Judging Guidelines​​

 

Rhythm & Timing

• Music is 4/4 time, but may contain a variety of rhythms.

• Progressive is a-rhythmical (no fixed step pattern required).

• Base timing is typically single time (one step per beat).

• Dancers may use any combination of quicks and slows.

• Steps may fall on any beats, as long as they are on beat.

 

Movement & Floorcraft

• Progress continuously around the line of dance (LOD).

• Avoid stopping progression for more than 12–16 counts.

• Do not impede other couples (no traffic jams).

• Consistent forward movement is expected throughout the dance.

 

Connection & Style

• Primary connection is extension (stretch), not compression.

• Stretch should occur parallel to the line of dance.

• Maintain a traveling, swing-like look and feel.

• Use patterns that naturally create stretch while moving.

 

Pattern Use

• Avoid staying in one spot doing patterns before moving on.

• Patterns should travel and support continuous progression.

• Encourage flowing movement down the floor, not stop-and-go dancing.

 

Judging Emphasis

• Rewarded:

  • Continuous progression.

  • Clear use of extension-based connection.

  • Musical interpretation (any valid rhythm).

• Penalized:

  • Excessive stopping.

  • Blocking or interfering with other dancers .

 

Summary

• Step on any beat.

• Keep moving down the floor.

• Prioritize stretch and flow.