World Salsa Championships Dancers Rules And Regulations

4th ANNUAL WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONSHIPS

RULES AND REGULATIONS
DECEMBER 16-19, 2009


GENERAL RULES
Dancers may choose between 4 Divisions:

On-1
On-2
Cabaret
Team
Smallest Team: 3 Couples

Largest Team: 10 Couples

PRELIMINARY ROUNDS

Preliminary warm up rounds for "On 1", "On 2", & Cabaret divisions are
1.5 – 2.0 minutes and competitors will dance to the DJ's pre selected
music. Each couple will then perform a routine no longer than two
minutes that they have choreographed to their own music or music from
our pre selected songs. The routine cannot go over two minutes. We
will have a time keeper for each routine. If routine is longer than
two minutes the team or couples will be deducted percentage points for
each second over two minutes.

The team division will not have a warm up period to DJ music. They
will be expected to be prepared to perform a choreographed team
routine of two minutes or less.

All dancers of all divisions are required to bring their own
two-minute or less pre-recorded music on a CD format. Only music of
one performance is allowed on each CD.

No routine previously performed in past years Finals at the World
Salsa Championships will be allowed to be used again for the Final
Round.

No changing of partners can occur after you have entered the
preliminary rounds.

FINAL ROUNDS

Representation in the Final Round for the 2009 World Salsa
Championships will be limited to a maximum of two (3) teams or couples
maximum per country. This ruling will hold true for each division.


MUSIC & CD

Please see our list of approved music for the 2009 World Salsa
Championships. Music must be at least 80% salsa. You are allowed to
mix no more than 3 different songs or 3 mixes in one routine. The 20%
of your routine that you are allowed to have other music besides salsa
can be any music of your choice as long it is on the pre selected song
list for the finals.

Reminder: A Maximum Of 3 Songs Per Routine Can Be Mixed Into Your Routine.

We encourage you to prepare more than one choreographed routine for
the various qualifying rounds in case you qualify for the finals.

IMPORTANT

Prepare at least 3 CDs on different CD brands with the music for each
routine. Example: Two routines equal 6 CDs. The CDs should be ready to
be played as is. There should only be music for one routine on each
CD. The DJ will not slow down or speed up your CD. Please protect your
CD ' s by having covers for each one. Also please identify your cd by
putting your name, name of song, artist name, name of record company
and author of song and length of each song on the cd. This is very
important.

TRICKS, LIFTS, DIPS, DROPS and FLARES

Any assisted movement whereby the movement cannot be balanced or
performed without the assistance of the partner is considered to be a
TRICK.

Lifts are defined as any assisted movement whereby any partner is
carried off the floor. Lifts are not permitted in the On-1 or On-2
divisions. Whether the feet are 2 inches off the floor or 10 feet,
this type of assisted movement will still be considered a lift or
trick.

Tricks and trick combinations are expected to remain within the
confines of salsa timing and/or musicality of the routine.

COSTUMES & DANCE ETIQUETTE

Contestants are encouraged to wear costumes or matching outfits. We
strongly suggest that jeans are not used as costumes and that ladies
wearing dresses or skirts wear nylons or fishnets.

Suggestion: Gentlemen wear socks with your costumes when wearing long pants.

Contestants will show etiquette during contest by refraining from
distracting others while competing couples are performing.

JUDGING CRITERIA

CHOREOGRAPHED ROUTINES WILL BE JUDGED BY THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

TIMING 20%

Salsa Timing for all divisions of this competition has been defined as
“Quick-Quick-Slow” as designated by the counts “1-2-3” of each bar or
music. Dancers can choose to break on the “1” or the “2”. The
Timing score asks: Was correct rhythm maintained throughout the
routine? Were syncopations deliberate and within the acceptable
deviations of timing for the dance?

We, the Salsa Seven, Inc have decided with the support of our Head
Judge, Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow our Scrutinizer, not to deduct
points if you are dancing "On 1" and return by breaking "On 5". The
same if you are dancing on " 2" and return by breaking on "6 " . If
you were to return on any other beat than that mentioned you will be
deducted points.

MUSICALITY 20%

How effectively did the couple utilize the breaks and nuances of
their chosen piece of music. Were they in rhythmically in sync with
the piece?
20% of the overall score will be reflected by Musicality.

TECHNIQUE 10%

Reflected through balance, placement and line. Partners must reflect
adequate "Latin/Salsa Motion" and "Isolations" as designated by the
dance style. Movement should appear to be effortless. These are all
reflections of good dance technique.

DIFFICULTY 10%

What was the level of the turns utilized? The amount of turns done on
both double and single foot? By both parties or only one? How
intricate were the shines? In the cabaret division, what was the
difficulty of the lift-work? Was it properly executed? How about
jumps, kicks, extensions? Any movements requiring exceptional balance,
flexibility or strength? Were all movements attempted successfully
executed?

CONNECTION / PARTNERING SKILLS / SYNCHRONIZATION 10% (TEAM DIVISION 20%)

How well did the couple work together as a team? Was there an actual
Lead/Follow relationship established?
How synchronized was the team during side-by-side movement or shines?

CHOREOGRAPHY / ORIGINALITY 10%

How well put together was the performance? Did the routine flow easily
from one movement to the next?
Was there something clever or new that was part of the routine? Was
musical was it?

APPEARANCE AND SHOWMANSHIP 10%

How professional and polished did the team appear to be? Did they
project to the audience and capture their attention?

FREESTYLE HEAT 10% (Not applicaple for Team Division)

10% of the couples score will reflect how they performed in a pure
Lead/Follow heated format, ensuring that dancers truly possess
knowledge of the dance.

DISQUALIFYING INFRACTIONS

In the "On 1" & "On 2" categories, no move in which both feet leave
the ground at the same time will be permitted, including any move
above the shoulder will not be allowed. If at any time for either
dancer, if both feet leave the ground, points will be deducted. Amount
of deduction for each infraction will be 10% of the overall final
score. If ANY part of the body of either dancer goes above the
partner’s shoulders, the couple will be disqualified with no refund.
Participants will also be disqualified if any portion of their routine
in the finals uses unauthorized music Couple or team will be
disqualified if any contestant is under the age of 16 years old on
dates of competitions. Each participant will need to bring proof of
age upon request. They will also not be allowed to re-enter under this
or any other division during this particular qualifying contest. They
can enter another qualifying contest in the future by registering and
paying the entry fee for that particular event.

ROUNDS

Each round is considered a "fresh start" for competitors. However,
order of performance will be based on the preliminary round score,
with the lowest scored competitor performing first and the highest
preliminary scorer performing last.

Example: All participants qualifying for the finals will not be
bringing their semi final score to the finals. All participants will
start fresh. The best couple or team during the finals will be the
winner. During the finals participants in ALL categories can only use
authorized or our pre selected music.

PRELIMINARY ROUND: All Couples or Teams

SEMI FINAL ROUNDS (Thursday & Friday): Top 36 to 40 Couples or Teams
Will Be Divided So That Half Compete On Thursday And The Rest On
Friday

FINALS: Final 10 Couples Per Division and 10 Teams Will Compete In The
Final Round.


SPECIFIC RULES FOR EACH DIVISION ARE LISTED BELOW:

SALSA ON "1" DIVISION

This division is judged on a combination of Heated and Solo Performances.

Emphasis will be on the downbeat (the 1st beat of the phrase). Rhythm
must be maintained consistently throughout the performance.*
*Please see “Timing” section of Judging Criteria

TRICKS AND COMBINATIONS:

A Maximum of 3 Tricks (Dips, Drops or Flares) allowed in the Solo
performance only. For these skills, a minimum of 1 foot must remain on
the floor at all times. No Dips, Drops or Flares permitted during the
heated performances. Shines are permitted although not more than 30%
of the performance may consist of shines or side by sides. Solo
performances must consist of 70% Salsa dancing. 25% of the routine
must reflect “Quick-Quick-Slow” salsa timing.

TRICK COMBINATIONS – MULTIPLE POSITIONS: Are okay in Trick
Combinations but no more than 3 Total Positions may be achieved in any
combination. However, there cannot be any stops during the
combinations. Positions much consistently flow from one to the next,
with no stops. If there is a stop, each position will be counted as a
separate trick, and will count toward the 3 trick limit. No trick or
trick combination can last more than two 8-counts (4 measures). One
foot must remain on the floor at all times.

TURNS AND CONTINUOUS TURNS: All turns and preparations for turns
must maintain basic timing. For the On-1 Division:
Preps must occur on the “1-2” or the “5-6”.

Multiple/Continuous turns such as Stationary Multiple Turns or Touch
and Go or “Potstirrer/Corkscrew” style turns cannot last longer than
two 8-counts (4 measures)

CONTENT AND CHOREOGRAPHY: Routines must ideally reflect the following
– Turn Patterns (which will be judged on level of difficulty and/or
originality), Open Shines, Floorcraft (proper usage of the stage
space), Footwork, and Tricks or Trick Combinations that are
appropriate for this divison. Routines should show Originality, or
something unique to showcase the couple

STOPS / FREEZES: Dancers cannot maintain an extended Stop or Freeze
position for more than one 8-count (2 measures). Extended Stops or
Freezes cannot happen more than two times in the routine


SALSA ON "2" DIVISION :
This division is judged on a combination of Heated and Solo
Performances. Emphasis on the up beat (the 2nd beat of the phrase).
Rhythm must be maintained consistently throughout the performance*
*Please see “Timing” section of Judging Criteria

TRICKS AND TRICK COMBINATIONS:

A maximum of 3 dips, drops or flares allowed in the solo performance
only. For these skills, a minimum of 1 foot must remain on the floor
at all times. No dips, drops or flares permitted during the heated
performances. Shines are permitted although not more than 30% of the
performance may consist of shines or side by sides. Solo performances
must consist of 70% Salsa dancing. 25% of the routine must reflect
“Quick-Quick-Slow” salsa timing.

Trick Combinations – Multiple Positions are okay in Trick Combinations
but no more than 3 Total Positions may be achieved in any combination.
No trick or trick combination can last more than two 8-counts (4
measures). One foot must remain on the floor at all times.
Turns and Continuous Turns: All turns and preparations for turns
must maintain basic timing. For the On-2 Division: Preps must
occur on the “2-3” or the “6-7”.

Multiple/Continuous turns such as Stationary Multiple Turns or Touch
and Go or “Potstirrer/Corkscrew” style turns cannot last longer than
two 8-counts (4 measures)

CONTENT AND CHOREOGRAPHY: Routines must ideally reflect the following
– Turn Patterns (which will be judged on level of difficulty and/or
originality), Open Shines, Footwork, Floorcraft (proper usage of the
stage space), and Tricks or Trick Combinations that are appropriate
for this divison. Routines should show Originality, or something
unique to showcase the couple

STOPS /FREEZES: Dancers cannot maintain an extended Stop or Freeze
position for more than one 8-count (2 measures). Extended Stops or
Freezes cannot happen more than two times in the routine


SALSA CABARET DIVISION:
This division is judged as a combination of heated and solo
performances. On-1” or “On-2” but must maintain a consistency to
their choice for the duration of the performance.*

*Please see “Timing” section of Judging Criteria

TRICKS, LIFTS, DIPS AND DROPS:

Lifts, Cartwheels Or Any Similar Lifts or Tricks are permitted. Lifts
are defined as any assisted movement whereby any partner is carried
off the floor. Whether the feet are 2 inches off the floor or 10
feet, this type of assisted movement will still be considered a lift
or trick.

Tricks and trick combinations are expected to remain within the
confines of salsa timing and/or musicality of the routine.

TURNS AND CONTINUOUS TURNS: All turns and preparations for turns
must maintain basic timing. If dancing “On-1”: Preps must occur on
the “1-2” or the “5-6”. If dancing “On-2”: Preps must occur on the
“2-3” or the “6-7”.

Multiple/Continuous turns such as Stationary Multiple Turns,

Touch and Go or “Potstirrer/Corkscrew” style turns cannot last longer
than two 8-counts (4 measures)

CONTENT AND CHOREOGRAPHY: Solo routines must be 50% recognizable
salsa*, and although either On 1 or On 2 Style is permitted, chosen
rhythm must be maintained throughout the dance part of the
performance. 25% of the routine must reflect “Quick-Quick-Slow”
salsa timing. Shines are permitted.

Routines must ideally reflect the following – Turn Patterns (which
will be judged on difficulty and/or originality), Open Shines,
Footwork, Floorcraft (proper usage of the stage space) and level of
difficulty and originality of Tricks and Trick Combinations. Shines
are permitted. Solo routines must be 50% recognizable salsa*

STOPS /FREEZES: Dancers cannot maintain an extended Stop or Freeze
position for more than one 8-count (2 measures). Extended Stops or
Freezes cannot happen more than two times in the routine.
*Please see “Timing” section of Judging Criteria

TEAM DIVISION:
Solo format only. Lifts, cartwheels or any similar lifts or tricks are
permitted. Lifts are defined as any assisted movement whereby any
partner is carried off the floor. Whether the feet are 2 inches off
the floor or 10 feet, this type of assisted movement will still be
considered a lift or trick. Shines are permitted. Performances must be
50% recognizable salsa*, and although either On 1 or On 2 Style is
permitted, chosen rhythm must be maintained throughout the dance part
of the performance. 25% of the routine must reflect
“Quick-Quick-Slow” salsa timing. *
*Please see “Timing” section of Judging Criteria

TURNS AND CONTINUOUS TURNS: Multiple/Continuous turns such as
Stationary Multiple Turns or Touch and Go style turns cannot last
longer than two
8-counts (4 measures) All preparations for Turns and/or Checks must
maintain basic timing. For the On-1 Style: Preps must occur on the
“1-2” or the
“5-6”. For the On-2 Style: Preps must occur on the “2-3” or the “6-7”.

STOPS / FREEZES: Dancers cannot maintain an extended Stop or Freeze
position for more than one 8-count (2 measures). Extended Stops or
Freezes cannot happen more than two times in the routine.

CONTENT AND CHOREOGRAPHY: Routines must ideally reflect the following
– Turn Patterns, Open Shines, Footwork, Floorcraft (proper usage of
the stage space)

PROPS: Props are not permitted. Extra costume pieces such as hats or
jackets are permitted if they are part of the costume, and are not
discarded at any time during the performance. Failure to adhere to
this rule will result in 20% off of the final score.

For any questions regarding terminology, etc…..
please contact Head Judge, Billy Fajardo at
billyfajardo@comcast.net