2005 Division Rules

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Classic Division - $6000

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

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" partner weight support moves (such as drops, slides, and splits) are allowed (but not required).
4. At most, five "On the ground" partner weight support moves are permitted.
5. Competitors may make separate entrances, but must join together within 32-beats of the music.
6. 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).
7. Routines must be a minimum of two-minutes and a maximum of three-minutes in length.
8. Competitors select their own music.
9. Costumes are required.
10. Minimum number of entries is 5 couples.

Showcase Division - $6000

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

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 and 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.

Cabaret Division - $4500

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

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 appropriate for the Cabaret Division.
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 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.
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 entry deadline 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

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 and a 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 entry deadline will be guaranteed acceptance into the Formation Team Division.

Lindy Showcase Division - $2500

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

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 and 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

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 27, 2005.
   2. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are allowed (but not required).
2. Choreographed routines are required.
3. Routines must be a minimum of two-minutes and 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

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 27, 2005.
   2. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are allowed (but not required).
2. Choreographed routines are required.
3. Routines must be a minimum of two-minutes and 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

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

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 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.

Junior Strictly Swing Division - $500

• 1st Place - $200
• 2nd Place - $150
• 3rd Place - $75
• 4th Place - $50
• 5th Place - $25

1. This division is for Competitors age 6 through 18-years of age with the following exception:
   1. 18 Year old Competitors registered to compete in the Classic, Showcase, Lindy Showcase, Adult Strictly Swings, or Jack & Jill Divisions are ineligible to compete in the Junior Strictly Swing Division.
2. Recognizable Swing content, as described in the Statement of Swing, must be present throughout the performance.
3. Semi-Finals will be danced in a group format. Finals may be danced in a Group and/or Spotlight format
4. This is a "lead/follow" dance.
5. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves are not allowed.
6. "On the ground" support moves (such as drops, slides, and splits) 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. It 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.

All-Star / Advanced Jack & Jill Division - $900

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

1. This division is open to All-Star and Advanced Level Jack & Jill Competitors as recognized by the World Swing Dance Council.
2. Recognizable Swing content, as described in the Statement of Swing, must be present throughout the performance.
3. Semi-Finals will be danced in a group format. Finals may be danced in a Group and/or Spotlight format.
4. This is a "lead/follow" dance.
5. "In the air" partner weight support moves, such as Lifts, aerials, and acrobatic moves 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 10 couples.
11. This is a non-NASDE division.
12. The first 50 Jack & the first 50 Jill entries received by the US Open entry deadline will be guaranteed acceptance into this Division.

Strictly Swing Challenge Championship Final Round - $1000

• 1st Place - $1000

The top placing couples from each of the 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 below 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

1. Competitors must participate in the Strictly Swing Challenge Championship's Final Round to be eligible for any Strictly Swing Challenge Prize Money. There are no exceptions to this rule.
2. Recognizable West Coast Swing content must be present throughout the performance.
3. This is a "lead/follow" dance.
4. "In the air" and "on the ground" partner weight support moves 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. It 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 West Coast Swing Division

Strictly Swing Challenge
Strictly Lindy Division - $2100

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

1. Competitors must participate in the Strictly Swing Challenge Championship's Final Round to be eligible for any Strictly Swing Challenge Prize Money. There are no exceptions to this rule.
2. Recognizable Lindy Swing content must be present throughout the performance.
3. This is a "lead/follow" dance.
4. "In the air" and "on the ground" partner weight support moves 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 Strictly Lindy Division.

Strictly Swing Challenge
Strictly Shag Division - $2100

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

1. Competitors must participate in the Strictly Swing Challenge Championship's Final Round to be eligible for any Strictly Swing Challenge Prize Money. There are no exceptions to this rule.
2. Recognizable Shag content must be present throughout the performance.
3. Shag characteristics, rhythms, and patterns are required.
4. This is a "lead/follow" dance in the classic sense of Carolina Shag.
5. "In the air" and "on the ground" partner weight support moves 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 27th, 2005.
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 Strictly Shag Division.

Strictly Swing Challenge
Strictly Hand Dance Division - $2100

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

1. Competitors must participate in the Strictly Swing Challenge Championship's Final Round to be eligible for any Strictly Swing Challenge Prize Money. There are no exceptions to this rule.
2. Recognizable Hand Dance content must be present throughout the performance.
3. Hand Dance characteristics, rhythms, and patterns are required.
4. This is a "lead/follow" dance in the classic sense of Hand Dance.
5. "In the air" and "on the ground" partner weight support moves 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 27th, 2005.
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 Strictly Hand Dance Division.