GENERAL RULES Dancers may choose between 4 Divisions:
On-1 On-2 Cabaret Team Smallest Team: 3 Couples
Largest Team: 10 Couples
PRELIMINARY ROUNDS
Preliminary warm up rounds for "On 1", "On 2", & Cabaret divisions are 1.5 – 2.0 minutes and competitors will dance to the DJ's pre selected music. Each couple will then perform a routine no longer than two minutes that they have choreographed to their own music or music from our pre selected songs. The routine cannot go over two minutes. We will have a time keeper for each routine. If routine is longer than two minutes the team or couples will be deducted percentage points for each second over two minutes.
The team division will not have a warm up period to DJ music. They will be expected to be prepared to perform a choreographed team routine of two minutes or less.
All dancers of all divisions are required to bring their own two-minute or less pre-recorded music on a CD format. Only music of one performance is allowed on each CD.
No routine previously performed in past years Finals at the World Salsa Championships will be allowed to be used again for the Final Round.
No changing of partners can occur after you have entered the preliminary rounds.
FINAL ROUNDS
Representation in the Final Round for the 2009 World Salsa Championships will be limited to a maximum of two (3) teams or couples maximum per country. This ruling will hold true for each division.
MUSIC & CD
Please see our list of approved music (Fania) for the 2009 World Salsa Championships. Music must be at least 80% salsa. You are allowed to mix no more than 3 different songs or 3 mixes in one routine. The 20% of your routine that you are allowed to have other music besides salsa can be any music of your choice as long it is on the pre selected song list (Fania) for the finals.
Reminder: A Maximum Of 3 Songs Per Routine Can Be Mixed Into Your Routine.
We encourage you to prepare more than one choreographed routine for the various qualifying rounds in case you qualify for the finals.
IMPORTANT
Prepare at least 3 CDs on different CD brands with the music for each routine. Example: Two routines equal 6 CDs. The CDs should be ready to be played as is. There should only be music for one routine on each CD. The DJ will not slow down or speed up your CD. Please protect your CD ' s by having covers for each one. Also please identify your cd by putting your name, name of song, artist name, name of record company and author of song and length of each song on the cd. This is very important.
TRICKS, LIFTS, DIPS, DROPS and FLARES
Any assisted movement whereby the movement cannot be balanced or performed without the assistance of the partner is considered to be a TRICK.
Lifts are defined as any assisted movement whereby any partner is carried off the floor. Lifts are not permitted in the On-1 or On-2 divisions. Whether the feet are 2 inches off the floor or 10 feet, this type of assisted movement will still be considered a lift or trick.
Tricks and trick combinations are expected to remain within the confines of salsa timing and/or musicality of the routine.
COSTUMES & DANCE ETIQUETTE
Contestants are encouraged to wear costumes or matching outfits. We strongly suggest that jeans are not used as costumes and that ladies wearing dresses or skirts wear nylons or fishnets.
Suggestion: Gentlemen wear socks with your costumes when wearing long pants.
Contestants will show etiquette during contest by refraining from distracting others while competing couples are performing.
JUDGING CRITERIA
CHOREOGRAPHED ROUTINES WILL BE JUDGED BY THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
TIMING 20%
Salsa Timing for all divisions of this competition has been defined as “Quick-Quick-Slow” as designated by the counts “1-2-3” of each bar or music. Dancers can choose to break on the “1” or the “2”. The Timing score asks: Was correct rhythm maintained throughout the routine? Were syncopations deliberate and within the acceptable deviations of timing for the dance?
We, the Salsa Seven, Inc have decided with the support of our Head Judge, Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow our Scrutinizer, not to deduct points if you are dancing "On 1" and return by breaking "On 5". The same if you are dancing on " 2" and return by breaking on "6 " . If you were to return on any other beat than that mentioned you will be deducted points.
MUSICALITY 20%
How effectively did the couple utilize the breaks and nuances of their chosen piece of music. Were they in rhythmically in sync with the piece? 20% of the overall score will be reflected by Musicality.
TECHNIQUE 10%
Reflected through balance, placement and line. Partners must reflect adequate "Latin/Salsa Motion" and "Isolations" as designated by the dance style. Movement should appear to be effortless. These are all reflections of good dance technique.
DIFFICULTY 10%
What was the level of the turns utilized? The amount of turns done on both double and single foot? By both parties or only one? How intricate were the shines? In the cabaret division, what was the difficulty of the lift-work? Was it properly executed? How about jumps, kicks, extensions? Any movements requiring exceptional balance, flexibility or strength? Were all movements attempted successfully executed?
How well did the couple work together as a team? Was there an actual Lead/Follow relationship established? How synchronized was the team during side-by-side movement or shines?
CHOREOGRAPHY / ORIGINALITY 10%
How well put together was the performance? Did the routine flow easily from one movement to the next? Was there something clever or new that was part of the routine? Was musical was it?
APPEARANCE AND SHOWMANSHIP 10%
How professional and polished did the team appear to be? Did they project to the audience and capture their attention?
FREESTYLE HEAT 10% (Not applicaple for Team Division)
10% of the couples score will reflect how they performed in a pure Lead/Follow heated format, ensuring that dancers truly possess knowledge of the dance.
DISQUALIFYING INFRACTIONS
In the "On 1" & "On 2" categories, no move in which both feet leave the ground at the same time will be permitted, including any move above the shoulder will not be allowed. If at any time for either dancer, if both feet leave the ground, points will be deducted. Amount of deduction for each infraction will be 10% of the overall final score. If ANY part of the body of either dancer goes above the partner’s shoulders, the couple will be disqualified with no refund. Participants will also be disqualified if any portion of their routine in the finals uses unauthorized music Couple or team will be disqualified if any contestant is under the age of 16 years old on dates of competitions. Each participant will need to bring proof of age upon request. They will also not be allowed to re-enter under this or any other division during this particular qualifying contest. They can enter another qualifying contest in the future by registering and paying the entry fee for that particular event.
ROUNDS
Each round is considered a "fresh start" for competitors. However, order of performance will be based on the preliminary round score, with the lowest scored competitor performing first and the highest preliminary scorer performing last.
Example: All participants qualifying for the finals will not be bringing their semi final score to the finals. All participants will start fresh. The best couple or team during the finals will be the winner. During the finals participants in ALL categories can only use authorized or our pre selected music (FANIA).
PRELIMINARY ROUND: All Couples or Teams
SEMI FINAL ROUNDS (Thursday & Friday): Top 36 to 40 Couples or Teams Will Be Divided So That Half Compete On Thursday And The Rest On Friday
FINALS: Final 10 Couples Per Division and 10 Teams Will Compete In The Final Round.
SPECIFIC RULES FOR EACH DIVISION ARE LISTED BELOW:
SALSA ON "1" DIVISION
This division is judged on a combination of Heated and Solo Performances.
Emphasis will be on the downbeat (the 1st beat of the phrase). Rhythm must be maintained consistently throughout the performance.* *Please see “Timing” section of Judging Criteria
TRICKS AND COMBINATIONS:
A Maximum of 3 Tricks (Dips, Drops or Flares) allowed in the Solo performance only. For these skills, a minimum of 1 foot must remain on the floor at all times. No Dips, Drops or Flares permitted during the heated performances. Shines are permitted although not more than 30% of the performance may consist of shines or side by sides. Solo performances must consist of 70% Salsa dancing. 25% of the routine must reflect “Quick-Quick-Slow” salsa timing.
TRICK COMBINATIONS – MULTIPLE POSITIONS: Are okay in Trick Combinations but no more than 3 Total Positions may be achieved in any combination. However, there cannot be any stops during the combinations. Positions much consistently flow from one to the next, with no stops. If there is a stop, each position will be counted as a separate trick, and will count toward the 3 trick limit. No trick or trick combination can last more than two 8-counts (4 measures). One foot must remain on the floor at all times.
TURNS AND CONTINUOUS TURNS: All turns and preparations for turns must maintain basic timing. For the On-1 Division: Preps must occur on the “1-2” or the “5-6”.
Multiple/Continuous turns such as Stationary Multiple Turns or Touch and Go or “Potstirrer/Corkscrew” style turns cannot last longer than two 8-counts (4 measures)
CONTENT AND CHOREOGRAPHY: Routines must ideally reflect the following – Turn Patterns (which will be judged on level of difficulty and/or originality), Open Shines, Floorcraft (proper usage of the stage space), Footwork, and Tricks or Trick Combinations that are appropriate for this divison. Routines should show Originality, or something unique to showcase the couple
STOPS / FREEZES: Dancers cannot maintain an extended Stop or Freeze position for more than one 8-count (2 measures). Extended Stops or Freezes cannot happen more than two times in the routine
SALSA ON "2" DIVISION : This division is judged on a combination of Heated and Solo Performances. Emphasis on the up beat (the 2nd beat of the phrase). Rhythm must be maintained consistently throughout the performance* *Please see “Timing” section of Judging Criteria
TRICKS AND TRICK COMBINATIONS:
A maximum of 3 dips, drops or flares allowed in the solo performance only. For these skills, a minimum of 1 foot must remain on the floor at all times. No dips, drops or flares permitted during the heated performances. Shines are permitted although not more than 30% of the performance may consist of shines or side by sides. Solo performances must consist of 70% Salsa dancing. 25% of the routine must reflect “Quick-Quick-Slow” salsa timing.
Trick Combinations – Multiple Positions are okay in Trick Combinations but no more than 3 Total Positions may be achieved in any combination. No trick or trick combination can last more than two 8-counts (4 measures). One foot must remain on the floor at all times. Turns and Continuous Turns: All turns and preparations for turns must maintain basic timing. For the On-2 Division: Preps must occur on the “2-3” or the “6-7”.
Multiple/Continuous turns such as Stationary Multiple Turns or Touch and Go or “Potstirrer/Corkscrew” style turns cannot last longer than two 8-counts (4 measures)
CONTENT AND CHOREOGRAPHY: Routines must ideally reflect the following – Turn Patterns (which will be judged on level of difficulty and/or originality), Open Shines, Footwork, Floorcraft (proper usage of the stage space), and Tricks or Trick Combinations that are appropriate for this divison. Routines should show Originality, or something unique to showcase the couple
STOPS /FREEZES: Dancers cannot maintain an extended Stop or Freeze position for more than one 8-count (2 measures). Extended Stops or Freezes cannot happen more than two times in the routine
SALSA CABARET DIVISION: This division is judged as a combination of heated and solo performances. On-1” or “On-2” but must maintain a consistency to their choice for the duration of the performance.*
*Please see “Timing” section of Judging Criteria
TRICKS, LIFTS, DIPS AND DROPS:
Lifts, Cartwheels Or Any Similar Lifts or Tricks are permitted. Lifts are defined as any assisted movement whereby any partner is carried off the floor. Whether the feet are 2 inches off the floor or 10 feet, this type of assisted movement will still be considered a lift or trick.
Tricks and trick combinations are expected to remain within the confines of salsa timing and/or musicality of the routine.
TURNS AND CONTINUOUS TURNS: All turns and preparations for turns must maintain basic timing. If dancing “On-1”: Preps must occur on the “1-2” or the “5-6”. If dancing “On-2”: Preps must occur on the “2-3” or the “6-7”.
Multiple/Continuous turns such as Stationary Multiple Turns,
Touch and Go or “Potstirrer/Corkscrew” style turns cannot last longer than two 8-counts (4 measures)
CONTENT AND CHOREOGRAPHY: Solo routines must be 50% recognizable salsa*, and although either On 1 or On 2 Style is permitted, chosen rhythm must be maintained throughout the dance part of the performance. 25% of the routine must reflect “Quick-Quick-Slow” salsa timing. Shines are permitted.
Routines must ideally reflect the following – Turn Patterns (which will be judged on difficulty and/or originality), Open Shines, Footwork, Floorcraft (proper usage of the stage space) and level of difficulty and originality of Tricks and Trick Combinations. Shines are permitted. Solo routines must be 50% recognizable salsa*
STOPS /FREEZES: Dancers cannot maintain an extended Stop or Freeze position for more than one 8-count (2 measures). Extended Stops or Freezes cannot happen more than two times in the routine. *Please see “Timing” section of Judging Criteria
TEAM DIVISION: Solo format only. Lifts, cartwheels or any similar lifts or tricks are permitted. Lifts are defined as any assisted movement whereby any partner is carried off the floor. Whether the feet are 2 inches off the floor or 10 feet, this type of assisted movement will still be considered a lift or trick. Shines are permitted. Performances must be 50% recognizable salsa*, and although either On 1 or On 2 Style is permitted, chosen rhythm must be maintained throughout the dance part of the performance. 25% of the routine must reflect “Quick-Quick-Slow” salsa timing. * *Please see “Timing” section of Judging Criteria
TURNS AND CONTINUOUS TURNS: Multiple/Continuous turns such as Stationary Multiple Turns or Touch and Go style turns cannot last longer than two 8-counts (4 measures) All preparations for Turns and/or Checks must maintain basic timing. For the On-1 Style: Preps must occur on the “1-2” or the “5-6”. For the On-2 Style: Preps must occur on the “2-3” or the “6-7”.
STOPS / FREEZES: Dancers cannot maintain an extended Stop or Freeze position for more than one 8-count (2 measures). Extended Stops or Freezes cannot happen more than two times in the routine.
CONTENT AND CHOREOGRAPHY: Routines must ideally reflect the following – Turn Patterns, Open Shines, Footwork, Floorcraft (proper usage of the stage space)
PROPS: Props are not permitted. Extra costume pieces such as hats or jackets are permitted if they are part of the costume, and are not discarded at any time during the performance. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in 20% off of the final score.
For any questions regarding terminology, etc….. please contact Head Judge, Billy Fajardo at billyfajardo@comcast.net
