The Black & White Steppers Ball w/ Touch of Gold $500 Intermediate Contest
Only 6 Contestants | $40 Registration Fee Due December 16th
(Fee includes General Admission to the Set | $5 additional for VIP Seat)

The Atlanta Ball Committee would like to thank all Contestants in advance for their participation. This contest is for steppers age 21 and over with 3-7 years Steppin experience. This Contest gives intermediate level steppers the opportunity to demonstrate his/her accomplishments, help build their confidence, and encourage them to compete on larger platforms.

A $40 Advance Registration Fee is required for all Contestants before Saturday, December 16th and is nonrefundable and non-transferable. Due to time constraints a maximum of only 6 Contestants will be allowed to enter. Registration will be closed upon reaching maximum capacity.

Contest Rules

Total Time Stepping:

Each contestant can have no more than 7 years total of stepping experience. Anyone steppin over 7 years cannot participate in this contest. No Exceptions.

Couple Match Ups & Prize Pool:

All Contestants are Male/Female. Contestants cannot be of the same sex and must be 21 or older.

Prize pool is $500 to be paid to one winner. There are no other placements. Must have a minimum of 3 Contestants. In the event of a tie, audience applause will determine the winner.

Music Selections/Time Allotments/Judges:

The song selected must be a slow tempo and a fast tempo. Songs selected must fit into a 3-minute allotment. Please have your performance music ready via MP3 (email to: ) or flash drive (given to: Sarah Teagle) by December 20th. The DJ will not search for songs at time of contest.

Each Contestant will perform 3 minutes. Please Note: There could be a maximum of 2 couples on the dance floor during contest time, depending on the number of entries.

All Contestants must circulate the floor. Do not approach the Judges for your scorecards during the contest. The Judges’ scores will be posted immediately after each performance. Judges will be looking for the following:

1. Originality:

The foundation of the dance should be Steppin and all movements should be executed in correct musical timing within the basic pattern of the dance. Points will be deducted from couples who deviate from the basic pattern of Steppin and execute another dance form (e.g., Salsa, Ballroom, Jitterbug, Tap, etc.).

2. Synchronization:

Two partners dancing with one another in time. Points will be deducted for the following execution errors: missing hands, slips, falls, missed dips and drops, as well as the Instructor out-dancing the Student. Note: Routine movements will be accepted, so long as they are executed within the basic pattern and timing of the dance.

3. Footwork:

Moving both feet in a rhythmic pattern that looks effortless and timely. Footwork movement should be coordinated with the upper body movements and turns. Points will be deducted from couples who fail to execute footwork while dancing, and for footwork movement that is awkward and distracting from the effortless movements that are characteristic of the dance. Also points will be deducted if noticeable mishaps occur during the performance and the Instructor switches roles to correct them.

4. Appearance:

Couples should be dressed in contest attire. Attire should be coordinated in color and should be appropriate, consistent with the rules. It should not detract from the performance by being overly revealing. Judges should not deduct points from contestants because of differing fashion opinions. However, “distracting apparel” will be decided at the Judge’s discretion. Points will be deducted from couples who fail to coordinate their attire, and those who have wardrobe malfunctions.

5. Showmanship:

Showmanship consists of movements, both impromptu and choreographed, that are executed in the context of the dance and presented with flair and dramatic presentation. Points will be deducted from couples who miss partner cues or rehearsed steps; dance without flair, energy, or creative moves; fail to engage the audience in their dance; fail to keep their head up while dancing (Posture).

Prohibited Elements Include:

·  No dancing on knees and no props. A prop is defined as any foreign object or substance (i.e., glitter, graffiti) used by a contestant to enhance their performance. Taking one’s suit jacket off during the contest is not considered a prop.

·  Ballerina dresses with appropriate undergarments are acceptable.

·  Participants must have on respectful attire that covers all private body parts and under garments. If any private body part or undergarment is exposed, the couple will be disqualified.

·  No switching partners once entry fee has been paid.

·  No unsportsmanlike conduct. Such conduct will be examined on a case-by-case basis and could result in being banned from future Instructor/Beginners Contest participation.

Contestants must be at the set by 10:30p. Contest starts at 11:00p.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Atlanta Steppers Ball Committee

steppersball.com | 404.931.1367