Hello Zouk Fest Jack and Jill Competition
Hello Zouk Fest 2025 J&J Competition
Preliminaries: Saturday July 26
Finals: Sunday July 27
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Registration Fee: $25*

* Full event pass must be purchased to enter. Competition fees paid to BZDC. Price on event weekend will be $30.

Divisions:
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Advance

Hyatt Regency SF Airport
1333 Bayshore Highway
Burlingame, CA
Registration for our Zouk JnJ is through danceplace.com, the BZDC's official scoring site. Please login in their site to register.
Hello Zouk Fest Jack and Jill Competition
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 Zouk.
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
Hello Zouk Fest Jack and Jill competition
Purchase the full event pass. Our festival pass is required for entry.
Pay the $25 fee to Danceplace.com*. You will need to have an account on their website to see the registration button.

* $30 if you register during event weekend.
3. Arrive to Compete
Be present to compete on the competition days and hours. See schedule for location.
4. Follow Their Instructions
Team members of the BZDC will guide you through the process of competing.
Zouk Jack & Jill Dance Competition Rules
Competitor rules, policies and guidelines can be found on the Brazilian Zouk Dance Council website.
Hello Zouk Fest Jack and Jill competition

Winners

Novice 1st Place
First choice of full passes for a future festival.
Novice 2nd Place
Second choice of full passes for a future festival.
Novice 3rd Place
Third choice of full passes for a future festival.
Intermediate 1st Place
First choice of full passes for a future festival.
Intermediate 2nd Place
Second choice of full passes for a future festival.
Intermediate 3rd Place
Third choice of full passes for a future festival.
What You'll Be Judged On
A panel of judges from the BZDC evaluates each couple's performance, considering three factors:
Timing
Technique
Teamwork

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.
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.
  • Popular
  • Full Pass
  • $185
  • Fri, Sat, Sun
  • Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, and Zouk
  • Dancing 'til 7:00am
  • All Day Workshops
  • Day Parties
  • Performance Showcases
  • PreParty
  • Buy Pass Now
  • Kizomba Competition
  • +$25
  • Addon
  • Urban Kiz Jack & Jill dance competition to see who's the best among their peers.
  • Divisions: Novice and Intermediate
  • Full Pass Purchase Required
  • PreParty
  • Zouk Competition
  • +$25
  • Addon
  • Zouk Jack & Jill competition to see who's the best among their peers.
  • Saturday 7-9pm
  • Sunday 7-9pm
  • Divisions: Novice and Intermediate
  • Full Pass Purchase Required
  • PreParty
  • Bachata Competition
  • +$35
  • Addon
  • Do you have what it takes to be the best social dancer?
  • Saturday 11-2pm
  • Sunday 11-2pm
  • Divisions: Novice & Intermediate
  • Full Pass Purchase Required
  • PreParty
  • Pre-Party
  • $20
  • Thursday
  • Add more memories with dancing at the venue before the official weekend festival!
  • 2 Rooms: Bachata and Salsa
  • Dancing 'til 3:00am
  • Some Int'l Artists Expected
  • Presales End 12:00pm Day-of
It's cheaper to buy a full pass than buying individual night passes. $30 fee if you want to transfer your pass to another dancer, officially and safely with us. Beware of scammers.