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I am not gay or lesbian. Can I still dance in this event?

This competition is open to same-sex couples and to mixed couples dancing in non-traditional roles (female leader and male follower). Everyone is welcome to compete regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and we welcome people who identify as queer and/or transgender. There is a place on the registration form to indicate each dancer's gender identity. Mixed gender couples will be judged separately form same-sex couples, and the female must lead at least 50% of the time. Because the straight ballroom world does not allow participation of same-sex or reverse-role couples, our competition is limited to those categories of couples.

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What should I wear?

What is a One-Dance Event?

It is a single dance, danced in competition against other couples of the same proficiency level. One-Dance Events have a style and a level as explained below:

• Style: International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth, & American Rhythm
• Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced--see Rules and Policies for more details

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That depends on you and how many partners you wish to dance with. Here are the rules:

• Each couple may enter any or all dances in any or all styles. Example: you and your partner may dance in the Beginner American Cha-Cha and the Intermediate International Tango
• A particular couple may only enter only one proficiency level (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced) ) in a particular style. 
• An individual may dance with more than one partner, but cannot dance in the same style and proficiency level with more than one partner.  Example:  you may enter the Beginner American Waltz with Chris, and the Advanced American Waltz with Dana. 
• If an individual who has danced in the One-Dance Events wishes to enter a Graded Event in that same style, that person must enter with either a different partner or with the partner with whom he/she danced at the highest proficiency level in that style.  In the example described in the previous bullet, you would enter the Graded American Smooth Event with Dana (having danced with Dana at the higher proficiency level).  Chris could still dance the Graded American Smooth, but would have to do so with a different partner.

Are you confused by all this? So are we, but it’s clear if you go back and read it again!  Of course, if you still have questions, please contact us and we’ll help you out.

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What is a Graded Event?

It is a multiple dance competition in which your proficiency level is determined only after you dance for a separate panel of grading judges.

In a Graded Event, your steps and patterns are not restricted to syllabus figures.  You will first dance in the Grading Rounds.  Grading Rounds consist of all the entrants in a particular style dancing two or three dances in randomly distributed groups.  Don’t panic; there may be some very experienced dancers on the floor at the same time as some very new dancers.  But the judges are only looking to separate the dancers by demonstrated proficiency levels or GRADES.

Once the initial grading is done, then each grade may be asked to dance again for the grading judges so they can make sure that they got it right.  If they didn’t, then adjustments to proficiency levels are made at this time.

Now that the couples have been GRADED, or sorted by proficiency level, the formal competition begins.  The lowest grade would dance only those dances used in the grading round.  As the grade gets higher, the number of dances is increased.

Example:  you’ve entered the Graded International Latin Event.  The first grading round will consist of Cha-Cha, Rumba and Jive.  If a second grading round is needed, it will be Cha-Cha and Rumba.  If the judges place you into the C grade, you will then compete against all the other couples in the C grade in Cha-Cha, Rumba and Jive.  If you got placed into the B grade, you and your fellow B’s will compete over 4 dances: Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba and Jive.  If you were placed in A, you’ll be competing over 5 dances: Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive!

In other words, if you enter a graded event, you will dance at least 2 rounds (one grading round and one competition round) and a minimum of 6 times (3 in the grading round and at least 3 in the competition round).  If your event, once graded, requires more than just a final, you may be dancing even more!  This is a golden opportunity to get out there and strut your stuff. 

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How much can I dance in the Graded Events?

Because you will not know until after the grading rounds the proficiency level at which you will be dancing, you will only be able to dance with one partner in a particular style in the Graded Events. You could, of course, dance with different partners in different styles!

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Which events will be run as Graded Events?

Men’s and Women's International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth, and American Rhythm are guaranteed to be Graded Events as are Ten-Dance events. Graded events will be held only if at least 3 couples have entered that event.

Which dances in each graded event will be used for grading?

The following is a list of which dances will be used to do the grading. Keep in mind that if you get put into a higher grade, you will need to dance additional dance(s) appropriate to your category.

• Standard: Waltz, Tango, Quickstep (1st round) - Waltz, Quickstep (2nd round if needed)
• Latin: Cha-Cha, Rumba, Jive (1st round) - Cha-Cha, Rumba (2nd round if needed
• Smooth: Waltz, Foxtrot (both grading rounds)
• Rhythm: Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing (1st round) - Cha-Cha, East Coast Swing (2nd round if needed)

I want to enter a Graded Event, but I don't know all the dances.What do I do?

This could happen. Don't panic! Say you entered the Graded American Smooth, and you are really looking forward to dancing a beautiful waltz, a stunning tango and a dynamic foxtrot, but you’ve yet to learn Viennese waltz.  You anticipated getting placed in the B level, but the judges have rewarded your hard work by placing you in A.  Now you are supposed to dance the Viennese waltz.  What would you do?

You have choices!  You could bravely fake it, or do only those steps you know.  A bronze Viennese waltz might look very good and hold it’s own in competition.  Or you could stand at the side of the floor during the Viennese waltz and allow the judges to mark you last in that dance.  Either way, you still get to dance and get marked for what you DO know, as well as have a whole lot of fun!

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What is a Formation Team Event? 

There will be 2 categories of Formation Teams:

A. Open Dance Routine: Teams desiring to perform routines primarily for entertainment with significant dance content. 

B. Couple Dance Routine: Any routine that is performed as couples dancing together in a joined configuration throughout the routine except for: entrance, exit, transition, separation where partner changes are made, or a movement is executed where the perception of partnership is maintained.

1. Single-dance teams are fine, so are multiple-dance teams.
2. It does not have to be one of the International or American 10 dance forms - that is salsa, hip hop, Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, etc, are all OK.
3. A Couple Dance routine must be primarily partner dancing.
4. The majority (60%) of the time spent couple dancing must be same-sex or reverse role.
5. Routine must be at least 90 seconds, but no more than 6 minutes, from entering through exiting the floor.
6. Routine may include changes in rhythm, but they are not mandatory.
7. Routine must include at least (2) changes in formation.
8. Routine must have a minimum of (4) couples or 8 individuals.

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What is an Open Event?

An Open Dance Event is an event in a particular dance or group of dances that is neither a One-Dance Event nor a Graded Event.   In the Open Events, all couples compete against each other at the same time.  If we get a large number of entries for a particular style, we might choose to run it as a Graded Event (what's this). Here is a list of the dances we intend to offer as Open Events. If you don't see something you would like to dance in, let us know. Maybe we can add it.

 

Swing Events:	West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop
Country/Western:	C/W Two-Step, C/W Waltz
Other Events:	Argentine Tango, Salsa, Merengue, Hustle, Nightclub Two-Step
Line Dance Events:	DHSS (beginning/intermediate), Tic Toc (intermediate/advanced)
Luck-of-the-Draw Events:	West Coast Swing, Nightclub Two-Step

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What else do I need to know?

Here’s everything you should know before you enter.  If we miss anything, give us a call at 510-763-1343 or 415-971-0410 and we’ll try to answer your question as quickly as possible.

The Formal Rules:

• Couples will consist of two women or two men dancing together (regardless of sexual orientation) or reverse-role couples defined as a woman leader and a man follower.
• A couple may enter only one proficiency level in the same style One-Dance events (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced)
• A couple may enter both the One-Dance and Graded Events in the same category.
• A couple may compete in as many styles as they wish.
• An individual may enter different events with different partners, but may not enter the same event with more than one partner.
• Transgender individuals should dance in whatever gender category they use to live and function in public.

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It is only for same-sex couples?

The main reason we are running these same-sex dance events is that there is no other opportunity for same-sex couples to compete unless we run our own competitions.

We allow reverse-role couples to enter the competition, but these couples will be judged separately from same-sex couples.

A reverse role couple will be any couple where a woman is LEADING a man is FOLLOWING. The woman must lead at least 50% of the time event. There will be a place on the entry form to indicate that you are a dancing in a reverse role couple.

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What about Professionals vs. Amateurs?

Both professional and amateur dancers are welcome and encouraged to participate in all events as professional, amateur, or pro-am couples. Pro-am couples are welcome and encouraged to participate. A Pro-Am couple is a Professional dancing with a Amateur.  Pro-am couples must identify themselves as such when they register and will be judged separately in all Proficiency One-Dance events. Each pro-am couple entering a one-dance proficiency event will be required to identify whether they belong in the beginning, intermediate, or advanced level based on the proficiency of the STUDENT dancer.  The pro-am couple will then dance in the heat corresponding to that proficiency level (beginning, intermediate, or advanced).  HOWEVER, pro-am couples in each one-dance proficiency heat will be judged SEPARATELY from all other couples in that heat. 

Pro-am couples will not be judged separately in the Open or Graded Events and will be subject to the same grading process as all other couples.  A Professional Dancer is an individual who is any or all of the following:

• Someone who earns a significant portion of his or her income from teaching dancing.
• Someone who has declared him or herself as a Professional by word or deed (examples include serving as a hired partner in competitions, being a staff member employed as a teacher by a Dance Studio, competing as a professional).

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Can I enter with more than one partner?

You may enter with as many different partners as you want, HOWEVER......

You cannot enter the same event with more than one partner.

Your name and your partner's name for any particular event must be on the entry sheet  for that event before the event begins.

There are a few other restrictions having to do with One-Dance and Graded events as well as age divisions. Please read about One-Dance events, Graded events, and Age Divisions for those details.

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Can I still dance if I don't enter the competition?

There will be blocks of time all day and during the evening when we will put on music for social dancing as well as warm up time for the competitors. Come and DANCE DANCE DANCE as well as support your friends who are competing.

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Do we dance in groups or one couple at a time?

Short answer: GROUPS.

All the competitions will be held by having groups of couples dance together at the same time to the same music. This is called a ROUND. Each round will last at least 90 seconds. If there are too many couples to dance together all at once, then they will be divided into HEATS and each heat will dance for at least 90 seconds. So a ROUND consists of one or more HEATS of couples. The judges will look at your dancing and select those couples from each ROUND who they wish to see dance again. There will be as many ROUNDS as necessary to get down to 6 couples for a final. Once there are only 6 couples left, those couples will dance a final round and be ranked in order from first place to sixth place. There must be at least 20 minutes rest time between each round. There must be at least 30 seconds rest time between each dance of a multi-dance event (like the graded events. Don't worry if you don't understand. We will have people standing by to make sure you know when to be on the dance floor for your event.

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Do I need to bring my own music?

NO.

(unless.....)

Since all the events are group competitions, we will pick music appropriate to the dance event and play that music for all couples to dance to at the same time.

We assume that Formation Teams will bring their own music. If you have contacted us and made arrangements to do a special performance, then please do BRING YOUR OWN MUSIC! 

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Is Night Club Two-Step the same as Country/Western Two-Step?

They are completely different styles of dancing. If you know both, please enter both! But if you have never heard of Night Club Two-Step, don't worry--we won't make you dance it. And if you enter the wrong event by accident, we will be happy to put you in the RIGHT event before you have to dance.

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What is NASSPDA?

The North American Same-Sex Partner Dance Association (NASSPDA) is a membership organization committed to the promotion and expansion of social and competitive same-sex partner dancing, which includes Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country Western, and other partner dances, as well as different styles within those terms, such as International and American Style. NASSPDA acknowledges and celebrates its origins in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

NASSPDA's goals are:

• Establish and continue to improve consistent definitions, guidelines and standards for same-sex partner dance competitions in North America, with an initial emphasis on those dances featured at the Gay Games and Outgames.
• Support functions and venues for social same-sex partner dancing.
• Coordinate and liaison with dance organizations and sponsors of dance competitions
• Be a resource for same-sex partner dancers.
• Aim to raise the level of same-sex partner dancing.
• Coordinate and liaison with dance organizations and sponsors of dance competitions.
• Encourage the inclusion of dancers from diverse backgrounds with regard to race, ethnicity, gender, age, [dis]ability, gender identity and/or expression.
• Function with a high degree of operational accountability and transparency.
• Operate according to the rules and principles of a not-for-profit organization.

NASSPDAwill be holding an open discussion and feedback meeting on Sunday, April 25, 2009 (location and time will be posted--please check back). Come and find out more about your organization! Membership is not required for attendance. Coffee and bagels will be served!

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Can we switch between Leading and Following?

YES! That's one the great things about same-sex dancing.

It is not so much that you actually get extra points for changing roles with your partner since points are not used to do the judging, but it does demonstrate a great command of the dancing form to be able to both lead and follow, and the judges will be inclined to reward those couples who switch over those who don't if  their dancing is otherwise about the same.

You don't have to do roles changes, so don't worry if you don't. The best couple will win regardless of role changes.

If you DO choose to change roles, those changes should be integrated into the dancing in a way that does not disrupt the flow of the dancing. In other words, don't STOP, change around, and start up again. Just keep dancing and gracefully flow from one role to the other (and back again, if you want.) The only restriction to switching is for reverse-role couples in which the woman must lead at least 50% of the time.

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Do we have to have a routine?

Some couples will, some won't. Routines are nice, but if you are used to just dancing with your partner free-style, or have not had time to put together a routine and still want to dance, then you will be just fine.

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My dance parter and I have different experience levels but want to enter the one-dance proficiency events. How do we decide at what level to enter?

We’ve received questions about whether only one or both dancers in a couple need to meet the proficiency level definition to qualify.  For example, if one dancer has been competing in that dance style for only a year or two but the other has been competing for 3+ years, would that couple qualify for the Beginner Proficiency one-dance event?  April Follies policy is that a couple’s proficiency level should be determined by what grade level the couple would likely be assigned in a graded event.  If one dancer is new to their role (i.e., newly leading or following), the same principle would apply—namely, that the proficiency level should be determined by what grade level a couple would expect to be placed in.  If a couple is unsure of their potential grade, it might be helpful to consult with their instructor.  The intention of these policies is to create an environment in which couples feel that they are competing with other couples who are at approximately the same level of proficiency. 

Please note that the Mentor event is designed for couples with clearly different experience levels, especially where one dancer is a beginner and the other is not. 

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I don't have a partner. Is there any way for me enter the competition?

You could come to the competition, find someone you know or would like to know, and ask them to enter an event with you.  You need to be sure that both of you are registered, that each of you has received a number, and that you have entered your names as a competing couple on the entry sheet for your event well before the event begins.

If you are interested in finding a partner prior to the competition, consider joining ItTakes2, a yahoo group for same-sex dancers looking for dance partners. This is something new we're offering this year. (Please note that California Dreaming, Bay Area Dance, its organizing committees, board, and the moderator of this mailing group disclaim any and al liability connected with your membership in this group, the content of postings, and any and all actions arising there from. Membership in this group constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.)

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What are these new "multi-dance" events, and how do they work.

1. Beginners: a 2-dance event in which both dancers must be new to competition (one year or less) or to competing in said style of dance (one year or less)
2. 50-Plus: a 2-dance event in which each dancer must be at least 50 years young or older.
3. Mentor: a 2-dance event in which one dancer must be new to competition (one year or less) or to competing in said style of dance (one year or less). the partner of the beginner can be at any proficiency level except for professional. If you dance with a professional partner, please enter the Pro-am multi-dance or single dance events.
4. Pro-am: a 3-dance event for Pro-am couples

Competitors must dance multiple consecutive dances in these events. Each dance is scored separately, and an average score will determine the final placements. Mult-dance events are not syllabus restricted.

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What about age divisions and events for seniors?

There will not be separate age or proficiency divisions in the various events. Instead, we are offering separate age and proficiency multi-dance events.