top of page

WATCH TO LEARN ABOUT CONTEST EXPECTATIONS

Brown Blue Denim Jeans Fashion Sale Website Banner (12).png

TWO-STEP
(Country Two-Step Tour Certified)

Description: A progressive partner dance that moves counterclockwise around the floor, using a quick-quick-slow-slow rhythm.

​

Judging Criteria

​

  1. Timing: Adherence to quick-quick-slow-slow timing. Brief deviations allowed, such as quick-quick-slow-quick-quick-slow breaks.

  2. Footwork: Must maintain the quick-quick-slow-slow rhythm.

  3. Safety: Running into competitors will result in points reduction.

  4. Special Note: For Jack & Jill, competitors without points in Two-Step must compete in the novice division unless approved by Steven Spellman.

​

Divisions

​

  • Jack & Jill:

    • Divisions: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

    • Random partner contest, progressively moving around the floor. One foot for each partner must remain on the ground.

​

  • Strictly:

    • Divisions: Beginner/Novice, Intermediate/Advanced

    • Bring your own partner. Progressively move around the floor with one foot on the ground for each partner.

COUNTRY SWING

Description: A rotational, stationary partner dance.

​

Judging Criteria

​

  1. Timing: Judged on basic one-count timing (stepping to the beat).

  2. Footwork: Syncopated steps allowed. Every 16 counts must include a basic country swing move.

  3. Lifts & Tricks: Beginner division—one foot on the ground at all times. Intermediate/Advanced may include lifts.

  4. Musicality: Rewarded for matching movements to music breaks or phrasing.

  5. Safety: Running into competitors will reduce points.

  6. Lifts: Not allowed in Jack & Jill contests.

​

Divisions

​

  • Jack & Jill:

    • Divisions: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

    • Random partner, stationary fusion dance contest. One foot must remain on the ground, and the slot must rotate every 16 counts.

  • Strictly:

    • Divisions: Beginner/Novice, Intermediate/Advanced

    • Bring your own partner for a stationary fusion contest. One foot must remain on the ground for Beginner, with slot rotation every 16 counts.

​

West Coast Swing All-Star and Champion dancers are not eligible to compete in the Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced divisions.

TRADITIONAL PROGRESSIVE

Description: A slotted, progressive dance moving counterclockwise around the floor.

 

Judging Criteria

​

  1. Timing: Judged on one-count timing (stepping to the beat).

  2. Footwork: Syncopated steps allowed. Stops permitted for up to 8 counts on each straight away. Barcoast patterns, like whips and slotted moves, are allowed.

  3. Lifts & Tricks: One foot must remain on the ground. Rides, pendulums, and one-footed spins are allowed.

  4. Musicality: Rewarded for matching movements to musical moments.

  5. Safety: Running into competitors reduces points.

  6. Lifts: Not allowed in Jack & Jill.

​

Divisions

​

  • Jack & Jill:

    • Divisions: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

    • Random partner competition, judged on technique, musicality, originality, and performance quality.

 

  • Strictly:

    • Divisions: Beginner/Novice, Intermediate/Advanced

    • Bring your own partner competition with the same judging criteria.

FREESTYLE PROGRESSIVE

Description: A slotted, progressive dance that allows lifts.

 

Judging Criteria

​

  1. Timing: Judged on basic one-count timing.

  2. Footwork: Syncopated steps allowed. Stops permitted for up to 8 counts on each straight away.

  3. Lifts & Tricks: Lifts encouraged.

  4. Musicality: Rewarded for connecting movements to musical moments.

  5. Safety: Running into competitors results in disqualification.

​

Division

​

  • Strictly:

    • Divisions: All Levels

    • Bring your own partner contest with lifts allowed.

COUNTRY WALTZ

Description: A progressive partner dance in ¾ time, moving counterclockwise around the floor with rise-and-fall motion.

​

Judging Criteria

​

  • Timing: Judged on one-two-three rhythm.

  • Footwork & Form: Ensure proper waltz technique for optimal performance.

​​

Divisions

​

  • Strictly:

    • Divisions: Beginner/Novice, Intermediate/Advanced

    • Bring your own partner contest. One foot for each partner must remain on the ground.

​

If you are uncertain about waltz technique, we encourage you to consult a knowledgeable and trusted instructor to ensure proper form. The same is true for all competition divisions.

​

Division 1 and Masters UCWDC dancers or equivalent level ballroom dancers are not eligible to compete in Waltz.  

LINE DANCE

Judging Criteria

​

  1. Musicality: Demonstrate knowledge of the dance in relation to the music.

  2. Performance: Full-body engagement, including facial expressions and upper-body movement.

  3. Step Sheet Adherence: Stick to the choreography for the first two walls, then add creative variations.

​

Divisions

​​

​

 

Step sheets and demo videos available by clicking on the the line dances in blue!

STEALS

Judging Criteria

​

  1. Steal Execution: Clean, smooth, and creatively matched to the music.

  2. Steal Timing: Must execute within 15 seconds after being tapped.

  3. Dancers: Must keep one foot on the ground at all times.

​

Division

​

  • All Levels:

    • Awarded to the best Steals leader and follower in the Circle of Fire.

FCDF Social Post Template (1).png
FCDF Social Post Template (7).png
bottom of page