Competitions
Divisions
Novice Divisions – Open to newer dancers as well as dancers who have not made it to finals of a national/international competition and do not compete regularly in national/international competitions.
Advanced Division – Open to advanced dancers who compete regularly at national/international competitions.
All-Star Division – Open to dancers who compete and place in the top 5 of national/international level competitions.
Invitational Division – Dancers to be determined by the organizers.
Draw Contests
Lindy Hop Draw contests are social dance competitions. In the preliminary rounds, leaders and followers are randomly paired together and dance to songs of varying styles and tempos but are judged as individuals. In the finals, leaders and followers are randomly paired again, but will be judged as a couple as they dance one at a time in a spotlight format. Dancers will dance to music selected by ILHC.
Competitors can enter one division per role (e.g., Novice as a leader and Advanced as a follower). Competitors must be at least 14 years of age on or before the start of the in-person event.
| Division | Format / Tempo / Structure | Awards |
|---|---|---|
|
Novice Draw |
Prelims Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~160 and 180 bpm), about 1 min 30 sec each song Semis Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~160 and 180 bpm), about 45 sec each song All-skate 1 song ~190 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec Finals Spotlights to DJ music Warmup: ~150 bpm, about 1 min Spotlights: ~170 bpm, about 1 min each song All-skate: 1 song ~190 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec |
1st – $150 |
|
Advanced Draw |
Prelims Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 190 bpm), about 1 min 30 sec each song Semis Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 190 bpm), about 45 sec each song All-skate 1 song ~200 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec Finals Spotlights to DJ music Warmup: ~160 bpm, about 1 min Spotlights: ~180 bpm, about 1 min each song All-skate: 1 song ~200 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec |
1st – $150 |
|
All-Star Draw |
Prelims Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 200 bpm), about 1 min 30 sec each song Semis Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 200 bpm), about 45 sec each song All-skate 1 song ~210 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec Finals Spotlights to DJ music Warmup: ~160 bpm, about 1 min Spotlights: ~185 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec each song All-skate: 1 song ~210 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec |
1st – $250 |
| Invitational Draw |
Spotlights to live band Warmup: ~150 bpm, about 1 min Spotlights: ~180 bpm, about 1 min 30 sec each song All-skate: 1 song ~215 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec |
1st – $400 |
Jazz Contests
Jazz contests are solo American vernacular jazz dance competitions. Dancers will dance to music selected by ILHC.
Participants are allowed only one entry into one division. Competitors must be at least 18 years of age on or before the start of the in-person event.
| Division | Format / Tempo / Structure | Awards |
|---|---|---|
|
Novice Jazz |
Prelims Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 210 bpm), about 1 min 30 sec each song Semis Qualifiers: 2nd place of Novice Jazz ILHC qualifiers go straight to semi-finals Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 210 bpm), about 45 sec each song All-skate 1 song ~220 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec Finals Qualifiers: 1st place of Novice Jazz ILHC qualifiers go straight to finals Jam format to live band 1 song: ~170 bpm, dance one at a time for 2 blues choruses each (12x8s), tempo change to ~210 bpm, dance one at a time for another 2 blues choruses each (12x8s), and then an all-skate 2 blues choruses (12x8s) |
1st – $75 |
|
Advanced Jazz |
Prelims Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 220 bpm), about 1 min 30 sec each song Semis Qualifiers: 2nd place of Advanced Jazz ILHC qualifiers go straight to semi-finals Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 220 bpm), about 45 sec each song All-skate 1 song ~230 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec Battles Qualifiers: 1st place of Advanced Jazz ILHC qualifiers go straight to finals Dancers will be challenged with a variety of tempos and styles played by the DJs and band (within the jazz/swing genre) Top 8: Dance one at a time for about 30 seconds each then 45 seconds each Top 4: Dance one at a time for about 30 seconds each then 45 seconds each 3rd place battle: Dance one at a time for about 45 seconds each then an all-skate Final: Dance one at a time for about 45 seconds each then another 45 seconds each, then an all-skate |
1st – $75 |
|
Jazz Throwdown This an an All-Star+ level division |
Dancers will be challenged with a variety of tempos and styles played by the DJs and band (within the jazz/swing genre) Prelims Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat, about 1 min 30 sec each song Semis Qualifiers: 2nd place of All-Star Jazz ILHC qualifiers go straight to semi-finals Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat, about 45 sec each song All-skate 1 song, about 1 min 15 sec Battles Qualifiers: 1st place of All-Star Jazz ILHC qualifiers + top 4 of 2024 ILHC Jazz Throwdown go straight to finals Top 16: Dance one at a time for about 30 seconds each then 45 seconds each Top 8: Dance one at a time for about 30 seconds each then 45 seconds each Top 4: Dance one at a time for about 30 seconds each then 45 seconds each 3rd place battle: Dance one at a time for about 45 seconds each then an all-skate Final: Dance one at a time for about 45 seconds each then another 45 seconds each, then an all-skate |
1st – $400 |
Strictly Contests
Lindy Hop Strictly contests are social dance competitions. Although choreographed sequences are not disallowed, the judges will be looking for spontaneity, creativity, and connection to the music. Dancers will dance to music selected by ILHC.
Dancers sign up as couples, which consist of one leader and one follower. Only 1 person from the couple needs to register. ALL TBD partners will need to be established and named by contest registration deadline. Competitors can enter one division per role (e.g., Novice as a leader and Advanced as a follower). Competitors must be at least 14 years of age on or before the start of the in-person event.
| Division | Format / Tempo / Structure | Awards |
|---|---|---|
|
Novice Strictly |
Prelims Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 210 bpm), about 1 min 30 sec each song Semis Qualifiers: 2nd place of Novice Strictly ILHC qualifiers go straight to semi-finals Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 210 bpm), about 45 sec each song All-skate 1 song ~210 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec Finals Qualifiers: 1st place of Novice Strictly ILHC qualifiers go straight to finals Jam format to live band 1 song: ~170 bpm, dance one at a time for 2 blues choruses each (12x8s), tempo change to ~210 bpm, dance one at a time for another 2 blues choruses each (12x8s), and then an all-skate 2 blues choruses (12x8s) |
1st – $150 2nd – $100 3rd – $50 |
|
Advanced Strictly |
Prelims Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 220 bpm), about 1 min 30 sec each song Semis Qualifiers: 2nd place of Advanced Strictly ILHC qualifiers go straight to semi-finals Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~170 and 220 bpm), about 45 sec each song All-skate 1 song ~230 bpm, about 1 min 15 sec Battles Qualifiers: 1st place of Advanced Strictly ILHC qualifiers go straight to finals Couples will be challenged with a variety of tempos and styles played by the DJs and band (within the jazz/swing genre) Top 8: Dance one at a time for about 30 seconds each then 45 seconds each Top 4: Dance one at a time for about 30 seconds each then 45 seconds each 3rd place battle: Dance one at a time for about 45 seconds each then an all-skate Final: Dance one at a time for about 45 seconds each then another 45 seconds each, then an all-skate |
1st – $150 2nd – $100 3rd – $50 |
|
Strictly Throwdown This an an All-Star+ level division |
Dancers will be challenged with a variety of tempos and styles played by the DJs and band (within the jazz/swing genre) Prelims Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat, about 1 min 30 sec each song Semis Qualifiers: 2nd place of All-Star Strictly ILHC qualifiers go straight to semi-finals Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat, about 45 sec each song All-skate 1 song, about 1 min 15 sec Battles Qualifiers: 1st place of All-Star Strictly ILHC qualifiers + top 4 of 2024 ILHC Strictly Throwdown go straight to finals Top 16: Dance one at a time for about 30 seconds each then 45 seconds each Top 8: Dance one at a time for about 30 seconds each then 45 seconds each Top 4: Dance one at a time for about 30 seconds each then 45 seconds each 3rd place battle: Dance one at a time for about 45 seconds each then an all-skate Final: Dance one at a time for about 45 seconds each then another 45 seconds each, then an all-skate |
1st – $800 |
NORMAlizer Contest
The NORMAlizer contest is a “no holds barred”-style contest where aerials, air steps, acrobatics, lifts, etc are allowed and encouraged. Dancers will dance to music selected by ILHC.
Dancers sign up as couples, which consist of one leader and one follower. Only 1 person from the couple needs to register. ALL TBD partners will need to be established and named by contest registration deadline. Competitors must be at least 18 years of age on or before the start of the in-person event.
| Division | Format / Tempo / Structure | Awards |
|---|---|---|
|
NORMAlizer |
Prelims Heats to DJ music 2 songs per heat (~220 and 240 bpm), about 1 min each song All-skate: ~260 bpm, about 1 min Battles The top 7 couples from the prelims will join the winners of the 2024 NORMAlizer. Round 1 battles: ~230 bpm, each couple dances 2 blues choruses (12x8s) Round 2 battles: ~240 bpm, each couple dances 1/2 chorus (8x8s), then another 1/2 chorus each (8x8s) Final battle: ~250 bpm, each couple dances 1 chorus (16x8s), then a 1/2 chorus each (8x8s), and then an all-skate 1/2 chorus (8x8s) |
1st – $700 2nd – $300 |
Classic Contest
In this division, competitors display their Lindy Hop choreographed creativity. No aerials, air steps, acrobatics, or lifts are allowed. “On the ground” moves (such as drops, slides, and splits) are allowed. The emphasis is on partnering. The Competitors select their own music.
Dancers sign up as couples, which consist of one leader and one follower. Only 1 person from the couple needs to register. ALL TBD partners will need to be established and named by contest registration deadline. Competitors must be at least 18 years of age on or before the start of the in-person event.
If you are dancing in both a virtual classic and in-person classic, you CANNOT do the same routine in both.
| Division | Format / Tempo / Structure | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| World Finals Classic |
Qualifiers: Top 5 from the previous ILHC World Finals Classic, 1st place from the previous ILHC All-Star Classic, 1st place from each ILHC qualifier, and invited dancers by the organizers. Lindy Hop routine division. Competitors (1 lead and 1 follow) dance to music of their choice. You may choose any song appropriate for lindy hop, including both modern and historical bands. You CANNOT do the same routine in the virtual classic and an in-person classic. No aerials, air-steps, acrobatics, or lifts in this division. “On the ground” moves (such as drops, slides, and splits) are allowed. Emphasis on partnering. Songs should be 2 – 2.5 minutes in length (or cut or faded within the time allotted). |
1st – $600 2nd – $400 3rd – $200 |
Team Contests
In team divisions, competitors display their creative team choreography.
Lindy Hop teams must feature lindy hop, and there are NO restrictions on aerials, air steps, acrobatics, lifts, etc. A team consists of 3 or more couples.
Jazz teams must featuring solo American vernacular jazz dance including Charleston and vernacular jazz movements. A team consists of 3 or more dancers.
Competitors can participate in up to 2 Jazz Teams and 2 Lindy Hop Teams. Competitors must be at least 14 years of age on or before the start of the in-person event. Only 1 person from the team needs to register.
| Division | Format / Tempo / Structure | Awards |
|---|---|---|
|
Lindy Hop Team |
Lindy Hop routine division. Teams (3 or more couples) dance to music of their choice. You may choose any song appropriate for lindy hop, including both modern and historical bands. Songs should be 2.5 – 3.5 minutes in length (or cut or faded within the time allotted). |
1st – $400 2nd – $200 3rd – $100 |
|
Jazz Team |
Vernacular jazz routine division. Teams (3 or more dancers) dance to music of their choice. You may choose any song appropriate for vernacular jazz, including both modern and historical bands. This division is for non-partnered jazz movement. Songs should be 2.5 – 3.5 minutes in length (or cut or faded within the time allotted). |
1st – $400 2nd – $200 3rd – $100 |
5vs5 Continental Battle
Special Thursday night competition and show at Montréal’s gorgeous Théâtre de Verdure. This outdoor venue is open to the public and can host up to 2,000 people.
The competition will feature 8 teams dancing in an All-Styles battle format. 2 captains per continent are invited by ILHC to form teams of 5 dancers and compete!
| Division | Format / Tempo / Structure | Awards |
|---|---|---|
|
5vs5 Continental Battle |
Battles Dancers will be challenged with a variety of tempos and styles played by the ILHC DJs Top 8: Dance one at a time for about 1 minute each then another 1 minute each Top 4: Dance one at a time for about 1 minute each then another 1 minute each Final: Dance one at a time for about 1.5 minute each then another 1.5 minute each |
1st – $400 |
Competition Rules
All Competitors are responsible for reading and understanding the rules prior to the INTERNATIONAL LINDY HOP CHAMPIONSHIPS (ILHC). Competitors are responsible for adhering to these rules whether or not they have been read. Competitors must agree to all of the terms within these Competition Rules.
Elegibility
Age requirements – The Competitor must meet the age requirement specified in these rules on or before the first day of the event. Minors under the legal age of majority in their primary residence must get their parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate in ILHC contests.
Multiple Entries – When submitting multiple entries for competitions, please note that each competition has specific rules and guidelines regarding entries across different divisions and roles. See the contest details above.
Costumes – It is the position of the ILHC that colorful, decorative, dramatic attire enhances the entertainment value of the performances. Tasteful dance clothing is accepted and strongly encouraged.
Music – For competitions in which the competitor selects their music (e.g. Classics and Teams):
- You CAN edit the music to fit the time parameters. For example, that could be removing some of the middle of the song, speeding up or slowing down the song, or fading the music at the end.
- The music MUST be submitted to our head DJ and should be a one-track, high-quality digital audio file.
Dance Orders – Dance order will be randomly assigned by our competition team. In choreography divisions, you may trade dance orders by communicating with the competition team.
Deadlines – Failure to comply with deadlines and failure to show up 15 minutes prior to your competition for check in, may result in disqualification from competing in the event without a refund of entry fee. These decisions will be made solely at the discretion of the Organizer.
Judging – The Relative Placement System will be used to judge the majority of competitions at the ILHC. Some finals will be judged in battles with immediate eliminations. Judges decisions are final.
Behavior
To attende ILHC, you must follow our Code of Conduct.
Further, all Competitors must demonstrate courteous and professional behavior at all times at the ILHC, both on and off the competition floor. Failure to adhere to these standards could cause disciplinary action by the Organizer, or penalties from the Judges.
To maintain an inclusive and respectful environment, participants are free to express themselves outside of competition areas; however, political speech, clothing, or actions are not permitted during competitions or awards ceremonies. This policy aligns with international sporting standards, including Olympic guidelines, to ensure a focus on the shared experience of all participants, our dance, and the art. Any violations may be subject to review and appropriate action by event organizers, up to and including removal from competition, event or removal/refusal to post competition videos.
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