Fall Prep Comp: FAQ

Q: What is the dress code for the comp?
A: There is no official dress code. Wear what you would normally wear out dancing.

Q: If my next event is far off, can I leave?
A: Yes, you may leave between events as there may be a significant period of time between.
If you do not arrive on deck on time for your event, you will be disqualified and an alternate will take your place.
We will try to keep an update schedule posted at the event.

Q: Will there be social dancing during the competition?
A: Yes, between heats and events there will likely be 1-2 songs for social dancing.
This social dancing is open to competitors and spectators.
If you are a competitor and in the next event, if you social dance and miss your on deck time, you will be disqualified.
We will also have a social dance after the competition until midnight.

Q: Can I bring my children to the competition?
A: Yes, children can attend the competition.
Individuals under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Children under the age of 16 may stay for the dance social if they are accompanied by their parent or guardian.
Children under the age of 18 may stay for the dance social if they are accompanied by an adult.

Q: When is the Registration Deadline?
A: The registration deadline is 1:30pm on the day of the competition (Saturday, September 7th, 2024)
This gives us 15 minutes to finalize our heats before the competitor's meeting.

Q: Where do we park?
A: There are parking lots on the West, East, and North sides of the building as well as on Main Street (East) and Gregson Rd (South).


Q: Is food and drink allowed?
A: Food and drink is not allowed on the competitor dance floor except for water in a sealable container.
You may bring food and drink and eat it outside, there will be picnic tables provided.

Q: Can I volunteer to help at the competition?
A: There are a few volunteer spots that we could fill.
If you are wanting to volunteer, message us on Instagram.

Q: How can I best prepare for the competition?
A: We recommend either private lessons from the Dusty Boot Dancing Staff, or Wasatch Wranglers.

Q: What is each event?
Strictly is a partnered event for improv country swing dancing. Couples compete together for the entire event and are scored together. Each performance lasts only about a minute and a half.
Jack & Jill is a partnered event for improv country swing dancing. During Preliminary and Semi-Finals, couples are randomly assigned and rotate for each performance; each dancer is scored separated from their partner. During Finals, couples will stay together and are scored together. Each performance lasts only about a minute and a half.
Line Dancing is an individual event with a choreographed dance. Competitors are judged on precision to the choreography in the first 2 iterations of the dance, and then on styling, showmanship, and musicality for the rest of the dance. Each performance may dance the entire song.

Q: How is each event organized?
A: Each event will have up to 3 Rounds depending on the number of registrations for that event.
Preliminary Round may have any number of heats of 12 dancers/couples.
Semi-Finals will have a maximum of 3 heats of 10 dancers/couples.
Finals will have a maximum of 1 heat of 8 dancers/couples.
Each heat is allowed to perform up to 3 songs, except line dancing which will compete 1 song in Preliminary and Semi-Finals, and 2 in Finals.

Q: What is the process for a competitor?
A: Each competitor will have an initial check-in where they will receive their competitor number from the Registrar.
Before each event in each round, competitors will report to the Registrar again for "Standby" where they will be assigned their heat for the round.
When your heat is next you will be directed "On Deck" with the Floor Captain where you will be assigned your initial position on the floor (and partner for Jack & Jill).
When it is time to start the performance, the Floor Captain will lead the competitors to the dance floor and the first performance will begin.
After each of the 3 performances, you will present your competitor number to the judge so they can finalize their score. Note, that Line dancing only has 1 performance in Preliminaries and Semi-Finals, and 2 performances in Finals.
Between each of the 3 performances you will be rotated  to a different position on the floor.
After the judges finalize their score at the end of the 3rd performance, you are dismissed by the Floor Captain.

Q: How are we scored?
A: You can see the scoring rubrics here.
These are the general expectations and criteria you will be scored on.
Each criteria has an approximate Scoring Range, though individual judges might adjust these ranges.
In the Preliminary Round you receive either a Pass, Alternate, or Fail score from each judge.
Having the most Pass scores moves you on to Semi-Finals. Then having the most combined Pass and Alternate scores if additional competitors are allowed.
In the Semi-Finals and Finals you will receive a score out of 100 from each judge. These scores are then converted into rankings per judge.
The competitors with the most 1st place rankings move on to the next round (or takes 1st place in Finals), then the competitor with the most 1st and 2nd rankings takes the next position.
In both the Pass/Fail and Score out of 100 methods, you must also receive "majority" of judges to take the open positions. This means, that at least 1/2 of the judges must agree on the position. If you do not have a majority, you must wait until your next ranking gives you a majority.
For example with 5 judges.
Competitor A receives 3 1st place rankings. They already have a majority of judges for 1st, so the place 1st.
Competitor B and C each receive 1 first place ranking. Neither has a majority of judges yet.
Competitor B has 2 2nd place rankings and Competitor C has only 1. Competitor now has a majority of judges (one 1st and two 2nd) and takes 2nd.
Competitor C has 1 3rd place ranking this now gives them a majority (One each of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) and takes 3rd.
In the event that two competitors tie, the Head Judge's score between those two competitors will determine their ranking.