


RULES & REGULATIONS
Overview
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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.
1. Dance Styles & Categories​
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​​1.1. American Smooth
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Waltz
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Tango
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Foxtrot
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Viennese Waltz
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Quickstep
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1.2. American Rhythm
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Cha Cha
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Rumba
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East Coast Swing
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Bolero
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Mambo
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1.3. Club Styles (Sunday only)
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Salsa
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Bachata
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West Coast Swing
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Hustle
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Samba
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Merengue
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Lindy
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1.4. New Vogue (Friday Only)
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Evening Three Step
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Gypsy Tap
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Merrilyn
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Charmaine
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Carousel
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Barclay Blues
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Tangoette
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La Bomba
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Tracie-Leigh Waltz
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Swing Waltz
2. Entry Types
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We welcome a variety of partnerships, each with their own division:
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Pro/Am: A professional dances with an amateur student. The amateur is adjudicated.
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Am/Am: Two amateur dancers compete together.
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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.
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Note: Participants may dance with multiple partners provided there are no event conflicts.
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3. Skill Levels & Divisions
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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.
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3.1. Levels
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Newcomer
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Bronze / Beginner
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Silver / Intermediate
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Gold / Advanced
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Open
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3.2. Divisions
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Competitors are grouped into divisions based on performance readiness and technical development:
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Division I – Advanced dancers with consistent high-level technique and performance quality.
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Division II – Intermediate dancers with reliable technique and developing artistry.
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Division III – Novice dancers with solid fundamentals and improving coordination.
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Division IV – Beginner dancers still building confidence and foundational skills.
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Division winners must move up to the next division in future competitions.
4. Event Types
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Smooth Triple: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot
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Rhythm Triple: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing
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This event format rewards consistency, versatility, and overall excellence across a cohesive dance category.
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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.
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4.3.1. Available Medley Styles
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Smooth Medley: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot
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Rhythm Medley: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing
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4.3.2. Eligibility & Team Composition
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Each team may include only one Professional, who may dance in multiple entries.
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All other team members must be Amateur or Non-Competitive dancers.
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Only Amateur and Non-Competitive dancers will be adjudicated.
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Each team must include at least one dancer with Bronze or Silver level experience.
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Dancers may switch roles (Lead/Follow) across the three dances.
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Teams may be formed across multiple studios.
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Amateur dancers contributing to team balance or demonstrating versatility may be favourably considered by adjudicators.
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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.
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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:
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Smooth Championship: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz
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Rhythm Championship: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo
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Championships are designed to test a dancer’s endurance, technical control, and artistic expression over an extended performance set.
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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:
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Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz
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Rhythm: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo
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The 9-Dance Championship is traditionally held during the Saturday Gala Ball and represents the highest test of stylistic range, partnership, and adaptability.
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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.
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5. Advancement Policies
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To ensure fair progression, ASARC applies the following advancement rules:
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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.
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Ratchet Rule: Competitors must progress to the next level above their base level if they win an event in their current level.
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A dancer’s base level is their declared level upon registration and may be verified based on prior results.
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These rules help maintain integrity and challenge dancers to grow within the competition framework.
6. Dress Code
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Appearance and grooming are part of overall presentation and will be considered in adjudication. Please follow these guidelines:
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6.1. General Presentation
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Neat grooming is expected for all dancers.
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Long hair must be tied back and secured.
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Hats are not permitted.
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Only approved ballroom shoes may be worn.
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All garments must be secure and remain in place throughout dancing.
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Underwear must not be visible.
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Strapless tops are not permitted.
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Front necklines must offer adequate coverage.
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Trousers must be full-length, worn with appropriate socks.
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6.2. Smooth Gowns
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Hemline must fall below the knee at all points.
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Dresses should enhance but not impede movement.
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6.3. Rhythm Dresses
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Hemlines must fall below mid-thigh at their shortest point.
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Dresses must cover briefs when stationary.
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Slits must not rise above the hip line.
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Costumes are a reflection of the dancer’s presentation and style. Judges may deduct marks for inappropriate attire.
7. Judging & Heat Timing
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Smooth & Standard: 60 - 75 seconds per heat
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Rhythm & Latin: 60 - 75 seconds per heat
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Club Styles: 60 seconds per heat
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7.1. Judging Criteria
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Timing and musicality
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Technical precision
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Style and character of the dance
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Partnership and connection
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Floorcraft and presentation
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Judges’ decisions are final. Scoring is conducted using the relative placement system as per international competition norms.
8. Entry & Fee Policies
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8.1. Registration
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Entries must be submitted by July 26, 2025.
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Late entries may be accepted but are subject to additional fees and limited availability.
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8.2. Fees
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Competitor Entry Fee must be paid by all competitive dancers.
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Individual event fees vary by entry type and are listed here.
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Gala Ball tickets & Spectator tickets are sold separately.
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Late submission fee: 15% of total entry cost.
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Refund Policy: Refunds will be considered on a case by case
9. Spectator & Studio Info
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Spectators welcome! Tickets available online and at the door.
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Children under 5 enter free.
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No flash photography during heats.
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Professional event photography will be available for purchase post-event.
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Studios may reserve seating blocks by request.
10. Media Consent
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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
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We love celebrating our dancers! Awards include:
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Medals and trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placements in all judged categories.
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Special Awards:
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ASARC Crystal Cup
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ASARC Legacy Award
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ASARC "Not 1st Place" Award
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12. Code of Conduct
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We are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment. All competitors, instructors, and spectators are expected to:
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Show respect to fellow dancers, staff, and judges.
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Maintain a professional and friendly attitude at all times.
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Accept judges’ decisions with grace and sportsmanship.
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Refrain from disruptive behavior, harassment, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
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Failure to follow these standards may result in removal from the event or disqualification.
RHYTHM
BPM | MPM
CHA CHA
120 | 30
RUMBA
124 | 31
EAST COAST SWING
140 | 35
BOLERO
92 | 23
MAMBO
188 | 47
CLUB
BPM | MPM
BACHATA
120 | 30
HUSTLE
120 | 30
LINDY
180 - 200
MERENGUE
64 | 32
SALSA
200 | 50
SAMBA
100 | 50
WEST COAST SWING
112 | 28