Competitor Classification

Competitor Classification is required to remain consistent across all styles and divisions (eg. It is not possible to be Professional for Salsa, but Amateur for Bachata etc.) For the purposes of the Australian Dance Cup, the following competitor definitions will apply:

Novice Amateur
To qualify as a Novice, you may not have competed consecutively for 2 years (i.e. in both 2018 and 2019). If you have competed in both 2018 and 2019, you must compete as an Amateur or above.

Amateur
Defined as a student or person who does not make a professional living as a Latin Dance Instructor, Latin Performer, Latin Dance Competitor or Latin Dance Adjudicator.

Semi-Pro
Defined as a person who receives financial compensation as a Latin Dance Instructor, Latin Performer, Latin Dance Competitor or Latin Dance Adjudicator, but who does these activities on a part time basis and makes the majority of their income in another profession. 

Professional
Defined as a person who receives financial compensation as a Latin Dance Instructor, Latin Performer, Latin Dance Competitor or Latin Dance Adjudicator, and who makes the majority or entirety of their income from these activities.

Youth
Competitors aged 17 or less at the time of the competition.
Masters
Adult competitors of 40 years of age or over.

N.B. Masters competitors and Youths over the age of 16 may also compete in any other division outside of their classification, provided they consistently stay within the constraints of the status they best identify with, be it Amateur, Semi-Pro or Professional.

Amateur
This division must include only dancers who class themselves as Amateur under the Competitor Classification defined in the Rules of the Australian Dance Cup.

Semi-Pro
This division must include only dancers who class themselves as Semi-Pro under the Competitor Classification defined in the Rules of the Australian Dance Cup.

Pro/Am
A couple in this division must feature one Amateur dancer, partnered with a dancer who class themselves as either a Semi-Pro or Professional under the Competitor Classification defined in the Rules of the Australian Dance Cup. In this division, only the Amateur is judged.

Professional
This division may include only dancers who class themselves as a Professional under the Competitor Classification defined in the Rules of the Australian Dance Cup.

Youth
Competitors aged 17 or less at the time of the competition, with the exception of Youth/Adult divisions, which is a duet or couple entry of a partnership in which only one of the competitors is aged 17 or less, while the other is 18 or over.
Masters
Adult competitors of 40 years of age or over.
Open
This division may feature any mix of Competitors, regardless of Classification or Status.

⦁ Salsa – a dancer may choose to dance either On1 where the breaking step is on the first count or On2 where the breaking step is on the second count, maintaining a quick-quick-slow rhythm.
⦁ Bachata – it is accepted for the purposes of social dancing, that Bachata is based on a 4/4 rhythm rather than an 8/8 rhythm. The breaking step must always be on 1, but may be executed in either direction, while a tap is intended to be displayed on count 4.
⦁ Timing must be consistent. Once you choose your timing, it must be maintained for the duration of the dance.
⦁ 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, turn patterns and others.

Technique

⦁ Cuban motion and Latin posture
⦁ Proper selection of Traditional Latin movements matched to the music (e.g. Afro/Rumba or Pachanga when the music calls for it in Salsa, or Dominican footwork when appropriate in Bachata)
⦁ Correct footwork in Foundation movements and turn patterns
⦁ Fundamental dance technique (e.g footwork placement, frame, balance, spins etc)

Difficulty
⦁ The complexity of the foot work
⦁ The complexity of overall improvisation
⦁ Originality of turn patterns

Flavour
⦁ This is the undeniable expression of the authentic salsa feel, and complete immersion in the dance. This includes authentic body movement, connection and intrinsic appreciation of the rhythms of the music.

Connection & synchronicity

⦁ Physical interaction with partners (coordination of movements between them, lead/follow relationship)
⦁ Stage presence, performance quality and emotional connection between partners

Appearance

⦁ Wear Shoes (Dance shoes or other comfortable shoes for dancing are allowed)
⦁ High heels are not mandatory however judges will favourably take into account the additional complexity this introduces to the dance
⦁ Wear clothes like if you were going to a social dance party – you want to stand out to the judges

Every care will be taken for competitors’ safety; however, the Australian Dance Cup Pty Ltd will not be responsible for any loss or injuries sustained by any competitor or to property during or in relation to the event/competition. Any dancer in any competing section takes certain risks in order to perform; these may include strains, sprains, bruises, broken bones, pulled muscles, and more. Participation in any Australian Dance Cup event indicates acceptance of such risks by performers. By accepting our Rules and submitting your Release and Indemnity, every entrant agrees not to hold the Australian Dance Cup and/or any other staff members/volunteers responsible for illnesses, injuries, damages sustained by participating in any activity relating Australian Dance Cup.

⦁ All Competitors must possess a Full Competitors Pass in order to be able to compete.
⦁ The Australian Dance Cup reserves the right to photograph and film at and for the duration of the event, along with the right to use this content in any and all future promotional material.
⦁ The Australian Dance Cup will not accept responsibility for loss or injury to persons or possessions in relation to the event/competition.
⦁ Props are not permitted to be used in any competition routine. This includes any item other than your immediate costuming. If an item of a costume (i.e. hat, jacket etc.) is discarded or becomes detached from the body in any way, it will be considered as a prop, and point deductions will be applicable.
⦁ By registering to compete, all competitors agree that the decisions of the Judges and Competition Director are final, and understand that they are bound to compete under a Code of Conduct that includes a zero tolerance policy towards any harassment, abusive conduct or unsportsmanlike behavior, including the use of social media at any time, to slander or defame another individual, Competitor/s Judge or Dance School/Studio. Any instances of the aforementioned may result in a lifetime ban from the competition. In addition to either disqualification or lifetime ban for the responsible individual, their partner, and/or their School/Studio, any slander or defamation of any participating Judges, Competitors or of the competition will also potentially result in the Australian Dance Cup pursuing appropriate legal action against the participating party or parties.
⦁ Competitors agree that if they win a division or category of the competition, they will take part in various promotional or marketing exercises as requested by Competition Organisers, including but not limited to photographic, video or written commentary regarding the competition experience and any subsequent ventures as a result of the benefits of winning and holding a National title, on various online platforms including Competition or Studio websites or Social Media outlets such as Facebook. these may include strains, sprains, bruises, broken bones, pulled muscles, and more. Participation in any Australian Dance Cup event indicates acceptance of such risks by performers. By accepting our Rules and submitting your Release and Indemnity, every entrant agrees not to hold the Australian Dance Cup and/or any other staff members/volunteers responsible for illnesses, injuries, damages sustained by participating in any activity relating Australian Dance Cup.