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2011 Official Contest Rules 1. No dancing on knees
or on the floor.
2. No props. A prop is defined as any foreign object or
substance used by a contestant to enhance their performance.
Taking one’s suit jacket off during the contest is not
considered a prop.
2. One foot must remain on the floor at all times. Both feet
leaving the floor at any point of a participant’s contest
performance will result in the couple’s disqualification.
3. Participants must have on respectful attire that covers
all private body parts and under garments. If any private
body part or undergarment is exposed, the couple will be
disqualified. (Note: Ballerina dresses with appropriate
undergarments are acceptable).
4. No changing partners after the preliminary qualifying
round. The qualifying couple must dance together in the
finals.
5. There are no age criteria for any category. Every contest
category is open to all ages.
6. All contest music must be submitted by the specified
deadline. If the contest music is not submitted by the
deadline, contests will be required to dance to the DJ’s
selection.
7. Two couples will perform on the floor at a time. Each
couple is allowed to submit one song a piece with a playing
time of 1 minute and 30 seconds per song. The total dancing
time for each couple will be 3 minutes.
JUDGING CRITERIA (Originality, Synchronization,
Footwork, Appearance, Showmanship)
Synchronization: Two partners dancing with one another in
time. Points will be deducted for the following execution
areas.
A. Missing hands
B. Slips, falls, or missed dips and drops
C. One partner out dancing the other partner
Footwork: Moving both feet in a rhythmic pattern that looks
effortless and fancy. Feet movements should coordinate with
upper body movements and turns. Points will deducted from
couples who:
A. Fail to execute footwork while dancing.
B. Move feet in an awkward manner that detracts from the
effortless movements that are characteristic of the dance.
Showmanship/Creativity: Showmanship consists of movements,
both impromptu and choreographed, that are executed in the
context of the dance and present with flair and dramatic
presentation. Depending on the category, showmanship could
consist of fancy turns, dips, drops, and routines or style,
body movement and swagger. Showmanship is category specific;
make sure to pay attention to the criteria of each category
before integrating showmanship or routines into your dance
performance. Points will be deducted from couples who:
A. Miss partner cues or rehearsed steps.
B. Dance without flair, energy, or creative moves.
C. Fail to engage the audience in their dance.
D. Fail to keep their head up while dancing.
Appearance: Couples should be dressed from head to toe in
fancy contest attire. Attire should be coordinated in color
but custom-tailored suits are not a requirement. Contest
apparel should be appropriate, consistent with the rules,
and should not detract from the performance by being overly
revealing. Judges should not deduct points from contestants
because of differing fashion opinions. However, distracting
apparel will be decided at the judge’s discretion. Points
will be deducted from couples who:
1. Fail to coordinate their attire.
2. Have wardrobe malfunctions that don’t violate the rules.
Originality: The foundation of the dance should be Steppin’
and all movements should be executed in time within the
basic pattern of the dance. Originality is not creativity
and the two should not be confused. Points will be deducted
from couples who:
A. Deviate from the basic pattern of Steppin’ and begin
executing another dance form (e.g. Salsa, Ballrooming,
Jitterbug, Tap, etc.). Note: Routine movements will be
accepted, so long as they are executed within the basic
pattern and time of the dance.
CATEGORY BREAKDOWN
Original Category
Original Steppers should be masters of all the basic
elements of the dance. Emphasis in this category will be
placed on fancy footwork, pulling the female dance partner
in close while Steppin, and over all style and rhythm. Turns
are accepted but dips and drops will result in deductions in
this category. Timing, Style, Footwork, Close Dancing, and
Slow Bopping are all elements of original style dancing.
Routine’s will be frowned upon in the Original Category. The
Original Category will be judged by dancers with 25 Years of
experience or more, so structure your dance accordingly.
Original New Skool Category
While this category shares many of the same elements as the
Original Category, the Original New Skool category differs
with respect to the emphasis placed on Turns, Dips, and
Drops. While dips and drops are not required or preferred
over creative dancing in the Original New Skool Category,
they will not be frowned upon. Routines are also acceptable
in this category, as long as the basic pattern of Steppin’
exists. The New Skool Original category will be judged by
Steppers who began dancing after 1995, so plan your dance
accordingly.
Beginners
Following a 2 month period to learn the basic steps,
Beginners should have less than 1 year and 2 months of total
dance time. Beginners must be entered into the World’s
Largest Steppers Contest by an instructor who can validate
their dancing experience (i.e. length of time dancing).
Emphasis For Beginners Will Be Placed On
1. Timing and coordination
2. Synchronization with partner
3. Mastering basic turns and basic footwork
4. The initial development and/or foundation of a unique
style
Trio Category
The Trio Category is executed with 3 partners dancing
together in unison. Coordination, rhythm, timing, and
creativity are important elements of the Trio. While the
lead in a Trio dance can change, the basis of this dance is
for the lead dancer to keep his or her partners continuously
involved in the dance. Limited routines will be accepted in
this category. Turns, dips, and drops are also allowed in
this category.
Walkers
The Walkers category consists of a man and woman moving
around the floor in a “constant stroll” both chest to chest
and/or thigh to thigh (depending on one’s particular style).
Walking is also performed at a distance where the male lead
pushes the woman on a recognizable downbeat, as he moves her
effortlessly around the floor. The Walkers category will be
judged by other classic walkers who understand the
foundation and technical elements of the dance, as
determined by their judge’s questionnaire sheet.
Master’s Category
Same category description as the New Skool Original
Category, with the exception that all participants in this
category have to have placed in one of the Original
categories in a previous contest.
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