Jack & Jill Competition

What is a Jack and Jill competition, and how does it work?

A Jack & Jill is a social dance competition. You do not need a partner, costume or routine to enter. In a Jack & Jill, you are paired with a random partner and dance to music selected by the competition’s DJ.

Preliminary Round

‍In preliminary rounds, you are judged on your own (rather than as a couple). You will rotate a few times, so that you have a chance to dance with multiple partners.

Each judge gets a certain amount of “yes” votes that they can give out. The dancers with the most “yes” votes move to the next round. Once the final positions are assigned (the number of finalists will depend on the total number of competitors in the division), the next 2-3 dancers will be named as “alternates” to take the position in finals of any dancer who is absent for the finals.

Final Round

In finals, you are judged as a couple with the person you draw as a partner. The judges will rank all the couples. Then, placements are calculated using relative placement scoring.‍

Which division should you compete in?

The divisions for Jack and Jill competitions are leveled by experience. 

You MUST compete in Novice if you do not teach salsa and bachata, or do not get compensated to teach locally/nationally; OR You have been dancing for less than 2 years.‍

You MUST compete in Intermediate if you have been compensated to teach salsa or bachata locally/nationally‍.

If you have any questions about your placement, feel free to contact by messaging Bailame Dance Festival page directly!

What are you being judged on?‍

Timing & Musicality

How well the competitors execute the movements.

Timing must be consistent.‍

Competitors should take care in the manner they interpret the selected song. Use appropriate breaks and holds, being rhythmically in sync with the music.‍

Individual fundamental dance technique (e.g footwork placement, frame, balance, how well steps are executed)

Competitors should take care in the manner they interpret the selected song. Use appropriate breaks and holds, being rhythmically in sync with the music.‍

Competitors must demonstrate basic timing for a minimum of 60% of each song. This can be reflected in foundation movements, saidas and other steps.‍

Technique

Turns, change of tempo, crossbody lead, lines

Correct footwork in all foundation movements and clean footwork during patterns.

Individual fundamental dance technique (e.g footwork placement, frame, balance, how well steps are executed.

Proper use of timing (accordingly to competitors' level).

Teamwork

How well the couple works together

Appearance of lead/follow or action/reaction between the partners

Partner compatibility – adjusting personal styles to compliment the partnership

Ability to work together as a team, one partner ignoring or out-dancing the other indicates poor teamwork

Difficulty

The complexity of the foot work

The complexity of overall improvisation

Originality and musicality of patterns

Other Rules:

A competitor can only compete in one division

No lifts are allowed

Any gender can compete in either the leader or follower role

Be on time

Make sure you pick up your bib number when you arrive and check in for the festival. Bibs will be handed out 15 minutes before the competition.

You should arrive to check in for the competition at the check-in time on the schedule. If you are not present at check-in, your name will be scratched from the list and you will not be allowed to compete.
If you are late for finals, your place in the competition will be given to the next available alternate competitor. You can check our schedule to find the latest updates on when the competitions will take place.

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