Swingvasion Competition Rules

This event is gender neutral, noting that a competitor qualifies for their dance level based on either Leader or Follower points, whichever is highest. This defines their primary role as a leader or follower throughout the event.

Competitors are allowed to also compete in their non-dominant role up to two levels down in competitions, unless they are required to move up based on the WSDC points for their secondary role. Competitors with points qualifying both their primary and secondary roles to the same skill level are required to choose only one to compete with. Eg Competitors cannot compete in Intermediate Jack and Jill as both a leader and follower. To maintain the intent of newcomers (if it is being offered), competitors at intermediate skill level for their primary role can not compete in newcomer division in their secondary role.

Competitors may compete in different skill levels for different competitions if the competitor is eligible for both skill levels. Eg. If a competitor is eligible to compete in Novice or Intermediate for their primary role, they may dance Intermediate Jack and Jill and Novice Strictly. Competitors can not compete in the same competition, at different skill levels, in the same role. Eg can not compete as a lead in both Novice Strictly and Open Strictly Swing.

Petitions to compete at a lower competition level must be made to the Event Director in writing no later than 3 days before the event. Petitions to compete at higher levels are managed by the World Swing Dance Council (WSDC) and approved requests must be provided to the event no later than registration check in at the event.

Strictly Swing Competition

Strictly competitions are designed to highlight skills in spontaneous WCS dancing and the ability to dance well with a chosen partner. Dancers enter the competition as a couple and dance to music pre-selected by the DJ.

Jack & Jill Competition

Jack & Jill competitions are designed to highlight skills in spontaneous WCS dancing and the ability to dance well with a variety of partners.

Competitors enter as individuals, are randomly assigned partners, and dance to music pre-selected by the DJ. Dancers will be judged individually in the heats & as a couple in the final.

Lucky Switched Competition

Lucky Switched is designed as a fun competition where the lead and follow role is switched back and forth between partners, multiple times throughout a song.

Competitors enter as individuals, are randomly assigned partners, and dance to music pre-selected by the DJ. Competitors will compete with the same partner for heats and finals. The structure of the competition will be announced at the event.

Competition Divisions

Novice Strictly Swing Division

A couple should compete in Novice Strictly when both dancers are eligible for the Novice Jack & Jill division.

Open Strictly Swing Division

A couple should compete in Open Strictly when at least one of the dancers in the partnership is eligible for the Intermediate division or above.

Advanced/Allstar dancers should dance with a dancer in Novice/Intermediate.

WSDC Novice Jack & Jill Division

A person should compete in Novice if they have earned fewer than 16 Novice points and do not otherwise qualify for the Intermediate category. They may compete in Novice if they have earned 30 or fewer Novice points.

WSDC Intermediate Jack & Jill Division

A person should compete in Intermediate if they have already competed at the Intermediate level and hold Intermediate points (and don't qualify for a higher category) or when they have earned 30 or more Novice points. They may compete in Intermediate if they have earned 16 or more Novice points.

WSDC Advanced Jack & Jill Division

A person should compete in Advanced if they have already competed at the Advanced level and hold Advanced points (and don't qualify for a higher category) or when they have earned 45 or more Intermediate points. They may compete in Intermediate if they have earned 30 or more Intermediate points.

Competitors eligible to compete at All Star or Champion level are able to compete in the Advanced Jack & Jill Division at the discretion of the Event Director. Only Advanced level points are awarded even in the case when higher level competitors are competing.

General Competition Information

For the Jack & Jill Division: The Novice final will be an All Skate, Intermediate final will be clustered spotlights, and the the Advanced final will be Spotlights.For the Strictly Swing division: The Novice final will be an All Skate, and the Open final will be Clustered Spotlights.

Trophies will be awarded to the first 3 placings of each category. To enter a competition please pre-register when you purchase your event pass. In the event you require changes to your competition entry please contact the Swing Central team. Please refer to competition registration deadlines to ensure you are signed up for all the contests you are interested in participating in.

Competition Entry fees: Please note that the competition entry fees are already included in the Full Event Passes price. If you do not hold an event pass you will not be eligible to partake in the competitions.

Competitor responsibilities

  1. Planning Ahead. Competitors should check the weekend schedule in advance in order to arrive in time to meet registration deadlines. They should bring appropriate competition attire. They should also plan so as to be on time for all meetings & competitions. Competitors are responsible for checking at the event for any changes to previously announced schedules, which are always subject to change.
  2. Knowing the Rules. All competitors should read these rules carefully prior to attending the contestant meeting for their competition. Competitors are responsible for adhering to these rules whether they have read them or not. Questions about the rules should be asked at the contestant meeting or addressed in advance to the Contest Coordinator and/or the Chief Judge. Swingvasion is run in accordance with the WSDC Rules.
  3. Be Prepared to Compete. Competitors should be present in the venue at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their competition. Competitors are responsible for their bib numbers – please keep them safe for the duration of the event.
  4. Demonstrating Good Sporting Conduct. Competitors must demonstrate good sporting conduct at all times, both on & off the competition floor. Competitors must also refrain from any behaviour that the judges deem inappropriate. Failure to adhere to this code of behaviour may result in disqualification.
  5. Discussing the Competitions Only Where Appropriate. Competitors may only discuss the competitions with the contest officials or judges using appropriate channels. Please do not approach judges seeking advice on their decisions.
  6. Waiver. By entering any of the competitions above you expressly grant the director(s) of Swing Central and it's assignees, licensees, vendors, and legal representatives the unlimited right and authority to use your name and any photograph or video recording of your participation at Swingvasion in any and all media, in whatever manner, for any lawful purpose, without any obligation to you. You further agree for myself, your heirs, executors, and administrators, to waive and release any and all right for damage you might have against the Director(s) of Swing Central for any injuries and damages you may suffer by participating in this event and your traveling to and from the event.