Rules & Regulations
  • For syllabus restrictions, we adhere to the ISTD syllabus for the International Ballroom and Latin styles. For the American Smooth and Rhythm styles, any major syllabus is accepted. Syllabus violations may result in a warning, lower placement, or disqualification from placement, as determined by the head judge.
  • Both dancers in a partnership must be eligible to dance at the same level – regardless of lead or follow.
  • Each competitor may dance in the level appropriate for their skill level and one level higher within the same dance style regardless of lead or follow. For more information check out our Level Structure page.
  • Levels are consecutive from Newcomer through Open. For more information check out our Level Structure page.
  • The Newcomer level is for competitors who have been dancing for one year or less. Both partners in the couple must be eligible in order to compete at the Newcomer Level. For more information on this check out the Newcomer Level section of our Level Structure page. Newcomer level dancers are restricted to Bronze syllabus steps.
  • Newcomer through Gold are closed syllabus events; costumes are not permitted in Newcomer. Costumes will be allowed for Bronze and higher levels. Costume violations will generally be required to be corrected before being allowed to dance (which may incur the risk of missing an event).
  • Rookies are defined as Newcomer dancers. Veterans are defined as Bronze and above level dancers. Costumes are optional.
  • Novice through Open are open syllabus; costumes are optional.
  • Each competitor may only dance one level in the nightclub category. The Beginner level is for competitors who have been dancing for 2 years or less (regardless of style).
  • Registration and payments must be submitted prior to Saturday, April 20, 2024 in order to qualify for the Early Registration price of $37 per competitor. A late fee of $10 per competitor will be added for late registrations and payments.
  • Photography and videography are allowed.
  • All dancers must have non-marking, suede-soled shoes while on the dance floor. High-heeled shoes must have heel protectors or suede stars. Shoe violations will generally be required to be corrected before being allowed to dance (which may incur the risk of missing an event). Please keep our floor beautiful!
  • Competitors should be ready at least 30 minutes prior to their first scheduled event.
  • SJSU and the SJSU Dancesport team are not responsible for items left on the premises or for personal injuries/death.