Judging Guidelines

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NEWCOMER

TIMING

• Understanding of the “Quick Quick Slow Slow” rhythm

 

TECHNIQUE

• Clean and clear QQSS steps

• Proper frame in basic dance positions

 

TEAMWORK

• Lead and follow basic patterns clearly and accurately from closed, sweetheart, cuddle, and skaters

 

SHOWMANSHIP

• Smile and have fun!

 

NOVICE

Everything from Newcomer AND…

 

TIMING

• Syncopations encouraged but not required (QQS QQS, QQQQSS, SSSS, etc.)

• Holding slows (“slow-and, slow-and”)

 

TECHNIQUE

• Compressive connection in closed and stretch connection in away movements

• Lead clear and timely preps

 

TEAMWORK

• Lead skill-level-appropriate moves that are successful for the partnership

• Logical flow of moves and patterns (follow on the correct foot, etc.)

 

SHOWMANSHIP

• Begin to utilize styling (e.g. arm styling, leg lines, etc.)

 

INTERMEDIATE

Everything from Novice AND…

 

TIMING

• Syncopations expected (QQS QQS, QQQQSS, SSSS, etc.)

• Weight transfer (body flight) over held slows

 

TECHNIQUE

• Dynamic compressive and stretch connection evident across movements

• Beginning to show chaine and/or pivot turn technique

 

TEAMWORK

• Follow may influence the dance; leader should be responsive to follow

• Seamlessly link patterns and moves together without unnecessary basics

 

SHOWMANSHIP

• Engage the audience with crowd-facing movements

• Acknowledge some phrase changes

 

ADVANCED

Everything from Intermediate AND…

 

TIMING

• Syncopations must be used frequently and to create impact

• Clear evidence of pulse throughout the dance

• Quicker (accelerated) quicks and slower (held) slows

 

TECHNIQUE

• Increased dynamic compressive and stretch connection evident across movements with improved turn speed and more accurate timing

• Dynamic leg actions – bent to straight with each weight transfer

• Consistent and proper application of chaine and/or pivot turn technique

 

TEAMWORK

• Follow should influence the dance; leader should create opportunities and be responsive to follow

• Variety and creativity in movements

 

SHOWMANSHIP

• Acknowledge all phrase changes and musical accents

• Musical movement choices

• Highlight your partner’s specific skill set

 

DISQUALIFICATIONS:

LINE OF DANCE

• Country Two Step is a progressive dance – patterns that are stationary or travel back line of dance are allowed but must NOT impede the progress of other couples.

• It IS the responsibility of other dancers to avoid already-stopped partnerships

 

LIFTS

• A lift occurs when both feet leave the ground and the other partner supports their weight AND the hips of the lifted partner are above the hips of the lifting partner.

• Lifts are not allowed.

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