Rules & Regulations

Dance Competition Rules & Regulations

1. Dance Requirements

All routines must adhere to NDCA-approved syllabus figures for their respective divisions.

Closed Divisions:
Pro/Am & Amateur – American or International – Newcomer, Pre-Bronze, Bronze I, Full Bronze, Newcomer Silver, Silver I, Full Silver, Gold I, Full Gold.
Open Divisions:
Pro/Am & Amateur – American or International – Single or Multi-Dance: Open Bronze, Open Silver, Open Gold, Scholarships, Pre-Championships, Open Amateur Championships, Solo Exhibitions, and all Professional Divisions.

  • Lifts are not permitted in any division except Professional Theatre Arts.

  • Solo Exhibitions: Competitors may participate in solo performances, which must adhere to time constraints if applicable. Music must be provided via USB in MP3 format.

  • Closed Divisions: Must follow NDCA’s Approved Figures, Elements & Restrictions for the relevant syllabus level.

  • Age Categories: May be merged when there are fewer than three (3) entries.

  • Competitors may dance in two age categories and four consecutive levels, plus the Open division.

  • Scholarship Divisions: Competitors must enter a minimum of five (5) single dances (four in Smooth) in the same style as each scholarship entered to be eligible.

2. Competitor Eligibility and Registration

  • Registration: All participants must complete registration by the official deadline and submit required forms and payments.

  • Licensing: All Pro/Am students must hold a current NDCA Pro-Am License and present proof upon check-in.

  • Membership: Competitors, professionals, and studios must be in good standing with the NDCA or another recognized governing body.

  • Eligibility: A Pro/Am student may not teach ballroom dance under any circumstances.

  • Verification: Proof of identity, NDCA number, and licensing must be available at registration.

3. Proficiency and Age Classifications

  • Proficiency Levels: Defined as Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Open categories. Competitors must register at the appropriate level for their experience.

  • Age Divisions: Determined according to NDCA standards:

    • For Pre-Teen, Junior, Youth, and Adult couples — based on the older partner’s age.

    • For Senior categories — based on the younger partner’s age.

    • Competitors may dance up one age division if allowed by NDCA policy.

  • Youth Solo Star: Only Pre-Teen, Junior, and Youth competitors may enter Solo Star categories. Adult and Senior competitors are not eligible.

  • Galaxy Dance Festival reserves the right to combine or re-seed age divisions to maintain event flow.

4. Judging Criteria and Scoring

  • Judging Criteria: Technique, timing, musicality, presentation, posture, and adherence to syllabus rules.

  • Scoring: The NDCA-approved Skating System will be used.

  • Judges: All adjudicators are qualified and certified per NDCA standards.

    • Active professional competitors may not judge professional events.

    • Judges are prohibited from coaching during the event, using electronic devices while judging, or posting comments about competitors online.

5. Competition Structure

Event Categories include Single Dance, Multi-Dance, Scholarships, and Showcases.

Dance Styles & Tempos: Must adhere to NDCA-recognized tempos and styles.

INTERNATIONAL STYLE

Standard (Ballroom)

  • Waltz: 30 MPM (90 BPM)

  • Tango: 32 MPM (128 BPM)

  • Viennese Waltz: 58–60 MPM (174–180 BPM)

  • Foxtrot: 30 MPM (120 BPM)

  • Quickstep: 50–52 MPM (200–208 BPM)

Latin

  • Cha Cha: 31 MPM (124 BPM)

  • Samba: 50 MPM (100 BPM)

  • Rumba: 24–25 MPM (96–100 BPM)

  • Paso Doble: 60 MPM (120 BPM)

  • Jive: 42–44 MPM (168–176 BPM)

AMERICAN STYLE

Smooth

  • Waltz: 28–30 MPM (84–90 BPM)

  • Tango: 30 MPM (120 BPM)

  • Foxtrot: 30 MPM (120 BPM)

  • Viennese Waltz: 54–56 MPM (162–168 BPM)

  • Peabody: 60 MPM (240 BPM)

Rhythm

  • Cha Cha: 30–31 MPM (120–124 BPM)

  • Rumba: 30–31 MPM (120–124 BPM)

  • Swing: 34–36 MPM (136–144 BPM)

  • Bolero: 22–24 MPM (88–96 BPM)

  • Mambo: 47–49 MPM (188–196 BPM)

  • Merengue: 30 MPM (60 BPM)

  • Samba (American): 50 MPM (100 BPM)

  • West Coast Swing: 28–30 MPM (112–120 BPM)

  • Hustle: 29–31 MPM (116–124 BPM)

  • Polka: 60 MPM (120 BPM)

  • Paso Doble: 60 MPM (120 BPM)

THEATRE ARTS / SHOWDANCE

  • Tempo varies based on choreography and musical interpretation.

  • Lifts and open movements are permitted only in these divisions.

Organizers reserve the right to combine, divide, or reschedule heats as needed to ensure efficiency and fairness.

6. Dress Code

All attire must comply with NDCA Dress Code standards for the relevant division and age category.
Youth and Junior competitors must adhere to the NDCA Youth Costume Guidelines in effect.
Girls – Pre-Teen Division

Permitted Attire

  • Simple dress or skirt and top (one solid color only).

  • Skirt may be plain or pleated, with 1–3 half circles of fullness.

  • One underskirt is allowed (same or similar color).

  • Sleeves may be long, short, cap, or sleeveless.

  • Necklines may be high, round, boat, V-neck, sweetheart, or Peter Pan collar.

  • Heel height: maximum 1.5 inches (block heel).

  • Hosiery: white ankle socks or flesh-colored tights.

Not Allowed

  • No decorations: sequins, glitter, rhinestones, feathers, fringes, bows, belts, lace, or patterns.

  • No see-through or mesh panels (except lined sleeves).

  • No uneven hems, splits, or ruffles.

  • No jewelry, arm bands, chokers, or hair accessories other than plain hair ties or ribbons.

  • No makeup, fake lashes, or glitter hairspray.

  • No fishnet tights.

Skirt Length

  • Must fall no shorter than 3 inches above the knee and no longer than 1 inch below the knee.

Boys – Pre-Teen Division

Permitted Attire

  • Black or dark navy trousers (no satin stripes).

  • Plain white or black long-sleeved shirt with collar.

  • Black tie or bow tie.

  • Black or dark socks.

  • Standard ballroom shoes.

Not Allowed

  • No colored shirts or patterned fabrics.

  • No vests, sweaters, or decorative elements.

  • No shiny or metallic materials.

  • No makeup or jewelry.

General Rules

  • Dresses and shirts must be plain, simple, and age-appropriate.

  • Fabrics must be non-shiny (no satin, lamé, or metallic threads).

  • Hair must be neat; no elaborate styles or glitter.

  • If a Pre-Teen competitor dances up into the Junior division, they must still wear Pre-Teen–approved attire.

  • Organizers reserve the right to request a costume change if a competitor’s attire is non-compliant.

7. Code of Conduct

  • All competitors, instructors, and attendees must act with professionalism and courtesy.

  • Unsportsmanlike behavior, harassment, or misconduct will result in immediate disqualification or removal without refund.

  • The Organizer reserves the right to interpret or amend any rule at its discretion.

8. Anti-Doping Policy

Competitors must comply with all NDCA anti-doping regulations.
Use of performance-enhancing substances is strictly prohibited.
Testing may be conducted, and violations will result in immediate disqualification and possible NDCA sanctions.

9. Awards & Recognition

Top Teacher Awards

Eligible teachers must meet minimum entry requirements. Points are awarded based on entries and placements in all Pro/Am divisions, including Solo and Scholarship events.

  • Both teacher and students must be on 3 - Day Package, to qualify for Top Teacher Prize Money.

  • Calculations are based on NDCA’s point system and total entries danced.

World Pro-Am Dancesport Series Point System

Points are awarded to teachers and students based on placement, participation, and performance in all eligible Pro/Am events.

Single Dance Entrie

Placement Points

1st Place 8 pts

2nd Place 7 pts

3rd Place 6 pts

4th Place 5 pts

5th Place 4 pts

6th Place 3 pts

7th Place 2 pts

8th Place1 pt

  • Recalls: +4 points per recall (each additional round advanced).

  • Uncontested Entries: Half points awarded.

Multi-Dance Events + Scholarships (2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-Dance)

Placement Points

1st Place 20 pts

2nd Place 15 pts

3rd Place 10 pts

4th Place 8 pts

5th Place 6 pts

6th Place 4 pts

7th–8th Place 2 pts

  • Recalls: +5 points per round advanced.

  • Uncontested Entries: Half points awarded.

Landmark Events & Double Points

Certain designated “Landmark” events award double placement and qualifying points.
These events are published annually at DanceSportSeries.com.

Tie-Breaking

In case of a tie:

  1. The teacher with more total entries receives higher placement.

  2. If still tied, the teacher with more 1st place finishes wins.

  3. If still tied, the teacher with the greater number of multi-dance wins will prevail.

Eligibility & Entry Requirements

  • Entries must be submitted by the official deadline and accompanied by full payment.

  • The teacher and student must stay at the competition’s designated resort.

  • The teacher must meet the minimum required number of danced entries to qualify.

  • Both teacher and student must be on the 3-Day Package.

  • The teacher must be present at the Award Ceremony to receive any Top Teacher honors.

  • Teachers and students must both be registered participants in an Adult Pro/Am division.

Studio Awards

Recognizing studios with exceptional participation and achievement.

Studios with 10 or more Adult Pro/Am students will receive bonus prize money as a recognition of outstanding participation.

Teachers Pot of Gold Award

  • Teachers must dance a minimum of 30 entries to qualify

  • Top Teacher winners are not eligible.

  • Applies to Adult Pro-Am entries only.

  • Prize money must be collected before event conclusion or may be applied toward next year’s entry if arranged in advance.

  • Failure to collect Pot of Gold winnings before the conclusion of the event will result in forfeiture of prize money.

Points & Affiliations

Points are calculated based on participation in:

  • World Dancesport Series

  • Men in Black Dance Tour

  • Leading Follows Network (LFN)

  • Fourdney Foundation

  • NDCA Premier Ranking Event

  • Best of the Best Challenge

Prize money and awards are non-transferable and must be collected during the event.

10. Entry Requirements & Deadlines

  • All entries must be received by the published deadline.

  • Late entries may be accepted with an added late fee.

  • No entry will be processed without full payment.

  • Refunds are not guaranteed, but credits may be issued for emergencies with a doctor’s certificate (per NDCA standard).

  • Hotel or package cancellations made less than 10 days before the event may incur a surcharge.

  • In cases of force majeure (venue closure, natural disaster, government restriction), entries may be credited toward a future event, but not refunded.

11. Music and Performance Guidelines

  • Competitors must ensure their music is appropriate and competition-ready.

  • Solo Exhibitions must follow posted time limits.

  • Music must be in MP3 format on USB, labeled with competitor name and division.

  • A backup file is strongly recommended.

12. Safety and Emergency Procedures

  • Medical staff will be available on site.

  • Participants should locate emergency exits and follow all safety directions.

  • Any injury or incident must be reported immediately to the Organizer or on-site EMT.

13. Event Liability & Attendance

  • All attendees, competitors, and guests participate at their own risk.

  • Galaxy Dance Festival and NDCA assume no responsibility for loss, theft, or injury.

  • The Organizer is not responsible for acts of third-party vendors (hotel, decorators, A/V contractors, etc.).

  • Competitors are encouraged to maintain their own insurance coverage.

14. Image Use & Media Rights

By attending or competing, participants grant the Organizer and NDCA the right to record, photograph, and use their image, likeness, and performance for promotional, archival, or commercial purposes.
All such materials are the exclusive property of Galaxy Dance Festival and NDCA.
Participants waive the right to compensation or approval of usage.

15. Acknowledgment of Rules

By submitting entries or signing registration forms, participants acknowledge that they have read and understood all Galaxy Dance Festival Rules & Regulations and agree to abide by both these rules and the current NDCA Rule Book(ndca.org).