RULES & REGULATIONS

Overview

The ASARC is a celebration of dance, community, and excellence, bringing together dancers from across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Our rules are designed to promote fairness, professionalism, and joy on the dance floor while aligning with international best practices in Ballroom dancing competitions.

ASARC Approved Figures, Elements & Restrictions

1. Dance Styles & Categories

1.1. American Smooth

Waltz
Tango
Foxtrot
Viennese Waltz
Quickstep

1.2. American Rhythm

Cha Cha
Rumba
East Coast Swing
Bolero
Mambo

1.3. Club Styles (Sunday only)

Salsa
Bachata
West Coast Swing
Hustle
Samba
Merengue
Lindy

1.4. New Vogue (Friday Only)

Evening Three Step
Gypsy Tap
Merrilyn
Charmaine
Carousel
Barclay Blues
Tangoette
La Bomba
Tracie-Leigh Waltz
Swing Waltz

2. Entry Types

We welcome a variety of partnerships, each with their own division:

Pro/Am: A professional dances with an amateur student. The amateur is adjudicated.
Am/Am: Two amateur dancers compete together.
Non/Am: An amateur competes with a non-competitive (non-judged) partner. The "NON" partner does not pay entry fees and will not be scored.

Note: Participants may dance with multiple partners provided there are no event conflicts.

3. Skill Levels & Divisions

Each competitor must enter at their appropriate level based on experience and past results. Competitors may dance in multiple adjacent levels (e.g., Bronze & Silver), but not across non-consecutive levels.

3.1. Levels

Newcomer
Bronze / Beginner
Silver / Intermediate
Gold / Advanced
Open

3.2. Divisions

Competitors are grouped into divisions based on performance readiness and technical development:

Division I – Advanced dancers with consistent high-level technique and performance quality.
Division II – Intermediate dancers with reliable technique and developing artistry.
Division III – Novice dancers with solid fundamentals and improving coordination.
Division IV – Beginner dancers still building confidence and foundational skills.

Division winners must move up to the next division in future competitions.

4. Event Types

ASARC offers a range of competitive formats designed to accommodate dancers of all levels, from first-time participants to seasoned competitors. Each event type serves a distinct purpose within the program and contributes to a well-rounded celebration of American Smooth and Rhythm dancing.

4.1. Single Dance Heats

In this format, competitors perform one dance per entry, with each dance judged independently. These heats provide dancers with the opportunity to focus on the technical and expressive qualities of a specific style (e.g., Waltz, Rumba, or Cha Cha). This format is ideal for those seeking targeted feedback or wishing to compete selectively across their strongest dances.

4.2. Triple Dance Heats

Competitors perform a sequence of three core dances within a style, with each dance judged separately and an aggregate score determining the final result.

Typical combinations include:

Smooth Triple: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot
Rhythm Triple: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing

This event format rewards consistency, versatility, and overall excellence across a cohesive dance category.

4.3. Triple Dance Medley

A unique team-based event that blends performance, community, and friendly competition. The Triple Dance Medley is a complimentary event introduced to foster camaraderie between studios while encouraging spirited participation within the Smooth and Rhythm community. Each team performs all three core dances in a single continuous round. The highest cumulative score determines the winning team.

4.3.1. Available Medley Styles

Smooth Medley: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot
Rhythm Medley: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing

4.3.2. Eligibility & Team Composition

Each team may include only one Professional, who may dance in multiple entries.
All other team members must be Amateur or Non-Competitive dancers.
Only Amateur and Non-Competitive dancers will be adjudicated.
Each team must include at least one dancer with Bronze or Silver level experience.
Dancers may switch roles (Lead/Follow) across the three dances.
Teams may be formed across multiple studios.
Amateur dancers contributing to team balance or demonstrating versatility may be favourably considered by adjudicators.

4.3.3. Level & Guidelines
The Triple Dance Medley will be judged at a Bronze/Silver level. Competitors are encouraged to refer to the NDCA guidelines for Silver-level movement restrictions.

4.4. Smooth & Rhythm Championships

These are ASARC’s premier multi-dance events, adjudicated across the full spectrum of a style. Championship entries require competitors to perform all dances within a category, with scores accumulated across rounds.

Examples include:

Smooth Championship: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz
Rhythm Championship: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo

Championships are designed to test a dancer’s endurance, technical control, and artistic expression over an extended performance set.

4.5. 9-Dance Championship

This comprehensive event spans the entire American Smooth and Rhythm syllabus, combining all nine dances into one aggregate competition.

Dancers compete in:

Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz
Rhythm: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo

The 9-Dance Championship is traditionally held during the Saturday Gala Ball and represents the highest test of stylistic range, partnership, and adaptability.

4.6. Jack & Jill Heats

These are light-hearted, social-style events that aim to promote community, spontaneity, and floorcraft.
Partners are assigned randomly on the floor, encouraging adaptability, connection, and enjoyment. Jack & Jill Heats are non-adjudicated and open to all attendees, regardless of competitive level.

5. Advancement Policies

To ensure fair progression, ASARC applies the following advancement rules:

Anchor Rule: If a competitor wins in a level or division well above their base level, they are required to move to the next division from the base level in future competitions.
Ratchet Rule: Competitors must progress to the next level above their base level if they win an event in their current level.
- A dancer’s base level is their declared level upon registration and may be verified based on prior results.

These rules help maintain integrity and challenge dancers to grow within the competition framework.

6. Dress Code

Appearance and grooming are part of overall presentation and will be considered in adjudication. Please follow these guidelines:

6.1. General Presentation

Neat grooming is expected for all dancers.
Long hair must be tied back and secured.
Hats are not permitted.
Only approved ballroom shoes may be worn.
All garments must be secure and remain in place throughout dancing.
Underwear must not be visible.
Strapless tops are not permitted.
Front necklines must offer adequate coverage.
Trousers must be full-length, worn with appropriate socks.

6.2. Smooth Gowns

Hemline must fall below the knee at all points.
Dresses should enhance but not impede movement.

6.3. Rhythm Dresses

Hemlines must fall below mid-thigh at their shortest point.
Dresses must cover briefs when stationary.
Slits must not rise above the hip line.

Costumes are a reflection of the dancer’s presentation and style. Judges may deduct marks for inappropriate attire.

7. Judging & Heat Timing

Smooth & Standard: 60 - 75 seconds per heat
Rhythm & Latin: 60 - 75 seconds per heat
Club Styles: 60 seconds per heat

7.1. Judging Criteria

Timing and musicality
Technical precision
Style and character of the dance
Partnership and connection
Floorcraft and presentation

Judges’ decisions are final. Scoring is conducted using the relative placement system as per international competition norms.

8. Entry & Fee Policies

8.1. Registration

Entries must be submitted by July 26, 2025.
Late entries may be accepted but are subject to additional fees and limited availability.

8.2. Fees

Competitor Entry Fee must be paid by all competitive dancers.
Individual event fees vary by entry type and are listed here.
Gala Ball tickets & Spectator tickets are sold separately.
Late submission fee: 15% of total entry cost.

Refund Policy: Refunds will be considered on a case by case

9. Spectator & Studio Info

Spectators welcome! Tickets available online and at the door.
Children under 5 enter free.
No flash photography during heats.
Professional event photography will be available for purchase post-event.
Studios may reserve seating blocks by request.

10. Media Consent

All dancers automatically grant ASARC permission to use video or photographic material for promotional, editorial, and educational purposes. Opt-out is available with written notice prior to the event.

11. Awards & Special Recognition

We love celebrating our dancers! Awards include:

Medals and trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placements in all judged categories.
Special Awards:
- ASARC Crystal Cup
- ASARC Legacy Award
- ASARC "Not 1st Place" Award