Rules

Individuals may join SACWD on the following conditions:

(a)  No matter on what date you join, your annual membership expires on 31 December.

(b)  New and renewed begin the day the payment is received.

(c)  Membership may be submitted to the SACWD office via e-mail, handed in personally or via the online registration on the SACWD website.

(d)  A printable copy of the rules, contest procedures and registration forms are available to registered members on the SACWD Website. It can also be obtained from the SACWD Administrative Director.

(e)  Active membership is required for each contestant to allow SACWD to track their competitive credentials for the current dance season and is used to determine South African Championship eligibility and to graduate them from one division to the next level.

(f)  Active membership is mandatory for:

(i) All contestants and Pros before they compete in any SACWD Event.

(ii) Officials who works at an event (Dance Technical Officials, herein afterrefer to as a DTO).  

Clubs/Studio’s/Schools may join SACWD on the following conditions:

(a)  No matter on what date the club register, the annual membership expires on 31 December.

(b)  New and renewed begin the day the payment is received.

(c)  Membership application may be submitted to the SACWD office via e-mail, handed in personally or via the online registration on the SACWD website.

(d)  A printable copy of the rules, contest procedures and registration form/s is available to registered Clubs on the SACWD Website.

(e)  Active membership is required for each Club. The SACWD Office will send all relevant music and step sheets to registered Clubs.

(f)  Registered Clubs will also benefit from SACWD workshops, dance camps, training etc (if any).

(g)  Active membership is compulsory for all Clubs before their dancers may compete in any SACWD Divisions at any SACWD Event.

(h)  Studio Heads MUST compete under their own registered Studio’s name, they are not allowed to compete under another Studio’s name.

(i)  Only if competing in the Country Couples Divisions, dancers are allowed to dance with partners from other Studio’s.

A. LINE DANCE

(a)  Rise & Fall

These includes dances like the Foxtrot, Quickstep, Vienese Waltz and Waltz.

(b)  Lilt

These includes dances like the East Coast Swing, Jive, Polka and Samba.

(c)  Smooth

These includes dances like the Nightclub, Tango, Two Step and West Coast Swing.

(d)  Cuban

These includes dances like the Cha-cha, Mambo, Rumba and Salsa.

(e)  Funky

These include dances like Free Style, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Break dance and Modern.

(f)  Novelty

These include dances that cannot be placed in any of the categories above. These dances comprise of a combination of movements from various styles.

At competitions, dances will always be offered in the sequence above.

B. COUPLES

(a)  The classic couples dance categories are Triple Two, Polka, Nightclub, Cha- Cha, Waltz, Two Step, East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing.

(b)  When possible, these dances will be danced in this order at all SACWD events.

(c)  At the SACWD Championship, all couples from Division III and above can be required to dance in two flights in the following order:

(i)  Flight one – Waltz, Nightclub, Triple Two and West Coast Swing

(ii) Flight two – Two Step, Cha-Cha, Polka and East Coast Swing.

(d)  There will be a 30 second break between the dances in the flight to make costume changes if necessary.

(e)  There will be a break between flights.

C. TEAMS

See item 6. D on page 7

(a)  A line dance contestant may compete in gender-specific divisions and Choreography non-gender divisions.

(b)  A couple’s dance pair must consist of one male and one female. The male will lead and the lady will follow, except for momentary role reversals.

(c)  A Pro-am or Pro-pro dance pair must consist of one male and one female, of which one must be a student dancing with his or her instructor.

(d)  Pro-am and Pro-pro are gender specific divisions.

(e)  A troupe or team may compete with any gender make-up, except a team couple who must look like and portray one male and one female.

(d)  Rising Stars must be at least 14 years and less than 20 years.

(e)  * Open contestants are those that are at least 17 years old. These dancers (17 years) has the choice to either dance in the Teen or Open age division.

(f)  Open age division contestants must be adults except in couples. An adult may dance with a junior who is age 16 or above.

(g)  Troupes & Teams may consist of any ages (Open Age).

A. LINE DANCE DIVISIONS

(a)  Pre-primary

(i)  This division is offered in the age category 6 years and younger. If the dancer is in Primary School (from Grade 1), he/she must enter in the Primary Section.

(ii)  No promotional points are applicable in this Division.

(b)  Classic Newcomer

(i)  This division is offered in the age categories Primary – Platinum.

(ii)  This division is recommended for beginner dancers or dancers who have no competition experience.

(iii)  Dancers in this division must show good footwork, technique and may use arm styling to accentuate the dance movements.

(c)  Classic Novice

(i) This division is offered in the age categories Primary – Platinum.

(ii) This division is recommended for dance teachers who are new to competitions or dancers who have been line dancing for one year.

(iii) Dancers with competition and formal dance experience, including dance teachers must at least start in Novice.

(iv) Dancers in this division must show good footwork, technique and must use arm styling to accentuate the dance movements.

(d)  Classic Intermediate

(i) This division is offered in the age categories Primary – Platinum.

(ii) Dancers who dance in this division must have been promoted from Novice (see promotions).

(iii) A dancer who applies to start dancing in Intermediate will be accessed and reviewed by the SACWD Board of Directors.

(iv) Dancers in this division must show excellent footwork, technique and must use arm styling to accentuate the dance movements.

(e)  Classic Advanced

(i) This division is offered in the age categories Youth – Gold.

(ii) This division is recommended for experienced and accomplished dancers.

(iii) Dancers who dance in this division must have been promoted from Intermediate (see promotions).

(iv) New dancers cannot register in this Division.

B. COUPLES DIVISIONS

(a)  Classic Couples Division IV

(i) This division is offered in all age categories.

(ii) This division is recommended for beginner dancers or dancers who have a little competition experience.

(iii) Dancers in this division must show basic footwork, technique and may use styling to accentuate the dance movements.

(iv) Dancers in this division may use steps from the UCWDC syllabus A and B as well as the DVIDA Syllabus A,B,C or D.

(b)  Classic Couples Division III

(i) This division is offered in all age categories.

(ii) This division is recommended for dance teachers who are new to competitions or dancers who have been Couple dancing for one year in Division IV.

(iii) Dancers with competition and formal dance experience, including dance teachers must at least start in Division III.

(iv) Dancers in this division must show good footwork, technique and must use arm styling to accentuate the dance movements.

(c)  Classic Couples Division II

(i) This division is offered in all age categories.

(ii) Dancers who dance in this division must have been promoted from Division III (see promotions).

(iii) A dancer who applies to start dancing in Division II will be accessed and reviewed by the SACWD Board of Directors.

(iv) Dancers in this division must show excellent footwork, technique and must use styling to accentuate the dance movements.

(v) Dancers with a “Professional Status”, meaning dancers that are also trainers and who has their own dance studio’s, or dancers who are assistant trainers at any studio, must start in Div II.

(d)  Classic Couples Division I

(i) This division is offered in the age categories Youth – Gold.

(ii) This division is recommended for experienced and accomplished dancers.

(iii) Dancers who dance in this division must have been promoted from Division II (see promotions). Worlds qualification

(iv) New dancers cannot register in this Division except Championship Ballroom and Latin American Couples (both dancers).

(e)  Classic Couples Division Pro-Am

(i) Pro-Am division is offered to a dancer (amateur) dancing with their teacher (professional)

(ii)  Couples division partnerships may not also enter as a pro-am or pro-pro student/teacher partnership or vice versa.

 (iii)  This division is offered in all age categories.

 (iv)  Pro-Am Newcomer contestants must use the basic timing(s) throughout each dance except for a foot change.

 (v)  A Pro-dancer may dance with more than one contestant in the same age group

Contestants in all divisions may wear costumes that are Country Western and are appropriate to the dance, the arena, and the person wearing them.

Props are anything that is not normally worn as clothing and are only allowed in Team Cabaret, Team Open, Team Combo, Team International, ShowTime, ShowDance, Spotlights and Solo Medleys.

A. Classic Newcomer

Female:

(a) Ladies may wear a Cowboy hat.

(b) Shoes:

(i) Country western boots (the heel may not be lower than 2.5 cm). Compulsory for couples.

(ii) No chains and buckles are accepted on the boots,

(iii) The ladies may wear block heel latin shoes or men’s latin shoes;

(iv) Funky and Novelty contestants may wear any dance shoes or dance sneakers; and

(v) All-Newcomer dancers that would like to compete at the UCWDC World Championship must wear western style boots at the World Championship.

(c) Ladies are not allowed to wear costumes (outfits) that have any sequins,rhinestones or other sparkly embellishments or materials, or metallic threats woven into the costume. This does not include jewelry. (Sequins/rhinestones or other sparkly embellishments or materials are allowed – from the Neck line upwards and from the elbow to the hands only)

(d) Tights and dance pants may be worn with a skirt only.

(e) Stockings are NOT compulsory

(f) Shiny or sequenced belts and buckles are not allowed.

(g) Full briefs must be worn, no g-strings/appearance are allowed.

Dancers 16 years and younger:

(a) Dresses or skirts made of Lycra material are encouraged.

(b) Any colors may be used for dresses.

(c) Dresses or skirts may not be shorter than 4 fingers above the knee.

(d) Pre-Primary, Primary and Youth dancers will be allowed to wear block heel latin shoes for competitions if they cannot find the prescribed dance boots.

Competition music previews are not allowed for any divisions, except Div IV Country Couples and Line Dance. Warm-ups to music that is not used for competition are encouraged for divisions not previewed. Randomly repeated songs are allowed.

A. Competition music length minimum and maximums (which may extend to the end of the phrase):

(a)  Couples (Division IV, III, II & I) will dance for 2 minutes.

(b)  Line Dancers will dance for 2 minutes.

(c)  Pro-am couples will dance for 11⁄2 minute

(d)  Line Dance Choreography except ABC, 11⁄2 minutes.

(e)  Line Dance Choreography ABC, 2 minutes.

(f)  Solo medley (master/superstars/rising stars) 4 – 7 minutes.

(g)  Solo medley (crown) 21⁄2 – 5 minutes.

(h)  Legend solo medley, 2 – 4 minutes.

(i)  Teams, 3 – 5 minutes.

(a) Contestants may enter any division for which they are qualified except for the following:

(i)  Couples and Line dance contestants may not enter both Classic and Showcase divisions with the same dance routines.

(ii)  Each Team member may only dance once in any specific division at each event.

(iii)  Couples division partnerships may not also enter a competition event as a Pro-Am or Pro-Pro student-teacher partnership or vice-versa.

(b)  Once a contestant has performed in a division of their choice, they may not compete later in a lower ranked skill level division in that dance type, except for the following:

(i)  New partnerships may dance one skill level lower than the highest ranked partner.

(ii)  No competitor may drop more than two skill levels from their original skill level.

(c)  If a Newcomer/Novice or Intermediate contestant does not compete during the entire Eligibility Period (12 months), he/she/they will lose all their promotional points.

(d)  If a contestant wins a Showcase division where 3 or more competed for Overall they must enter their respective Classic division at the Advanced Level for Line dance or Division I for Couples the next Dance season.

(e)  Masters, SuperStars, RisingStars, Crown and Legend division candidates only achieve their status after they have danced a full program at that level in a World Championship.

(f)  Division entry requirements for teachers/professionals:

(i)  If you have not taught private dance lessons during the current Eligibility period and you earn less than 50% of your annual income by teaching dance (less than 50% of your expenses are covered by dance), you are eligible to dance in Division III level or above in Couples or Novice level or above in Line Dance.

(ii)  If you teach only non partnership dance forms (Line dance, Jazz, Tapp, Ballet, etc) and:

(iii)  You earn more than 50% of your annual income from teaching dance, you are eligible to enter Line dance at the Division Intermediate level, Pro-Am at the Division Intermediate level, and Couples at the Division II level.

(iv)  You earn less than 50% of your annual income from teaching dance, you are eligible to enter Line Dance at the Division Novice level and Pro-Am and/or Couples at the Division III level.

(v)  You teach only group classes, and you earn less than 50% of your annual income from teaching dance, you are eligible to enter any dance type at the Division III or Novice Level.

(i) If you teach Couples dance and:

• You earn more than 50% of your annual income from teaching dance, you are eligible to enter Couples at the Division II level or Line Dance at the Intermediate level.
• You teach only group classes, and you earn less than 50% of your annual income from teaching dance, you are eligible to enter any dance type at the Division III or Novice Level.
• If a contestant earns any compensation for themselves or others by teaching dance, they may not enter the IV or Newcomer levels of dance or lower.
• If a contestant earns any compensation for themselves or others by teaching Couple dance, they may not enter Pro-Am as a student.
• If a contestant regularly assist a professional dance instructor, even if they are not compensated, may enter Pro-Am as a student but may not enter the IV or Newcomer level of dance or lower.

A. CLASSIC LINE DANCE:

(a)  Line Dancers must line up in the order that the MC call their numbers on the floor, after that they can spaced themselves evenly on the floor (to the front or back), relative to each other, facing in the direction designated by the Choreographer.

(b)  During intro music prior to count in, contestants may move their bodies to express the mood and character of the music and dance, but MUST stay in place.

(c)  Use of hands, arms, facial expressions, body styling, and if worn, skirt work and hat work, are allowed without limit throughout the dance.

(d)  Aerials, acrobatics, slashes, piques, pirouettes, fouettes, lying on the floor and bridges are not allowed. (Except if choreographed)

(e)  Spins in adagio split and sits to recover from splits are not allowed except for Super Stars, Rising Stars, Crown and Legends.

(f)  Newcomers must dance only complete renditions of the entire step description without variation throughout the song.

(g)  Variations:

Line Dancers must follow the basic rule which requires that:

(i)  Dancers begin with a full basic which is a complete rendition of the entire step description without variation.

(ii)  The dancers begin each rendition with two measures of the basic (without variation from the step description). Two measures of music is 8 counts of 4/4 time music or 6 counts of 3⁄4 time music.

(iii)  Variations must follow the flow of the dance and are limited to two measures of music, or less, per rendition of the dance to allow for musical interpretation of phrase endings.

(iv)  Throughout the song, each variation must be followed by two measures of basic.

(v)  In an ABC dance, each section of the dance, e.g., A,B or C, must begin with a full basic before any variation may be performed.

(vi)  Newcomers are not allowed to do any variations.

(vii)  Pantomiming, singing and speaking are not allowed.

B. LINE DANCE SHOWCASE:

(a)  A dancer may begin the dance facing any direction of his or her choosing, and may begin the dance at any time.

(b)  A dancer must dance repetitive patterns according to the phrasing of the music.

(c)  Aerials, acrobatics, sits (except to recover from a split), lying on the floor, and bridges are not allowed except in SuperStars, RisingStars, Crown and Legend Solo medley’s.

(d)  Pantomime, singing, lip synching, and acted themes may be performed in Showcase line and Solo Medleys.

(e)  Splits and jumps are permitted.

C. CLASSIC COUPLES:

(a)  All Newcomer or Div IV couples contestants must dance a minimum of 3 dances of which the Two Step, East Coast Swing and Cha-Cha is compulsory.

(b)  All Novice or Div III couples contestants must dance all 8 dances. The same rule applies for Intermediate (Div II) and Advanced (Div I) couples.

(c)  All couples must start with their bodies touching. Newcomers must start in one of the seven (7) Closed Positions: Basic Closed (Right inside partner), Left inside partner, Right Parallel, Left Parallel, Promenade, Reverse Promenade or Fan.

(d)  Couples must follow the basic rule which requires them to dance one full, visible basic pattern of the dance per standard phrase of music. The basic pattern must be performed within the character of the dance, and in a connected position.

(e)  A stationery split or rotating pedestal is not allowed.

(f)  Dance movements that incorporate shine are not allowed except for Chase, Challenge of Circles in Cha-cha. When performed, shine movement cannot be used to satisfy the Basic Rule.

(g)  Free spins are permitted only when they are led from connection.

(h)  Division IV and Pro-Am Newcomer contestants must use the Basic timing(s) throughout each dance except for a foot change.

(i)  Hops, leans, lunges, arabesques, penches, piques, attitudes, developes, rond de jambs, tele rondes, kneeling and leaning on the floor are not allowed.

(j)  Adagio movement is not allowed except for kicks, flicks, floor sweeps, or passé when done without losing the basic timing.

To host a competition/SACWD Championship, the Administrative Director will make a tender form available to anybody interested. This tender form need to be completed and sent back to SACWD office at least 3 months before the competition date (or prescribed date).

Promotional competitions for every year will be:

A. Club Championships;

B. District Championships;

C. Inter Provincial Championships; and

D. SACWD Championship.

E. UCWDC World Championship

A. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

(a)  All registered dance schools/members may enter for these competitions. Dancers represent their clubs at the Club Championships

(b)  This is also development competitions and non-registered dancers can enter but will not receive any points. If a non-registered dancer is placed better/higher than a registered member in that division, the points of that placing will be awarded to the next dancer (registered dancer).

(c)  The dancers will however at the competition still receive their awards for places obtained.

(d)  All the points that every dancer obtained for his/her placing per Club/School/Studio will be accumulated to establish which Club/School/Studio is the Club Champion for the year.

(e)  Every first and second placing per Section will qualify to be on their respective District Teams.

(f)  Dancers will march on in their Club outfits.

B. DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS

(a)  Only registered dance clubs/schools/studios and dancers may enter for this competition and dancers represent their Districts.

(b)  District Colors was awarded to:

• dancers who qualified at the Club Championships; and
• dancers representing the District team at the District Championship.

(f) If a dancer do not pitch or withdraw, he/she will not receive the district colours and no refunds for colours paid will be given.

(c) District Teams will compete against each other at the District Championships.

(d)  All the points that every dancer in their respective District Teams obtained for his/her placing will be accumulated to establish which District is awarded the District Champion for the year.

(e)  Every first and second placing per Section will qualify to be on their respective Provincial Teams.

(f)  Dancers will march on in their District Colours.

Promotional points will be accumulated as follows:

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL