Official Guidelines
Social Dance Competitions are a unique fusion of mastery and the unexpected. Success is found in the balance between your technical skills and your ability to adapt to the randomness of the social floor—pairing, timing, and music.
Logistics & Dorsals
- Pickup WindowDorsals must be collected on the day of the competition within the 1 hour window provided by the organisation. Late collection results in immediate disqualification. The organising team will provide instructions and locations a few days prior to the event.
- Registration cancellation policyCancellations must be notified at least 24 hours before the event. No refunds are issued for late cancellations less than 24 hours.
- Waitlist PolicyIn case of vacancies participants from the waitlist will be notified 24 hours in advance.
- VisibilityYour dorsal number must be visible throughout all stages of the competition.
Execution & Style
- AcrobaticsDips are permitted under the judges criteria. If a dip is too dangerous with potential for injury, it is not allowed and it can result in points penalties. Lifts are strictly prohibited.
- Dress CodeStylish, expressive, and social-dance friendly. We value personal flair that respects the social spirit.
- ConductZero tolerance for harassment of any kind. Treat all participants, judges, and staff with kindness and respect, on and off the dance floor. Any form of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation will not be tolerated. Celebrate other's dancing and contribute to a positive, inclusive atmosphere.
Judging Criteria
**CONFLICT OF INTERESTS**
Judges will not evaluate dancers they have personal or professional relationships with. In such cases, Judges must formally declare that they will remain impartial, even in cases of a conflict of interest — defined as any potential personal benefit, whether direct, indirect, real, or perceived.
Technique
Precision and movement mastery.
Musicality
Sync and interpretation.
Connection
Communication and lead/follow.
Style
Unique personal flair.
Attitude
Confidence and joy.
Note: In our standard J&J, we prioritize **Connection**. In the Finals, judges may dance with you to evaluate your lead/follow adaptability in real-time.
The Scoring System
Powered by The Bachata Council for real-time transparency.
Prelims: Leaders judge leaders, followers judge followers separately.
Semi-Finals: Judges evaluate both roles, often observing from outside the circle.
Grand Finals: Judges evaluate via external observation and direct dance interaction.
Music Mix
Spontaneity is key. No songs are shared in advance.