TW0-STep
(National Country Dance Circuit Pointed)
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Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate &
Advanced Levels
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Description
A progressive partner dance that moves counterclockwise around the floor, using a quick-quick-slow-slow rhythm.
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Judging Criteria
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Timing: Judged on adherence to quick-quick-slow-slow timing throughout the dance.
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Footwork: Must maintain quick-quick-slow-slow rhythm. Brief deviations are allowed, such as a quick-quick-slow-quick-quick-slow rhythm breaks.
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Lifts & Tricks: At least one foot must remain on the ground at all times. All divisions can incorporate rides, pendulums, one-footed spins, and other tricks.
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Musicality: Competitors will be rewarded for matching their movements to key moments in the music, such as hitting breaks or changes in phrasing.
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Safety: Running into other competitors will result in points reduction.
No lifts allowed.
Country Swing
(National Country Dance Circuit Pointed)
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Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate &
Advanced Levels
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Description
A progressive partner dance that moves counterclockwise around the floor, using a quick-quick-slow-slow rhythm.
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Judging Criteria
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Timing: Judged on adherence to quick-quick-slow-slow timing throughout the dance.
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Footwork: Must maintain quick-quick-slow-slow rhythm. Brief deviations are allowed, such as a quick-quick-slow-quick-quick-slow rhythm breaks.
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Lifts & Tricks: At least one foot must remain on the ground at all times. All divisions can incorporate rides, pendulums, one-footed spins, and other tricks.
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Musicality: Competitors will be rewarded for matching their movements to key moments in the music, such as hitting breaks or changes in phrasing.
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Safety: Running into other competitors will result in points reduction.
No lifts allowed.
Progressive
(National Country Dance Circuit Pointed)
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Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate &
Advanced Levels
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Description
An any step pattern progressive dance that moves counterclockwise around the floor.
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Judging Criteria
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Timing: Judged on one-count timing (stepping to the beat).
Footwork: Syncopated steps and rhythms (e.g., quick-quick-slow, slow-slow-quick, or quick-quick-slow-slow) are allowed. You may stop for up to 8 counts on any straightaway. Barcoast patterns, including whips, tuck turns, and slotted moves are allowed.
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Lifts & Tricks: In all divisions, at least one foot must remain on the ground at all times. Rides, pendulums, and one-footed spins are permitted in all divisions.
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Musicality: Competitors will be rewarded for matching their movements to key moments in the music, such as hitting breaks or changes in phrasing.\
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Safety: Running into other competitors will result in points reduction.
No lifts allowed.
FREESTYLE PROGRESSIVE
All Level
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Description
An any step pattern progressive dance that moves counterclockwise around the floor, allowing lifts.
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Judging Criteria
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Timing: Judged on basic one-count timing (stepping to the beat).
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Footwork: Syncopated steps and rhythms (e.g., quick-quick-slow, slow-slow-quick, or quick-quick-slow-slow) are permitted. Stops are allowed for up to 8 counts on straightaways. Barcoast patterns, such as whips, tuck turns, and slotted patterns, are allowed.
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Lifts & Tricks: Lifts are allowed and encouraged.
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Musicality: Competitors will be rewarded for connecting movements to key moments in the music, such as breaks or changes in phrasing.
Safety: Running into other competitors will result in disqualification.
Country Medley
Polka | East Coast Swing | Waltz
Newcomer, Novice and Intermediate
Show off your versatility and connection in our Country Dance Medley, where Strictly partners will dance Waltz, Polka, and East Coast Swing.​
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Guidelines:
Choreographed patterns are allowed—but they must remain socially lead and follow, adaptable in the moment, and responsive to the music and your partner. This isn’t about running a routine; it’s about how well you can listen, adjust, and connect—just like on a real social dance floor.
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If you're new to any of these styles or uncertain about proper technique, we strongly encourage you to work with a trusted instructor to ensure you're competition-ready.
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Men must wear jeans and polished country western attire.
Women are allowed to wear competition dresses.
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Eligibility Notice:
To keep this division fun and accessible, Division 1 and Masters UCWDC dancers, as well as equivalent-level ballroom dancers, are not eligible to compete.​
Country Swing “Three for All”
Trio Competition
All Level
Get ready for high-energy fun with our Country Swing Three for All competition! In this exciting trio event, three dancers take the floor together, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and nonstop movement. The twist? Dancers must switch partners every 8 counts, creating dynamic patterns, smooth transitions, and unexpected moments that keep both judges and the audience engaged.
Rooted in the fundamentals of country swing—timing, musicality, and connection—this format challenges competitors to stay in sync while continuously adapting to a new partner. Expect to see inventive formations, seamless lead-and-follow changes, and plenty of personality on display, as trio dancing often highlights variety, pattern changes, and group harmony.
Above all, this is a crowd-pleasing event where having fun is the name of the game. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, the Three for All competition celebrates creativity, connection, and the joy of dancing together. Each person in the partnership must be a different NCDC level in country swing.
LIne Dance
National Country Dance Circuited Pointed
Novice, Intermediate & Advanced Levels
Timing: Evaluates how precisely dancers move on the beat, maintain musical rhythm, and maintain synchronization throughout the routine.
Technique: Assesses clarity and control of movement, proper footwork, body alignment, posture, and consistency of execution.
Showmanship: Judges the performers’ energy, expression, stage presence, and overall ability to engage the audience and elevate the performance.
Step Sheet: For the first two walls, competitors must follow the original choreography as detailed in the step sheet. After the first two walls, creativity is encouraged, but embellishments must not disrupt the flow of the original choreography. Deviating too far from the structure will result in a score reduction.
Competition dances to be released August 1.
STEALS
All Level
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Execution of the Steal: While overall dancing is judged, the focus is on the execution of the steal. Steals should be clean, smooth, and creatively matched to the music.
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Timing of the Steal: Once tapped, competitors have 15 seconds to execute the steal. Steals can come from any direction, and you may move around the circle as you see fit. Once a steal is completed, there will be an 8-count before the next person is tapped.
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Follows must have one foot on the ground at all times.
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No lifts allowed.