Rules for 2011 Yale Comp

General Restrictions

The Yale Ballroom Dance Competition is open to all amateur dancers of all ages. Professional dancers will not be permitted to compete. For this competition's purposes, a professional dancer is someone who makes a living primarily from teaching dance to others.

Heel covers are required on all ladies shoes. Lack of heel covers can result in disqualification. Suede stars will be available for sale at the registration desk. Our vendors may have heel covers for sale, as well.

Double Registration

Each dancer may register up to four category-level blocks. Each block consists of the dances in one category (standard, latin, smooth, or rhythm) at one level (newcomer, bronze, silver, gold, or open). For example, a couple may enter all four categories at one level each or two categories at two levels each. The only limitation is no more than two consecutive levels per dance category.

If there's a particular dance that is not offered at the dancer's level, the dancer may register for that dance in the next level, without having it count as a different block.

Level Restrictions

Newcomer level is restricted to competitors who began dancing no earlier than August of the current year. Pre-bronze and bronze syllabi are permitted. Costumes are not permitted.

Bronze level has no time restriction (see "Points" below for point restrictions). Up to bronze syllabus is permitted. Costumes are permitted.

Silver level has no time restriction (see "Points" below for point restrictions). Up to silver syllabus is permitted. Costumes are permitted.

Gold level has no time restriction (see "Points" below for point restrictions). Up to gold syllabus is permitted in International Standard and Latin. Open choreography is permitted in American Smooth and Rhythm. Costumes are permitted.

Syllabi are as prescribed by USISTD and NDCA.

Pre-champ, champ, and open levels have neither time nor step restrictions (Pre-Champ ONLY see "Points" below for point restrictions). Open choreography is allowed. Costumes are permitted. Lifts and aerials are not permitted.

Champ and open level finalists will be introduced couple by couple and they will be allowed to perform an unjudged 30-second solo after their introduction.

Points are calculated according to USA Dance/YCN rules. Restrictions are implemented on a per dance basis. We will be counting points from all competitions to determine eligibility. Both competitors in each couple must meet these restrictions, and in the case of a multiple dance event, both competitors in each couple must meet these restrictions for all dances in the event. Please do not dance down below your appropriate level.

A dancer wishing to compete in a different role may compete one level lower than the level they are currently eligible for in their previous role, provided they have not placed out of the lower level in the new role. For example, a student who typically dances as a Silver follower may dance as a Bronze leader, provided she has not placed out of Bronze as a leader.

Violations

Rules violations should be reported to Cyndi Chen and Ifigeneia Derekli or to the judges table at the competition. Faulty couples will be disqualified.