Competitor Rules and Expectations

Competitors do not need a full weekend pass to participate. They only need to pay entry to the dance and the competition.
A couple consists of one lead and one follow. Leaders may be any gender. Followers may be any gender.
Only one person in a couple needs to register for the ELEF (Everybody Leads Everybody Follows), Open Pure Balboa, and Open Slow Balboa competition. Partners’ names should be listed during registration.
Contest registration closes at 6:30 pm on Friday, September 27 for the Open Pure Balboa and ELEF Contest. Registration for the Newcomer Shuffle, Intermediate Shuffle, and Advanced Shuffle closes at 12:30pm on Saturday, September 28. Registration for the Slow Bal Contest closes at 12:30pm on Sunday, September 29. All contestants should pick up their competition number from the registration desk prior to the competitors meeting.

Please read contest descriptions for what constitutes a “newcomer,” “intermediate,” and “advanced” dancer.
Shuffle (a.k.a. Mix and Match) competitions are divided into four levels (newcomer, intermediate, advanced, and invitational). Contestants may only compete in one shuffle division unless they are competing in a different role (lead/follow).
Open pure balboa, ELEF, and open slow balboa competitions are open to competitors of ALL LEVELS. Novice and advanced competitors are encouraged to participate.

Competitors are expected to behave in a courteous and respectful manner at all times during the event.
All competitors should be present at the competitors meetings, or they may be scratched from the competition without refund.
Only the leader needs a number for couples contests. Followers AND leaders need a number for the Shuffle competitions. Numbers should be worn on the torso and not on the leg. Competitors should keep numbers to be worn again in finals.
Finalists will be announced and posted at the Irish American Heritage Center and on Facebook.