Rules & Policies

Late Fees

Entries postmarked after the deadline date of March 31st but before April 10th will be subject to a late fee of $20 per person. Entries postmarked April 10th or after and received by 3:30 pm Pacific Time on April 15th will be subject to a late fee of $50 per person. Entries received after 3:30 pm Pacific Time April 15th will be subject to a late fee of $100 per person, if accepted. There will be no exceptions.

Amateur Competitor Rules & Regulations

For the most up to date rules, please visit the current NDCA Rule Book

 

RULES FOR AMATEUR COMPETITORS

The rules in this section refer to amateur partnerships (one amateur dancer partnered by another amateur dancer)

 

A. AGE CATEGORY CLASSIFICATIONS

1. Age classifications, “a” through “f’, will become effective on the individual’s actual birthday. On a year where a competitor is going to move from one classification to the next they may make this change anytime during a 60-day period that begins 30 days prior to their birthday and ends 30 days following their birthday.

a. Pre-Teen I: 9 years old or younger

b. Pre-Teen II: lOth or 11th birthday

c. Junior I: 12th or 13th birthday

d. Junior II: 14th or 15th birthday

e. Youth: 16th, 17th or 18th birthday

f. Under 21: At least one of the partners is at least 16 years old, and under 21 years old, on the day of the competition, and neither member of the partnership is over 21 years of age on the day of the competition.

g. Adult: l 9th birthday or greater

(1) Senior I: One partner must have reached his or her 35th birthday or greater and the other partner must have reached his or her 30th birthday or greater.

(2) Senior II: One partner must have reached his or her 45th birthday or greater and the other partner must have reached his or her 40th birthday or greater.

(3) Senior III: One partner must have reached his or her 55th birthday or greater and the other partner must have reached his or her 50th birthday or greater.

2. Organizers may combine age classifications as follows:

a. Pre-Teen I and Pre-Teen II into a single Pre-Teen classification.

b. Junior I and Junior II into a single Junior classification.

c. Senior I, Senior II, and Senior III into a single Senior classification.

d. Organizers may combine classifications not listed above by obtaining written permission from the Ballroom Director.

3. Organizers may offer additional age category competitions, such as “Under 21”, etc.

4. Competitors may dance “up” or “down” as follows:

a. Pre-Teen I competitors may dance up one age classification to “Pre-Teen II”.

b. Pre-Teen II competitors may dance up one age classification to “Junior I”.

(1) Pre-teen II competitors who dance up to junior must remain in the approved pre-teen costumes. This rule applies to the individual, not to the couple – if only one member of  the partnership is a bonafide Junior age competitor then only that individual may wear a “Junior” costume.

c. Junior I competitors may dance up one age classification to “Junior II”.

d. Junior II competitors may dance up one age classification to “Youth”.

e. Youth competitors may dance up to the Adult classification.

f. When an organizer combines age classifications (Pre-Teen I & II, Junior I & II or Senior I, II & III) competitors may dance up or down as follows:

(1) Only Pre-Teen II age category competitors may dance up into the combined Junior age category.

(2) Combined Juniors may dance up into the combined Youth age category.

(3) Combined Seniors may dance down into the adult age category.

5. The following rules apply to competitors age 18 and under:

a. For Youth, Junior I and Junior II partnerships, one of the individuals may be no more than two age classifications younger.

b. If one of the individuals in the partnership is two age classifications younger, then the younger member of the partnership must request permission in writing from the NDCA   Ballroom Department and in tum receive written approval prior to being allowed to compete. (example – a “Pre-Teen II” girl wishing to compete with a “Junior II” age boy)

(1) If written permission is given for the individual to dance up two age classifications, then that person may not return again to dance in the original younger age classification that they “gave up”.

c. If one of the individuals in the partnership is one age classification younger, then the younger member of the partnership may request permission in writing from the NDCA Ballroom

Department to relinquish their age classification and be allowed to move up one age classification. This request will generally be allowed only if the individual making the request is   already within one year of reaching the next age classification.

d. Under no circumstance will a Pre-Teen I, Pre-Teen II, or a Junior I competitor be allowed to compete in the Adult age classification.

e. A Junior II competitor may not apply for permission to dance up as an Adult until they are 15 years old, at which time they would need to apply to the Ballroom Department as noted   above.

f. Youth competitors turning 19 years of age in the calendar year may still dance as youths until they have graduated from “High School”.

6. A couple’s age classification eligibility is defined as the age of the older partner for the Pre-Teen I, Pre-Teen II, Junior I, Junior II, Youth and Adult classifications, while it is defined   as the age of the younger partner for the Senior classifications.

 

B. PROFICIENCY CLASSIFICATIONS

Competition proficiency categories may be offered as follows:

1. Syllabus. Restricted to “medalist” level figures (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Novice Bronze, Novice Silver, Novice Gold, Etc).

2. Novice. Open Syllabus. It is recommended that ‘Novice” competitions generally be restricted to two (2) of the allowed dances for each style.

3. Pre-Championship. Open Syllabus. It is recommended that “Pre-Championship” competitions generally be restricted to three or four (3-4) of the allowed dances for each style.

4. Open Amateur. Open syllabus. All of the dances in each style must be done in this category in all rounds, and in the order prescribed.

 

C. ELIGIBILITY DEFINITIONS

1. A competitor is eligible to dance in the “Syllabus”, “Novice” and/or “Pre-Championship” proficiency classifications until they accumulate three proficiency points. There is no limit to the number of proficiency points that may be accumulated in the “Open Amateur” level.

2. A competitor receives one point when they either a) place first in their current classification when a quarter-final was danced, or b) dance in the final of a higher proficiency event where a quarter-final was danced.

3. In the “Syllabus” categories proficiency points should be accumulated independently for each dance.

4. The eligibility to compete in a classification is applied to individual amateur competitors and not the couple as an entity.

5. An amateur couple is only eligible to compete in a classification if both members of the couple are eligible.

6. An amateur competitor’s eligibility is based on his/her accomplishments regardless of the number or length of partnerships they have had.

7. It is the responsibility of all amateur competitors to ensure that they are eligible for the category in which they desire to dance.

8. An amateur competitor may enter at most two consecutive proficiency classifications in any particular style and age group at a particular competition.

9. An amateur competitor’s ineligibility begins at the conclusion of the competition in which his/her third point was acquired. In this case the word “competition” refers to the entire event (generally a “weekend”).

10. An amateur competitor’s proficiency level as a Pro/Am shall not be used in determining his/her amateur proficiency level.

 

D. DRESS AND/OR COSTUMING- PRE-TEENS

Pre-Teens must dress as listed below.

1. Pre-Teen.

a. Boys

(1) Trousers

(a) Black or dark blue color only

(b) High waist optional

(c) Underfoot strap optional

(d) Satin stripes are allowed.

(2) Shirts

(a) Plain white or black long sleeved collared shirt only (no wing collars)

(b) No pleats or ribbing

(c) Sleeves to be worn at wrist length

(3) Black or dark blue vests are allowed, but sweaters and jackets are not allowed.

(4) Tie – Black color only, may be either straight or bow

(5) Socks – Black or dark blue color only

(6) Shoes- Heel height not to exceed 1.5 inches (must be black)

(7) Materials – Fabrics must be plain, ie: cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester blend, wool blend

(a) No satin or shiny fabrics

(b) No rhinestones, glitter, metallic thread, patterns or sequins allowed

(c) Decorations – not allowed

(8) Makeup – Not allowed

(9) Hairstyle – Long hair must be worn in a pony tail

b. Girls

(1) Skirt with top or simple dress with attached under garment or leotard top with full skirt

(2) Skirts

(a) Plain or pleated with minimum 1 to maximum 3 half circles. Only three panels total may be used in the construction of the skirt, regardless of how many half circles. One plain simple underskirt allowed which is no larger or longer than top layer, and is the same or similar color as the outer skirt.

(b) No godets or extra panels may be inserted into the skirt.

(c) No uneven hem lines, frills, splits, openings, lace, or sequins. Horsehair/Crinoline may be used as part of the construction but not as a trim.

(d) Length of skirt must not be shorter than 3 inches above the knee cap and no longer than 3 inches below the knee cap

(e) At least one of the layers of the skirt must be solid (not sheer).

(3) Bodice

(a) Necklines: Boat, high neck, v-neck, sweetheart, ‘peter pan’ collar, and regular collar are allowed. Edging or trim of any kind, including ribbon, satin, lace, sequins, etc, is not allowed on the neckline.

(b) Belting, as well as gathering or shirring is permissible from the waist down for a maximum of two inches, provided it is part of the dress itself and not an accessory

(c) Edging or trim on the bodice is not allowed

(d) No backless bodices allowed.

(4) Sleeves

(a) Long, short, elbow length, cap, puff. or sleeveless styles are allowed

(b) Cannot be replaced by trimmings, frills, or edging on the shoulder line

(c) No “finger loops” allowed

(5) Materials

(a) Fabrics MUST be only one color throughout, and the color must be continuously the same.

(b) No rhinestones, glitter, metallic thread, pearls, patterns, sequins, or similar materials allowed.

(c) No use of feathers, fringes, bows, belts, frills or sequins

(d) No flesh color fabric

(e) Any use of color coordinated ‘see through’ fabric must be lined from waist to shoulder; for use on arms no lining is needed

(f) Lace and/or burnout (also called Devore), or similar fabric, is not allowed. Lycra, spandex, polyester, plain velvet, satin or jersey is encouraged.

(6) Shoes and Socks

(a) Shoes – Heel height not to exceed 1.5 inches, and must be block heel style if a dance shoe. If the shoe comes with rhinestones on the buckle then they are allowed. If the  shoe comes with glitter on the shoe then it is allowed.

(b) Socks: White ankle socks (may have a small amount of lace), flesh colored pantyhose, or light pink or white tights must be worn.

(c) No Fishnet Tights

(7) Accessories, jewelry, and makeup

(a) No use of arm bands, chokers or headbands

(b) No decoration is allowed on dress or in hair

(c) No jewelry is allowed, other than one small earring in each ear

(d) No makeup allowed

(e) Use of fake eyelashes, fake fingernails, colored or glitter hair spray is forbidden

c. For pre-teen one-dance or two-dance events, competition organizers may require that the shirts/tops be white and the trousers/skirts be black.

 

E. DRESS AND/OR COSTUMING – JUNIOR, YOUTH & ADULT

1. Definition of “Syllabus Dress”.

a. Gentlemen. Ballroom and Smooth Divisions: Dress pants, plain shirt and tie, and optional cummerbund or vest or black sweater or tuxedo. No tail suits. Latin and Rhythm Divisions: Dress pants, plain or ruffled shirt, optional tie and or vest.

b. Ladies. Ballroom and Smooth Divisions: Cocktail dress without excessive adornment. No ball gowns. Latin and Rhythm Divisions: Leotards and wrap skirts or party/cocktail   dresses without excessive adornment.

2. Definition of “Open Amateur Dress”.

a. Gentlemen. Ballroom and Smooth Divisions: Tail Suits. Latin and Rhythm Divisions: Latin costumes.

b. Ladies. Ballroom and Smooth Divisions: Ball gowns. Latin and Rhythm Divisions: Latin costumes.

3. For “Syllabus” competitions competitors must wear “Syllabus” Dress.

4. For “Novice” competitions competitors may wear either “Syllabus” or “Open Amateur” dress. The competition organizer may stipulate one or the other for this category.

5. For “Pre-Championship” and “Open Amateur” competitions competitors should wear “Championship” costumes.

6. Competition organizers may establish alternative dress and/or costume guidelines if they desire for Juniors, Youths or Adults.

 

F. SYLLABUS – PRE-TEEN

Couples competing in the “Pre-Teen” category must dance restricted syllabi as noted below.

1. Pre-teen. Couples competing in this age category may only dance Bronze, Silver and Gold syllabus figures from the NDCA Approved Figures, Elements & Restrictions (Appendix 1).

a. No embellishments of standard figures. No change of levels, head rolls, foot flicks, syncopations or delayed timings unless specified within the approved syllabus.

b. In addition to Closed Syllabus Events, organizers may offer open syllabus events for Pre-Teen II provided they do not eliminate any closed divisions as well. Couples dancing in  this category must still wear approved costuming for that age level.

 

G. SYLLABUS – JUNIOR, YOUTH & ADULT

1. Couples competing in the “Junior”, “Youth” and “Adult” categories are not restricted in syllabi unless competing in a “Syllabus” event, or otherwise stipulated by the organizer.

a. No embellishments of standard figures. No change of levels, head rolls, foot flicks, syncopations or delayed timings unless specified within the approved syllabus.

NDCA Approved Figures & Restrictions

Reminder: Invigilation is subjective. If you feel that an Invigilator has cited you for an infraction you do not agree with, it is your right to challenge that Invigilator’s warning. If the Invigilator does not agree with you or you feel that you have been cited for an infraction that is within the guidelines set out by the NDCA, please email the name of the Invigilator and a brief summary of the situation to [email protected] and we will try to get a clarification for you.

 

CLOSED COMPETITION SYLLABUS GUIDELINES

For Closed American Style Bronze and Silver competitions, NDCA approved figures, elements and restrictions must be followed. For Closed Gold, use any approved Syllabi of member organization of the NDCA. For Closed International Style Bronze, Silver & Gold competitions, use NDCA approved figures, elements and restrictions.

 

View current NDCA List

Pro/Am Rules & Regulations
    1. All students may enter in two age categories. Adults may enter their true age division and one lower while Pre-Teen-Youth students may enter their true age division and one higher. See entry forms for age categories.
    2. Dance Level Categories: Material used should be based on an NDCA approved syllabus such as Dance Vision, AIDA, etc.

Closed One Dance Division (Restricted To Syllabus)

  •        Newcomer – Less than 50 private lessons
  •        Pre-Bronze – Beginning Bronze material
  •        Intermediate Bronze – Intermediate up to Final Bronze.
  •        Full Bronze – Final or completion of Bronze.
  •        Pre-Silver – Beginning Silver material.
  •        Intermediate Silver – Intermediate up to Final Silver.
  •        Full Silver – Final or completion of Silver.
  •       Pre-Gold – Beginning gold material.
  •       Intermediate Gold – Intermediate up to Final Gold.
  •       Full Gold – Final or completion of Gold.

Open One Dance Division (Not Restricted To Syllabus)

Open Bronze, Open Silver, Open Gold & Open Gold Star

  • Open divisions may incorporate figures from the next higher level (e.g. Open Bronze may have Silver figures)
  1. Students may enter at any level of dance and only THREE higher in any one style of dance (American/International)in the closed single dance categories. Students may enter in completely different dance levels in the American Style between Smooth and Rhythm and in the International Style between Standard and Latin-American.
  • A Pro/Am student may dance the Open Bronze, Open Silver and Open Gold levels (all 3 levels) if the student is in fact a true Bronze level dancer. The students level will be determined by the single dances entered (A Bronze level student is one who dances the majority of their single dances in the Bronze Level). A student may only dance up in level, never down.
  1. No teacher will be permitted to compete with one of his/her students against another of his/her students – it is not possible to compete in the same heat with two people!
  2. There is no limit on student entries in Open or Closed Freestyle Divisions.
  3. In any category with three entries or less, the organizer reserves the right to eliminate the age and sex divisions and merge competitors into one category.
  4. Pro/Am Scholarships: To qualify for all scholarship events, a student must enter a minimum of 4 (Smooth) and 5 (Rhythm, Ballroom, Latin) Pro/Am single dances per scholarship event entered. All scholarships are unisex competitions for adults. Closed scholarships are restricted to Bronze & Silver students. Please remember that the closed scholarships are restricted to closed syllabus figures (Bronze restricted to Bronze Syllabus and Silver restricted to Bronze & Silver Syllabus). Open scholarships are not restricted to any figures. In any scholarship event with fewer than three entries, the organizer reserves the right to eliminate the age and sex divisions and merge competitors into one division.
  • All Scholarship competitors will receive 50% of the prize money offered if the event is held with three or fewer couples.
  • Students may NOT enter both Bronze & Silver scholarship levels in the same style.
  • Students MAY enter both the Silver & the Open scholarships in the same style.
  • Students MUST enter the scholarship level of the highest single dance entry level in a style.
  • For example: If a student enters single dance entries in Full Bronze and Pre Silver they would be eligible for the Silver Scholarship NOT the Bronze Scholarship in that style.
  • A student may dance two age levels. Their true age and one below.
  1. Solo Exhibitions – No Solo Exhibition is to exceed two minutes and forty-five seconds (2:45). Music must be on: a. Compact Disc, b. mp3 Player/ iPod/ iPad, c. USB Audio media.
  2. Formations – For additional rules please refer to the current N.D.C.A. Rules & Regulations. Maximum time – limited to three minutes (3:00) for a single dance and four minutes (4:00) for a medley. Timing of routine shall begin and end with the accompaniment. Pro/Am and Amateurs will be judged against one another.
  3. Dress Code – Evening wear is suggested for Newcomers. Beginning and above levels are open for ball gowns, Latin dresses or matching costumes, but are not mandatory.
  4. Restricted Categories/Closed Division Freestyle – A panel of invigilators may be used for all restricted categories/closed divisions. The categories will be strictly supervised and competitors committing infractions may be disqualified.
  5. Critique/Score Sheets – Critique/Score sheets will be given on Solo Exhibitions only.
  6. Registration – All competing Professionals must be currently registered with the N.D.C.A. Registration forms will be available at the competition, or go online at www.ndca.org.

NDCA Professionals

All persons attending this event, whether as spectators, officials, competitors or guests of the Organizers shall be bound by the N.D.C.A. rules and by participating in this competition automatically become obliged to adhere to them.

The organizers of this competition and the N.D.C.A. are not responsible for the loss or theft of articles left in the changing rooms, ballroom(s) or hotel rooms. The Organizer(s) and the N.D.C.A. will not be held liable for injuries sustained by persons attending this event, whether as spectators, officials, competitors, or guests of the Organizer(s). Everyone attending does so at his/her own risk. Because of N.D.C.A. rules no video taping or filming will be allowed. However, a professional video production company will be on hand to video your dancing. Tapes will be made available for purchase.

CLASSIFICATION OF DANCERS

PROFESSIONAL

A Professional Dancer is one who is any or all of the following (anyone studying for or taking a theory exam will not be deemed a professional unless they declare themselves such as defined below):

  • Registered as a Professional with the NDCA.
  • One who partners a Pro/Am Student Dancer or Registered Amateur in Pro/Am Competitions.
  • Any person who declares himself or herself a Professional by word or deed (Examples: serving as a hired Partner, or participating in Professional Competitions or Team Matches).

AMATEUR

An amateur competitor competes with an amateur partner. An amateur dancer may become a professional in the following manner:

  • By the declaration of such
  • By competing against other professionals in an NDCA sanctioned Open Professional or Rising Star event
  • By acting as a professional partner in an NDCA sanctioned Pro/Am competition event

Pre-Teen, Junior, Youth and Adult Amateur dancers must be registered with the NDCA, unless they are participating only in Pro/Am events. With the exception of honor dances and formation teams, amateurs are not permitted to demonstrate at NDCA events.

PRO/AM STUDENT DANCER

The term “Pro/Am” refers to a professional dancer/teacher dancing with their student. In this case the student will be known as a “Pro/Am Student Dancer.” 

  • A Pro/Am Student Dancer competes with a professional partner.
  • A Pro/Am Student Dancer competes in Ballroom dance purely as an avocation.
  • A Pro/Am Student Dancer does not teach Ballroom dance under any circumstances. Ballroom dance is any dance that is included in any NDCA sanctioned Pro/Am competition or championship event, and is not limited to the traditional championship dances.
  • A Pro/Am Student Dancer may neither demonstrate nor give shows for compensation in any style of Ballroom dance.
  • A Pro/Am Student Dancer is permitted to enter Ballroom dance “Pro/Am Scholarship Events” which offer monetary prizes. In this case, any prize money awarded belongs to the Pro/Am Student Dancer, not to the professional, and the Pro/Am Student Dancer may decide how it is to be used.
  • A Pro/Am Student Dancers who are found to be in violation of any of the above definitions, will not be permitted to continue to compete in NDCA sanctioned competitions or championships, and the organizers of all NDCA sanctioned competitions and championships will be so notified. Should the Pro/Am Student Dancer cease the activity that violated the above definitions, his or her right to compete as a Pro/Am Student Dancer in NDCA sanctioned competitions and championships may be restored upon application to the NDCA. A waiting period may or may not be required when such reinstatements are made.

*It is within the province of the Ballroom department to discipline by way of suspension and/or fines the professional partner of an amateur competing in Pro/Am competitions who is found to be teaching ballroom dance lessons.

Pro/Am Scholarships
  • To qualify for all scholarship events, a student must enter a minimum of 4 (Smooth) and 5 (Rhythm, Ballroom, Latin) Pro/Am single dances per scholarship event entered.
  • All scholarships are unisex competitions for adults.
  • Closed scholarships are restricted to Bronze & Silver students. The closed scholarships are restricted to closed syllabus figures (Bronze restricted to Bronze Syllabus and Silver restricted to Bronze & Silver Syllabus).
  • Open scholarships are not restricted to any figures.
  • In any scholarship event with fewer than three entries, the organizer reserves the right to eliminate the age and sex divisions and merge competitors into one division.
  • To receive the full prize money in any scholarship event, there must be a minimum of 6 participants. If there are less than 6 participants, the organizer reserves the right to cut the prize money amount in half.
  • All Scholarship competitors will receive 50% of the prize money offered if the event is held with three or fewer couples.
  • Students may NOT enter both Bronze & Silver scholarship levels in the same style.
  • Students MAY enter both the Silver & the Open scholarships in the same style.
  • Students MUST enter the scholarship level of the highest single dance entry level in a style.
  • For example: If a student enters single dance entries in Full Bronze and Pre Silver they would be eligible for the Silver Scholarship NOT the Bronze Scholarship in that style.
  • A student may dance two age levels. Their true age and one below.
Pro/Am Multidance
  • To qualify for all Multidance events, a student must enter a minimum of 4 (Smooth) and 5 (Rhythm, Ballroom, Latin) Pro/Am single dances per Multidance event entered. 
  • If you have already entered single dances for scholarship events, you are not required to add more single dances for the Multidance event.
  • All Multidance events are unisex competitions for adults.
  • Closed Multidances are restricted to Bronze & Silver students. Closed Multidances are restricted to closed syllabus figures (Bronze restricted to Bronze Syllabus and Silver restricted to Bronze & Silver Syllabus).
  • Open Multidances are not restricted to any figures.
  • In any Multidance event with fewer than three entries, the organizer reserves the right to eliminate the age and sex divisions and merge competitors into one division.
  • Students may NOT enter both Bronze & Silver Multidance levels in the same style.
  • Students MAY enter both the Silver & the Open Multidance in the same style.
  • Students MUST enter the Multidance level of the highest single dance entry level in a style. (For example: If a student enters single dance entries in Full Bronze and Pre Silver they would be eligible for the Silver Multidance NOT the Bronze Multidance in that style.)
  • A student may dance two age levels. Their true age and one below.
Pro/Am Rising Star Events

Pro/Am Rising Star events are open to students who have not placed in the final of the Emerald Ball Pro/Am Open Scholarships in that style at any previous Emerald Ball.

Student/Student Events

Student/Student events are an accommodation for Pro/Am Student Dancers, and are open only to one adult Pro/Am Student Dancer partnering with another adult Pro/Am Student Dancer – both of whom must comply with the requirements as stated in the definition of a Pro/Am Student Dancer. Student/Student events are not open to amateur dancers who compete in Amateur Competitions and/or Championships at the “Open Amateur” level.

Professional Show Dance Rules

Professional Couples will be judged performing a solo routine of their own choice, not to exceed four (4) minutes. The routine must include elements of one or more of the following dance styles: Standard, Latin, Rhythm, Smooth, Salsa or Argentine Tango. The routine may also include elements of other dances to enhance the choreography. Lifts are permitted. Props are not permitted. Timing of the routine shall begin and end with the accompaniment and must include entrance and exit from the floor. Music will be faded out if time limit is exceeded. All music must be on a Flash drive or email with the “Emerald Ball” in the subject line, and their names. Email is the preferred method.

Top Teacher Prize Money & Points

Proficiency entries do not count towards top teacher points.

Cancellation / Refund Policy

The deadline for a refund on a cancellation is 30 days prior to the date the competition commences. Refunds will be made by mail once the organizer has been contacted 30 days following the completion of the competition. There will be a minimum of $100 service charge, per participant for cancellations. If the Organizer is notified of cancellations after the deadline, credit toward the following year will be considered in cases of emergency only and must accompany a Doctor’s Certificate. No substitutions will be allowed for entry cancellations taken at the event.

No exchanges or refunds will be made on admission tickets. All sales are final.

Photography Policy

No professional cameras or filming.  We have hired professional photographers and videographers for this event where you may purchase professional photos and videos of your performance(s).

You may use your digital camera or cell phone from your assigned seat only.  Please do not get up from your seat to photograph the dancers and obstruct the view of others enjoying the competition.  Thank you.

Circuits

What is the Dance Vision Circuit?
The Emerald Ball is the beginning and end of the Dance Vision Circuit, the epic dancesport circuit offering over $85,000 cash prize money to top pro/am students, teachers and studios!

 

What is the California Gold Rush Dancesport Series?
The Emerald Ball is the Series Finale event of the California Gold Rush DanceSport Series. Accumulation of points earned from callbacks and placement at the Emerald Ball, in addition to points accumulated from all other circuit events, will determine the winners in each category.

 

What is the Global Dancesport Series?
The Global DanceSport Series was Started in 2000 by 5 Pro/Am teachers running 4 events, whose sole purpose was to direct the benefits to the Pro/Am teachers and their students. The Global DanceSport Series began offering the highest Pro/Am prize money in the open divisions and starting scholarships in the bronze and silver levels, all the while keeping the package costs lower for the students. The Global events started giving Pro/Am parties in addition to the traditional Pro Party. The Mission was to ask what Pro/Am students and teachers wanted and structure events to that end.

The Global Group recognizes that the Pro/Am competitors are the primary reason we have some many wonderful dance competitions. The “GLOBAL MISSION” is a focus on how to better serve the Pro/Am student teacher teams. You are not just another number at a Global Event! Global events were some of the first in the country to literally “roll out the red carpet” for students and Pro/Am teachers. Global year end recognition for teachers and students! For more information visit Global Dancesport Series.

 

What is the Dancesport Series?
The Emerald Ball is honored to be a member of the largest series event, The World Pro/Am Dancesport Series. (Region 6.) The World Pro/Am Dancesport Series is a network of over 80 Dancesport events held throughout North America that promotes their events with a highly desired reward system. The series is about giving back to you! Accumulating points is the name of the game! Points will rank you Regionally, Nationally, and get cash back to spend! The top 20 overall students who compete in a World Pro/Am Dancesport event will each receive a Region pin along with their $100 Voucher Award, which can be used towards Pro/Am entries at any other World Pro/Am Dancesport event outside the region in which you reside.

The placements you receive in our Multi-Dance Championships will earn you points towards the largest Team Match in North America held at the Ohio Star Ball Championships in November 2013.

All Teachers accumulate points towards the top overall teacher award ($25,000) to be presented at the Ohio Star Ball Championships. All necessary information is detailed at http://www.dancesportseries.com.

 

What is the Best of the Best DanceSport Challenge?

The Best of the Best Dancesport Challenge is a yearly competition between some of the top Pro/Am couples in the country. The Best of the Best Dancesport Challenge is a yearly competition between some of the top Pro/Am couples in the country. The winners of the Closed Bronze Rhythm Smooth, Latin & Ballroom and Closed Silver Rhythm, Smooth, Latin & Ballroom Multidance Championships in both the A & B age categories will be invited to represent the Emerald Ball in the Grand Finale at the Ohio Star Ball in November. For more information visit bestofthebestdancesport.com.

 

What is the Men in Black?

More information to come soon.