2012 Choreography Rules

All competitors and guests dancing with competitor must purchase weekend pass.  The choreography competition will take place in the Main Ballroom on Friday afternoon, March 2, 2012 beginning at 3:00 pm. Six (6) divisions are being offered.  

Divisions include Country or Non-Country in three categories:  Newcomer/Novice, Intermediate/Advanced, and Phrased (choreography with more than one tag or restart or a single tag of more than 16 counts).  Please contact event directors with any questions regarding the proper division.  Please read rules carefully regarding phrasing and level of dance.  

First place division winners will teach their choreography on Saturday afternoon.  Winning dances must also be recorded on video of workshops.

The Choreography competition will be available to purchase on a DVD from the event.  (NO VIDEO TAPING OF COMPETITION PLEASE!)

• Dance scripts must be received by January 15, 2012.
• Only two dances per division per Choreographer are allowed.
• Dance scripts should be submitted in .PDF format and on 1 page if possible.
• Music with foul language is not acceptable and will be disqualified.
• Level of dance must be consistent with steps in choreography (Example:  A turning sailor should not be considered Newcomer/Novice.)  Judges will be watching this very closely!
• Music must be turned in by noon Friday, March 2, 2012.  Dancers should have a backup copy and bring to the competition.
• Music must be on CD with label: Division, Choreographer, Name of Dance, Song & Artist, # of Walls/Counts, & Level.
• Entries will be danced a total of 4 walls or through tag or restart (whichever is greater), unless Phrased Division (TBD, depending on time).
• Choreographer must perform choreography entry (unless they cannot due to injury).  Prior approval by event directors is required.
• Only the Choreographer is judged.  Invite friends to join you!
• Proper execution will make it easier for judges to evaluate the dance.

Judging is scored in 5 categories: Content/Flow (Phrasing)/Music Fit/Entertainment/Promotional Value

ATTIRE:  No hat or boots required.  Any type of “dance shoe” is acceptable. No thematic costumes or inappropriate dress accepted.   Please use common sense with attire.  If judges feel attire is not acceptable, a conference will be called, resulting in entry being dropped a full placement in final scoring or possible disqualification.  Due to time restrictions, costumes changes between dances and/or divisions are not allowed.

Judges deal in privileged information.  We encourage judges socializing with everyone; however, they are not to discuss specific judges’ observations or rulings.  Judges’ will not coach, teach, and critique dancers they are judging until after the end of the competition. They should interact professionally with competitors and in no case discuss the results of any competition while the event is ongoing.  All decisions of the Judges findings / rulings and Event Promoter are considered final. Questions on administration and / or execution of the competition should be directed to the event directors.   Questions involving after the fact rules interpretations should be held until after awards.

Non-compliance of rules and guidelines by competitors may result in point loss / disqualification.

Related resources

• Download a copy of these rules.