COMPETITIONS AT BEST OF THE BEST
COMPETITION DRESS CODE FOR JACK & JILLS:
Casual attire is required as a minimum competing. Shorts and Singlets will get a penalty or disqualification.
THE COMPETITIONS:
Casual attire is required as a minimum competing. Shorts and Singlets will get a penalty or disqualification.
THE COMPETITIONS:
- Best of the Best is a World Swing Dance Council (WSDC) Registry Event with points allocated in the Jack & Jill competitions! (Excluding Sophisticated and fun competitions)
JACK & JILL COMPETITIONS
Jack & Jill competitions are designed to highlight skills in spontaneous West Coast Swing (WCS) dancing and the ability to dance well with a variety of partners. Competitors enter as individuals, are randomly assigned partners, and dance to music pre-selected by Best of the Best’s Head DJ. Competitors must enter as either a "leader" and/or "follower" regardless of gender. This event is gender neutral but once a competitor enters a division as a leader or follower, they must remain in the nominated role throughout that competition division entered.
Gender Neutrality:
Best of the Best will allow Dancers to compete in more than one Jack and Jill Division per the WSDC rules found here and listed below
Best of the Best WCS Jack & Jill guidelines:
JACK & JILL COMPETITION DIVISIONS**:
Newcomer Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
A person should compete in Newcomer if they have been dancing West Coast Swing for less than a year in the nominated role, have not competed in the newcomer division at Best of the Best previously and have no Newcomer or Novice points in the nominated role. i.e. a Novice Follow can compete Newcomer Lead if the follow has no Newcomer or Novice Lead points and has been dancing as a lead for less than a year.
Novice Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
A person should compete in Novice if they have earned fewer than 16 Novice points in their nominated role and do not otherwise qualify for the Intermediate Division.
Intermediate Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
A person should compete in Intermediate if they have already competed at the Intermediate level; already hold Intermediate points (and do not qualify for a higher Division); or have earned 16 or more Novice points in their nominated role. A person must compete in the Intermediate Division if they hold 30 or more Novice points in their nominated role.
Advanced Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
A person should compete in Advanced if they have already competed at the Advanced level; already hold Advanced points (and do not qualify for a higher Division); or have earned 30 or more Intermediate points in their nominated role. A person must compete in the Advanced Division if they hold 45 or more Intermediate points in their nominated role.
All-Star Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
A person should compete in All-Star if they have already competed at the All-Star level; already hold All-Star points; or have earned 60 or more Advanced points in their nominated role. A person must compete in the All-Star division if they hold 90 or more Advanced points in their nominated role.
Sophisticated Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
The Sophisticated Division is a division for persons over the age of 35 years! World Swing Dance Council points will be awarded in this Division. Persons over 35 years can dance in their respective skill Division level as well as the Sophisticated Division.
**Please note that each Division will only proceed if 5 or more unique leaders and 5 or more unique followers pre-register for the relevant Division. If a division is not held, the division may be combined with the Division below and points will be earned at the lower Division level, i.e. an Advanced/All-Star Jack & Jill Division will earn Advanced points.
Gender Neutrality:
Best of the Best will allow Dancers to compete in more than one Jack and Jill Division per the WSDC rules found here and listed below
- Leader and Follower points will be tracked separately in the Points Registry.
- Competitors qualify for their dance level based on either their Leader or Follower points, whichever is higher.
- Competitors are allowed to compete in their non-dominant role one level down, as long as they don’t qualify in both for the same division. No petitions will be approved for dancing more than one level down.
- Competitors will not be permitted to dance both roles in the same division.
Best of the Best WCS Jack & Jill guidelines:
- No lifts are allowed (lifts will be determined as both of the dancer’s feet leaving the ground whilst their weight is supported by their partner).
- Dancers will be judged individually in the heats and semi-finals and as a couple in the final.
JACK & JILL COMPETITION DIVISIONS**:
Newcomer Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
A person should compete in Newcomer if they have been dancing West Coast Swing for less than a year in the nominated role, have not competed in the newcomer division at Best of the Best previously and have no Newcomer or Novice points in the nominated role. i.e. a Novice Follow can compete Newcomer Lead if the follow has no Newcomer or Novice Lead points and has been dancing as a lead for less than a year.
Novice Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
A person should compete in Novice if they have earned fewer than 16 Novice points in their nominated role and do not otherwise qualify for the Intermediate Division.
Intermediate Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
A person should compete in Intermediate if they have already competed at the Intermediate level; already hold Intermediate points (and do not qualify for a higher Division); or have earned 16 or more Novice points in their nominated role. A person must compete in the Intermediate Division if they hold 30 or more Novice points in their nominated role.
Advanced Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
A person should compete in Advanced if they have already competed at the Advanced level; already hold Advanced points (and do not qualify for a higher Division); or have earned 30 or more Intermediate points in their nominated role. A person must compete in the Advanced Division if they hold 45 or more Intermediate points in their nominated role.
All-Star Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
A person should compete in All-Star if they have already competed at the All-Star level; already hold All-Star points; or have earned 60 or more Advanced points in their nominated role. A person must compete in the All-Star division if they hold 90 or more Advanced points in their nominated role.
Sophisticated Division (WSDC Pointed Division)
The Sophisticated Division is a division for persons over the age of 35 years! World Swing Dance Council points will be awarded in this Division. Persons over 35 years can dance in their respective skill Division level as well as the Sophisticated Division.
**Please note that each Division will only proceed if 5 or more unique leaders and 5 or more unique followers pre-register for the relevant Division. If a division is not held, the division may be combined with the Division below and points will be earned at the lower Division level, i.e. an Advanced/All-Star Jack & Jill Division will earn Advanced points.
STRICTLY SWING COMPETITIONS
The Strictly Swing is a social dancing competition where the competing couples choose their own partner and enter as a couple. It is meant to be fun & to show off how well you can lead & follow.
The Best of the Best Strictly Swing guidelines:
STRICTLY SWING COMPETITION DIVISIONS**:
Novice Division (Not WSDC Pointed)
Couples should compete in Novice if both dancers have earned fewer than 15 Novice points and do not otherwise qualify for the Intermediate Division.
Intermediate Division (Not WSDC Pointed)
Couples should compete in Intermediate if one or both dancers qualifies (as a maximum) for the Intermediate Jack & Jill Competition.
Advanced/All-Star Division (Not WSDC Pointed)
Couples should compete in Advanced/All-Star if one or both dancers qualify for the Advanced Jack & Jill Competition (as a maximum).
OMG What Just Happened Strictly (Not WSDC Pointed)
This is a fun competition where dancers will be randomly partnered for a Strictly competition. This division is open to competitors from Novice to All-Star. For Novice and Intermediate competitors wanting to compete, you must attend the “OMG What Just Happened” workshop(s) (attendance will be noted for the workshops) or have Event Director approval. Rules and requirements of this competition will be made public on the day of the event.
**Please note that each Division will only proceed if 5 or more leaders and 5 or more followers pre-register for the relevant Division. If a division is not held, the division may be combined with the Division below.
The Best of the Best Strictly Swing guidelines:
- No choreography is allowed and the dance should be spontaneous lead and follow style
- No 'costumes' are allowed. Matching or complementary (classy) outfits are acceptable. (Jeans and Tee shirts are permitted here as long as both parties are matching)
- No lifts are allowed (lifts will be determined as both of the dancer’s feet leaving the ground whilst their weight is supported by their partner).
- Drops, leans, circular movements & other partner weight support moves are allowed as long as both partners keep at least one foot on the floor.
- The competitors will not know the music they are dancing to and the music will be randomly selected by Best of the Best’s Head DJ.
STRICTLY SWING COMPETITION DIVISIONS**:
Novice Division (Not WSDC Pointed)
Couples should compete in Novice if both dancers have earned fewer than 15 Novice points and do not otherwise qualify for the Intermediate Division.
Intermediate Division (Not WSDC Pointed)
Couples should compete in Intermediate if one or both dancers qualifies (as a maximum) for the Intermediate Jack & Jill Competition.
Advanced/All-Star Division (Not WSDC Pointed)
Couples should compete in Advanced/All-Star if one or both dancers qualify for the Advanced Jack & Jill Competition (as a maximum).
OMG What Just Happened Strictly (Not WSDC Pointed)
This is a fun competition where dancers will be randomly partnered for a Strictly competition. This division is open to competitors from Novice to All-Star. For Novice and Intermediate competitors wanting to compete, you must attend the “OMG What Just Happened” workshop(s) (attendance will be noted for the workshops) or have Event Director approval. Rules and requirements of this competition will be made public on the day of the event.
**Please note that each Division will only proceed if 5 or more leaders and 5 or more followers pre-register for the relevant Division. If a division is not held, the division may be combined with the Division below.
Routine Competitions
PRO-AM Routine Division
This division is designed to develop routine dancers and showcase an amateur dancing with their Professional instructor.
The Pro-Am routine division must contain 80% WCS.
Lifts and Aerials are not allowed. Drops are permitted. Each Pro is limited to three (3) students.
To qualify for this Pro/Am Routine Category, there must be an instructor/student relationship. An Amateur is someone who HAS NOT RECEIVED payment for teaching or for teaching privates. A Professional is someone who HAS RECEIVED payment for teaching group classes, privates lessons or been paid for a dance show or demonstration in the last three years.
Music must be no less than 2 minutes and no more than 3 minutes.
Routines will only be performed once as a final unless there are more than 10 routines performed, in which case the top 3 will perform again for final placings.
Trophies will be awarded to the first 3 placings.
This division is designed to develop routine dancers and showcase an amateur dancing with their Professional instructor.
The Pro-Am routine division must contain 80% WCS.
Lifts and Aerials are not allowed. Drops are permitted. Each Pro is limited to three (3) students.
To qualify for this Pro/Am Routine Category, there must be an instructor/student relationship. An Amateur is someone who HAS NOT RECEIVED payment for teaching or for teaching privates. A Professional is someone who HAS RECEIVED payment for teaching group classes, privates lessons or been paid for a dance show or demonstration in the last three years.
Music must be no less than 2 minutes and no more than 3 minutes.
Routines will only be performed once as a final unless there are more than 10 routines performed, in which case the top 3 will perform again for final placings.
Trophies will be awarded to the first 3 placings.
GENERAL COMPETITION INFORMATION FOR JACK & JILL & STRICTLY SWING COMPETITIONS:
Spotlight finals (one couple on the dance floor at a time) will be held for the Advanced and All-Star divisions only. Semi Spotlight dances (3 couples on the dance floor at a time) will be held for the Intermediate division followed by an 'All Skate' round. All other finals will be 'All Skates'.
Trophies will be awarded to the first 3 placings of each Division.
To enter the Jack & Jill or Strictly Swing please pre-register online when you purchase your event pass. In the event of changes to your competition entry please email [email protected].
Competition Entry fees: Please note that the competition entry fees are already included in the Full Event Pass price. Only Full Event Pass holders can register to compete.
Eligibility for each Division will be applicable at the time of the competition and you will be able to enter the competition upon arrival at the event by attending the Best of the Best Competition Registration Desk if you have not already pre-registered (which is encouraged) at the time of booking your event ticket. Changes to your pre-registration can be made at the event by attending the Competition Registration Desk.
WSDC Points will be checked during registration for the competition. If there has been a change to the competitor's level after they have signed up for the competition their division will be updated.
If you want to enter a Division for which you do not meet the entry requirements stated or want to change categories, you may submit a petition. Please indicate the same on your entry form at the time of competition registration.
Competitors must submit such petitions at the contest registration desk prior to the earliest registration deadline for the competition(s) in question. (Please do not attend minutes before the closing of registration!)
Petitions for reclassification will be reviewed by the Event Coordinator, in consultation with the Head Judge & it will be approved or denied based on your reasons and dance history. Contestants will be notified as quickly as possible of the outcome 'should it not be granted'.
In the event that competitors classify themselves incorrectly, and the error is discovered before the start of the competition in question, they will be given the option to reclassify themselves correctly or withdraw.
If you have competed previously in a WSDC event and you are unsure of points you may have, and therefore you would like to check on the amount of points you have, please see the WSDC points page and search for your name on that page.
The Organizer reserves the right to re-classify any contestant for any reason.
Trophies will be awarded to the first 3 placings of each Division.
To enter the Jack & Jill or Strictly Swing please pre-register online when you purchase your event pass. In the event of changes to your competition entry please email [email protected].
Competition Entry fees: Please note that the competition entry fees are already included in the Full Event Pass price. Only Full Event Pass holders can register to compete.
Eligibility for each Division will be applicable at the time of the competition and you will be able to enter the competition upon arrival at the event by attending the Best of the Best Competition Registration Desk if you have not already pre-registered (which is encouraged) at the time of booking your event ticket. Changes to your pre-registration can be made at the event by attending the Competition Registration Desk.
WSDC Points will be checked during registration for the competition. If there has been a change to the competitor's level after they have signed up for the competition their division will be updated.
If you want to enter a Division for which you do not meet the entry requirements stated or want to change categories, you may submit a petition. Please indicate the same on your entry form at the time of competition registration.
Competitors must submit such petitions at the contest registration desk prior to the earliest registration deadline for the competition(s) in question. (Please do not attend minutes before the closing of registration!)
Petitions for reclassification will be reviewed by the Event Coordinator, in consultation with the Head Judge & it will be approved or denied based on your reasons and dance history. Contestants will be notified as quickly as possible of the outcome 'should it not be granted'.
In the event that competitors classify themselves incorrectly, and the error is discovered before the start of the competition in question, they will be given the option to reclassify themselves correctly or withdraw.
If you have competed previously in a WSDC event and you are unsure of points you may have, and therefore you would like to check on the amount of points you have, please see the WSDC points page and search for your name on that page.
The Organizer reserves the right to re-classify any contestant for any reason.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMPETITORS
1. Plan Ahead. Competitors should check the weekend schedule in advance in order to arrive in time to meet registration deadlines. They should bring appropriate competition attire. They should also plan ahead so as to be on time for all meetings & competitions. Competitors are responsible for checking at the event for any changes to previously announced schedules, which are always subject to change.
2. Know the Rules. All competitors should read these rules carefully prior to attending the Event & Competition Orientation Meeting. Competitors are responsible for adhering to these rules whether they have read them or not. Questions about the rules should be asked at the Event & Competition Orientation Meeting or addressed in advance with the Event Coordinator or the Chief Judge.
3. Be Prepared to Compete. Competitors should be present in the auditorium at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their competition. Competitors are responsible for their bib numbers – please keep them safe for the duration of the event. (Replacement bibs come at a $5 fee, competitors cannot compete in a Jack & Jill without a bib)
4. Demonstrate Good Sporting Conduct. Competitors must demonstrate good sporting conduct at all times, both on & off the competition floor. Competitors must also refrain from any behaviour that the judges deem inappropriate (i.e.: any behaviour that is contrary to the event’s code of conduct). Failure to adhere to this code of behaviour may result in disqualification.
5. Discussing the Competitions Only Where Appropriate. Competitors may only discuss the competitions with the contest officials or judges using appropriate channels. Please do not approach judges seeking advice on their decisions. The head judge and other judges will be available for 30 minutes after awards when scoring has been posted.
6. Waiver. By entering any of the competitions above you expressly grant the directors of Best of the Best, and it's assignees, licensees, vendors, and legal representatives the unlimited right and authority to use your name and any photograph or video recording of your participation at Best of the Best in any and all media, in whatever manner, for any lawful purpose, without any obligation to you. You further agree for yourself, your heirs, executors, and administrators, to waive and release any and all right for damage you might have against the Directors of Best of the Best for any injuries and damages you may suffer by participating in this event and your travel to and from the event.
WORLD SWING DANCE COUNCIL POINTS ALLOCATION:
Points are awarded and then recorded by the World Swing Dance Council for the winners and place getters (and possibly finalists) of the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and All-Star Divisions of the Jack & Jill Competitions. (Points are not recorded for the Strictly Swing Competitions). For full breakdown of points allocation please go to the WSDC page for more information.
The WSDC tracks points for every competitor and these points are used to identify the Division a person should compete in.
There must be a minimum number of five couples per Division for points to be recorded.
The WSDC tracks points for every competitor and these points are used to identify the Division a person should compete in.
There must be a minimum number of five couples per Division for points to be recorded.
The above table is up to date as at 01 January 2024 as based on information on the WSDC page.
Attendance Disclaimer (Purchasing a Pass of Any Type
is acceptance of this disclaimer)
I understand West Coast Swing is a physical activity undertaken by choice at my own risk and I hereby release Best of the Best WCS, any Best of the Best WCS staff (paid or unpaid) and/or any independent contractor engaged (paid or unpaid) by Best of the Best WCS from any claim, demand, action, suit, cause of action and/or liability in relation to any damage, injury or loss suffered whether or not arising as a result of the negligence of, or breach of duty by, Best of the Best WCS, and or any paid or unpaid Best of the Best WCS staff and/or any independent contractor engaged by Best of the Best WCS.
I understand that no alcohol may be brought into the ballroom other than that purchased at the venue, and doing so puts future events at risk, and that if caught I may be asked to leave the event with no refund given.
I understand that it is my responsibility if I choose to compete to ensure my own safety and that of other competitors, as well as treating other competitors respectfully. Failure to do so may result in the disqualification from competitions at the discretion of the event directors and head judge.
I understand that there is a strictly no refund policy if I choose not to attend the event for whatever reason. My ticket, however, may be transferred and the transfer process is my responsibility.
Social pass holders are not permitted in the ballroom during workshops.
Friday Intensive, Meals and Accommodation are paid separately to Event passes.
Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult (someone 18+) and be supervised at all times.
I understand that no alcohol may be brought into the ballroom other than that purchased at the venue, and doing so puts future events at risk, and that if caught I may be asked to leave the event with no refund given.
I understand that it is my responsibility if I choose to compete to ensure my own safety and that of other competitors, as well as treating other competitors respectfully. Failure to do so may result in the disqualification from competitions at the discretion of the event directors and head judge.
I understand that there is a strictly no refund policy if I choose not to attend the event for whatever reason. My ticket, however, may be transferred and the transfer process is my responsibility.
Social pass holders are not permitted in the ballroom during workshops.
Friday Intensive, Meals and Accommodation are paid separately to Event passes.
Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult (someone 18+) and be supervised at all times.
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2023 All-Stars Winners
Zac Skinner & Emma Collyer |
