For the 2012 Nationals like in 2011, you will have to have competed in the same partnership and in the same event (style/age/proficiency level) in an NQE that you, the Athlete Couple, intends to enter in the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships, PLUS YOU will need to place in the top 75% of couples who have danced in the events you plan on entering at Nationals.
1) USA DANCE Showdance Disciplines include:
- Standard Showdance
- Latin Showdance
- Smooth Showdance
- Rhythm Showdance
2) Dances:
- A minimum of three out of the usual competition dances from the selected discipline must be included in a performance and they must be danced for 75% of the total duration of the performance.
- Elements of other dances and dance forms may be included up to a maximum of 25% of the total duration of the performance.
3) Music:
Competitors must provide the Organizers with:
- 2 separate CD recordings of the performance music (each CD containing only a single track of the performance music cut to length and edited for tempo and pitch).
- A full, accurate and current list of selected titles including title(s), composer(s), arranger(s), publisher(s) and CD or record number(s).
4) Duration:
- The duration of a performance must be between 3:30 and 4:00 minutes, excluding entrance and exit.
5) Competition format:
- A USA Dance Showdance competition will consist of a maximum of a 1st round and a final.
- Competitors must perform the same choreography in the same order and to the same musical arrangement in every round.
6) Lifts:
- A maximum of three lifts are allowed during each performance.
- Lifts are only permitted in the transitional elements between dances.
- Each lift may not exceed 2 measures of music or 15 seconds in duration.
7) Holds:
In Standard Showdance, the following alternative holds are allowed:
- Man's Right hand or Left hand on the lady's back
- Man holding Lady's Right hand in his Left hand.
- The couple may use these alternative holds for a maximum continuous duration of 20 seconds, a maximum of three (3) times during the performance, with a minimum of 20 seconds of normal hold between alternative holds.
- A 30-second period at the beginning of the performance and a further 30-second period at the end may be danced without hold or in any other style of hold subject always to the Chairman's discretion to prohibit holds that could be dangerous, injurious or offensive.
In Smooth, Latin and Rhythm Showdances, all normally used holds are permissible.
8) Props:
- No props are permitted at any time during the performance.
9) Competition Dress:
- USA DANCE Dress Regulation applies.
- Clothing may not be added or removed during a performance.
- Competition dress may demonstrate or suggest the theme of the choreography or performance but must be in the appropriate style.
10) Lighting:
- Lighting conditions must be the same for all couples in all rounds.
11) Order of Couples' performances:
- The Order of couples' performances shall be decided by the draw of ballots by the Chairman or a person approved by the Chairman, at which all couples or their representatives must be present.
- The same order will be used for the rehearsal and the 1st round of competition.
- For the final round the order will be drawn again according to the same protocol.
12) Entry and Exit:
- Each couple shall be granted a maximum of 30 seconds for entry to the competition floor prior to performing and 30 seconds for exit from the competition floor after the conclusion of their performance.
- The exit may be performed to music.
© Photos Carson Zullinger
