Hello Bachata Fest Jack and Jill Competition
Hello Bachata Fest 2024 J&J Competition
Sunday, July 28
11:00am - 2:00pm

Registration Fee: $40*

* Full event pass must be purchased to enter.

Genres:
- Sensual/Urban
- Dominican

Divisions:
- Novice
- Intermediate

Hyatt Regency SF Airport
1333 Bayshore Highway
Burlingame, CA
What is a Jack & Jill Competition?
A Jack & Jill dance competition is a type of partner dance competition originating from the swing dance community. In the present day, this type of competition is found in many dance genres including Bachata.
The distinguishing feature of a Jack & Jill competition is that dancers are randomly paired with a partner just before they perform, which means they don't have the opportunity to rehearse or plan their routine with a specific partner.

Jack & Jill competitions are popular for several reasons:

Emphasizes Social Dancing Skills
Participants need to be adaptable and versatile because they don't know who their partner will be.
Promotes Community and Camaraderie
Dancers often enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to meet and dance with a variety of people.
More Inclusive
Random pairings help prevent the dominance of a few superstar couples in the competition, making it accessible to dancers of various skill levels.
How Our Competition Works
Purchase the full event pass. Then pay the $40 registration fee. Then pick up your competition wristband at the registration counter on event weekend.
2. Pre-Qualification
Those that have pre-paid will receive an email with a form to complete within four weeks of the competition. This will ensure your eligibility for the division you are competing in and speed up your check-in process before the competition.*

Those that register for the competition during the event can do so but must fill out the pre-qualification form on-site.

* Ensure that the correct email is used when you registered with $40.
3. Arrive to Compete
Be present to compete on Sunday July 28. See schedule for location.*

*Those that did not fill out the pre-qualification form will be asked to do so.
4. Select Role and Skill
Indicate your role (lead or follow) and select you level (novice or intermediate).
5. Assign Bib Number
Those competing in novice and intermediate will be assigned a bib number. If you had previously participated in a qualification round and have been issued a bib number you will be re-issued the same number.*

* Competitors are responsible for knowing their bib number if they have been issued one prior to the competition. Ensure you provide your bib number in the pre-qualification form.
6. Preliminary Round
For each division (novice and intermediate), everyone competes in this round. Organizers randomly pair leads and follows. This is usually done in a way that ensures a good mix of skill levels and dance experience.

Dancers with the top scores will move on to compete in the finals.*

* Depending on how many competitors there are and the size of the dance floor, multiple heats may be employed. Up to three rounds may be employed per heat.
7. Finals Round
For each level (novice and intermediate), competitors will all draw cards to choose a partner with whom they will dance the rest of the round.

Couples take the floor one by one, and they dance to music by the competition organizers. Dancers are judged on their ability to adapt to their randomly assigned partner, their musicality, and their overall dancing skills.

Competitors that score the highest win.
Divisions
In our Bachata jack and jill competition you may see the following divisions:
Hello Bachata Fest Jack and Jill Dance Competition
Novice
a. Meant to introduce dancers to the world of jack and jill competitions.
b. All ages, dance levels, and prior experience in other dances are welcome to participate.
c. To maintain the spirit of fun, dancers with teaching experience are ineligible to compete in this division.
d. Finalists are given numerical scores that add to their regional, national, or world ranking.
Intermediate
a. Meant for those who have just a bit more experience dancing Bachata but not a whole lot.
b. Meant for those that competed in the novice division and want to progress their competition experience.
c. A minimum of two years of Bachata dancing experience is required to be eligible to compete in intermediate.
d. Dancers are eligible to compete in this division if they have passed competition preliminaries, or made it to the finals in qualifications.
e. Dancers who have scored 20 or more points from competing in the novice division are eligible to compete in intermediate.
f. Dance instructors who have taught less than 25 public group lessons per year in the last 15 years are eligible to compete in intermediate as long as they pass preliminaries.
g. Finalists are given numerical scores that add to their regional, national, or world ranking.
h. Examples of someone that is eligible for intermediates:
- A dancer that a dance instructor or teacher occasionally has as a substitute teacher.
- A dancer that occasionally is an assistant for a dance instructor or dance teacher for a for-profit dance lesson.
- A dancer that is just becoming a dance instructor or dance teacher but part time.
Advanced
a. Meant for Bachata dancers who have a good amount of dance experience, have competed in the intermediate and novice jack and jill competitions registered by Hello Bachata, or have been teaching Bachata dance classes for some time now.
b. Dancers are eligible to compete in this division if they have passed competition preliminaries, or made it to the finals in qualifications.
c. Dancers who have scored 30 or more points from competing in the intermediate division are eligible to compete in advanced.
d. Dance instructors who teach or have taught more than 25 public group lessons per year in the last 15 years before the weekend of the competition are eligible to compete in advanced as long as they pass preliminaries. These are considered "regular dance instructors."
e. Dance instructors or dance teachers that maintain a dance team within the last 15 years are eligible to compete in advanced.
e. Finalists in this division are given numerical scores that add to their regional, national, or world ranking.
f. Examples of someone eligible to compete in advanced:
- A dance instructor or teacher that teaches weekly or monthly dance lessons.
- A dance instructor or teacher that does not travel over 100 miles outside of their area of residence or travels very seldom to teach dance in a different area.
- A dance instructor or teacher that has started their own dance team and hosts regular practice or training sessions.
All-Star
Our current competition format does not include an all-star division but may in the future based on national, regional, or world rankings.
Champion
Our current competition format does not include a champion division but may in the future based on national, regional, or world rankings.
Professional
a. Dance instructors, professional dance teachers, and individuals who have received compensation for teaching dance.
b. Dance instruction is their primary method of generating income.
c. Travels nationwide or internationally to generate income from teaching dance.
d. Creates dance movement as an artist and teaches others those movements.
Bachata Jack & Jill Dance Competition Rules
1. Eligibility:
a. Eligible participants must be at least 18 years old to compete.

b. Novice: A maximum of two years of dancing experience in Bachata is required to be eligible to participate in novice.

c. Novice: This competition is an open to all dancers and who have not received compensation for teaching dance, including instruction provided for profit, within the past 15 years prior to the competition date.

d. Novice: Dance instructors, professional dance teachers, and individuals who have received compensation for teaching dance within the past 15 years prior to the competition date are ineligible to participate in novice.

e. Novice: Dancers who have never competed in a registered competition by Hello Bachata or have a novice ranking score of 20 or less, are eligible to participate in novice.

f. Intermediate: A minimum of two years dancing experience in Bachata is required to be eligible to participate in intermediate.

g. Intermediate: This competition is open to dance instructors, dance teachers, and individuals who have received compensation for teaching dance less than 25 times per calendar year in the last 15 years prior to competition date.

h. Intermediate: Dancers that feel they are over-experienced for the novice division, have not been ranked as an intermediate, and have had a minimum of two years of dancing experience in Bachata, are eligible to participate in intermediate.

i. Intermediate: Dance instructors who are teaching workshops at our festival and are receiving compensation for teaching at our festival are ineligible to participate in intermediate.

j. Intermediate: Dance instructors, professional dance teachers, and individuals who teach more than 25 times per calendar year in the past 15 years prior to competition date, are inelegible to participate in intermediate.

k. Intermediate: Dancers who have participated in our qualification events and have scored 20 or more points in the novice division are eligible to participate in intermediate.

l. Intermediate: Dancers who are not dance instructors or professional dance teachers, who have been dancing Bachata for 15 or more years are ineligible to compete in intermediate.
2. Registration:
a. All participants must register in advance of the competition. Registration will be open until the start of the competition.

b. For all competition divisions, the leaders shall be men and the followers shall be women, unless it is stated as a non-traditional division.

c. Participants must provide accurate information regarding their dance experience and teaching history when registering.

d. Registrants will be required to sign a statement of eligibility affirming that they meet the competition's eligibility criteria.

e. Registrants will be required to complete a pre-qualification form affirming that they meet the competition's eligibility criteria.
3. Dance Divisions:
a. The competition will consist of novice and intermediate divisions and judged on dancing the following styles: Sensual/Urban and Dominican Bachata.
4. Random Partner Selection (Jack & Jill Format):
a. Dancers will be randomly paired with different partners for each round of the competition. Partner assignments will be made just before each round begins.
5. Judging:
a. Competitors will be judged on their timing & musicality, technique, teamwork, difficulty, appearance, and overall performance.

b. Judges will not have prior knowledge of the contestants' teaching history to ensure a fair competition.

c. If a competitor has placed in the finals and later determined to have falsified their dance experience and/or teaching experience during registration, the competitor will receive a 0 in their regional, national, and/or world ranking. If prizes were awarded to the competitor, prizes must be returned or else be automatically disqualified from any future competition and receive a permanent DISQUALIFIED score in their regional, national, and/or world ranking.
6. Music:
a. The competition will use a variety of music genres, including Sensual/Urban and Dominican.

b. Songs and music selection will be at the discretion of the competition organizers.

c. Each round will have music played for two minutes with an even and uninterrupted transition from Sensual/Urban music to Dominican. Up to three rounds can be employed per heat.
6. Lifts and Dips:
a. Lifts: A lift is when both feet of one partner leave the floor and the partner’s weight is supported. These are not permitted and will result in an immediate disqualification in any division.

b. Dips: Are permitted for as long as one foot of each partner remains on the ground.
7. Attire:
a. Participants should wear appropriate dance attire and shoes suitable for the style of dance they are performing.

b. Participants are encouraged to dress in attire that they would normally have on during a social dance. You will not be penalized for dressing in sweatpants, gym attire, track suits, yoga attire, and the such but your Appearance score could be affected.

c. Props are not permitted. A prop is any object or detachable piece of clothing that is used intentionally as part of the dance.

d. Follows are encouraged to wear heels as the added level of difficulty reflects in your difficulty score. You will not be penalized for wearing flats.

e. Leaders do not get a point bonus for high heels because the leader is expected to be grounded and ready to stabilize the follow following a complicated moment.
8. BIB Placement
a. Leaders: Bib should be attached with safety pins on the back between the shoulder blades.

b. Followers: Bib should be attached with safety pins on the lower back or just over the butt.

c. Bibs cannot be placed on the front or side of the body.

d. Bib numbers are used for the novice and intermediate divisions.
7. Prizes:
a. Prizes will be awarded to the top performers in each category. Prizes may include medals, festival passes, and cash. Festival passes are non-transferable.

b. Cash prizes and festival passes are given to the division winners after the last day of the weekend festival but within 30 days.

c. Winners will be verified through background checks, social media checks, and peer verification to ensure that they were eligible to compete in each division. If a winner has been identified to have been ineligible but competed and won, the prizes will not be awarded and the dancer will be automatically disqualified from any future competition certified by Hello Bachata Fest. They will then receive a permanent DISQUALIFIED score in their regional, national, or world ranking. If within 30 days the winner(s) are confirmed as eligible, prizes will be given out to the winner(s).

c. Cash prizes are awarded to the winning leader and follower for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rankings in intermediate and novice divisions. For example $1,000 USD for first place intermediate division would split between the leader and the follower ($500 each). Second place of $500 would split between the leader and follower ($250 each) and so forth.
8. Refund Policy:
a. Dancers who have registered by paying the $40 entry fee are assumed to have read and established if they meet the rules and eligibility requirements for each division.

b. If you have been determined through pre-qualification that you are not eligible for any division, registration fee will not be refunded.

c. No refunds if you have competed and did not rank or place in the top 5.

d. No refunds if you have competed and ranked in the top 5.
9. Code of Conduct:
a. All participants are expected to display sportsmanship and respect towards their fellow competitors, judges, and event staff.

b. Any disruptive behavior, cheating, or violation of the competition rules may result in disqualification.
10. Organizers' Discretion:
a. The competition organizers reserve the right to make final decisions on any matters not explicitly covered in these rules.
11. Waiver:
a. All participants must sign a waiver indicating their understanding and acceptance of these rules and the inherent risks associated with dance competitions.

By following these rules, your Bachata Jack & Jill dance competition can ensure a level playing field and maintain the spirit of fair competition among amateur dancers.
Competition Legitimacy
Certain minimums must be met before the competition can take place.
From this point on Hello Bachata Fest will be referenced as HBF.
1. Division Minimum
a. The festival must offer a minimum of one division for contestants to compete in.
b. HBF will offer Novice and Intermediate divisions for 2024.
2. Contestant Minimum
a. A minimum of 40 total contestants must be registered to compete across any number of divisions offered.
3. Scoring
The Bachata Dance Judging Committee (BDJC) records and tracks points for Novice, Intermediate, and Advance divisions. Points are tracked based on tiers which is determined by number of competitors in each division:

i. Tier 1 = 5-15 Couples (5 to 1 points)
ii. Tier 2 = 16-39 Couples (10 to 2 points)
iii. Tier 3 = 40+ Couples (15 to 6 points)
4. Competitor Experience
a. Competitors must meet the eligibility requirements set forth above for the divisions that are available for contestants to enter.
Hello Bachata Fest Trophy Winner Jack and Jill Competition

Winners

Prizes are awarded to the winning competing leaders and followers for each place. Awards Ceremony takes place Sunday night during performances.

Novice 1st Place
Two Trophies + $500 USD + Score Ranking
Novice 2nd Place
$300 USD + Score Ranking
Novice 3rd Place
$150 USD + Score Ranking
Intermediate 1st Place
Two Trophies + $1,000 USD + Score Ranking
Intermediate 2nd Place
$500 USD + Score Ranking
Intermediate 3rd Place
$300 USD + Score Ranking
What You'll Be Judged On
A panel of judges evaluates each couple's performance, considering five factors:
Timing & Musicality
Technique
Teamwork
Difficulty
Appearance

The following is a detailed breakdown of each factor:

Timing
Timing refers to the dancers' ability to execute their movements in sync with the beat of the music. It involves maintaining a consistent and accurate rhythm throughout the dance. Dancers should demonstrate their understanding of the music's tempo and structure, ensuring that their steps and movements match the beats and musical accents. Proper timing is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable dance performance, as it allows the dancers to connect with the music and each other effectively.
Musicality
Musicality is the dancers' ability to interpret and express the nuances, emotions, and dynamics of the music through their movements. It involves more than just keeping time; it's about dancing in a way that resonates with the music's melody, rhythm, and mood. Dancers with strong musicality can add depth and artistry to their performance by emphasizing key musical elements, incorporating musical breaks, and demonstrating an understanding of the song's structure. Musicality allows dancers to create a more captivating and engaging experience for both the audience and their dance partner.
Technique
Technique refers to the proficiency and skill with which dancers execute various dance movements and steps. It encompasses the following aspects:
  1. Fundamental Steps: Technique includes how well a dancer performs basic dance steps, such as spins, turns, footwork, and other foundational movements. It involves the precision and control in executing these steps.
  2. Posture and Body Alignment: Good technique emphasizes maintaining proper posture and body alignment throughout the dance. Dancers should exhibit a straight back, balanced stance, and controlled body movements to enhance the quality of their dance.
  3. Balance and Control: Technique requires dancers to have a high level of balance and control over their movements. This includes maintaining equilibrium during spins, turns, and intricate footwork without stumbling or losing balance.
  4. Footwork and Styling: Dancers are judged on how well they use their feet to create intricate and stylistic patterns on the dance floor. Proper footwork is a fundamental aspect of technique, and dancers can add their unique style and flair to it.
  5. Leading and Following: In partner dancing like Jack and Jill, technique involves the ability of the leader to guide the follower with clear and effective signals, and for the follower to respond appropriately. Effective leading and following are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable dance.
  6. Connection and Frame: Technique also encompasses the way dancers maintain physical contact and connection with their partners, which includes hand placement and frame. This connection is essential for clear communication between partners.
  7. Musicality and Timing: As mentioned earlier, timing and musicality are vital aspects of technique. Dancers must demonstrate their ability to dance in sync with the music and interpret its rhythm and melody effectively.
  8. Creativity and Expression: While technique emphasizes the technical aspects of dancing, it also allows for creative expression. Dancers are encouraged to express themselves and infuse their unique style into their movements without compromising the fundamental techniques.
Technique is a significant factor that judges consider when evaluating the dancers' performances. Dancers with strong technique can execute their movements with precision and finesse, making their dance more enjoyable to watch and dance with. Effective technique also contributes to better partner connection and enhances the overall quality of the dance.
Teamwork
Teamwork in a Jack and Jill competition involves several key elements:
  1. Communication: The lead and follow must effectively communicate with each other during the dance. This includes non-verbal cues, signals, and responsiveness to each other's movements.
  2. Adaptability: Good teamwork requires both dancers to be adaptable and responsive to changes in the music, tempo, and the movements of their partner. They should be able to adjust their steps and style to match each other.
  3. Connection: There should be a strong physical and emotional connection between the lead and follow. This connection allows them to move as a unit, making the dance flow smoothly and look more synchronized.
  4. Trust: Teamwork in a Jack and Jill competition relies on trust. The follow needs to trust the lead to guide them safely through the dance, while the lead trusts the follow to respond appropriately to their cues.
  5. Musicality: Both dancers should have a sense of musicality, meaning they can interpret the music and express it through their movements. This helps create a harmonious dance that resonates with the music.
  6. Awareness: Each partner should be aware of their own space on the dance floor, as well as the positions and movements of other couples around them. This prevents collisions and ensures a safe and enjoyable dance experience for everyone.
  7. Creativity: Teamwork in Jack and Jill competitions often involves improvisation and creativity. Dancers may not know the music in advance, so they must use their dance skills and creativity to adapt to the music on the spot.
Overall, teamwork is about two dancers coming together, often spontaneously, to create a unique and enjoyable dance performance by collaborating, communicating, and harmonizing their movements with each other and the music.
Difficulty
Difficulty refers to the level of complexity and challenge within the dance. This can encompass various aspects of the dance, including the moves, patterns, styling, and overall execution. Here are some key points to consider:
  1. Complex Moves: Difficulty often relates to the complexity of the dance moves and patterns performed by the contestants. More intricate, advanced, or technically demanding moves are considered to add to the difficulty of a performance.
  2. Variety and Creativity: Difficulty can also involve the variety and creativity of the dance routine. Contestants who incorporate a wide range of dance elements, such as spins, footwork, dips, and tricks, or who add creative, unexpected elements, tend to score higher in terms of difficulty.
  3. Musicality: The ability to synchronize dance movements with the nuances of the music being played can be a factor in difficulty. Dancers who demonstrate a deep understanding of musicality and can express it through their movements often receive higher marks.
  4. Skill Level: The skill and technical prowess of the dancers involved can influence the perceived difficulty of a performance. Contestants who exhibit advanced dance skills, control, and finesse are often seen as taking on a higher level of difficulty.
  5. Connection and Partnership: The difficulty of maintaining a strong connection and partnership between the lead and follow can also be a factor. Highly synchronized movements and seamless transitions between the partners can demonstrate a high level of difficulty.
  6. Risk-Taking: Dancers who take risks during their performance by attempting challenging moves or adding unexpected elements may be recognized for their willingness to push boundaries and increase the level of difficulty.
  7. Consistency: The ability to maintain a high level of difficulty throughout the performance is essential. If a couple starts with complex moves but struggles to maintain that level of difficulty throughout the routine, judges may take this into account.
It's important to note that the perception of difficulty can vary depending on the experience and expertise of the judges, the style of dance, and the specific competition rules and criteria. Dancers aim to balance difficulty with execution, style, and musicality to create a well-rounded and impressive performance.
Appearance
Appearance means that judges may consider the overall visual presentation and style of the dancers as part of their evaluation. While the primary focus in most dance competitions is on the technical skill, musicality, and connection between dance partners, appearance or presentation can also play a role. Here's what being judged by appearance might entail:
  1. Dress and Attire: Judges may take into account the costumes and clothing worn by the dancers. This can include how well the attire suits the style of dance and whether it enhances the overall performance. Clean, coordinated, and stylish outfits can leave a positive impression.
  2. Grooming and Personal Presentation: Dancers are typically expected to present themselves in a neat and well-groomed manner. This can include factors such as hair, makeup, and general personal hygiene. A polished appearance can contribute to a more professional and put-together image.
  3. Styling and Posture: Judges may assess the dancers' posture, body language, and styling. This includes how well the dancers carry themselves, their lines, and their overall presence on the dance floor. Proper styling can complement the dance and make it more aesthetically pleasing.
  4. Expression and Emotion: The way dancers express themselves and convey emotions through their facial expressions and body language can also be part of the appearance judging. Dancers who can connect emotionally with the audience or judges may receive higher marks.
  5. Partner Coordination: The visual coordination and harmony between dance partners are also important. Judges may consider how well the dancers complement each other in terms of style and appearance. An aesthetically pleasing partnership can contribute to a positive appearance assessment.
  6. Overall Presentation: The overall presentation, including the ambiance, theme, and stage presence, may be taken into account when judging appearance. A well-thought-out presentation that aligns with the style of dance can enhance the performance.
It's important to note that the weight given to appearance in the judging process can vary from one competition to another and is subject to the specific rules and criteria of the competition. The primary focus in the competitions is typically on the quality of the dance itself, including technique, musicality, and connection between partners. Appearance is considered more as an element that complements and enhances the overall performance. However, it should not overshadow the core aspects of the dance, such as skill and artistry.
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