FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I get my event on the National Country Dance Circuit?
For an event to qualify for the National Country Dance Circuit, the event must use relative point placement scoring for prelims, semis, and finals and have multiple leveled divisions. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a call to discuss getting onto the circuit, email info@nationalcountrydancecircuit.com.

When I first enter to compete in the National Country Dance Circuit, where do I place myself?
First time NCDC competitors are allowed to enter Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced after consulting with their event director for the best division placement that is being offered at that event. Due to the nature of the system’s flexibility, your true current division will be revealed through the process of competing—whether that means moving up, moving down, or staying in the same division.

Why can’t I enter directly into All-Star?
We believe the title of All-Star is something you earn through the process of competing. We want to encourage a focus on growth and progress rather than just bestowing titles upon dancers.

What do the Placement letters and/or numbers mean in the Points Registry?

P = Competed in Prelims but did not move past Prelims

Q = Competed in Quarterfinals but did not move past Quarterfinals

S = Competed in Semifinals but did not move past Semifinals

A = Alternate / Next in line to make Finals

# = Placement rank in Finals

What does a -0 point allocation mean?
This means in the competition no prelim judge gave a “yes” to go to semis or finals. The -0 does not reduce your total points calculation for that division ranking. In a rare fringe case, you could have received 3 “maybe/alternate” and no “yeses” from the judges and not receive a -0 point allocation because 3 “maybe/alternate" is scored above the threshold for 1 "yes".

A -0 score isn't about penalizing the competitor, but more so about identifying the dancer's current level or if they are trending to a lower level relative to the other competitors in that division.

What is Relative Placement?
Relative placement is a fair and transparent judging system used in competitive events, including dance competitions, to determine a competitor's ranking based on their performance in relation to others. Instead of relying on raw scores, this method focuses on how competitors rank relative to one another, ensuring that the results reflect the overall consensus of the judging panel.

How Does Relative Placement Work?
Prelims placement involves judges ranking competitors yes, no, or maybe/alternate based on individual performance after each round of prelims and semifinals. Finals placement is determined by the majority of rankings across the judging panel. For example, if Competitor A is ranked 1st by 2 out of 3 judges, they secure 1st place overall. In the event of a tie, further rankings, such as 2nd place votes and head judge rankings, are analyzed to break the tie and assign final placements.

Why Use Relative Placement?
Relative placement ensures fairness by balancing out any potential bias or discrepancy from individual judges through majority consensus. It provides transparent results that competitors and audiences can clearly understand. The system also reduces outliers, minimizing the impact of extreme or inconsistent scores that could skew the results. At NCDC-hosted competitions, we use the relative placement system to ensure that every competitor is judged fairly and consistently. Whether you're competing in Line Dance, Country Swing, Two-Step, or Traditional Progressive Jack & Jill categories, this system guarantees that rankings are based on a balanced evaluation of your performance. By prioritizing fairness and clarity, we aim to elevate the competitive dance experience for all participants.

What are the Danceplace Competition Types?

Danceplace Certified

A certified National Country Dance Circuit competition is a competition that is using Danceplace, the official relative placement scoring software for the National Country Dance Circuit, and a Danceplace certified competition coordinator to oversee the competitions.

Non-Certified

A non-certified National Country Dance Circuit competition does not have a Danceplace certified competition coordinator overseeing the competitions.

How Are NCDC Year-End Buckles Awarded?

Year-end NCDC buckles are awarded based on points earned throughout the season. Dancers accumulate points by competing at NCDC-sanctioned events. At the end of each year, the overall points leader in each dance style—both as a Lead and as a Follow—receives an official NCDC Belt Buckle.

CTST-NCDC FAQS

Why Form a CTST-NCDC Partnership?

This partnership and cooperation will further promote social, competitive Two Step. We are stronger together and want to reward and encourage dancers who compete in Two Step, no matter what “brand” they compete under. It’s not about ownership - it’s about community, growing our dancesport, and supporting competitor development.

Combining the structure, longevity, and respect of CTST with the energy, momentum, and marketing prowess of NCDC will make for an unstoppable force for the dance we all love so much - Two Step!

What Does the CTST-NCDC Partnership Mean For Me?

This means that ALL YOUR POINTS from each system will now count toward your Two Step Jack & Jill level! You *may* even have enough to graduate into the next skill division, so check your points in the registry!

E.g. If you had 14 Novice Points with CTST and 6 Novice points with NCDC, you would now have the 20 points necessary to graduate into Intermediate.

ANY past points AND future points will all go toward the same goal. All points will be visible within both systems.

What Is My Competitive Level? (This is important!)

If you are an NCDC competitor with points in your current level, YOU MAY NOW COMPETE IN CTST IN THAT LEVEL.

E.g. if you have 1 or more points in Advanced NCDC Two Step, you are qualified to dance in Advanced CTST

If you do NOT HAVE ANY POINTS in your current competitive level, you may STILL continue to self-place in NCDC-only comps OR dual-branded (CTST-NCDC) comps.

For single-branded CTST comps, you must begin in Novice if you do not have any points in a higher level of NCDC OR you may submit a petition to dance in a higher division. Please refer to CTST petition guidelines before submitting. For petition questions, please email CTST.

Are There Any New Graduation Provisions?

Yes. Compromises were made by both organizations to create the most encouraging environment for competitive Two Step dancers. Please locate the detailed updated graduation provisions in a separate document (LOCATION HERE).

Most notably, the threshold for moving into Intermediate from Novice has increased. While we understand this may be frustrating, please know that there are nearly 30 CTST and NCDC Two Step Jack and Jill events being held around the country in 2026 - offering you many opportunities to secure your last few points.

Are There Any New Awarded Point Tiers?

Yes. Compromises were made by both organizations to create the most encouraging environment for competitive Two Step dancers. Please locate the detailed updated awarded point tiers provisions in a separate document (LOCATION HERE).

Will I Still Have Separate CTST and NCDC Identification Numbers?

Yes. If you are already in the CTST registry, you will maintain your CTST number within CTST. If you are already in the NCDC registry, you will maintain your NCDC number within NCDC. If you are already in both registries, you will maintain both unique numbers within in each system,

If you do not have a CTST or NCDC number yet, one will be created for you when points are transferred into each system. You will be able to search for yourself in the points registries and find your newly assigned number.

How Do the Points Work Now?

Points logged with the NCDC will be entered into the CTST system retroactive to the NCDC’s formation.

CTST points will be entered into the NCDC database for each competitor - but they will only reflect the competitor’s current level, and they will be entered as a lump sum.

Past points from previous skill divisions will not be entered.

E.g. if you are currently in Intermediate, none of your Novice points will transfer over as they are unnecessary to count toward forward point progression.

What About the NCDC “-1 Point” System?

To make data tracking across both systems work seamlessly, NCDC has decided to not utilize a “-1 point” anymore and instead notate the trend with a “-0” for the purpose of tracking and data. The “-1 point” could potentially cause the data across both registries to not match, so it is no longer in effect. The “-1 point” was being used in cases where a competitor receives all No’s in prelims from prelim judges. Instead the all No’s in prelims from prelim judges is now notated with a “-0”.There is no point reduction for a “-0” score. CTST and NCDC reserve the right to review exceptional circumstances where division alignment materially conflicts with skill division definitions.

When Does the New System Take Effect?

1/1/2026

This means that some competitors may graduate into a new division with the combining of CTST and NCDC points.

This also means that some competitors who were close to graduation may have a bit further to go - some graduation provisions have changed. Visit our websites for more details.

Do CTST and NCDC Judge Based on the Same Standards?

Yes. Both CTST and NCDC utilize CTST’s published judging guidelines. Those guidelines are now posted on the NCDC website.

How Will I Know if an Event is CTST, NCDC, or Both?

Events will advertise on their website if they are running CTST, NCDC, or both.

If an event is only advertised as CTST, you will still receive points in NCDC. If an event is only advertised as NCDC, you will still receive points in CTST. This is why we have formed an organizational partnership.

Worlds 2026 Points Questions, Answered

If you would have “pointed out” (graduated) from your current level with the points you accrued at UCWDC Worlds, we are allowing you to graduate into your next division. We are not requiring that you meet the new point thresholds.

E.g. if you had 12 Novice points going into Worlds and earned 3 points at the event, you will still graduate into Intermediate despite the points threshold for graduation increasing from 15 to 20.

Moving forward (anything after Worlds), all competitors will be required to meet the updated graduation requirements.