on the combinations or moves that can be used.

Costumes are encouraged as they contribute to presentation marks. Costumes should be appropriate to the style of dance being performed and meet the Code of Conduct above. Costume malfunctions may result in a deduction of up to 2-points from the final score.

Unless specifically noted in the Category Specific rules below props are not allowed.

Salsa Choreographies
In choreographed Salsa routines, the chosen Salsa rhythm (e.g., On1 or On2) must be maintained throughout the routine. Failure to maintain the chosen Salsa rhythm will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score.

Competitors can choose to break forward or back, as long as this is consistent throughout the routine. Failure to maintain consistency will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score.

NOTE: Competitors will not be penalised if they change their break step to accent musicality, as long as it is purposeful and returns to their main break step.

All Salsa routines must be 100% recognisable Salsa dancing (for Salsa routines, the use of afro/rumba cannot exceed 30% of the routine).

Latin Choreographies

Latin routines must be 100% recognisable Latin dancing of the genre chosen. The judges will appreciate the diversity of Latin dance genres; therefore, all styles of a given genre may be mixed within a routine (for instance, Bachata routines may be a mixture of Dominican, Sensual, Fusion, Moderna, Urban, etc).

Showcase Choreographies

Showcase routines must be 70% recognisable Latin dancing however a mix of Latin styles (including Salsa) in the one routine is permitted. If multiple styles are danced in one routine, the choreography must be a minimum of 70% one of the styles used (e.g., 70% Bachata and 30% other styles).

Choreographed Categories: Category Specific Rules

Youth Salsa Solos
Open to any Amateur Youth Salsa Soloist aged 17 years or younger.

A minimum of three competitors is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 competitors, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Youth Latin Solos.

Youth Latin Solos
Open to any Amateur Youth Latin Soloist aged 17 years or younger.

A minimum of three competitors is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 competitors, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Youth Salsa Solos.

Youth Latin/Salsa Duets
Open to any Youth Salsa or Amateur Latin duet couple, with each competitor to be aged 17 years or younger.

Duets are permitted to have up to 3 connected/assisted moves – moves that require physical connection between the 2 dancers. The connection time between the 2 dancers for each connected/assisted move should not exceed 2 counts of 8 (16 beats). Any connected/assisted move that is executed simultaneously, with no break between connection/assistance shall count as one connected/assisted move as long as it does not exceed the allowable 2 counts of 8 (16 beats).

An excess of 3 connected/assisted moves will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Connected moves that exceed 2 counts of 8 will likewise result in a 2-point deduction.

Lifts and Tricks are permitted, however please note that these will be categorised as connected/assisted moves.

Youth Salsa Shines Teams
Open to any Youth Salsa Shines Team that is comprised of a minimum of 3 dancers, with each competitor to be aged 17 years or younger.

Youth Salsa Shines Teams are permitted up to 3 connected/assisted moves – moves that require physical connection between the 2 dancers. The connection time between the 2 dancers for each connected/assisted move should not exceed 2 counts of 8 (16 beats). Any connected/assisted move that is executed simultaneously, with no break between connection/assistance shall count as one connected/assisted move as long as it does not exceed the allowable 2 counts of 8 (16 beats).

An excess of 3 connected/assisted moves will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Connected moves that exceed 2 counts of 8 will likewise result in a 2-point deduction.

Lifts and Tricks are permitted, however please note that these will be categorised as connected/assisted moves.

A minimum of three teams is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 teams, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Youth Latin Shines Team category.

Youth Latin Shines Teams
Open to any Youth Latin Shines Team that is comprised of a minimum of 3 dancers, with each competitor to be aged 17 years or younger.

Youth Latin Shines Teams are permitted up to 3 connected/assisted moves – moves that require physical connection between the 2 dancers. The connection time between the 2 dancers for each connected/assisted move should not exceed 2 counts of 8 (16 beats). Any connected/assisted move that is executed simultaneously, with no break between connection/assistance shall count as one connected/assisted move as long as it does not exceed the allowable 2 counts of 8 (16 beats).

An excess of 3 connected/assisted moves will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Connected moves that exceed 2 counts of 8 will likewise result in a 2-point deduction.

Lifts and Tricks are permitted; however, it is important to note that these will be categorised as connected/assisted moves.

A minimum of three teams is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 teams, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Youth Salsa Shines Team category.

Female Salsa Solos
Open to any female Amateur or Advanced Salsa Soloist aged 17 years or older.

A minimum of three competitors is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 competitors, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Female Latin Solos.

Female Latin Solos
Open to any female Amateur or Advanced Latin Soloist aged 17 years or older.

A minimum of three competitors is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 competitors, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Female Salsa Solos.

Male Salsa Solos and Male Latin Solos
Open to any male Salsa or Latin soloist (Amateur, Advanced or Professional) aged 17 years or older.

Amateur Salsa Duets

Open to any Amateur Salsa duet couple, with each competitor to be aged 17 years or older.

Duets are permitted up to 3 connected/assisted moves – moves that require physical connection between the 2 dancers. The connection time between the 2 dancers for each connected/assisted move should not exceed 2 counts of 8 (16 beats). Any connected/assisted move that is executed simultaneously, with no break between connection/assistance shall count as one connected/assisted move as long as it does not exceed the allowable 2 counts of 8 (16 beats).

Lifts and Tricks are permitted; however, it is important to note that these will be categorised as connected/assisted moves.

An excess of 3 connected/assisted moves will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Connected moves that exceed 2 counts of 8 will likewise result in a 2-point deduction.

A minimum of three competitors is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 competitors, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Amateur Latin Duets.

Amateur Salsa Duets

Open to any Amateur Latin duet couple, with each competitor to be aged 17 years or older.

Lifts and Tricks are permitted; however, it is important to note that these will be categorised as connected/assisted moves.

An excess of 3 connected/assisted moves will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Connected moves that exceed 2 counts of 8 will likewise result in a 2-point deduction.

A minimum of three competitors is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 competitors, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Amateur Salsa Duets.

Pro/Adv-Am Salsa Duets

Open to any Duet Salsa couple comprised of one Amateur dancer paired with either an Advanced or Professional dancer. Each competitor must be aged 17 years or older.

Both dancers will be judged.

An excess of 3 connected/assisted moves will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Connected moves that exceed 2 counts of 8 will likewise result in a 2-point deduction.

Lifts and Tricks are permitted; however, it is important to note that these will be categorised as connected/assisted moves.

A minimum of three competitors is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 competitors, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Pro/Adv-Am Latin Duets.

Pro/Adv-Am Latin Duets

Open to any Duet Latin couple comprised of one Amateur dancer paired with either an Advanced or Professional dancer. Each competitor must be aged 17 years or older.

Both dancers will be judged.

An excess of 3 connected/assisted moves will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Connected moves that exceed 2 counts of 8 will likewise result in a 2-point deduction.

Lifts and Tricks are permitted; however, it is important to note that these will be categorised as connected/assisted moves.

A minimum of three competitors is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 competitors, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Pro/Adv-Am Salsa Duets.

Open Choreographed Couples (partnered)
Open to any Salsa or Latin dance Couple (17 years and older).

Open to either Salsa or Latin Dance Styles.

A combined total of up to 6 lifts and ticks are permitted (see definitions above.) More than this will result in a 2-point deduction of the final score.

A maximum of 2 counts of 8 (16 beats) are allowed for continuous turns. More than this will result in a 2-point deduction of the final score.

Open Salsa Shines Teams
Open to any Salsa Shines Team that is comprised of a minimum of 3 dancers.

Youth Salsa Dancers (17 years or younger) are permitted to compete in this category, but should not make up more than 30% of the team members. Youth dancers will be judged as equivalent to Adult dancers.

Salsa Shines Teams are permitted up to 3 connected/assisted moves – moves that require physical connection between the 2 dancers. The connection time between the 2 dancers for each connected/assisted move should not exceed 2 counts of 8 (16 beats). Any connected/assisted move that is executed simultaneously, with no break between connection/assistance shall count as one connected/assisted move as long as it does not exceed the allowable 2 counts of 8 (16 beats).

An excess of 3 connected/assisted moves will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Connected moves that exceed 2 counts of 8 will likewise result in a 2-point deduction.

Lifts and Tricks are permitted; however, it is important to note that these will be categorised as connected/assisted moves.

A minimum of three teams is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 teams, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Open Latin Shines Team category.

Open Latin Shines Teams
Open to any Latin Shines Team that is comprised of a minimum of 3 dancers.

Youth Latin Dancers (17 years or younger) are permitted to compete in this category, but should not make up more than 30% of the team members. Youth dancers will be judged as equivalent to Adult dancers.

Latin Shines Teams are permitted up to 3 connected/assisted moves – moves that require physical connection between the 2 dancers. The connection time between the 2 dancers for each connected/assisted move should not exceed 2 counts of 8 (16 beats). Any connected/assisted move that is executed simultaneously, with no break between connection/assistance shall count as one connected/assisted move as long as it does not exceed the allowable 2 counts of 8 (16 beats).

An excess of 3 connected/assisted moves will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Connected moves that exceed 2 counts of 8 will likewise result in a 2-point deduction.

Lifts and Tricks are permitted; however, it is important to note that these will be categorised as connected/assisted moves.

A minimum of three teams is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 teams, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Open Salsa Shines Team category.

Salsa Couples Teams (partnered)
Open to any Salsa Couples Team that is comprised of a minimum of 3 couples per team (a couple is defined as defined as 1 leader and 1 follower). Teams must perform as couples in a lead/follow format. The lead and follow positions are not gender specific but must not switch during the choreography.

Dancers must be aged 17 years or above.

A combined total of up to 6 lifts and ticks are permitted (see definitions above.) More than this will result in a 2-point deduction of the final score.

A maximum of 2 counts of 8 (16 beats) are allowed for continuous turns. More than this will result in a 2-point deduction of the final score.

A minimum of three teams is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 teams, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Latin Showcase Couples Team category.

Latin Showcase Couples Teams (partnered)

Open to any ‘Street Latin’ partnered Team that is comprised of a minimum of 3 couples per team (a couple is defined as defined as 1 leader and 1 follower). Teams must perform as couples in a lead/follow format. The lead and follow positions are not gender specific but must not switch during the choreography.

Dancers must be aged 17 years or above.

‘Street Latin’ for the purposes of this competition includes: Bachata, Zouk, Chacha, Reggaeton, Samba, Merengue and Kizomba.

A combined total of up to 6 lifts and ticks are permitted (see definitions above.) More than this will result in a 2-point deduction of the final score.

A minimum of three teams is required to run this category. Should there be less than 3 teams, the organisers reserve the right to merge this category with the Salsa Couples Team category.

Open Showcase Teams

Open to any Showcase Shines Team that is comprised of a minimum of 3 dancers or any Showcase Couples Team that is comprised of a minimum of 3 couples per team (a couple is defined as defined as 1 leader and 1 follower).

Couples teams must perform as couples in a lead/follow format. The lead and follow positions are not gender specific but must not switch during the choreography.

For Showcase Shines Teams, there are no restrictions on the number of connected/assisted moves (moves that require physical connection between any 2 dancers) that can be used, however the time for which any connected move is undertaken should not exceed 30% of the choreography. The connection time between the 2 dancers for each connected/assisted move should not exceed 2 counts of 8 (16 beats).

An excess of connected/assisted moves will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Connected moves that exceed 2 counts of 8 will likewise result in a 2-point deduction.

There are no restrictions on the number of lifts and tricks that may be used within the choreography however these should not exceed 30% of the choreography. For Showcase Shine teams it is important to note that these will be categorised as connected/assisted moves.

Scoring Criteria
Refer to the following criteria and weighting

Soloists
Timing, Musicality - 30%
Choreography, Floorcraft, Presentation - 40%
Difficulty & Technique - 30%

Couples
Timing, Musicality, Synchronicity - 30%
Choreography, Floorcraft, Presentation - 30%
Difficulty, Technique, Partnership - 40%

Teams
Timing, Musicality, Synchronicity - 40%
Choreography, Floorcraft, Presentation - 30%
Difficulty, Technique, Partnership - 30%

Freestyle
The freestyle categories will be judged based on couples’ timing, technique, partnership, and musicality.
Unlike the choreography categories, the freestyle heats will be scored using a ranking system. Judges will rank competing couples over both songs within their heats. Judges will rank competing couples again across the final songs and the average of these ranks will dictate the winning couple for that particular category.

Criteria Descriptions
Timing
Dancers are required to show recognisable timing for the majority of the performance. The correct and consistent use and understanding of the timing and rhythm relevant to the Latin dance (the sharpness of ‘highlights’ and the execution of appropriate syncopations) must be displayed.

Dancers should be consistent with the timing of the chosen dance style. Competitors will be deducted marks for interchanging 1 and 5 if dancing ‘On 1’, or interchanging 2 and 6 if dancing ‘On 2’. If dancers temporarily break their timing to accent musicality or maintain the flow of a movement they will not be penalized, as long as this action is purposeful and there is an intentional effort to return to the original timing.

For solo/shines categories, the timing of the breaking step must be consistently maintained throughout the routine (either 1 and 5, or 2 and 6). More specifically, if a dancer breaks on1 for most of their routine with some purposeful deviations breaking on5 they will not be penalized, as long as there is an intentional effort to return to their on1 break step. Similarly, if a dancer breaks on2 for most of their routine with some purposeful deviations breaking on6 they will not be penalized, as long as there is an intentional effort to return to their on2 break step.

For team categories, the synchronisation of the team where the choreography should/is intended to be synchronised (eg, during combinations, poses and shines, and in dancers’ lines, hands, feet and body movement) will be scrutinised in the scoring.

Musicality
A demonstration of the ability to creatively work with the timing of their individual music. This can be done in a variety of ways, including patterns, footwork, “hits”, tricks, etc.

Choreography
The interpretation of the music. The creativity and originality of the choreography is a factor here. The way it utilises the elements of the chosen Latin style, the music (including the ‘hits’ and breaks), theme, the dancers and the stage space. Judges will consider the structure (from intro to finale), the variety, seamlessness of its components, the cleverness and the freshness of the choreography. Overall the choreography should showcase the dancers and create an artistically impressive and captivating work.

Floorcraft
Reflected in the utilising of the space on the dance floor while dancing.

Presentation
The overall presentation of the Individual/Couple/Team. Judges will consider the aesthetic qualities and professionalism exhibited in the costuming and appearance, the entrance, exit and sportsmanship. Costumes should complement the style, movement, theme and dancers to enhance the performance.

Freestyle Couples will be judged on their ability in the lead/follow freestyle format. Judges will consider the overall presentation of the Couple, taking into account elements of timing, execution and performance.

Difficulty
The level of difficulty exhibited in the choreography and its execution. Judges will consider the complexity and intricacy of the combinations, footwork and shines, turns/spins, tricks/dips and body movement utilised in the performance and how well those elements were executed.

Technique
The dance technique exhibited in the execution of the performance. Judges will consider good posture, clean footwork, balanced turns/spins, aesthetic use of lines, smooth and complementary lead/follow partner work (if applicable) and the use and mastery of appropriate Latin motion/body movement as appropriate for the chosen dance style.

Partnership
Partnership is the connection dancers cultivate and exhibit with the audience and their fellow performer(s). Judges will consider the X-factor, flavour/sabor brought to the performance to win over and connect with the audience and judges. (Note: this should not be done by prompting the audience to cheer or clap) Dancers should demonstrate a connection with their partner/team that elevates the energy and level of performance and complements the style and strength of their partner/team

Synchronicity
Refers to the unison of a team during side by side movement, partnerwork, line placement, footwork and styling. Teams will also be judged on their utilisation of formations. Judges will consider the artistic choice, clarity and variety of formations, and the transitions utilised to change between them.

Please note the results and decisions of the judges will be final, binding and conclusive on all matters!

Choreographed Couples Rules

Shine Team Rules

Couples Teams Rules

Judging Criteria