Judging Guidelines

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Division Overview

All Line Dance Jack & Jill* divisions are sanctioned by the National Country Dance Circuit (NCDC). *“Jack & Jill” here refers to solo competitor entries and excludes team or choreographed line dance divisions.

Levels Offered

• Novice

• Intermediate

• Advanced

• Showcase / Invitational

Competition Guidelines & Rules

1. Choreography Requirements

• Each competitor must dance two full walls of the original choreography without added variations or modifications.

  • These two walls may occur anywhere in the dance.

• For phrased dances, competitors must demonstrate one full wall of each phrase.

2. Spacing & Floorcraft

• Competitors must maintain proper spacing throughout the dance.

• Staggered positioning is required to ensure adequate dance space for all dancers.

3. Variations & Styling

• Variations are permitted only if they remain true to the flow, style, and intent of the original choreography.

• Variations must not disrupt:

  • Stepsheet timing

  • Musical phrasing

  • The recognizable structure of the dance

Judging Criteria

All judging categories are weighted equally.

Timing

• Dance must follow proper stepsheet timing.

• Any added styling or variation must remain synchronized with the music.

Technique

• Judges evaluate:

  • Stepsheet accuracy

  • Body mechanics

  • Foot placement & articulation

  • Arm styling

  • Overall movement quality

Content

• Creativity and quality of styling choices

• Appropriateness of variations

• How well additions complement the original choreography

Showmanship

• Confidence and presentation

• Audience engagement

• Performance quality

• Entertainment value

Music & Dance Selection

• The Line Dance Coordinator selects competition dances for each level.

• Selections emphasize varied skill sets appropriate for the division level.

Round Structure & Lengths

Prelims

• Two full songs

Semis (if needed)

• Two full songs

Finals

• Two full songs

Definition of a Full Song

• A “full song” is defined as 2:00–2:30 minutes.

• Song length may be adjusted to preserve judging integrity.

Disqualifications

Aerials

• Not permitted.

• An Aerial is defined as any movement in which both feet leave the floor while the dancer’s body changes planes of movement. This includes jumps, lifts, or airborne transitions that elevate the dancer beyond normal step‑based movement.

Props

• Not permitted.

• Props are defined as any external object intentionally introduced or used during a competition or performance. Personal items that remain worn (e.g., jewelry, belts, hats, glasses) and are not incorporated into the choreography are not considered props.