Rules & Judging Criteria

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NATIONAL DANCE MASTERS CONTEST

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

COMPETITION MUSIC

Competition music must consist of two selections that transition smoothly 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. Each selection should be 1.5 minutes, totaling 3 minutes per dance style.

Music must not contain illicit or profane language. Music that does not comply with this rule will be rejected and replaced by the DJ.

PRELIMINARY DANCE CONTESTS

Preliminary Dance Contests are held two (2) to three (3) times per year in various states. The preliminaries provide dancers within a specific region an opportunity to win airfare, hotel accommodations, and registration to compete in the National Dance Masters Contest held in Los Angeles in February.

Participation in a preliminary contest is not required to compete in the National Dance Masters Contest. All skilled dancers are welcome to register for the National contest in February.

Preliminary contestants are required to compete in two (2) 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 will receive a cash prize in place of the trip.

A non-refundable registration fee is required for each registered preliminary contestant.

Preliminary contestants who win three (3) or more categories in the National Dance Masters Contest are not eligible to participate in a preliminary contest with the same partner the following year. As returning champions, the couple may compete in the National Dance Masters Contest the following year and thereafter.

NATIONAL DANCE CONTESTANTS

National Dance Contestants may compete in one (1) to five (5) dance styles. Registration is open until January 31, 2026.

Winners of three (3) or more categories may be asked to serve as National DMC Ambassadors. The Ambassador package will be presented upon winning three or more categories.

PARTNER(S)

Contestants may dance with one partner or a combination of partners. For example, a contestant may dance Hop with Partner 1, Step with Partner 2, and Cha-Cha with Partner 3, or choose to compete with the same partner in every dance style.

A contestant may not have two partners during a single dance performance. All participants must be registered.

ORDER OF COMPETITION

The order in which contestants compete will be determined by a random drawing of numbers conducted before the competition begins.

A break of no less than ten (10) minutes will be provided between each dance-style segment.

Any couple that is not present, prepared, and in position when called to compete will forfeit its right to compete in that specific category.

JUDGES

Judging will be performed by esteemed individuals who represent the epitome of the dance styles being performed. Contestants will be judged on skill level, appearance, technique, rhythm, style, and cohesiveness.

One foot must remain on the floor at all times. Lifts and flips are not permitted. Only one partner is allowed per dance. Failure to comply with these rules may result in disqualification.

PRIZE MONEY

The total cash prize package is $5,000—$1,000 for each dance style.

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

SCORING

1. TECHNIQUE: Demonstrate the proper execution of the steps and movements associated with the specific dance style throughout the performance.
2. ATTIRE: Wear performance-quality attire. Contestants are not required to change attire for each dance-style segment.
3. MUSICALITY/SHOWMANSHIP: Contestants will be judged on their ability to dance in rhythm with the music while maintaining proper technique and dance style.
4. CONNECTIVITY: Partners should demonstrate synchronized movement, smooth transitions, creative floor work, and cohesiveness throughout the dance.

Each dance performance will be no more than three (3) minutes. (1.5 minutes each at two different rhythms, with a smooth transition from one selection to the next)

In the event of a tied score, a “Dance-Off” will be held between the tied couples.  The DJ will select the music. The tied couples will perform on the floor at the same time. The couple receiving the highest Dance-Off score will win the prize.

AGREEMENT

By submitting the registration fee and/or participating in the contest, each participant acknowledges that they have read and understood—and agree to be bound by—all rules and regulations governing the dance contest.