Selecting Divisions

Instructors may enter only one student per age category per dance division, e.g. instructors are not permitted to dance with two "Ladies B" students in Intermediate Bronze Foxtrot. Students are permitted to dance in their base level and four levels above their base level (excluding Open/Exhibition divisions), e.g. A Beginner Bronze student may compete in the Intermediate Bronze, the Full Bronze, and the Advanced Bronze. A Student entering the Intermediate Silver division may also compete in the Full Silver, Advanced Silver and the Beginner Gold division. Students may dance down two age categories. Students may enter any Open divisions


Newcomers Bronze

The Newcomers Bronze division is for the brand-new student; either this is their first event or they have less than 30 hours of private training as of June 1, 2009. Dance costumes are not permitted in this division! The suggested apparel for men is a dark suit or sport coat, for women a full circle skirt or cocktail dress. The competitors in this division should restrict their material to Preliminary Bronze. A student enrolled on Trophy Lesson Guide prior to June 22, 2004, should enter the Beginner Bronze division or above.


Freestyle

The Freestyle division is designed to dance the material designated to that level, e.g. a student entering the Beginner Silver division should not use Full Silver material. To determine the material to dance in this division, consult your lesson guide. If you are not sure of a particular step, don't use it. Your student will appreciate it. Keep in mind in these divisions the judges are not grading quantity of material but rather quality of material (characteristic style and techniques).


Open

The Open division is for the dancers who have choreographed material specifically for a particular dance. However the material should reflect the dance level of the student.


Solo

The Solo Division is for dancers to perform their show material. The definitions of Solos include, Spectacular/Showcase, Novelties, Theater Arts, Cabaret and ballroom routines. Competitors may perform up to three Solos. Only one ShowCase performance will be permitted in the evening.


Professional Technical

This division restricts dancers to Full Silver level material. The competitors may choreograph up to 24 measures of special or choreographed material to start their dance. The competitors must have a combined experience of less than 5 years as of June 22, 2004. The dances for the Technical Division are Tango and Cha-Cha, and the music is not pre-selected.


Professional American Open

This division is almost a free-for-all. Lifts are prohibited. The dances are;

American Rhythm
Cha-Cha
Rumba
Swing
Bolero
Mambo
American Smooth
Waltz
Tango
Foxtrot
Viennese Waltz


Professional ShowCase

All we can say about this division is entertain us. Competitors are free to use multiple couples, act, lip sync whatever. Please keep performances under 4 minutes. Must have at least 3 performers.