Advanced Shuffle

This is an “advanced” level balboa and bal-swing competition and is $15 per person. The format is “mix and match” or “draw” so participants do not sign up with a partner. Competitors do not need a full weekend pass to participate. Dancers will be paired randomly and will dance to music selected by a DJ.

Who is “advanced?”

Full-time professional balboa dancers including track instructors at Great Lakes Balboa Escape are not allowed to compete in this division. Anyone who has placed first, second or third in the open division at California Balboa Classic, All Balboa Weekend, Camp Hollywood, or a similarly-leveled event is not allowed to compete in this level. Advanced dancers may only compete in the Intermediate Shuffle in the opposite role, if Intermediate eligibility for the opposite role still applies.

Prelims Format

Contestants will be randomly paired with 3-4 partners and will dance in “all-skate” format to 1 minute 30 second songs chosen by the competition DJ. Leads and followers will be judged separately and chosen for finals based on callback format.

Participants must attend a competitor meeting at 4:15pm on Saturday, September 27 in Room 311 of the Irish American Heritage Center or they may be scratched from the competition. Prelims will occur at 5:45pm in the Erin Room of the Irish American Heritage Center. 

Finals Format

Contestants will be randomly paired with a partner and will be judged as a couple for finals. Partners will dance an all skate, spotlight, and final all skate.

Finals will occur at 10:45pm on Saturday, September 27. Finalists must be present in the Erin Room (ballroom) at 10:15pm and attend a brief competitors’ meeting near the DJ booth or risk being scratched from the competition.

 

Judging Criteria

Contestants will be judged on:

  • Connection: As this is a social dance competition, judges will be look for your skill in listening to and reacting to a variety of partners. Competitors are expected to demonstrate teamwork with each partnership.
  • Musicality: Judges will assess both your general timing (ability to stay on rhythm) as well as your macro and micro musicality skills.
  • Technique: Contestants are assessed on their ability to cleanly execute Balboa and Bal-swing movements along with the technique and skills that are specifically required for follow or lead roles.
  • Creativity: Competitors are encouraged to add personality to the dance by adding their own innovative movement choices, structure, and footwork. However, the dance should still remain in the format of Balboa and Bal-swing.

Prizes

First, second, and third place winners receive medals and a cash prize.

  • First Prize: $100 each
  • Second Prize: $75 each
  • Third Prize: $50 each