Eligibility

Newcomer dancers must have begun dancing no earlier than August of this year.

Bronze is open to competitors who have danced for longer than one semester, and is restricted to competitors who have danced for no longer than two semesters at the Bronze level. 

There are no time restrictions for Silver, Gold or Open levels.

Competitors may not dance down in a category in which they have acquired YCN points. For example, if you have acquired YCN points in Silver Smooth, you may not dance Bronze Smooth.

 

All NECN/YCN point eligibility rules apply.

Events qualify only if there was at least a semi-final danced. Points are earned as follows:

• At the level you danced:

  • 3 points for 1st place

  • 2 points for 2nd place

  • 1 point for 3rd place

  • If there was a quarter-final danced, 1 point for 4th–6th place

• At the level below the one you danced:

  • 6 points for 1st place

  • 4 points for 2nd place

  • 2 point for 3rd place

  • If there was a quarter-final danced, 2 point for 4th–6th place

• At all levels below that:

  • 7 points for 1st-6th place

• No points are awarded for placing 7th or 8th in a final.

 

Example Point Calculator: https://ballroom.union.rpi.edu/calculator

 

Dancing down will not be permitted. If you have placed 1st or 2nd in recent competitions in the Advanced or Gold level, please consider dancing Open.

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Double-registering for the same section is not permitted. However, a competitor may dance at two adjacent levels in two different styles. For instance, a couple is permitted to dance Gold Smooth and Silver Standard, but they may not register for both Silver Smooth and Gold Smooth.

 

The following level combinations (for different sections) are allowed:
Bronze and Silver
Silver and Gold
Gold and Open

This competition is restricted to amateurs only. No professional dancers or dance teachers are allowed to compete at a university-organized competition. If you are a professional dancer or teacher and would like to perform a showcase, please contact us separately.

Newcomer couples may only dance at their own levels.

Other couples may dance as follows: 

• Multi-level couples must dance at the level of the more advanced partner. 

• You may register for a dance at a higher level that is not offered in your level

• All eligibility rules apply regardless of leading or following.

 

Examples: One couple might dance Bronze Smooth and Standard but Silver Rhythm and Latin; another might dance Gold Latin and Standard but Open Rhythm and Smooth; but a couple may not dance both Open Latin and Bronze Smooth. Moreover, one person may not dance Open Smooth and Silver Rhythm, even with different partners.

Costume Restrictions
No costumes are permitted at the Newcomer level. Alterations for fit are allowable, but any major changes to shape or embellishments are not (e.g. adding panels to a skirt or gluing rhinestones on anything).

Heels must be worn with heel taps.