EL GRAN BAILE LATIN DANCE FESTIVAL
WELCOME TO THE 15TH EDITION OF
MARCH 13-15, 2026
JACK&JILL COMPETITION
Judging is never intended to punish a competitor for weaker skills. Rather, the spirit is to recognize competence in the different categories explained in this training, for the purpose of supporting and growing a strong, healthy bachata community. There will be five distinct areas for judging :
NOVICE LEVEL
1. Timing (30%)
2. Technique (30%)
3. Connection (30%)
4. Musicality (10%)
INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVELS
1. Timing (20%)
2. Technique (20%)
3. Connection (20%)
4. Musicality (20%)
5. Presentation (10%)
6. Difficulty (10%)
Note: Competitors in the novice category are expected to display strong dance foundation as reflected in the heavy weightage in Timing, Technique & Connection. Competitors in the intermediate category are expected to develop and display skills beyond fundamentals.
Judges are able to differentiate between bachata and other dances, as well as various accepted styles of Bachata. All styles of Bachata are accepted (for example, Dominican, Modern, Fusion, Sensual) as long as they are danced with the accepted timing outlined below.
1. Timing
The recognized timing for bachata is 1-2-3-4. The basic dance sequence consists of three steps and then a tap or various forms of step syncopations (such as the “double step”). The tap is done on the opposite foot of the last step, while the next step is taken on the same foot as the tap. The dance direction may change after the tap or fourth step. Bachata can be danced on any beat of the musical phrase as long as the basic dance sequence (three steps and then a tap \ syncopation) is maintained (for example, to dance On2, one may start on the 2nd beat of the musical phrase, with the tap landing on the 1st beat). Any recognized timing is acceptable, but once established, should not fluctuate. Dancers will be scored according to their ability and precision to stay on the recognized timing while executing the dance.
Beyond the basic 20% to 30 % of the score allotted for timing, timing also affects the judging of all other categories. Therefore, judges may also lower scores for technique, connection, difficulty, and presentation when elements in those categories are not danced on time.
2. Technique
Technique can be further differentiated into 2 categories, General Dance Technique and Bachata Technique.
General Dance Technique: General Dance 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. Movement should appear to be both clear and effortless.
Bachata Technique: Does the competitor show strong technique reflecting their respective bachata style. Meaning technique and/or body styling that is specific to modern, sensual or traditional bachata respectively.
3. Connection
Connection can be further divided or inferred from these two components:
Lead/Follow technique: Partner centering and synchronicity of movement.
Partner compatibility/awareness: Compatible musical interpretation, adjusting personal styles to compliment the partnership as well as adjusting to a partner’s limitations or strengths.
4. Musicality
Musicality can be split further into 3 separate components.
Basic Musicality (Rhythm & Phrasing): Basic musicality includes phrasing, measuring movements, and the appropriate use of breaks. This category moves beyond basic on-time dancing, and includes syncopations, speed changes, and strategically using movements to “hit” or demonstrate certain elements of the music. Dancers are expected to be dancing on time while displaying their musicality.
Structure: Creates a strong opening and ending. The start and end of the dance should fit the music (e.g., sharp or smooth; still or travelling). Reflect the changes in energy level and polyrhythm (i.e., derecho, majao & mambo) of each song segment (e.g., intro, verse, chorus, bridge, outro) through variation of footwork, syncopations as well as turn patterns (e.g., contrast of smooth and sharp or fast to slow) while maintaining continuity (i.e. harmonious flow from one pattern to another).
Musical Interpretation: Musical interpretation is how the dancer hears the song. BDC recognizes that every dancer hears music differently, and therefore does not judge competitors down for having a different interpretation of the music, provided that the competitor is on time and is able to clearly display the layer of the music they are expressing through footwork variations, turn patterns or aesthetics.
5. Presentation
Presentation is a competitor’s ability to entertain, excite, and inspire an audience. This will include, dressing, showmanship, entertainment value, floor craft and sportsmanship.
6. Difficulty
Difficulty refers to the level of technical or musical difficulty in the dance. This might be reflected in the complexity of the turn pattern, intricacy of footwork as well as movements that requires exceptional strength, flexibility, or balance (such as during lifts or dips). Credit will be given only if the moves are executed successfully and on-time or to the music.
Judges will give credit to the added level of difficulty when competitors dance wearing high heels. Judges will deduct points if the use of high heels impact the competitor’s technique, timing, and/or teamwork.
CRITERIA
RULES & GUIDELINES
INTRODUCTION
Jack and Jill is a format of competition in partner dancing, where the competing couples are the result of random matching of Leaders and followers. How partners are matched may vary based on organizers, but matching must be random and stated beforehand. While a Jack and Jill is essentially a competitive social dancing format. This does not mean that competitions are exactly like social dancing. You need to also be aware of things like presenting to the audience, in addition to the technique, timing, and connection that are staples of social dancing. Jack and Jill competitions are also a mix of luck and skill. Skill is how well you execute and fulfil the competition criteria. Luck is who you draw as your partner, when the judges are watching you vs. someone else, and what songs you dance to. However, as a social dancer matures and becomes more proficient, the luck element is reduced as they become more versatile with various partners and types of music.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Although clothing and shoes are not specifically part of the judging criteria, a judge may deduct points from the presentation component if you are dressed inappropriately. This is similar to the Costume or Presentation element of a routine division.
While you should not wear a costume for Jack and Jill, dancing is an aesthetic sport, and here are some things that are important for appearance:
SHOES
Shoes are required for all divisions. Not wearing shoes results in a disqualification.
While some dancers do social dance or teach in socks or bare feet, it is not accepted for competitions. Footundeez and socks are not shoes. This is both for an appearance reason (showing your intention and professionalism as a J&J competitor), and hygiene/safety.
Followers are encouraged to wear high heels, and the added level of difficulty is reflected in the difficulty score. However, you will not be penalized for wearing flats. Leaders will not be given a point bonus for high heels, as we prefer leads to be more grounded and ready to stabilize the follower in complicated movements (which heels can make more difficult).
CLOTHING
Your competition clothing should be able to catch a judge’s attention, provide you with freedom of movement, and be something you feel confident in. You should also try to wear something that allows judges to see your lines and technique. However, there are some rules and guidelines regarding what is considered appropriate clothing for competitions.
Clothing is expected to cover private areas (butt, groin, and breasts) at all times.
Men must wear tops, shirts, T-shirts etc. Topless are not recommended. Judges are allowed to lower the Presentation score if you are dressed inappropriately , but it will not disqualify you.
Competitors are encouraged to “dress up” (for example, classic or trendy jeans/pants/shorts, skirts with booty shorts, dresses or tops that securely cover the chest for women). We suggest that you not wear bodysuits or other gym wear, cargo shorts, sweatpants, etc. While bodysuits are a popular clothing choice in some areas and can be very intricate or sexy, they are still considered gym wear. Please note that this is a guideline – not a rule; you will not be judged on this. We want competitions to reflect professionalism – which is what this guideline is aimed to achieve. Props are not allowed in any division and shoes are compulsory.
LIFTS AND DIPS
Dips (where at least one foot of each partner is on the floor) are permitted. Lifts (when both feet of one partner leave the floor and the partner’s weight is supported) are not permitted in any division, and result in an immediate disqualification (heats) or last place (finals).
MUSIC SELECTION
Dancer would be required to dance on Bachata Music Genres based on division.
- Novice Level: Modern Bachata
- Intermediate and Advanced Levels: Modern + Traditional Bachata
FEEDBACK
Some judges are willing to give feedback. Some can’t remember, and others sell their feedback as part of private lessons. You can also hire a pro to watch your competition (live or video) to give you feedback on it. This is between you and the judge or pro. Generally, judges will not provide feedback until the results of a competition are announced. It is rare that there are many notes on judging sheets because of the speed judges need to make decisions – and the fact that taking notes means they can’t watch the competition properly.
MINDSET AND PREPARATION HEALTHY COMPETITION MINDSET
While competitions generally reward dancers who have strong technique, not making finals or not placing should not be seen as a measure of your social dance value or potential. It does mean that based on the criteria, your dancing was not as strong as other competitors while the judges were watching you. Further, making finals or placing in one competition is not a reflection that you have nothing left to learn. It is entirely possible to come 1st in one competition, and then to not make finals in a different one. It can be useful to use the videos and any feedback to target your training to address deficiencies that prevented you from having better competition results. Even if you did well, you can still get this feedback to help you continue to do well in the future.
PREPARING FOR COMPETITION
You should make sure you are adequately warmed up through stretching and movement before a competition. We strongly advise not dancing cold. Feel free to stretch, jump, or otherwise get your blood moving while you are waiting in line. You should also think about eating something light, using the washroom, and getting a water bottle before you line up. Bring a sweater to keep warm in case you are standing or sitting for a while. Props are not allowed in any division and shoes are compulsory