Please read the full rules carefully.

 

Immediately below is a summary of rules that were updated back in 2023. No other rules have changed since then.
 

• PARTNERED CATEGORIES (Couples and Teams):
  A maximum of 8 bars/32 Beats/4 counts of 8 are allowed for continuous turns.
  (previously - A maximum of 4 bars/8 Beats/2 counts of 8 are allowed for continuous turns)
   

• PARTNERED COUPLES (Classic Categories):
  Routines must be 50% recognizable partner dancing. The remaining 50% can be made up of tricks, flares, dips and shines. A maximum of 6 tricks are permitted but no lifts.
  (previously - Routines must be 80% partner work and no more than 20% of shines. A maximum of 6 tricks are permitted, but no lifts.)

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General Rules

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• All competitors must finalize their registration for choreography categories by 27 October 2024 (9am) and for freestyle categories by 13 November 2024 (9am). This includes completion of a competitor registration form, purchase of competitor pass, and submission of music. 
   

• Australian and International competitors are all welcome to participate in this annual competition. For categories where there are 3 or more continents represented, competitors will be competing for a prestigious World Champion Title.
   

• No props are allowed. A prop is defined as any object, other than your costuming. However, as soon as any part of your costume is detached from the body (e.g. jacket, hat, wig, etc) it is also classified as a prop.
   

• Competitors can only enter once in each category.
  Exceptions to this rule exist for Teacher/Student choreography categories (only for choreography categories, not for freestyle categories).
  The exceptions are listed immediately below.

  • The Professional can have unlimited entries in the Teacher/Student categories, as long as it is with different partners within each dance style.
  • The Amateur can only enter once in each of the Teacher/Student categories.
     

• Competitors must identify with one of the following divisions (Youth, Amateur, Semi-Pro, Pro, Masters).
  Some cross-over is permitted:

  • A mix of Amateur, Semi-Pro, Pro, Masters and Youths (16+ only) are permitted in Open Team categories.

  • A mix of Amateur, Youths (16+ only) and Masters that also fit the Amateur definition, are permitted in Amateur Team categories.

  • A mix of Pro & Semi-Pro dancers are permitted in the Open Duets and Open Couples categories.

  • For the Teacher/Student divisions (Pro/Amateur, Pro/Youth and Pro/Masters) the "Pro" component of partnership can be either a Pro or a Semi-Pro dancer.

  • Masters can participate in any of the Solo, Duet and/or Team categories relevant to their status as dancers (amateur, semi-pro, pro, open).
    Masters competitors that enter the Masters Soloist category can also enter their equivalent level category, e.g. Semi Pro Soloist, however it cannot be with the same routine.
     

• There must be a minimum of 5 registered entries in any given category for the category to take place. If the category has less than 5 entries, the organization reserves the right to merge that category with another. Notice will be given to the team leader/competitor about this where applicable.
   

• Competitors cannot compete in a given category using the same choreography as previous years of Salsa Solo in that same category.
   

• Competitors cannot compete in a given category using the same choreography as another category of Salsa Solo in that same year.
  An exception to this rule exists for all youth categories. 
   

• There is no mixing of dance styles in routines (except for Mixed Latin categories)
  
  - Salsa, Bachata, Zouk, Samba and Reggaeton choreographies must exhibit only one dance style
    (e.g. Bachata Solo cannot have a mix of Bachata and Cha Cha Cha)
  - Mixed Latin categories allow for a mix of different dance styles within the one routine. This includes Salsa and all other Latin dance styles   
    (maximum 2 dance styles). This applies to Solos, Duets, Couples and Teams in the 'Mixed Latin' category.
   

• A maximum of 2 songs can be used in the music cut of any given choreography.
   

• The music lengths for 2023 are below. Please do not include your entrance and/or exit in your music cut

 

YOUTH
- All youth choreographies (1.10-1.30mins)

YOUTH/ADULT
- All youth/adult choreographies (1.10-1.30mins)

ADULT
- All adult solos (1.10-1.30mins)
- All adult duets (1.10-1.30mins)
- All adult couples (1.30-2.00mins)
- All adult teams (1.30-2.00mins)

- Themed showcase teams  (1.45-3.00mins)

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• Remixed music is allowed so long as there is a clear and recognizable base rhythms and signature beat of the chosen style.
   

• Some categories will result in a further 'final' round which will take place during the evening showcase and be rewarded prize money. These are explained below. 
   

  • SUNDAY NIGHT WSS FINALS:

    • Overall Open Male Salsa Soloist Champion - $1000

    • Overall Open Female Salsa Soloist Champion - $1000

    • Overall Open Couple/Duet Champion - $1500

    • Overall Open Shines/Partnered Teams/Showcase Teams Champion - $2000
       

• Categories that have assinged prize money must have the minimum required entries for prize money to apply.
   

• Competitors will need to send a copy of their choreography competition music to worldsalsasolo@gmail.com by the closing of registration date (27 October 2024). If your music is not submitted by this date your registration will be considered incomplete. Please note that once you have submitted your music, we will not accept any re-submissions of music. Competitors also need to bring with them a backup of their music on USB, labelled correctly. The DJ will not slow down or speed up your music for you. See music submission instructions for more detail.
   

• Salsa Solo reserves the right to photography or filming during the competition/event and usage of this content.
   

• Salsa Solo will not accept responsibility for loss or injury to persons or possessions in relation to this event.  

Additional Rules

 

 

 

Additional Rules

 

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS:

• International competitors are eligible to compete at World Salsa Solo if there was no qualifier in their home country (for a given category).

• For countries where there is a Salsa Solo qualifier, the 1st place winner in each category qualifies directly into the competition finals. All other competitors can enter the preliminary competition rounds.

 

YOUTH CATEGORIES:

• Youth competitors must be 16 years or less. 

 

ADULT CATEGORIES:

• Adult competitors must be 17 years +

 

MASTERS CATEGORIES:

• Adult competitors must be 40 years +

 

TEACHER/STUDENT CATEGORIES:

• Only the student is judged 

 

PARTNERED CATEGORIES (Couples):

• CABARET
  There are ‘Cabaret’ categories for the following dance styles: Salsa, Cha, Bachata, Zouk, Mixed Latin.
  Tricks and lifts are allowed. Routines must be 50% recognizable partner dancing. The remaining 50% can be made up of tricks, flares, dips and shines. A maximum of 8 bars/32 Beats/4 counts of 8 are allowed for continuous turns. More than this will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Timing of the dance style chosen must maintain consistent for the duration of the routine.

• CLASSIC
  There are ‘Classic’ categories for the following dance styles: Salsa, Cha, Bachata, Zouk, Mixed Latin. Routines must be 50% recognizable partner dancing. The remaining 50% can be made up of tricks, flares, dips and shines. A maximum of 6 tricks are permitted, but no lifts. The term “tricks” includes dips, drops and leverage moves. These are defined as movements that requires the support of the other partner to maintain, even if the feet remain on the floor. One foot must remain on the floor at all times even during tricks. If both feet of either partner leave the floor via the assistance of the other partner, it will be considered a lift and there will be a 2-point deduction from the final score. For back-to-back tricks to be considered only one trick they need to flow seamlessly and purposefully from one element to the other, cannot change direction, and they should not occupy more than 2 counts of 8. A maximum of 8 bars/32 Beats/4 counts of 8 are allowed for continuous turns. More than this will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Timing of the dance style chosen must maintain consistent for the duration of the routine. 

 

TEAM CATEGORIES:

• Team categories for shines and partnered entries are:
  - Youth Teams: All members of a youth team must be registered as youths
  - Amateur Teams: All members of an amateur team must be registered as amateurs.
  - Open Teams: This category allows for a mix of dancers (amateur, semi-pro, pro, masters and youths 16+)
  - Themed Showcase Teams: This category allows for a mix of dancers (amateur, semi-pro, masters, pro and youths 16+)

• Shines Teams must consist of a minimum of 3 dancers. Shine Teams are permitted up to 3 connected/assisted moves (these are moves that require physical connection between 2 or more individuals). Connection time between individuals for these moves should not exceed two counts of eight. More than this will result in a 2-point deduction of the final score. Any such moves executed simultaneously or as a group will only be counted as one connected/assisted move, so long as it is executed within the allowable two counts of eight.

• Partnered Teams must consist of a minimum of 3 couples. Tricks and lifts are allowed. Routines must be 50% recognizable partner dancing. The remaining 50% can be made up of tricks, flares, dips and shines. The term “tricks” includes dips, drops and leverage moves. These are defined as movements that requires the support of the other partner to maintain, even if the feet remain on the floor. A maximum of 8 bars/32 Beats/4 counts of 8 are allowed for continuous turns. More than this will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. Timing of the dance style chosen must maintain consistent for the duration of the routine.

• Themed Showcase Teams can have a mix of  levels (amateur, semi-pro, pro, masters, youth 16+). Predominantly shines routines need a minimum of 4 dancers. Predominantly partnered routines need a minimum of 6 dancers. In this category, anything goes with a Latin flair.

• ** The term "lift" refers to any movement where both feet leave the floor with the assistance of one's partner. For back-to-back tricks to be considered only one trick they need to flow seamlessly and purposefully from one element to the other, and they should not occupy more than 2 counts of 8. 

 

DUET CATEGORIES:

• Duets are permitted up to 3 connected/assisted moves (these are moves that require physical connection between 2 or more individuals). Connection time between individuals for these moves should not exceed two counts of eight. More than this will result in a 2-point deduction of the final score. Any such moves executed simultaneously or as a group will only be counted as one connected/assisted move, so long as it is executed within the allowable two counts of eight.

 

SALSA CATEGORIES:

• All Salsa routines must be 100% recognizable Salsa dancing and music (for Salsa routines, the use of afro/rumba cannot exceed 30% of the routine)

• Competitor’s chosen Salsa rhythm (e.g. On1 or On2) must be maintained throughout the routine.

• Competitors can choose to break forward or back, as long as this is consistent throughout the routine. Competitors will not be penalized if they change their break step to accent musicality, as long as it is purposeful and returns to their main break step.

• The judges will appreciate the diversity of Salsa dancing; therefore, all style of Salsa will be permitted
  (Cuban, Colombian, LA, New York, Puerto Rican, On1 or On2, etc)
   

BACHATA CATEGORIES:

• The judges will appreciate the diversity of Bachata dancing; therefore, all styles of Bachata will be permitted.
  (Dominican, Sensual, Fusion, Moderna, Urban, etc)

LATIN CATEGORIES:

• The Latin categories have been separated out into more specific styles (e.g bachata, zouk, cha cha cha). The Mixed Latin category is for any other Latin style that is not represented separately in that division and/or choreographies that have a mix of Latin styles (including Salsa) in the one routine - maximum 2 styles.

• All Latin routines must be 100% recognizable dancing and music of the chosen Latin style (a mix of styles is only permitted in Mixed Latin). For Latin Styles that have various interpretations, the traditional style must be 70% represented. E.g. Samba can only include max 30% of Afro style.

 

YOUTH/ADULT CATEGORY:

• This is defined as a youth/adult partnership dancing as a duet or couple. Tricks and lifts are allowed. Routines must be 50% recognizable partner dancing. The remaining 50% can be made up of tricks, flares, dips and shines. Routines must be 100% recognizable Latin dancing and music and dancers must keep their timing consistent throughout. A maximum of 4 bars/16 Beats/2 counts of 8 are allowed for continuous turns. More than this will result in a 2-point deduction from the final score. In this category, only the youth is judged.

 

FREESTYLE HEATS CATEGORIES (partner work):

• The freestyle heats are totally separate from the choreography categories.

• This is a lead/follow category (not choreographed), designed to show one’s ability to connect and improvise with one's partner and display connection, timing, technique and musicality to the music that is played.

• This is a JUST DANCE category. Tricks and lifts are not allowed. Dips are allowed.

• Unlike the choreography categories, the freestyle will be scored using a ranking system.

• The amount and length of songs danced by couples will depend on whether it is a heat or a final round.

  • Heats: 1 song (songs will be approx. 1:30 mins)

  • Finals: 2 songs (songs will be approx. 1 min)

• Multiple couples will dance on the floor at the same time.

• In the final rounds , the judges will score the dancers after both songs have been danced.

• The freestyle heats are a formal competition, and as such costumes are encouraged.

• Please note that for freestyle categories in 2022 the Professional can only enter once in each of the Pro-Am freestyle categories, unlike previous years

 

SOLO BATTLES :

• The solo battles cover Salsa, Reggeaton, Bachata  and Samba at an “amateur” and "open" level for both males and females. Competitors in each showdown dance against each other two at a time, showcasing their improvisation skills.

• Competitors will be judged based on their musicality, timing, technique and x-factor.

• Unlike the choreography categories, the solo battles will be scored using a ranking system (eliminations).

• Each solo battle section allows for a maximum of 8 competitors.
  A qualifying round will have 4 pairs battling out for a place into the semi-final round.
  Then in the semi-final round 2 pairs will battle out for a spot into the final round. 
  The final round will be the deciding round for the winner.

• Competitors order/pairing for the qualifying rounds will be determined by a per-competition draw.
  The two competitors will battle it out in the following format, prompted by the MC to alternate (with two rotations for each competitor).

  • Competitor 1 – approx. 20-30 seconds of song

  • Competitor 2 – approx. 20-30 seconds of song

  • Competitor 1 – approx. 20-30 seconds of song

  • Competitor 2 – approx. 20-30 seconds of song

• Costumes are not required for the Solo Battles. Footwear restrictions do not apply to this category.

 

COUPLE BATTLES :

• The couple battles cover Salsa, Bachata  and Zouk at an “amateur” and "open" level. Couples in each showdown dance against each, showcasing their improvisation skills.

• Couples will be judged based on their musicality, timing, technique and x-factor.

• Unlike the choreography categories, the couple battles will be scored using a ranking system (eliminations).

• Each couple battle section allows for a maximum of 8 competitors.
  A qualifying round will have 4 pairs battling out for a place into the semi-final round.
  Then in the semi-final round 2 pairs will battle out for a spot into the final round. 
  The final round will be the deciding round for the winner.

• Couples order/pairing for the qualifying rounds will be determined by a per-competition draw.
  The two competitors will battle it out in the following format, prompted by the MC to alternate (with two rotations for each couple).

  • Couple 1 – approx. 20-30 seconds of song

  • Couple 2 – approx. 20-30 seconds of song

  • Couple 1 – approx. 20-30 seconds of song

  • Couple 2 – approx. 20-30 seconds of song

• Costumes are not required for the Couple Battles. Footwear restrictions do not apply to this category.

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COSTUMES

• Costumes are permitted and encouraged for choreography categories and freestyle partnerwork categories, as they contribute to presentation marks. Males must wear a shirt as part of their costume. Costumes are not required for the Freestyle Shines Showdown.
  Youth competitors are encouraged to wear age-appropriate costumes.

 

FOOTWEAR:
The following footwear rule applies to choreography categories and freestyle partnerwork categories, but not to the freestyle shines showdown.

• Ladies must wear heels of minimum 2.5 inch and Men must wear closed dance shoes (no joggers). This rule does not apply to youth categories, masters categories or non-heel dance styles like Zouk, Afro styles, and Reggeaton. In Mixed Latin categories where a blending of 2 dance styles is permitted, flat shoes can be worn if the larger majority of the choreography is in a style typically not danced in heels (e.g. Zouk, Afro styles, and Reggeaton).

• If the above-mentioned footwear rule is not adhered to, a 2-point deduction will apply to the competitor’s final score.

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Scoring Criteria

 

Refer to the following criteria and weighting

 

Soloists………………………………………………….

• Timing, Musicality - 30%

• Choreography, Floor craft, Presentation - 40%

• Difficulty & Technique - 30%

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Couples …………………………………………...……

• Timing, Musicality - 30%

• Choreography, Floor craft, Presentation - 30%

• Difficulty, Technique, Partnership - 40%

 

Duets & Teams …………………………………………...……

• Timing, Musicality, Synchronicity - 40%

• Choreography, Floor craft, Presentation - 30%

• Difficulty, Technique, Partnership - 30%

 

Themed Showcase Teams …………………………………………...……

Choreography - 40% 

Presentation and Showmanship - 40%

Difficulty & Technique - 20%

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Freestyle Heats (Partnerwork) …………………………………………...……

• The freestyle will be judged based on couples’ timing, technique, partnership, and musicality.

• Unlike the choreography categories, the freestyle will be scored using a ranking system.

• For categories where there are enough entries to have heats, couples will dance just 1 song (approx. 1.30 mins) in their chosen style of Salsa, Bachata, or Zouk. Judges will rank competing couples within their heats. Then in the finals, couples will dance 2 songs in their chosen style of Salsa, Bachata or Zouk (approx. 1 min each song). Judges will rank competing couples for each of the 2 songs and the average of these ranks will dictate the winning couple for that particular category.

• For categories where there are not enough entries to have heats, couples will dance 2 songs in their chosen style of Salsa, Bachata or Zouk (approx. 1 min each song). Judges will rank competing couples for each of the 2 songs and the average of these ranks will dictate the winning couple for that particular category. 

 

Solo Battles (Solo) …………………………………………...……

• The solo battles will be judged based on competitors’ musicality, timing, technique and x-factor.

• Unlike the choreography categories, the solo battles will be scored using a ranking system.

• Each solo battle section allows for a maximum of 8 competitors. A qualifying round will have 4 pairs battling out for a place into the semi-final round. Then in the semi-final round 2 pairs will battle out for a spot into the final round. 

 

Couple Battles (Solo) …………………………………………...……

• The couple battles will be judged based on competitors’ musicality, timing, technique and x-factor.

• Unlike the choreography categories, the couple battles will be scored using a ranking system.

• Each couple battle section allows for a maximum of 8 competitors. A qualifying round will have 4 pairs battling out for a place into the semi-final round. Then in the semi-final round 2 pairs will battle out for a spot into the final round. 

 

Criteria Descriptions

 

Timing

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• FOR ALL LATIN CATEGORIES:

  • Dancers should be consistent with the timing of the chosen dance style.

  • If dancers temporarily break their timing to accent musicality or maintain the flow of a movement they will not be penalized, as long as this action is purposeful and there is an intentional effort to return to the original timing.
     

• SPECIFIC TO SALSA CATEGORIES:

  • Routines should show recognizable Salsa timing.

  • For solo/shines categories, the timing of the breaking step must be consistently maintained throughout the routine (either 1 and 5, or 2 and 6). More specifically, if a dancer breaks on1 for most of their routine with some purposeful deviations breaking on5 they will not be penalized, as long as there is an intentional effort to return to their on1 break step. Similarly, if a dancer breaks on2 for most of their routine with some purposeful deviations breaking on6 they will not be penalized, as long as there is an intentional effort to return to their on2 break step.

  • For partnerwork categories, couples can choose to dance on1 or on2 (mambo or puerto-rican style), but must maintain consistency in their chosen breaking step for the duration of the entire routine. If a couple temporarily breaks the flow of their timing to accent the musicality of their song they will not be penalized, as long as they immediately return to their chosen break step (on1 or on2 or on6). 

 

Musicality

• Couples will demonstrate their ability to creatively work with the timing of their individual music. This can be done in a variety of ways, including patterns, footwork, “hits”, tricks, etc.

 

Choreography

• The couple’s interpretation of the music. Good choreography should contain clever turn patterns and shines. All choreography should be musical, and couples should show a good usage of the space itself. Originality is a factor here. 

 

Floor craft

• Reflected in the utilizing of the space on the dance floor while dancing. 

 

Presentation

• You will be judged for your overall presentation. This includes costuming, showmanship and expression/delivery.

 

Difficulty

• Reflected by difficulty of patterns, turns, intricacy of shine movements, and level of tricks, dips, drops and flares. Examples: The amount of turns done on both double and single foot. How intricate were the shines/footwork/solo sections? In the cabaret division, what was the difficulty of the lift-work? Was it properly executed? How about jumps, kicks, extensions? Any movements requiring exceptional balance, flexibility or strength? In order to get credit for any of these things, the movement must be successfully executed. 

 

Technique

• Technique is reflected through balance, placement and line. This refers also to general technique for partner dance, where the movement is “grounded”, and there is clarity of proper weight changes from foot to foot. Technique and/or body styling that is specific to the chosen dance style. Movement should appear to be both clear and effortless.

 

Partnership

• Partnership is the display of connection with one's partner and the complementing each other’s’ style and strength

 

Synchronicity

• Refers to the unison of a team during side by side movement, partnerwork, line placement, footwork and styling.

 

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Additional Rules

Refer to the following criteria and weighting.