Sportsmanship Expectations:

 

It is expected that all competitors register and compete at the level that allows for fair competition between all dancers. This means that even if you are technically eligible for Bronze, for example, but you know/feel you are at a higher skill level, you should honor good sportsmanship practices and register for the higher level. These practices keep our competition fair and fun for all dancers.

 

It is also expected that all competitors maintain a sense of decorum. Cheering is highly encouraged! Disrespectful behaviors are not.

 

Level Eligibility:
 

DOUBLE REGISTRATION IS NOT PERMITTED

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Newcomer: Dancers must not have started dancing prior to the Fall 2026 school semester (defined as September 1st, 2026 for non-collegiate competitors).
 

Bronze: Dancers must not have started competing prior to the Spring 2025 school semester (defined as January 1st, 2025 for non-collegiate competitors).
 

Silver & Gold: Eligibility is determined by YCN points. There are no time restrictions for these levels.
 

Open: Anybody may compete at the Open level.

Mixed proficiency couples must dance at the level of the higher competitor (i.e. leader is Bronze, follower is Silver, the partnership must dance Silver).  

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A dancer may compete at two adjacent levels across all styles. For example, a dancer may compete Bronze Rhythm and Silver Latin, but not Bronze Rhythm and Gold Latin. However, those dancing Newcomer may only dance Newcomer dances, with the exception of Syllabus.

 

TBA competitors may dance down one level in the role they do not typically compete (i.e. a Silver follower may lead at the Bronze level, or a Silver leader may follow at the Bronze level). Bronze dancers cannot dance down to Newcomer, and dancers may not lead down two or more levels.

 

Dancers wishing to dance down should contact umbdtcompcoordinator@gmail.com prior to registration. Final decisions are at the discretion of our competition coordinators.

 

Please note:

• Dancers may not dance down if they have pointed out of the lower level, regardless of role.

Syllabus and Costume Rules:

 

HEEL COVERS ARE REQUIRED

 

Costumes are allowed at all levels except Newcomer. A costume is defined as an article of clothing that was produced specifically as competition dancewear. Plain practice skirts do not count as costumes, and are permitted. 

Syllabus competitors are restricted to ISTD Syllabus for International styles, and DVIDA and NDCA Syllabi for American Styles.
Open level competitors have no step restrictions. Open choreography is allowed. Lifts and aerials are not permitted.

Violations:
 

Violations may be reported to the competition coordinator at umbdtcompcoordinator@gmail.com or to the judges' table at competition. Couples in violation of the rules will be disqualified. If you have any questions about your eligibility please contact the competition organizers in advance.