Contests
At Stormy Weather, we believe contests are a way for dancers to showcase their art, inspire each other with innovative ideas, and continually push the art form forward. We are honored to carry on this long tradition of contests in jazz dance culture going all the way back to the Savoy Ballroom.
The use of the word “contests” instead of “competition” is an intentional choice. We are not in competition against each other; we are in community with each other. We ask that all participants remember that contests are ephemeral, a moment of shared energy on the floor meant to uplift an entire ballroom.
Along with the usual technique and musicality, our judges are looking for dancing that shows us something new. Two “Innovative Movement” awards will be given to dancers that push the boundaries of jazz movement. We look forward to seeing what YOU bring to the world of jazz dance!
-
Finals will be during the 1st band break on Saturday, Dec 28th. Check in at 9:30PM.
This contest is for dancers who do not regularly teach swing dance and have not made finals in a level higher than amateur at a major swing dance event. If you win this contest, we ask that you move up to Open for the following year.Register as an individual leader or follower*. Contestants will dance with multiple randomized partners in prelims and will be judged as individuals.
In finals, dancers will be randomly paired and judged as a couple. Finals are spotlight style (warm up all-skate with everyone, half song spotlight featuring one couple at a time, final all-skate) and will be to DJed music at ~160bpm.
Entry Fee: $20/person
* Ambi dancers are welcome to do both roles in prelims but must choose one role if they make finals in both.
-
Finals will be during the 2nd band break on Monday, Dec 30th. Check in at 10:30PM.
Open to all levels. However, if you are new to contests, we recommend participating in the Amateur Lindy Social contest.
Register as an individual leader or follower*. Contestants will dance with multiple randomized partners in prelims and will be judged as individuals.
In finals, dancers will be randomly paired and judged as a couple. Finals are spotlight style (warm up all-skate with everyone, half song spotlight featuring one couple at a time, final all-skate) and will be to DJed music at ~180bpm.
Entry Fee: $20/person* Ambi dancers are welcome to do both roles in prelims but must choose one role if they make finals in both.
-
Finals will be during the 1st band break on Monday, Dec 30th. Check in at 9:30PM.
Open to all levels. Register as an individual. This is a role switching contest, so be prepared to dance both roles and switch mid-dance.
Finals are spotlight style (warm up all-skate with everyone, half song spotlight featuring one couple at a time, final all-skate) and will be to DJed music at ~160bpm.
Entry Fee: $20/person -
Finals will be at the top of the 2nd set on Tuesday, Dec 31st. Check in at 9:45PM.
Open to all levels. Register as a couple*.
Finals will be a seeded, tournament style battle to live music at ~230 bpm.
Entry Fee: $20/person*Switching lead and follow roles during the contest is allowed.
-
Finals will be at the top of the 3rd set on Saturday, Dec 28th. Check in at 10:45PM.
Open to all levels. This is a solo dance contest.
Finals will be a seeded, tournament style battle to live Swing music around ~230bpm.
Entry Fee: $20/person -
Finals will ~9:45PM during the first band break on Sunday, Dec 29th. Check in at 9:30PM.
We’re honored to carry on this contest tradition from its first home at Montreal Swing Riot, to its second home at Lindy Bout, and now its third home at Stormy Weather.
Open to all levels. This is a solo dance contest.Be prepared to dance to a variety of jazz and jazz-adjacent musical styles with varying tempos. Potential styles include but are not limited to: Swing, Blues, BeBop, Latin Jazz, Jazz House, and Jazz Fusion.
Finals Format: Warm-up all skate, 2 dancers out at at a time for ~1min rounds twice through, final all skate
Entry Fee: $20/person -
Finals will be at the top of the late night set on Sunday, Dec 29th (technically Monday, Dec 30th since it’s after midnight). Check in at 12:15AM.
Open to all levels. Register as a couple or an individual solo jazz dancer.
Finals are jam style (warm up all-skate, 8×8 out, final all-skate). Music will range from 70-100bpm.
Entry Fee: $20/person
