Rules

Registration and Eligibility Rules 

Dancers may only dance in two consecutive levels in each of the four styles. Dancers are allowed to dance Silver and Novice. Switching partners does not allow a dancer to compete in any additional levels.  
 
In order to compete as a Newcomer, a dancer must be in his or her first year of dancing.  
 
Dancers who, with their current partner, have placed 3rd or higher at any major competition in a dance should move up to the next level. (ex: if you placed third in Bronze Waltz/Quickstep at OSB, you should dance Silver Waltz/Quickstep at Michigan). This applies to all levels, including Newcomer.

 

Syllabus

   
Newcomer and Bronze: ISTD Bronze syllabus for International style, USISTD Bronze syllabus for American style. No continuity footwork in Bronze American.  
 
Silver and Gold: ISTD Silver or Gold syllabus respectively for International style, and USISTD, DVIDA, FADS, AMDS Silver or Gold syllabus respectively or any other major syllabus for American style.  
 
Open: Not restricted to syllabus, but no lifts permitted.

 

 

Costumes

   
Costumes are prohibited in all syllabus level except Gold, and are allowed in all Open events. 

Costumes are defined as:

  • Anything with rhinestones, sequins or feathers.
  • Tailsuits.
  • For men: any shirt that is not primarily black or white.
   

 

 

Conduct

   
The organizers have the right to eject anyone from the premises for unruly conduct or for violation of any of the rules or guidelines. Flagrant disregard of any of the rules or regulations will result in a mark down of placement or in a disqualification where necessary.

 

 

Liability

   
The University of Michigan, Saline School District, and the University of Michigan Ballroom Dance Team are not liable for any property lost or damaged and injury or other misfortune that occurs during the competition.