Rules of the Competition

Registration

Double registration for two levels in the same style is not allowed for Silver and below. So you cannot register for both Pre-bronze and Bronze Standard, nor can you register for Bronze and Silver Latin. You are allowed to register for both Gold and Silver levels in the same style.

Each competitor can at most register for 4 blocks of dances. For example, 1 block is Silver International Standard or Pre-Bronze American Rhythm.

Each competitor can register for all 4 styles of dancing, Smooth, Standard, Rhythm and Latin in 1 level or register for 2 styles of dancing such as Rhythm and Smooth in 2 levels, as long as it is not in a pairing of Pre-bronze & Bronze or Bronze & Silver.

However, the accumulation of seven or more points in an event at a particular level according to the YCN point system makes a competitor ineligible to compete in that event/level. A couple must compete at the level of the more experienced dancer.

Any couple eligible who has not placed out of Gold may compete in the Syllabus Viennese Waltz and Paso Doble events.

Same-sex partnerships are allowed.

Eligibility

Dancers may compete in the newcomer level only if they have started to dance after September 1st, 2008. Dancers may compete in the bronze level only if they have started to dance after September 1st, 2007.

Syllabus

Newcomer and Bronze: ISTD Bronze syllabus for International style, USISTD Bronze syllabus for American style. No continuity footwork.

Silver and Gold: ISTD Silver or Gold syllabus respectively for International style, and USISTD, DVIDA, FADS, AMDS Silver or Gold syllabus respectively or any other major syllabus for American style.

Syllabus Viennese Waltz and Paso Doble: ISTD Gold syllabus and below for International style, and USISTD, DVIDA, FADS, AMDS Gold syllabus and below or any other major syllabus for American style.

Open: Not restricted to syllabus, but no lifts permitted.

Costumes

Costumes are prohibited in Newcomer and Bronze, but are allowed in all other events (including the syllabus Viennese Waltz and Paso Doble).

Costumes are defined as:

Anything tailored with rhinestones, sequins or feathers
Tailsuits and Latin shirts with a slitted front or other such styling

Conduct

The organizers have the right to eject anyone from the premises for unruly conduct or for violation of any of the rules or guidelines. Flagrant disregard of any of the rules or regulations will result in a mark down of placement or in a disqualification where necessary.

Liability

Columbia University, Lerner Hall, and the Columbia Ballroom Dance Club are not liable for any property lost or damaged and injury or other misfortune that occurs during the competition.