Welcome to the Lisbon Westie Fest Competitions! Please take a moment to review the important guidelines and requirements for participation. We believe competitions should be fun and encourage personal growth, and we want to make sure everyone enjoys the experience.

General Competition Requirements

Eligibility:

To compete in the Jack & Jill competitions, participants must have a valid event pass (Full Pass, Event Pass, or Advanced/All-Star Pass). Registration for the competitions is open until Saturday, August 3rd, 2025, at 12pm. We highly recommend early registration to help us organize the event effectively and ensure the best experience for all.

Age Requirements:

Jack & Jill: Minimum age to compete is 13 years old on the first day of the event.

Sophisticated Jack & Jill: Competitors must be 35 years or older by the first day of the event.

Role/Gender Requirements:

Everyone, regardless of gender, is welcome to choose whether to lead or follow in the Jack & Jill competition. Participants will compete within their chosen role and skill division.

Waiver Forms:

Competitors under 18 years old must have a parent or guardian sign any required waiver forms.

Competition Format

Jack & Jill competitions celebrate the spontaneity of swing dancing, where competitors enter as individuals and are paired with a randomly chosen partner. The music for each round will be selected by the DJ, and there will be several partner changes during the preliminary and semi-final rounds. Competitors will be judged on Timing, Technique, and Teamwork. In the final, randomly paired competitors will be judged as a couple.

Competitor Responsibilities

  • Be Prepared: Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the competition’s scheduled time. Be ready to perform in the appropriate attire, with your BIB number clearly visible.
  • Be Informed: Competitors are responsible for checking the event schedule in advance to ensure they meet registration deadlines and arrive on time. Keep an eye out for any changes to the schedule.
  • Know the Rules: It’s important to read and understand both the WSDC rules and the Lisbon Westie Fest rules. If you have any questions, please contact the Event Organizers or the Head Judge.

Competition Divisions

  • Newcomer: For dancers who are new to competition or have just started competing. Basic West Coast Swing steps should be known.
  • Novice: For dancers who have Newcomer points or have competed at the Novice level.
  • Intermediate: For competitors with at least 16 Novice points, or fewer than 45 Intermediate points.
  • Advanced: For competitors with at least 30 Intermediate points or fewer than 90 Advanced points.
  • All-Star: For competitors with 60 or more points in the Advanced division.
  • Sophisticated (+35): For competitors aged 35 or older by the first day of the event. Competitors in this division may also compete in one other skill-based division (Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or All-Star).

Contest Rules and Scoring

  • Entries per Division: There is no limit to the number of competitors per division.
  • Music: The Event DJ(s) will select all music for the competitions. Information about the music will not be shared in advance.
  • Rounds: Competitions will include Preliminary, Quarter-finals, and Semi-finals, all run in a heated format. Finals may be held as a heat or spotlight, at the discretion of the organizers.
  • Scoring: Competitors will be scored individually in the early rounds, and as a couple in the finals. The judging will be based on Timing, Technique, and Teamwork.

Petitions for Reclassification

If a competitor feels that their skill level is better suited for a different division, they can submit a petition for reclassification. This will be reviewed by the Chief Judge and the Organizing Team. The final decision will be communicated as quickly as possible.

Changes to the Rules

While every effort will be made to adhere to these rules, the Event Organizers reserve the right to make adjustments if necessary to ensure the smooth running of the competition.

Enjoy the competition, push your boundaries, and most importantly—have fun! We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!

Last Updated: February 6, 2025