​Luck of the Draw CONTESTS

Novice
Intermediate
​Advanced

Contest Guidelines

  • Registration for all contests will be held at the event venue up to one hour before competition start times.
  • This is a swing dance event. Therefore, our judges will expect to see recognizable swing content from both partners.
  • Social dance skills emphasis. Luck of the Draw competitions are designed to showcase good social dance skills in spontaneous swing dancing. All dancing in these competitions should consist of lead/follow moves.
  • Connection. Swing is a connected partner dance. You must maintain physical contact with your partner throughout the dance, except for free spins, short breakaways, and recoveries. 
  • Partner weight support moves are allowed and these moves will be judged according to the standard criteria of timing, teamwork, and technique. Any moves that our judges deem unsafe may earn a violation penalty. When in doubt, leave it out.
  • While we are not a WSDC sanctioned event, dancers should enter the division they qualify for under WSDC guidelines. www.worldsdc.com
 Judges Criteria 
  1. Timing. Swing is danced beginning on the downbeat. Good timing includes not only dancing on the correct beat but finer distinctions such as whether you are dancing to the syncopated “swing” of the music. Your syncopations and footwork also need to be on time.
  2. Teamwork. Swing is a connected partner dance. Demonstrating this connection through lead/follow or action/reaction with your partner is an expected part of any swing dance competition. A balanced performance of give-and-take with your partner should be your goal. Ignoring, disrespecting, or jeopardizing the safety of your partner indicates poor teamwork. Compensating and adjusting for your partner is an expected part of good teamwork.
  3. Technique. How well you execute the movements in your dance constitutes technique. Good technique includes clean execution and completion of dance elements such as control of balance and weight, foot placement, body lines and turns.
  4. Choreography. Choreography is the selection and order of movements and transitions during your dance. Choreography should be spontaneous in a social dance competition. Good choreography demonstrates an intimate connection with the music and the ability to match patterns and syncopations to the phrasing of the music. It also includes identifiable swing patterns in order to provide variety and contrast.
  5. Musical interpretation. Good musical interpretation consists of adjusting the flow of your dance to fit the style, tempo, mood, and rhythm variations in the music. You should strive to demonstrate the ability to hear and interpret nuances in the music throughout your dance.
  6. Presentation. Inviting interest in your performance is the desired effect of good presentation. Good presentation begins with your selection of appropriate attire and shoes. While providing a good show is one aspect of presentation, it cannot substitute for good dancing. You should aim primarily for demonstrating positive dance chemistry together as a couple. ​

Judges

Our Judging Staff is comprised of experienced and respected judges from the Bay Area WCS community.
2026 Confirmed Judges: Austin Kois, Shanna Porcari, Paul Nunez, Edwin Li, Heather Powers
Chief Judge & Scoring: Andy Bouman