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US Open Swing Dance Championships Division Rules
*** UPDATED *** May 1, 2004

Classic Division - $6000

  • 1st Place - $3000 - 2 US Open Rings - 2 US Open Jackets
  • 2nd Place - $1500
  • 3rd Place - $700
  • 4th Place - $500
  • 5th Place - $300

This division is traditional Swing dancing at its highest performance level and is characterized by the dancers having consistent contact with the dance floor and with each other.

  1. Recognizable Swing content, as described in the Statement of Swing, must be present in at least 80% of the performance, as required by NASDE.
  2. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are not allowed.
  3. "On the ground" support moves (such as drops, slides, and splits) are allowed (but not required).
  4. Competitors may make separate entrances, but must join together within 32-beats of the music.
  5. Once contact is made, the couple must maintain physical contact, except for spins, turns, and short break-aways (breaking of contact, immediately followed by an effort to re-establish physical contact.)
  6. Routines must be a minimum of two-minutes or a maximum of three-minutes in length.
  7. Competitors select their own music.
  8. Costumes are required.
  9. Minimum number of entries is 5 couples.

This is a NASDE competition and NASDE points will be awarded.

Showcase Division - $6000

  • 1st Place - $3000 - 2 US Open Rings - 2 US Open Jackets
  • 2nd Place - $1500
  • 3rd Place - $700
  • 4th Place - $500
  • 5th Place - $300

This division is characterized by Swing dancing with the addition of lifts, aerials, acrobatics, and break-aways.

  1. Recognizable Swing content as described in the Statement of Swing must be present in at least 60% of the performance as required by NASDE.
  2. A minimum of three "In the air", partner weight support moves such as, lifts, aerials, or acrobatics is required.
    1. Moves must be at knee level or above.
    2. At least one Move must place the partner above the waist.
    3. A maximum of 5 such moves are allowed.
  3. On the ground" support moves (such as drops, slides, and spreads) are allowed (but not required
  4. Side-by-side patterns, and breaks in contact are allowed.
  5. Routines must be a minimum of two-minutes or a maximum of three-minutes in length.
  6. Competitors select their own music.
  7. Costumes are required.
  8. Minimum number of entries is 5 couples.

This is a NASDE competition and NASDE points will be awarded.

Cabaret Division - $4500

  • 1st Place - $2300
  • 2nd Place - $1200
  • 3rd Place - $600
  • 4th Place - $300
  • 5th Place - $100

This Division is open to any style of Dance. The Performance must display a Cabaret element.

  1. This division is not an "Anything But Swing" division.
  2. Dance performances must be enhanced by a Cabaret element.
    1. The Cabaret element is an additional ingredient added to the performance that is not present in the other dance divisions.
    2. "Cabaret Element" includes, but is not limited to, a theme, playing a character, additional props (US Open Pre-Approved), etc…
    3. A dance performance, such as Jazz Dancing, Salsa, Hustle, Hip-Hop, Foxtrot, etc…, without a Cabaret element, is not appropriate for this division.
  3. This is not a Swing Division. However, including a slight amount of swing content is permitted. A maximum Swing content will be estimated at 10% of the overall dance time. If in doubt, leave it out.
  4. Lifts, aerials, acrobatic moves, drops, slides, break-aways, switching of partners, and reverse lead/follow are all allowed.
  5. Theater Arts Routines are allowed.
  6. Competitors who are 14 years of age or under must perform with an Adult (18 years or older) throughout the performance.
  7. An entry may consist of a solo performer or multiple performers.
  8. Routines must be a minimum of 3-minutes and/or a maximum of 4-minutes in length.
  9. Choreographed Entrances and Exits do count towards the length of the routine. Exceeding the 4-minute maximum will result in a reduction in placement.Time begins as the 1st competitor enters the floor. Time ends as the last competitor exits the floor. Please take into consideration, audience applause and time to take a bow.
  10. Competitors select their own music.
  11. Costumes are required.
  12. Minimum number of entries is 5 entries.
  13. The first 15 entries received by the US Open will be guaranteed acceptance into the Cabaret Division.

Formation Team Division - $5000

  • 1st Place - $2500
  • 2nd Place - $1300
  • 3rd Place - $700
  • 4th Place - $300
  • 5th Place - $200

This division consists of teams of eight or more dancers comprised of any combination of gender , age, and skill-level. They will be judged as a group.

  1. This division requires Formation Routines to be based on "Couples Dance(s)."
    1. Examples of "Couples Dances" include, but are not limited to, Swing, Shag, Hustle, Salsa, and Waltz.
    2. Examples of dances recognized as "Non-Couples Dances" include, but are not limited to, Jazz Dancing, Line Dancing, Hip-Hop, and Break Dancing.
  2. Lifts, aerials, acrobatic moves, drops, slides, break-aways, switching of partners, and reverse lead/follow are all allowed.
  3. A Competitor can be a member of only one Formation Team.
  4. A team member is allowed to enter a Couples Division and/or the Cabaret Division.
  5. Routines must be a minimum of three-minutes or maximum of four-minutes in length.
  6. Formation Teams select their own music.
  7. Costumes are required.
  8. Minimum number of entries is 4 Formation Teams.
  9. The first 10 Team entries received by the US Open will be guaranteed acceptance into the Formation Teams Division.

Lindy Showcase Division - $2500

  • 1st Place - $1200
  • 2nd Place - $600
  • 3rd Place - $400
  • 4th Place - $200
  • 5th Place - $100

This division is the grandfather of all types of Swing.

  1. Recognizable Swing content, as described in the Statement of Swing, must be present throughout at least half of the performance.
  2. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are allowed (but not required).
  3. "On the ground" support moves (such as drops, slides, and spreads) are allowed (but not required).
  4. Choreographed Routines are required.
  5. Routines must be a minimum of two-minutes or a maximum of three-minutes in length.
  6. Competitors select their own music.
  7. Appropriate Swing Attire is required
  8. Minimum number of entries is 5 couples.

Sophisticated Swing Division (35+) - $2000

  • 1st Place - $1000
  • 2nd Place - $500
  • 3rd Place - $250
  • 4th Place - $150
  • 5th Place - $100

This division is characterized by social Swing dancing at a performance level.

  1. The rules governing the Sophisticated Swing Division are the same rules that govern the Showcase Division with the following exceptions:
    1. Both Competitors must be 35-years of age or older on or before Sunday, November 28, 2004.
    2. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are optional.
  2. Choreographed routines are required.
  3. Routines must be a minimum of two-minutes or a maximum of three-minutes in length.
  4. Competitors select their own music.
  5. Costumes are required.
  6. Minimum number of entries is 5 couples.

Masters Division (50+) - $2000

  • 1st Place - $1000
  • 2nd Place - $500
  • 3rd Place - $250
  • 4th Place - $150
  • 5th Place - $100

This division is characterized by social Swing dancing at a performance level.

  1. The rules governing the Masters Sophisticated Swing Division are the same rules that govern the Showcase Division with the following exceptions:
    1. Both Competitors must be 50-years of age or older on or before Sunday, November 28, 2004.
    2. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are optional.
  2. Choreographed routines are required.
  3. Routines must be a minimum of two-minutes or a maximum of three-minutes in length.
  4. Competitors select their own music.
  5. Costumes are required.
  6. Minimum number of entries is 5 couples.

Young Adult Division - $2500

  • 1st Place - $1200
  • 2nd Place - $600
  • 3rd Place - $400
  • 4th Place - $200
  • 5th Place - $100

This division is for Competitors age 14 through 17-years of age.

  1. The rules governing this division are the same rules that govern the Showcase Division with the following exceptions:
    1. Lifts & aerials that have 1 partner's torso rise above the other partner's shoulders are not allowed.
    2. All other partner weight support moves are optional.
  2. Age requirements:
    1. If partners have competed previously but one partner is older than 17-years of age, that couple may petition the Organizer for an exception to the age restrictions rule. The intent of this rule is to allow youngsters who have formed a partnership and advanced their dancing together to continue to compete together in the Young Adult Division.
    2. If one partner has reached the age of 14, and the other partner is under the age of 14, this couple must compete in the Young Adult Division.
  3. Routines, choice of music, and costumes must be in good taste and appropriate for this age group.
  4. Routines will be a minimum of two-minutes and a maximum of three-minutes in length.
  5. Competitors select their own music.
  6. Tasteful, age appropriate Costumes are required.
  7. Minimum number of entries is 5 couples.

Young America Division - $2000

  • 1st Place - $1000
  • 2nd Place - $500
  • 3rd Place - $250
  • 4th Place - $150
  • 5th Place - $100

This division is designed to feature young dancers age 6 through 13-years of age.

  1. The rules governing this division are the same as the rules that govern the Showcase Division with the following exceptions:
    1. Lifts & aerials that have 1 partner's torso rise above the other partner's shoulders are not allowed.
    2. All other partner weight support moves are optional.
  2. Competitors must have reached the age of 6-years old in order to compete. If one partner is 14-years of age or older, and the other partner is under the age of 14, this couple must compete in the Young Adult Division.
  3. Routines, choice of music, and costumes must be in good taste and appropriate for this age group.
  4. Routines must be a minimum of two-minutes or a maximum of three-minutes in length.
  5. Competitors select their own music.
  6. Tasteful, age appropriate Costumes are required.
  7. Minimum number of entries is 5 couples.

Strictly Swing Division, Non-Professional - $900

  • 1st Place - $450
  • 2nd Place - $200
  • 3rd Place - $100
  • 4th Place - $75
  • 5th Place - $75

This division is designed to highlight social Swing dancing skills at a performance level with an emphasis on lead/follow technique. This Division is for Non-Professional Swing Dancers only.

  1. Recognizable Swing content, as described in the Statement of Swing, must be present in at least 75% of the performance.
  2. Semi-Finals will be danced in a group format. Finals may be danced in a Group and/or Spotlight format.
  3. This is a "lead/follow" dance.
  4. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are not allowed.
  5. Splits are considered Acrobatic and are not allowed.
  6. "On the ground" support moves (such as drops, slides, and spreads) are allowed (but not required) to the degree that they would be considered safe and appropriate on a social dance floor.
  7. Short break-aways (breaking of contact, immediately followed by an effort to re-establish physical contact) are allowed.
  8. Music will be randomly selected by the Organizer and will not be previewed in advance by the Competitors.
  9. Costumes are not allowed, but dramatic, tasteful dance clothing is encouraged.
  10. Minimum number of entries is 5 couples.
  11. This is a non-NASDE division.
  12. The first 40 Strictly Swing entries received by the US Open entry deadline will be guaranteed acceptance into this Non-Professional Division.
  13. This Division is open to the Non-Professional Swing Dancer only. Contestants must determine their eligibility according to the following criteria:
    1. A competitor is considered a Swing Professional if at any time during the last year, he/she:
      1. Has been a finalist in a Professional, Champions, or Invitational level Jack & Jill or Strictly Swing competition at any NASDE event or Phoenix's July Convention. or
      2. Marketed self as a Swing Dance Expert or Professional, or
      3. Received a total of $2,400 or more, in prize money, performance fees, swing dance instruction fees, and/or any other monetary compensation for swing dancing.
    2. A competitor is considered Non-Professional if he or she does not meet the criteria of a Swing Professional.

Strictly Swing Challenge
Championship Final Round- $1000

  • 1st Place - $1000 - 2 US Open Rings

The 1st place couples from each of the 4 Divisions, Strictly West Coast, Strictly Lindy, Strictly Shag, and Strictly Hand Dance, will compete in a final round for the Overall Strictly Swing Challenge Championship. This is a non-NASDE Division. NASDE Points will not be awarded.

These Challenge Divisions are open to all levels of Swing Dancer - from the Champions & Professionals down to the Novice & Beginners. Although we rarely see dancers lower than the Advanced level enter, these divisions are open to all levels of swing dancer.

Strictly Swing Challenge
Strictly West Coast Swing Division - $2100

  • 1st Place - $1000
  • 2nd Place - $500
  • 3rd Place - $300
  • 4th Place - $200
  • 5th Place - $100

This division is designed to highlight social West Coast Swing dancing skills at a performance level with an emphasis on lead/follow technique. This Division is open to all levels of West Coast Swing Dancers.

  1. Recognizable West Coast Swing content must be present throughout the performance.
  2. This is a "lead/follow" dance.
  3. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are allowed (but not required) to the degree that they would be considered safe and appropriate on a social dance floor.
  4. "On the ground" support moves (such as drops, slides, and spreads) are allowed (but not required) to the degree that they would be considered safe and appropriate on a social dance floor.
  5. Side-by-side patterns, and breaks in contact are allowed.
  6. Music will be randomly selected by the Organizer and will not be previewed in advance by the Competitors.
  7. Costumes are not allowed, but dramatic, tasteful dance clothing is encouraged.
  8. Minimum number of entries is 7 couples.
  9. The first 40 Strictly Swing entries received by the US Open entry deadline will be guaranteed acceptance into this Open West Coast Swing Division.

Strictly Swing Challenge
Strictly Shag Division - $2100

  • 1st Place - $1000
  • 2nd Place - $500
  • 3rd Place - $300
  • 4th Place - $200
  • 5th Place - $100

This division is the southern version of Swing referred to as Carolina Shag. This Division is open to all levels of Carolina Shag Dancers.

  1. Recognizable Shag content must be present throughout the performance.
  2. Shag characteristics, rhythms, and patterns are required.
  3. This is a "lead/follow" dance in the classic sense of Carolina Shag.
  4. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are allowed (but not required) to the degree that they would be considered safe and appropriate on a social dance floor.
  5. "On the ground" support moves (such as drops, slides, and spreads) are allowed (but not required) to the degree that they would be considered safe and appropriate on a social dance floor.
  6. Side-by-side patterns, and breaks in contact are allowed.
  7. Competitors must be 18-years of age or older on or before Sunday, November 28, 2004.
  8. Music will be randomly selected by the Organizer and will not be previewed in advance by the Competitors.
  9. Costumes are not allowed, but dramatic, tasteful dance clothing is encouraged.
  10. Minimum number of entries is 7 couples.
  11. The first 40 Strictly Shag entries received by the US Open entry deadline will be guaranteed acceptance into this Open Strictly Shag Division.

Strictly Swing Challenge
Strictly Lindy Division - $2100

  • 1st Place - $1000
  • 2nd Place - $500
  • 3rd Place - $300
  • 4th Place - $200
  • 5th Place - $100

This division is the grandfather of all types of Swing. This Division is open to all levels of Lindy Swing Dancers.

  1. Recognizable Lindy Swing content must be present throughout the performance.
  2. This is a "lead/follow" dance.
  3. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are allowed (but not required) to the degree that they would be considered safe and appropriate on a social dance floor.
  4. "On the ground" support moves (such as drops, slides, and spreads) are allowed (but not required) to the degree that they would be considered safe and appropriate on a social dance floor.
  5. Side-by-side patterns, and breaks in contact are allowed.
  6. Music will be randomly selected by the Organizer and will not be previewed in advance by the Competitors.
  7. Costumes are not allowed, but dramatic, tasteful swing dance clothing is encouraged.
  8. Minimum number of entries is 7 couples.
  9. The first 40 Strictly Lindy entries received by the US Open entry deadline will be guaranteed acceptance into this Open Strictly Lindy Division.

Strictly Swing Challenge
Strictly Hand Dance Division - $2100

  • 1st Place - $1000
  • 2nd Place - $500
  • 3rd Place - $300
  • 4th Place - $200
  • 5th Place - $100

This division features a version of Swing originating from our nation's capital, known as DC Hand Dancing. This Division is open to all levels of Hand Dancers.

  1. Recognizable Hand Dance content must be present throughout the performance.
  2. This is a "lead/follow" dance in the classic sense of Hand Dance.
  3. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are allowed (but not required) to the degree that they would be considered safe and appropriate on a social dance floor.
  4. "On the ground" support moves (such as drops, slides, and spreads) are allowed (but not required) to the degree that they would be considered safe and appropriate on a social dance floor.
  5. Side-by-side patterns, and breaks in contact are allowed.
  6. Music will be randomly selected by the Organizer and will not be previewed in advance by the Competitors.
  7. Costumes are not allowed, but dramatic, tasteful swing dance clothing is encouraged.
  8. Minimum number of entries is 7 couples.
  9. The first 40 Strictly Hand Dance entries received by the US Open entry deadline will be guaranteed acceptance into this Open Strictly Hand Dance Division.

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