Scoring of all competitions will be based upon the following criteria, and will be weighted in the scoring room in the following manner:
1. Partnerships in all Showcase Divisions will be designated as one male and one female partner unless specifically designated as a same gender division.
2. Time for Showcases: All showcase should be no more than 2.5 minutes. This includes optional entrance and/or exit music. These Time Limits apply for all Showcase routines in all Styles of Dance. Couples will have no more than 20 seconds to get into place for performance. Any choreography prior to the beginning of the music will be counted toward the overall timing of the performance. Likewise, dancers will have a maximum of 20 seconds at the conclusion of the performance to exit the floor. Preferred times for showcases would be 1.5 minutes for solos. 2 minutes for couples, and 2.5 to 3 minutes for teams.
3. Props such as hankerchiefs or fans are allowed, however they may not be discarded at any point during the routine.
4. Cabaret Divisions: Tricks are allowed. When in a Salsa division, couples can choose to dance either On1 or On2, but must maintain consistent to that timing for the duration of the routine. Recognized timing for this competition is 1-2-3, 5-6-7. Routines must be 50% recognizable salsa. The remaining 50% can be made up of tricks, flares, dips and side by sides (shines). Note: If the word “Classic” is not designated in the title of the Showcase division, it means the Couple or Team can elect to include lifts and tricks in the routine, but it is not a requirement.
5. Classic Showcase Divisions: 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 and there will be a 10% deduction from the final score. A maximum of 3 tricks/dips or flares are permitted for the routine. A maximum of 8 bars/32 Beats/4 counts of 8 are allowed for continuous turns. More than this will result in a penalty of 10% off off the final score. All Music for Classic style divisions must be a minimum of 80% recognizable music for that style of dance. Note: If the word “Classic” is not designated in the title of the Showcase division, it means the Couple or Team can elect to include lifts and tricks in the routine, but it is not a requirement.
6. Team Divisions: May utilize actual lifts and overheads. The same rules apply to this division as the Cabaret Division. Routines must be 50% Salsa Dancing. Amateur Teams must consist of All Amateur/Student Dancers. Pro Am Teams can have a maximum of 50% Professionals.
7. Music Format: Music for all Showcase Performances to be uploaded via the Website. It is recommended to use MP3 audio files.
8. Tricks, Dips, Drops, Leverage Moves and Flares: A trick is defined as any movement that requires the support of the other partner to maintain. This is regardless of whether the feet remain on the floor or not.
9. Continuous/Multiple Turns: Contestants are allowed a maximum of 8 Bars/32 Beats/4 Counts of 8 are allowed for continuous turns. More than this will result in a penalty of 10% off the final score.
10. Costumes: Costumes are not required, but are highly recommended. All costumes should be in good taste with all private parts covered by non-transparent material. Thongs are not to be worn by competitors under the age of 18. Thongs are also not recommended for Adult competitors.
Defined as a student or person who does not make a living as a Dance Instructor, Performer, Dance Competitor or Dance Adjudicator receiving no compensation. Amateurs may not compete in Rising Star Professional, or Professional level competition, or as the Professional in a Pro-Am competition. If a dancer is a professional in any genre of dance (ballet, tap, contemporary, ballroom, etc.) the professional status carries over to other styles of dance. For example, a professional ballet dancer is not able to compete as an Amateur in Salsa.
Dive into salsa, bachata, and beyond with our expert-led sessions.
Intermediate Showcase is an entry level amateur division. Should a dancer win Amateur Intermediate Showcase 3 times in a dance style with a minimum of 3 competitors, they will no longer be permitted to compete in Amateur Intermediate Showcase in that style in the future. Intermediate dancers can challenge Amateur Advanced Showcase as many times as they want, but if an Amateur Intermediate dancer wins the Amateur Advanced division with a minimum of 3 competitors, and/or makes the final with a minimum of 8 other competitors, they will no longer be permitted to compete in Amateur Intermediate Showcase in that style.
Rising Star is an entry level professional division. Once a dancer competes as a Rising Star Professional, they can no longer compete as an amateur. Rising Star Professional dancers may partner an amateur in the Pro-Am divisions. Rising Star Professionals may also compete in the Professional division. Should a dancer choose to give up their professional status, they must sustain from earning compensation as a Dance Instructor, Performer, Dance Competitor or Dance Adjudicator for at least 2 years from the date of their last professional gig before re-entering as an Amateur competitor. If a dancer is a professional in any genre of dance (ballet, tap, contemporary, ballroom, etc.) the professional status carries over to other styles of dance. For example, a professional ballet dancer is not able to compete as an Amateur in Salsa.
Once a dancer competes as a Professional, they can no longer compete as an amateur. Professional dancers may partner with an amateur in the Pro-Am divisions. Should a dancer choose to give up their professional status, they must sustain from earning compensation as a Dance Instructor, Performer, Dance Competitor or Dance Adjudicator for at least 2 years from the date of their last professional gig before re-entering as an Amateur competitor. If a dancer is a professional in any genre of dance (ballet, tap, contemporary, ballroom, etc.) the professional status carries over to other styles of dance. For example, a professional ballet dancer is not able to compete as an Amateur in Salsa.
A competition division which is open to all levels, ages unless otherwise specified in the division title.
A professional dancer partners with an amateur follower, with only the amateur being evaluated by the judges.
A professional dancer partners with an amateur leader, with only the amateur being evaluated by the judges.
Defined as a category whereby the partnership, solo dancer, or team showcases choreography, and dances to the music of their choice.
A category where all dancers dance together on the stage or floor to music that is selected by the organization or deejay. Heats generally last 1-1.5 minutes. This is a lead/follow division, rather than choreographed, designed to show the ability to connect with one's partner and display timing, musicality and creativity to whatever music is played. No lifts are permitted.
A competition of 1 dancer.
Dancers of the same gender.
Shine categories may include tricks but may not include lead and follow patterns.
Must include 80% recognizable dance for that style (example 80% Latin Hustle in a Latin Hustle showcase division). Both dancers should maintain a connection with the floor with a part of their body if assisted. Dancers who exceed the above requirements in Non-Cabaret divisions will have a penalty applied to their score of 10% of their overall score.
May include lifts, tricks, and must include at least 50% recognizable dance (example 50% Latin Hustle dance in Cabaret)
Small Teams consist of 4 couples or 8 dancers or less (Shines Teams). Large Teams consist of 5 or more couples, or 9 dancers or more (Shines teams).
All competitors being judged must be the specific age or older on the day of the competition to compete in this division. For example, in Pro-Am divisions, the amateur competitor must be over 40 years of age if competing in an Over 40 division.
A trick is defined as any movement that requires the support of the other partner to maintain. This is regardless of whether the feet remain on the floor or not.
This introductory level supports good basic dancing and is designed for the first time dancer/competitor. This level is comprised of basic foundation elements. Must maintain connection at all times (ie. no shines), no traveling across the room. Single and 1 ½ left turns allowed (ie Cross Body Lead). No double turns or multiple spins allowed. No consecutive 1 1/2 turns.
Important Notes: No double turns or multiple spins allowed. No consecutive 1½ turns. Dips, lifts, and tricks are not allowed at this level.
General Guideline: Best suited for dancers with less than six months of experience and/or no prior participation in heated competitions.
The Novice level is designed to support strong foundational dancing and is ideal for beginner dancers or competitors. This level focuses on core technique and basic partnerwork, emphasizing clean execution and connection.Movements are limited to foundational elements. Dancers must maintain partner connection at all times—no shines or solo work permitted. Traveling across the floor is not allowed.Permitted turns include single turns and 1½ left turns within basic patterns (e.g., cross-body lead).
Important Notes: No double turns or multiple spins allowed. No consecutive 1½ turns. Dips, lifts, and tricks are not allowed at this level.
General Guideline: Best suited for dancers with less than one year of experience and/or no prior participation in heated competitions.
The Pre-Intermediate level is designed for advanced beginners or dancers currently taking intermediate classes who are newer to the competition scene. At this level, dancers begin to move beyond the basics by incorporating greater rhythmic variety and additional elements that enhance their foundation.Permitted movements include single turns and 1½ turns, including consecutive 1½ turns within common patterns (such as a cross-body lead).
Important Note: Dips, lifts, tricks, and multiple spins (i.e., more than a double turn) are not allowed at this level.
General Guideline: Typically suited for dancers with at least one year of experience.
This level introduces free spins, double turns, and linear traveling patterns—commonly seen in social dancing at nightclubs. It represents solid, confident social dancing in salsa, bachata, or hustle.At the intermediate level, dancers begin to incorporate more rhythmic variety through syncopation, as well as increased body movement and styling. Permitted elements include intermediate-level partnerwork patterns, double turns, shines, and syncopated footwork.
Important Note: Dips, lifts, tricks, and multiple spins (i.e., more than a double turn) are not allowed at this level.
General Guideline: Ideal for dancers with approximately 1–2 years of experience. Some may have competed, but prior competition is not required.
The Pre-Advanced level is designed for serious dancers who are preparing to move beyond intermediate material. Dancers at this level should already demonstrate solid proficiency in intermediate techniques and be ready to refine their skills further. This level bridges the gap between intermediate and advanced, focusing on building strong technical foundations, timing, musical interpretation, and partnering ability.Dancers may explore a wide range of content including: partnerwork, multiple spins, traveling steps, shines, intricate hand transitions, and touch-and-go spot turns. While creativity in styling and musicality is encouraged, the lead-and-follow structure must remain clear.
Important Note: Dips, lifts, and tricks are not allowed at this level.
General Guideline: Typically suited for dancers with at least two years of experience. Participants may have competed previously or performed with student or amateur teams.
This level is intended for dedicated and experienced dancers who have mastered intermediate material. Dancers at the advanced level demonstrate strong technical skills, precise timing, musical interpretation, and confident partnering abilities. This level moves beyond strong social dancing and allows for a wide range of advanced elements—such as complex partnerwork, multiple spins, traveling sequences, shines, intricate hand transitions, and multiple touch-and-go spot turns. While maintaining lead-and-follow principles, dancers are encouraged to incorporate styling and musicality.
Important Note: Dips, lifts, and tricks are not permitted.
General Guideline: This level typically includes dancers with at least two years of experience, and may include those who have previously competed, participated in student performance teams, or been part of amateur teams.