Official policies governing all Swing City Chicago's competitions.  All competitors are responsible for reading and following the rules below.

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Swing City Chicago -  2009 Contest Rules

 

General:

1. Swing City Chicago’s competitions are open to all eligible contestants.

2. All categories except pro-am are traditional male / female, lead / follow couples.

3. Costumes are not allowed in any category.  Strictly swing partners may choose to coordinate outfits.

4. This is a ‘Swing Dance’ competition and all recognized swing styles are allowed, including Whip, Push, West Coast Swing, Shag, Lindy Hop, Imperial, Swingout, Jitterbug, Stepping and others.

5. Dancers may compete in multiple swing contest categories, during the weekend. However, NO dancer may compete or enter a particular contest more than once.

6. Swing City Chicago will provide all competition music.

7. At least one (1) contestant from each entry must attend the competitors meeting.  See the contest schedule for the assigned meeting times. NO PROXIES ALLOWED. 

8. WSDC points will be used to determine the level for all Jack & Jill competitors.  Masters will compete in the appropriate WSDC level.

9. Qualification for Newcomer Dancers:
Designed for the dancer tht is BRAND NEW to competition.  You may enter Newcomer only once at Swing City Chicago.  This division is not open to all levels.

10. Qualification for Novice (Amateur) Dancers:
You must have never danced in an Intermediate (Non-Pro), Open, or higher category, in Classic, Showcase, Strictly Swing/Just Dance style or equivalent categories, or as a Pro in a Pro-Am, in any style of dance.  Jack & Jill competitions are included (please talk to SCC’s Chief Judge, Mike Topel, if #’s 8&10 conflict).  You cannot have ever taught any style of partner dance.  This division is not open to all levels.

11. Qualification for Intermediate (Non-Pro) Dancers:
You must have never danced in a Rising Star, Open or higher Class category, in Classic, Showcase, Strictly Swing/Just Dance style or equivalent categories, or as a Pro in a Pro-Am, in any style of dance.  Jack & Jill competitions are included (please talk to SCC’s Chief Judge, Mike Topel, if #’s 8&11 conflict).   This division is not open to all levels.


12.  Lifts and Aerials are NOT allowed in any Swing City Chicago competition divisions.  Drops that are considered ‘safe’ and that work within the realm of ‘lead/follow’ are allowed in the Advanced, All-Star and Masters Divisions ONLY.  Scoring and penalties will be at the discretion of each individual judge.

    Definition of a LIFT:  That point when both feet are off the ground, and weight is not self supported.
    Definition of an AERIAL:  The point at which one partner is off the ground due to the other partner and not maintaining contact with their partner.
    Definition of a DROP:  The point at which the head goes below your partner’s waist and weight is not self supported. 

13. Entry Deadlines: All Strictly Swings & Newcomer J&J: 7pm Friday night.  All other Jack & Jills: Noon, Saturday.  Pro-Am: 10pm Saturday.  Sign-ups to be held at Registration desk located outside Grand Ballroom. REGISTRATION CUT OFF IS AS STATED ABOVE. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.

14. There is no limit to entries to any division with the exception of deadline regulations.  If there are fewer than five (5) entries in any division, Swing City Chicago reserves the right to combine or cancel that division.
Swing City Chicago also reserves the right to have any and all lead/follow categories run in a heated format in lieu of prelims or spotlight format for time restraints.

15. Each competitor must sign an entry/waiver form and pay in full BEFORE competing.

16. All Entrants are required to purchase a weekend ticket and must be included or have verification of purchase with your entry form. 

 

Novice & Intermediate Strictly Swing Divisions; AND

Newcomer, Novice & Intermediate J&J Divisions:

1. Any dancer who qualifies may enter these categories. (See General Rules)

2. This is a Swing category and dance content must be 90% swing. It is a lead/follow category and no choreographed routines are allowed.

3. No lifts, drops or aerials and no planned entrances or exits allowed.

4. Couples will dance to music provided by Swing City Chicago. The music will be selected at random and couples will be given no prior music information.

5. No Costumes Allowed. (See General Rules)

 

 

Advanced Strictly Swing Divisions; AND

Advanced & All-Star J&J Divisions:

1. Any dancer who qualifies may enter these categories. (See General Rules)

2. These are Swing categories and dance content must be 90% swing. It is a lead/follow category and no choreographed routines are allowed.

3. No lifts or aerials and no planned entrances or exits allowed.  Drops are allowed with restrictions. (See General Rules)

4. Couples will dance to music provided by Swing City Chicago.  The music will be selected at random  and couples will be given no prior music information.

5. No Costumes Allowed. (See General Rules)

 

 

DJ Challenge:

DJs must sign up by 4pm on Saturday.
Entrance fee is $35.
Each DJ will play for 15 minutes. There is a maximum of 6 DJs. (First 6 to sign up.)
Each DJ will be announced with their name, location and business/contact info.
Songs must be less than 3 minutes in length, may not contain any vulgar or inappropriate language or subject matter, and must be considered danceable for West Coast Swing.
No song can be repeated by another DJ.
DJs must provide their own music on CD, computer or Ipod that generates a suitable sound quality on SCC’s sound system in an 8000 sq ft ballroom.
DJs must report to the ballroom at 6pm on Saturday to draw numbers and for a sound/music check.
(DJ order will be determined by drawing numbers at 6pm.)
Each weekend pass/Saturday pass holder will receive a ‘DJ Ballot’ at registration. There will be a ‘Ballot Box’ at the back of the ballroom. Voting will take place from 10pm-12:15am or for 15 minutes after the last DJ.
Votes will be tallied in the scoring room by the chief judge & scorer.
Costumes Allowed.  Winning DJ takes all!
 
Swing City Chicago staff DJs are ineligible.
Swing City Chicago reserves the right to disqualify participants who do not follow the above rules or fail to have a suitable sound check. Matt Cotherman is overseeing the competition!