FAQ for Swingin’ to Spring Mix and Match Competition

What is a Mix & Match competition?

A Mix and Match competition (also known as a Jack and Jill competition) is a social dance competition where leaders and followers are randomly paired together.

Do I need a partner?

No, you do not need to bring a partner. Dance partners are randomly assigned during the competition.

I’m a man. Do I have to lead? / I’m a woman. Do I have to follow?

You can choose whether you want to enter the competition as a leader or follower, regardless of your gender.

What music will I dance to?

Songs are chosen ahead of time but are not shared with competitors until the competition starts.

What level dancer do I need to be to compete?

Everyone is welcome to compete.

How will I be judged?

The 3 Ts – timing, teamwork, technique.
Competitors will be judged individually during the preliminaries and as a couple during the finals.

How do I sign up?

A sign-up sheet will be available at the event.

How much does it cost?

Mix and Match entrance fee is $5.

Competition Information

There will be two rounds: preliminaries and finals.

Preliminaries – Each dancer will be judged individually as a leader or follower. Dancers will be rotated so that each competitor has the opportunity to dance with at least 3 different partners.

Finals – Dancers who make the finals will be randomly paired with a partner and judged as a couple. There will be no rotating of partners.

For the novice competition, both the preliminaries and finals will be dances in an All-Skate.

For the intermediate competition, the preliminaries will be dances in an All-Skate and the finals will be danced as a Spotlight with a final All-Skate ending the competition.

An All-Skate is when all competitors are on the floor dancing.

A Spotlight is when only one couple is dancing at a time.

Competition Rules

Failure to adhere to these rules will result in disqualification.

No choreography
This competition is meant to highlight improvisation and social dancing with unknown partners, so no choreography is allowed during the competition.

No aerials / lifts / drops
There are no aerials, lifts, or drops allowed during the competition.

Aerials are when one dancer leaves the floor, being either lifted or thrown by their partner. Both feet are off the ground and their weight is not self-supported.

A lift is where one dancer’s weight is completely supported by their partner and held aloft.

A drop is when the head/shoulders fall below the partner’s waist and weight is not self-supported.

Tips for Competitors

• Wear clothing that is comfortable and “danceable”! For example, avoid strapless garments that might fall, pants that are too long, garments that are too tight, clothing that bunches, or high heels.
• Know your number. You will be wearing a number during the competition. Know your number as your name might not be called.
• Have FUN! A Mix and Match competition is all about the fun of the unexpected: unknown music, dancing with new people, and improvising on the dance floor!