Note that rules and rubrics may be modified slightly as the competition approaches. Rubrics should serve as a guideline for scoring, but are not all encompassing.  Scoring is ultimately at the judges' discretion.

Couples Competition Rules

• Partnerships are determined by contestants during registration and must remain unchanged throughout all rounds.

• One round of competition consists of 3 songs.

• Songs are selected prior to the event by the Committee.

• Contestants will be eliminated as couples by the judges after each round. The number of couples to be eliminated in each round will be determined by the coordinator at the time of the event.

• The number of rounds is not set and may vary depending on the number of contestants and by the request of the Judges. The coordinator will ultimately determine the number of rounds during the event.

• Once the embrace is taken, couples may not break the embrace until after the completion of the song. Some flexibility of the embrace is understood.

• All movements must be performed within the space allowed by the couple’s embrace.

• Contestants must constantly move counterclockwise around the floor. One or two backward steps may be performed if a step requires it.

• Contestants must avoid remaining in the same spot on the floor for a prolonged period. This will be considered for scoring in floorcraft.

  • Overtaking other couples is not allowed.

• Costumes will not be a factor in scoring, but tasteful attire is recommended.

• A maximum of 20 couples may register for this category.