1. HEATS DIVISION (Lead & Follow)

1.1 Format

• Multiple couples dance simultaneously on the floor
• Music is selected by the event DJ (not competitors)
• Each round lasts approximately 60–90 seconds
• Judges are positioned around the dance floor (not on stage)

1.2 Core Rule (Most Important)

Heats are 100% social dancing evaluation — NOT choreography.

1.3 Movement Restriction

NOT Allowed

• ❌ Choreographed routines
• ❌ Lifts (both feet off ground)
• ❌ Drops or acrobatic tricks
• ❌ Pre-planned sequences repeated identically
• ❌ Stopping mid-floor for performance posing

Allowed

• ✅ Natural turn patterns
• ✅ Improvisation
• ✅ Musical interpretation
• ✅ Body movement & styling
• ✅ Short shines (max ~20% of dance time)

1.4 Judging Criteria (Applied Live, No Scores Shown)

Judges evaluate each dancer individually, not as a fixed couple:

Primary Factors

• Timing (non-negotiable)
• Connection
• Lead/Follow clarity
• Musicality
• Floorcraft

Secondary Factors

• Technique
• Style & confidence
• Adaptability within crowded floor

1.5 Partnering Rules

• Competitors remain with the same partner throughout Heats
• No switching partners
• Partner is not scored as a unit — each dancer is evaluated individually

1.6 Rounds & Callbacks

Typical structure:

• Prelims
  • All couples on floor
• Callbacks
  • Judges select dancers to advance
• Final
  • Smaller group (usually 5–10 couples)

Callback Method

• Silent judge selection (no live scoring)
• MC announces numbers advancing

1.7 Floor Conduct Rules

• Must maintain continuous movement
• Must demonstrate awareness of other couples
• Collisions, unsafe dancing, or reckless tricks:
  • ⚠️ Immediate judge downgrade
  • ❌ Possible disqualification if dangerous

1.8 Disqualification Conditions

Late to floor when called

Performing lifts/tricks after warning

Obvious choreography

Unsportsmanlike behavior

Ignoring MC or judge instructions

2. SHOWCASE DIVISION (Choreography)

2.1 Format

• Performed on stage
• Solo, Couple, or Team
• Pre-choreographed routine
• Music provided by competitor

2.2 Timing Rules

• Solo/Couple: 1:30 – 2:30
• Teams: 1:30 – 3:00
• Entrance: max 20 sec
• Exit: max 20 sec

👉 Time violations:

• Minor overage → score reduction
• Major overage → possible disqualification

2.3 Dance Content Rules

Style Requirement

• Routine must be clearly:
  • Salsa or
  • Bachata
• Must maintain recognizable structure throughout

Cabaret vs Non-Cabaret

Cabaret

• Lifts/tricks allowed
• Minimum ~50% dance content

Non-Cabaret

• Strong focus on partnerwork & footwork
• Lifts should be minimal
• Excess tricks → scoring penalty

2.4 Props & Staging

• ❌ No props allowed
• ❌ No stage setup or scenery
• Costumes:
  • Encouraged
  • Must be secure and appropriate

2.5 Judging Criteria (Scored)

Weighted Categories

• Timing – 20%
• Musicality – 15%
• Technique – 15%
• Difficulty – 15%
• Connection – 15%
• Choreography – 10%
• Presentation – 10%

2.6 Performance Expectations

Judges look for:

• Clean execution
• Control in turns, spins, transitions
• Musical accents and phrasing
• Creativity without losing core style
• Balanced use of:
  • Partnerwork
  • Shines
  • Tricks (if used)

2.7 Music Handling

• Must be:
  • Submitted in advance
  • Brought on USB backup
• DJ will NOT edit music on-site
• Wrong file = competitor responsibility

2.8 Check-In & Readiness

• Mandatory check-in before division
• Must be present backstage when called

Failure results in:

• ❌ Disqualification
• ❌ No rescheduling

2.9 Safety & Penalties

Automatic penalties or DQ for:

Unsportsmanlike conduct

Dangerous lifts

Dropping partner

Interfering with stage crew or judges

Canada SBK Jack & Jill Competition

Prizes

• Full Passes to 2026 Sensual Movement event of choice
• Full Passes to DCBX 2026
• Full Passes to Toronto Level Up Festival
• More to come…

Official Guidelines & Rules

1. Overview

The Canada SBK Jack & Jill Competition is a social dance improvisation contest designed to highlight a dancer’s ability to lead, follow, adapt, and express musicality with randomly assigned partners.

Participants are judged on:

• Timing & musicality
• Connection & lead/follow technique
• Adaptability with different partners
• Creativity & styling
• Floorcraft and presence

2. Divisions

• Beginner Division – For social dancers with little or no competition experience
• Intermediate/Advanced – For dancers comfortable social dancing at congresses or socials

Participants must register in the appropriate level. The organization reserves the right to reassign competitors if necessary.

3. Registration

• Entry Fee: $50 CAD
• Competitors must check in prior to the competition start time
• Numbers must be worn and visible at all times
• Leads and Follows register separately within their level.
• Role must remain consistent throughout the competition (no switching mid-round).
• Same-gender partnerships are welcome — the role determines pairing, not gender.

4. Rules & Restrictions

•  No choreography — the dance must be improvised to the music.
•  No aerials, lifts, or drops allowed (unless explicitly permitted for Advanced or Invitational).
•  Basic partner patterns, footwork, body movement, and musical expression are encouraged.
• Dancers must remain on time and in style for their division.
• Judges’ decisions are final.
• Props, costumes, and themed outfits are not required (social attire encouraged).

5. Competition Format

General Structure

• Competition begins at 4:00 PM
• A 1-minute warm-up song will start each round
• DJ will play a mix of different Bachata styles (traditional, modern, sensual, etc.)
• Judges are positioned in the center of the floor

Partner Rotation System

• Dancers rotate partners throughout each round
• Followers rotate 1 song per round (1.5-2 min), randomly selected by DJ.
• Music may briefly lower to signal rotation
• Additional circle rotations may occur to ensure fairness
• The format ensures dancers perform with multiple partners

Judging Structure

• Judges are divided into:
  • Lead Judges (evaluate leaders only)
  • Follower Judges (evaluate followers only)
• Each dancer is judged independently, not as a couple

Rounds Progression

Order of rounds: 4PM

1. Beginner Preliminaries
2. Intermediate/Advanced Preliminaries
3. Beginner Semi Finals
4. Intermediate/Advanced Semi Finals

Break

Finals 10pm

• Beginner Finals
• Intermediate/Advanced Finals

6. Finals Format

• Top 3 Leaders and Top 3 Followers advance
• Finalists will dance with professional instructors (both male & female)
• Format:
  • Each finalist performs 1 song per round (1.5-2 min), randomly selected by DJ
  • Partners rotate between instructors
• Focus is on:
  • Adaptability at the highest level
  • Musical interpretation
  • Performance quality

7. Music & Style

• Music is selected by the event DJ
• Styles include a variety of Bachata genres:
  • Traditional
  • Moderna
  • Sensual
  • Fusion

Competitors must demonstrate versatility across styles

8. Conduct & Safety

• Respectful and safe dancing is mandatory
• No dangerous lifts, drops, or acrobatics
• Floorcraft must be maintained at all times
• Judges may disqualify competitors for:
  • Unsportsmanlike behavior
  • Unsafe dancing
  • Failure to follow instructions

9. Judging Criteria (Detailed)

Leaders

• Clarity and safety of lead
• Musical interpretation
• Partner comfort and adaptability
• Creativity and variation

Followers

• Responsiveness and technique
• Timing and musicality
• Styling and expression
• Ability to adapt to different leads

10. Additional Notes

• Event organizers reserve the right to adjust format as needed
• Judges’ decisions are final
• By entering, participants agree to:
  • Be filmed/photographed
  • Follow all event rules

11. Spirit of Jack & Jill

This competition celebrates true social dancing—connection, spontaneity, and enjoyment. Competitors are encouraged to:

Embrace the social dance experience

Dance with authenticity

Connect with every partner