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 with each other; we are in community. 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 timing, teamwork, 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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 ~150bpm.
Entry Fee: $20/person -
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.
-
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 -
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, Ragtime, and Jazz Fusion.
Entry Fee: $20/person -
Open to all levels. Register as a couple or an individual solo jazz dancer.
Finals are jam style (warm up all-skate, full chorus out, half chorus out, final all-skate). Music will range from 70-100bpm.
Entry Fee: $20/person
