Rules & Judging Criteria

The Master Dancer Contest is a competition featuring five (5) dance styles: L.A. Cha-Cha, The Hop/Bop/Tx. Swingout, Chicago Steppin’, Graystone, and Detroit Ballroom. 

Competition music must consist of two selections smoothly transitioning from one song to the next. The first selection should have a slow to moderate rhythm, and the second selection should have a faster rhythm—1.5 minutes for each selection, totaling 3 minutes per dance style.  

 Music must not contain elicit or profane language.   

 Failure to adhere to the music selection rule will result in your selections being replaced by the DJ.  

Preliminary Dance Contestants are required to dance two (2) dance styles of the five (5) dance styles. The couple with the highest overall score will win a trip to compete in the National Dance Masters Contest in Los Angeles. (Los Angeles residents win a cash prize.) A non-refundable registration fee is required from each registered Preliminary Contestant. Should the preliminary contestant win the National contest, they are not eligible to participate in a preliminary with the same partner the next year.  As returning champions, the couple may compete in the National Dance Contest in the following year and thereafter.

National Dance Contestants are eligible to compete in one to five dance styles.   Registration is open until January 31st, 2026.

PARTNER(S): You may dance with one partner or a combination of partners. E.g., Hop with partner 1, Step with partner 2,  Cha-Cha with partner 3, etc., or the contestant can choose to dance with the same partner for all dance styles. You may not have two partners in one dance performance. All participants must register. 

JUDGES

Judging will be performed by esteemed persons who represent the epitome of the dance styles performed. Contestants will be judged on appearance, technicality, rhythm, style, and cohesiveness.  ONE FOOT MUST REMAIN ON THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.  NO LIFTS/FLIPS. One partner per dance. Non-compliance is grounds for disqualification.

PRIZE MONEY 

$5,000.00 total ($1000.00 for each dance style)

All participants must be registered to be eligible to win the  $1000.00 cash prize, per couple, per category.

SCORING:

1. TECHNIQUES: Demonstrate proper execution of the Steps/movements of the dance specific style throughout the dance.

2. ATTIRE: Performance quality attire: Changing attire for each dance is not required.  “Performance quality attire” for each competition segment.

3. MUSICALITY/SHOWMANSHIP: Dancers' choice: The music is chosen by dancers. Are you dancing in rhythm with the music, maintaining dance technique and style? Failure to adhere to the music selection rule will result in rejection and substitution of music by the D.J.

4. CONNECTIVITY: Partners have synchronized movement, smooth transitions throughout the dance, and creative and cohesive floor work.

Each dance must be performed in 3-minute intervals. 

In the event of a tied score, there will be a “Dance OFF” between the performers who have the tied score. (Tied couples on the floor at the same time.) The couple with the highest score will win the prize.

AGREEMENT

Submission of the registration fee and participation in the contest indicate understanding and agreement with the rules of the dance contest.