Competition Divisions

ON 1 (Couples / Non Acrobatic)

ON 2 (Couples / Non Acrobatic)

CABARET (Couples With Up To 50% Acrobatics)

BACHATA (Couples / With Up To 3 Lifts / Tricks)

AMATEUR (Couples / Non Acrobatic)

CHA CHA CHA (Couples / Non Acrobatic)

CUMBIA (Couples / With Up To 3 Lifts / Tricks)

CHILDREN COUPLES (5 to 10 Years Old / With Up To 3 Lifts / Tricks)

JUNIOR COUPLES (10 to 15 Years Old / With Up To 3 Lifts / Tricks)

SALSA LADIES & MEN (SAME GENDER / 2-20 Dancers With Up To 3 Lifts / Tricks)

PRO AM (Couples / Heat & Showcase / Non Acrobatic)

OVER 65 (Amateur /Combined Age Has To Be Over 65 Without Acrobatics)

SALSA TEAM (Non Acrobatic / From 6-20 Dancers With NO Lifts Or Tricks)

SALSA TEAM (With Acrobatics / From 6-20 Dancers With Up To 50% Acrobatics)

BACHATA TEAM (From 6-20 Dancers / With Up To 3 Lifts / Tricks)

JUNIOR TEAM (5-15 Years Old / 6-20 Dancers / With Up To 3 Lifts / Tricks)

AMATEUR TEAM (Non Acrobatic)

CASINO RUEDA TEAM (From 6-20 Dancers / With Up To 3 Lifts / Tricks)

ULTIMATE CHAMPIONSHIP (Everything Goes)

DEFINITIONS

AMATEUR: This category applies to any individual that enjoys any forms of dance as a `hobby` and does not earn a living or works part time in the dance industry.   You cannot be classed as an Amateur if you have been paid for performing or teaching in the past but now have chosen now to treat dancing just as a hobby. Also cannot be an amateur and dance in a pro team. Non-Acrobatic.

PROFESSIONAL: An individual who is or has received financial compensation for teaching or performing.

PRO – AM: Judges will focus on the amateur student not on the pro. 
The competition will be done in an open floor format by heats (lead and follow) and then by a showcase (Chore Routine). The pro can dance with up to 3 different students. Non-Acrobatic.
            
TEAMS: A combination of dancers male or female with a minimum of 6 members or maximum of 20 members.
              
SAME GENDER: The teams have a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 20 dancers, ladies or men of the same gender. 
            
OVER 65: The competitors must have a combined age of over 65 years old and be amateurs. Non-Acrobatic.

CHILDREN: Dancers will be 5-10 years old and is open for all levels.
You are required to provide details of proof of age i.e. Birth cert, ID card etc.If you are under 16 yrs old, please provide written consent from parents allowing you to enter the Championships

JUNIORS: Dancers will be 10-15 years old and is open for all levels. You are required to provide details of proof of age i.e. Birth cert, ID card etc.
If you are under 16 yrs old, please provide written consent from parents allowing you to enter the Championships.

ROUNDS: Each round is considered a "fresh start" for competitors. 
The order of performances will be based on the score of the preliminary round. With the lowest scored competitor performing first and the highest preliminary scorer performing last.
Example: All participants qualifying for the finals will not bring their semi final score to the finals. All participants will start fresh in the next round. The best couple or team during the finals will be the winner. During the finals, participants in selected categories can only use
authorized or our pre-selected music.

PRELIMINARY ROUND: All couples or teams

SEMI FINAL ROUNDS (Thursday & Friday): Top 36 to 40 couples or teams will be divided so that half compete on Thursday and the rest on Friday.

FINALS: Final 5 couples per division and 5 teams will compete In the final round.

FINAL ROUNDS: Representation will be limited to a maximum of two (2) teams or couples
maximum per country. This ruling will hold true for each division.

Specific Rules for Each Division are Listed Below:

SALSA ON "1" DIVISION:
This division is judged on a combination of Heated and Solo Performances.
Emphasis will be on the downbeat (the 1st beat of the phrase). Rhythm must be maintained consistently throughout the performance. Non-Acrobatic.

SALSA ON "2" DIVISION: This division is judged on a combination of Heated and Solo 
Performances. Emphasis on the up beat (the 2nd beat of the phrase). Rhythm must be maintained consistently throughout the performance. Non-Acrobatic.

SALSA CABARET DIVISION: This division is judged as a combination of heated and couple performances. On-1” or “On-2” but must maintain a consistency to their choice for the duration of the performance. Also 50% of the routine needs to be dancing. Points will be deducted for any lifts/tricks not executed correctly at the discretion of the judges.50% Acrobatics Allowed.

BACHATA DIVISION (COUPLE): DEFINITION - Open category is open to any dancer, except amateurs. Professionals are welcome to enter this category. Individual choreography is required. Emphasis will be on timing, technique, choreography, musical interpretation, partnering, performance. 90% bachata choreography. Up to 3 lifts / tricks permitted.

AMATEUR DIVISION (COUPLE): DEFINITION - Amateur category is open to any dancer who has never received any money from teaching or dancing Salsa, this includes prize money. Please read through Amateur Rules & Guidelines to ensure your eligibility for this category. Individual choreography is required. Emphasis will be on timing, technique, choreography, musical interpretation, partnering, performance. Non-Acrobatic.

CHA CHA CHA DIVISION (COUPLE): DEFINITION - Open category is open to any dancer except amateurs. Professionals are welcome to enter this category. Individual choreography is required. Emphasis will be on timing, technique, choreography, musical interpretation, partnering, performance. 90 % cha cha cha choreography.  Non-Acrobatic

CHILDREN COUPLE (5-10 YEARS OLD): DEFINITION - Individual choreography is required. Emphasis will be on timing, technique, choreography, musical interpretation, partnering, performance. Up to 3 lifts / tricks permitted.

JUNIORS COUPLE (10-15 YEARS OLD): DEFINITION - Individual choreography is required. Emphasis will be on timing, technique, choreography, musical interpretation, partnering, performance. Up to 3 lifts / tricks permitted.

SAME GENDER (SALSA LADIES): DEFINITION - Open category is open to any dancer, except amateurs. Professionals are welcome to enter this category. Individual choreography is required. Emphasis will be on timing, technique, choreography, musical interpretation, partnering, performance. Up to 3 lifts / tricks permitted.

SAME GENDER (SALSA MEN’S): DEFINITION - Open category is open to any dancer, except amateurs. Professionals are welcome to enter this category. Individual choreography is required. Emphasis will be on timing, technique, choreography, musical interpretation, partnering, performance. Up to 3 lifts / tricks permitted.

OVER 65+ (COUPLES) (COMBINED AGE): DEFINITION - 65+ category is an Amateur category and is open to any dancer who has never received any money from teaching or dancing Salsa, this includes prizes. Both dancers combined ages must be over the age of 65. Proof of age may be required. Individual choregraphy is not required. Emphasis will be on timing, rhythm, partnerng, musical interpretation, presentation and sense of enjoyment. Non-Acrobatic.

CUMBIA (COUPLE): DEFINITION - Open category is open to any dancer.. Professionals are welcome to enter this category. Individual choreography is required. Emphasis will be on timing, technique, choreography, musical interpretation, partnering, performance. Up to 3 lifts / tricks permitted

PRO-AM (COUPLE) (HEAT & SHOWCASE):
Pro-Am competition is a category where amateur students partner with a professional dancer. In this category only the amateur is judged. Competitors may be aged 16 and above. Non-Acrobatic.

Pro-Am Routine Division - Pro lead/follow &  Amateur lead/follow 
 1. Any dancer that qualifies as a Novice through Intermediate may enter this category. (See General Rules)
2. Pros may dance with up to three (3) Amateur’s (Maximum of 15 routines total for this division – 1st come, first served basis); however, each partner must have a different routine with different music – no generic routines permitted!!
3. This is a SALSA category and dance content must be 70% that style.
4. There are no Lifts or Aerials allowed.
5. Music Time Limitations: No less than 1 minute and 30 seconds and no more than 2 minutes.

SALSA TEAM (CABARET): SEE "TEAM DIVISIONS" Rules
Lifts, cartwheels or any similar lifts or tricks are required. Points will be deducted for any incomplete lifts or tricks. See definitions for lifts and tricks.

SALSA TEAM (NON-ACROBATIC): No lifts / tricks / cartwheels / aerials permitted. SEE "TEAM DIVISIONS" rules

BACHATA TEAM: SEE "TEAM DIVISIONS" rules. Routines must be 75% recognizable bachata. Up to 3 lifts / tricks permitted.

JUNIOR TEAM (5-15 YEARS OLD): The Junior salsa teams category is an amateur category open to dancers up to 15 years of age. All team members must be 15 years and under. Proof of age may be required. Teams must consist of at least two (3) couples and no more than ten (10) couples. Emphasis will be on timing, synchronization, formations, presentation and originality. Music must be 100% recognizable salsa. Youth competing in ANY of the PRO divisions may NOT compete in the junior or children divisons. Up to 3 lifts / tricks permitted.

AMATEUR TEAM: See “Amateur Definitions” ALL Types of music including Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia or cha cha cha is allowed. No lifts or tricks are allowed.

CASINO RUEDA (TEAM): SEE "TEAM DIVISIONS" rules. Routines must be 75% recognizable Casino Rueda. Up to 3 lifts / tricks permitted.

TEAM DIVISIONS: Solo format only. Lifts, cartwheels or any similar lifts or tricks are 
permitted only in the Team Cabaret division. Lifts are defined as any assisted movement whereby any partner is carried off the floor. Whether the feet are 2 inches off the floor or 10 feet, this type of assisted movement will still be considered a lift or trick. Shines are permitted. Performances must be 75% recognizable salsa*, and although either On 1 or On 2 Style is permitted, chosen rhythm must be maintained throughout the dance part of the performance. 25% of the routine must reflect “Quick-Quick-Slow” salsa timing. Up to 3 lifts / tricks permitted in the following team divisions: Bachata, Junior, Casino Rueda.

General Rules

Preliminary warm up rounds for "On 1", "On 2", & Cabaret divisions are 1.5 – 2.0 minutes and competitors will dance to the DJ's pre- selected music. Each couple will then perform a routine no longer than two minutes that they have choreographed to their own music or music from our pre selected songs. The routine cannot go over two minutes. 
We will have a time-keeper for each routine. If routine is longer than two minutes the team or couples will be deducted percentage points for each second over two minutes. The team division will not have a warm up period to DJ music. They will be expected to be prepared to perform a choreographed team routine of two minutes or less. All dancers of all divisions are required to bring their own two-minute or less pre-recorded music on a CD format. Only music of  one performance is allowed on each CD.
No routine previously performed in past years Finals at the World Salsa Championships or World Latin Dance Cup will be allowed to be used again for the Final Round.
No changing of partners can occur after you have entered the preliminary rounds.
All competitors that have qualified for the Semi Finals must be available to compete by Thursday December 15, 2011 at 9am unless they plan to compete in other divisions. They would then need to be available on Wednesday December 14, 2011 at 9am to be ready to compete alongside all couples and teams that have not qualified in a particular division or are choosing to compete in more than one division.   
All competitors need to stay at the Tropicana Hotel since there could be changes done to the schedule base on amount of entries and we will need your room number upon registering with us so we can reach you and keep you informed.

If you decide to not stay at the Tropicana Hotel and we are unable to inform you of any changes and you are late, you and your partner or team will be disqualified with no refund. (No Exceptions)
We will not accept anyone being late for meetings, rehearsals or competition time. If someone is missing from your team or partnership, judges will be notified with a warning but also points can be deducted or you can even be disqualified. WLDC reserve the right for any photography or filming to be permitted during the full event including qualifiers, semi-finals & finals of the WLDC. All photography and filming are property of World Latin Dance Cup, Inc & Albert Torres Productions, Inc. All competitors consent to release the use of their photographs, biographies, and names, for any video or television footage for sale. All of this is property of World Latin Dance Cup & Albert Torres Productions Inc. The event will be recorded by film, video and photography. These may be used for WLDC promotional purposes and marketing without any obligation. WLDC reserves the right to change the program and competition if necessary without consultation. WLDC will not accept responsibility for loss or injury to persons or loss of possessions in relation to this event. There will be no refund for couples who pull out of this event or are disqualified. If there are fewer than three couples, the WLDC reserves the right to cancel the competition for that division.The head judge and WLDC committee will have final say on all discrepancies, equal scores, etc all decisions are final.

GENERAL INFORMATION: All Competitors Must Check In With Registration To Update Their Entry Forms, Pick Up Their Competition Number And Supply Us With Their Hotel Room Number.

All Competitors Need To Purchase A Full Event Pass For $75.00 And Sign A Liability Waiver. (NO EXCEPTIONS) Includes Past Champions.

Previous Year Champions In Each Division Go Directly To Semi-Finals

All Competitors Need To Pay As A Couple Or As A Team The Designated Cost Of Each Division They Decide To Compete In

All Competitors Can Enter And Compete In As Many Divisions They Choose To As Long As They Qualify For That Division And Pay The Cost To Compete

All Competitors Need To Be Registered At The Tropicana Hotel, So We Can Update Everyone Daily With Any Changes To The Schedule. This Is Important.

Anyone Late Or Missing Their Scheduled Meetings Or Rehearsal Time For Any Reason Will Be Warned Or Disqualified At The Discretion Of The Producers And Or Judges

No CD Will Be Accepted With Names Of Dance Teams, Couples, Dance Schools Etc…….As Part Of The Recording Of Their Performance.

No Competitions Can Exceed Two Minutes.

No Chorography Used In Previous Years Can Be Used Again.

No Amateur Dancer Can Perform On Any Team Or Division That Is Not Amateur

World Latin Dance Cup Inc Reserves The Right To Cancel Any Categories.

No Prize Money Will Be Awarded To Any Division With Less Than Ten Entries

World Latin Dance Cup Inc Cannot Be Held Liable For Injury Sustained By Dancers Or Anyone Else Attending The Event.

World Latin Dance Cup Inc Does Not Take Any Responsibility For Loss Or Theft Of Any Personal Items Or Articles.

WHAT THE JUDGES LOOK FOR:

 

Timing & Rhythm: “On 1” or “On 2”; Musicality & Consistency with the beat – Strict Tempo.
Partnering: Lead & follow; unity / synchronization between partners.
Dance Ability & Music Interpretation: Style, control and execution of the dance or choreography.
Appearance/ Stage presence: Connection, Costumes, confidence and presentation.

PANEL OF JUDGES: The judges will be aware of all judging criteria for each category (see “What the judges look for” above). To maintain fair judgement, if there is a big difference in allocation of points from one judge compared to the other four, then that judge will be asked to explain his/ her decision to the other judges, This is to avoid a judge being “biased” towards some competitors. A head judge will also be present to ensure fairness is executed at all times. The judges will appreciate the diversity of salsa dancing; therefore any style of salsa will be permitted i.e. Cuban, LA, New York, on1 or on2 etc. The head judge and WLDC committee will have final say on all discrepancies, equal scores, etc all decisions are final.
JUDGING CRITERIA
TIMING (20%): Salsa Timing for all divisions of this competition has been defined as
“Quick-Quick-Slow” as designated by the counts “1-2-3” of each bar or music. Dancers can choose to break on the “1” or the “2”. The timing score asks: Was correct rhythm maintained throughout the routine? Were syncopations deliberate and within the acceptable deviations of timing for the dance?
We, the producers of the World Latin Dance Cup, Inc have decided with the support of our head judge, Billy Fajardo , not to deduct points, if you are dancing "On 1" and return by breaking "On 5". The same if you are dancing on " 2" and return by breaking on "6 ". If your timing is not consistent to your selected division, you will be deducted points off your total score. Every judge will decide alone what percentage to be deducted from the score depending on how many times the infraction happened.  If you were to return on any other beat than that mentioned you will have be points deducted. Men and women must maintain at least 25% salsa timing steps in full 8 counts during the routine marking only 1 and 5 or 2 or 6 is not considered as a full 8 counts of salsa timing. If this is not the case points will be deducted in timing by the judges according to how many times you are doing this. Recognized salsa timing is designated for this competition as 1-2-3, 5-6-7. Competitors can choose to break on 1 or on 2, but must maintain consistency for the duration of the routine. The direction of the break step can be either to the front or the back, as is consistently maintained (either 1 and 5, or 2 and 6). Competitors in all divisions must demonstrate routines that are 80% salsa. Dancing couples in any of the cabaret divisions must also demonstrate basic timing for a minimum of 50% of their routine. This can be reflected in turn patterns, shines, etc… failure to demonstrate basic salsa rhythm for the duration of the routine will result in a timing score of  “0”. 
Note: if any of the participants dance on other timing, different from the specified in their application, they are disqualified with no refund.
MUSICALITY 20%): Couples will demonstrate their ability to creatively work with the timing of their individual music. This can be done in a variety of ways, including patterns, footwork,” hits”, tricks, etc…Judges will evaluate the level of interpretation of the music chosen, the different nuance, breaks and accents the overall synchronization of the dancers with the music. How effectively did the couple utilize the breaks and nuances of their chosen piece of music. Were they rhythmically in sync with the piece? 20% of the overall score will be reflected by Musicality.

TECHNIQUE (10%): Reflected through balance, placement and line. Partners must reflect adequate “Latin” / “salsa motion” and “isolations” as designated by the dance style. Movement should appear to be effortless. These are reflections of good dance technique.
Minor infractions as balance error and major balance error points deducted will be determined by each judge.
DIFFICULTY (10%): What was the level of the turns, patterns, intricacy of shine movements, level of tricks, dips, drops, and flares? The amount of turns on both double and single feet? By both dancers or only one? Any movements requiring exceptional balance, flexibility or strength? Were all movements attempted successfully executed?
Example: in the cabaret divisions, what was the difficulty of the lift work? Was it properly executed? How about jumps, kicks, extensions? In Order to get credit for any of these, the movements must be successfully executed.
PARTNERING / CONNECTION (10%): This is reflected in the lead / follow aspect of the dance. Are partners truly connected, or are they merely executing choreography while holding hands? Synchronicity during side by side or shines will also help determine the score in this category. Minor and major mis-connects deduction in points will be determined by each individual Judge.
CHOREOGRAPHY / ORIGINALITY (10%): The choreography is the couple or teams interpretation of the music. Did the routine flow easily from one movement to the next? Good choreography should contain clever turn patterns and shines. For the On 1 and on 2, team divisions although not required, a few creative tricks will help with your score. For the cabaret divisions, dancers should creatively demonstrate lifts and tricks, and also smooth transitions. All choreography should be musical, and dancers should show a good usage of the space itself. Originality is a factor here. How well put together was the performance? Did the routine flow easily from one movement to the next? Was there something clever or new that was part of the routine? How musical was it?

Routines must ideally reflect the following: Turn Patterns (which will be judged on level of difficulty and/or originality), Open Shines, Footwork, Floorcraft (proper usage of the stage space), and Tricks or Trick Combinations that are appropriate for this divison. Routines should show originality, or something unique to showcase the couple

APPEARANCE / ARTISTIC / COSTUMES & DANCE ETIQUETTE (10%): How professional and polished did the team / couple appear to be? How did they project to the audience and capture their attention? Contestants will show etiquette during the competition by refraining from distracting others while competing couple is dancing. If this is not the case the judges will deduct points. Costumes or matching outfits are required. All costumes should be in good taste with all private parts covered by non-transparent material. We strongly suggest that jeans are not used as costumes and ladies wear dresses or skirts with nylons or fishnets. Also recommended that men not wear sleeveless tops. If you decide not to do this no points will be automatically deducted. Be aware that judges might be looking at this as a personal preference.
FREE STYLING (10%): All divisions except teams) No dips, drops or flares are permitted during the free style round. The main goal is for competitors to show that they truly possess knowledge of the dance without the tricks, dips and flares. The score will reflect how they performed in a pure lead / follow heated format. ensurring that dancers truly possess knowledge of the dance. You will be judged by your overall presentation. Includes costuming, showmanship and good sportsmanship.
SYNCHRONIZATION (10%): Teams only) Teams must be synchronized when parts are choreographed to be synchronized. How synchronized was the team during side by side movement or shines, combinations, lines, hands & feet and body movement?
Infractions: if a team loses synchronicity points will be deducted each time. How well did the team work together? Was there a lead / follow relationship established? How synchronized was the team during side-by-side movement or shines?

ULTIMATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Final competition! Only the final three in each division, qualify for the Ultimate Championship World Latin Dance Cup. For the second year in a row the audience has a voice and for the second time they will decide who they feel  is the best couple in the world. Only if you were part of the final three in your division can you enter this final competition. If your team is in the final three of your division each team can select one couple to represent the team. In this division everything goes. This means cabaret will be competing on the same floor with on 1 or on 2 or cumbia, cha cha cha, etc etc etc. We will have a meter to measure the crowd’s applause and screams. This will determine who passes to the next round and eventually to see who are the final three couples recognized by the attendees as the best in the World. Then they will decide who are the Ultimate Champions of the World Latin Dance Cup.
DISQUALIFYING INFRACTIONS: In the "On 1" & "On 2" categories, no move in which both feet leave the ground at the same time will be permitted, including any move above the shoulder will not be allowed. If at any time for eitherdancer, if both feet leave the ground, points will be deducted. Amount of deduction for each infraction will be 10% of the overall final score. If ANY part of the body of either dancer goes above the partner’s shoulders, the couple will be disqualified with no refund. Participants will also be disqualified if any portion of their routine in the finals uses unauthorized music Couple or team will be disqualified if any contestant is under the age of 14 years old on dates of competitions. Each participant will need to bring proof of age upon request. They will also not be allowed to re-enter under this or any other division during this particular qualifying contest. They can enter another qualifying contest in the future by registering and paying the entry fee for that particular event.
RULES & JUDGING CRITERIA 
All the information will be provided to the competitors at the registration / info desk at the hotel. Each round is considered a fresh start for competitors. Order of performance will be based on a Lot, before each of the rounds. All competitors have the opportunity to conduct their rehearsal on the stage, where the competition is to be held as long as time allows. No competitor will be allowed on stage to rehearse without permission. 
All decisions are final  and are to be determined by the head judge. However if there are too many complaints on decisions after the competition, only the head judge after meeting with the other judges has the right to change the score. The producers of the event need to be informed before the final decision. After the competition and only after the final competition judges will be allowed to communicate his or her decisions with the competitors. 
Judges should always maintain neutral and professional. Competitors will be allowed to see their scores after  they have been eliminated but not allowed to talk to judges until after the Saturday finals of all the competitions. Competitors in no way will be allowed to raise their voice or be unprofessional to any judge or member of the organization. If this is to occur this person will be disqualified for any future events worldwide of ATP and the World Latin Dance Cup. All Scores will be published on the internet. All parties should respect each other’s opinion.

A. Partnerships in couple divisions will be designated as one male and one female partner unless specifically designated as a Same Gender division. The couples will present consecutively, dancing “freestyle” and their own show performance. Team divisions will only present their shows
B. All couple divisions will dance a 1.5-2.0 minute warm up round. The Warm up round also know as freestyle or the heated part of the Competition. The warm up round will be danced in a heated format, and will be designated as a “lead / follow” or “just dance” round. 
No Dips, tricks, flares or choreographed moves will be permitted during the warm up round. The deejay will select the music. This is to give the judges a general look at the couples.
The competitors are able to show the judges that they truly posses knowledge of the dance without additional support, acrobatics, etc and to show the judges their creativity and freedom in social dancing and the interaction between partners and the music. 10% of the 
couples score will reflect how they performed in a pure lead/follow heated format. Contestants will show etiquette during contest by refraining from distracting others while competing couple is dancing. Points will be deducted by the judges in the freestyle division, If during the round any of these rules are not followed. Team divisions will not dance a warm up round.
C. Showcase or choreographed routines should be no more than 2 minutes long, starting from the beginning of the song, echoes and name calling Included. The main judge will deduct every 5 seconds above 2 minutes 0.1 point. It is not allowed that you record your company or team name as part of the recording on the CD. Judges at their discretion can deduct points for this.
D. Music for only the final showcase routines in the following divisions are to be chosen from the pre-approved list of songs as designated by the World Latin Dance Cup. On1, On2, Cabaret, teams with & without acrobatics. If music is used that is not from pre approved list competitors will be disqualified. All divisions are able to use any music approved or not approved for the non-qualified rounds and the semi final rounds. Music for the following divisions do not have to be chosen from the pre approved list of songs even in their final 
Routines: bachata couples, bachata teams, cha cha cha, casino rueda, over 65+, children division, junior division, junior teams, pro-am division, amateur and amateur teams, same gender & cumbia division.
E. Music for all divisions must be 80% salsa music. You are allowed to mix no more than three different songs in one routine. The 20% of your routine, that you are allowed to have other music besides salsa, can be any music of your choice unless it is in the finals of the following divisions: on one, on two, cabaret, teams with or without acrobatics. In these divisions the additional 20% in the finals also needs to be taken from the pre approved list of music.
F. Music for performances to be supplied in CD format. No exceptions! Have these CD’s available at the midday meeting. Only the music of the actual performance to be on the CD, if any other music is on the CD it will be rejected and the competitor will have five minutes to get the corrected CD to the person in charge. If five minutes pass and the corrected CD is not available the competitors will be disqualified and their registration and full event pass fees will be forfeited. The CD will have the names or team name of the competitors and their WLDC number. This must be clearly be marked on the CD. Also each CD has to have on the CD the following information, name of song, name of artist and the distributing company. Failure to comply will result in a reduction as a penalty off the final score. All CD’s must be delivered in a protected case.  Judges will take in consideration competitors that choose music that is not commonly used by the other competitors. We ask that all competitors not add to their CD’s recording the name of their dance teams, couples names or sponsors. Prepare at least two CD’s with your music for each routine on its own.  Each CD should be a different brand because some professional deejay equipments do not play certain CD’s. There should be only the music for the routine on each CD. The CD’s should be ready to be played as is. The deejay will not slow down or speed up your CD. For each round, the competitors must present new CD’s with their music. It is your responsibility to pick up your music after each round. Music must be consistent the style of category. 
Example: No merengue, hip hop, or any other Intro will be allowed for over 20% of the salsa Category.

CHOSEN MUSIC & ROUTINE:

 
For the final round each couple must dance to the pre approved music found on the WLDC website AUTHORIZED MUSIC 
Music, which must be provided on a readable CD (no minidisk or cassette tape will be accepted) of between 1.5 – 2 minutes in length. The chosen CD must be submitted no later than the morning meeting on the day of the event. (Please note that the track you have chosen to dance to cannot be any less than 1.5minutes or any more than 2mns. Any competitors who do not comply with the maximum stated timescale will have their music automatically stopped at 2 minutes).
MUSIC & CD: Please see our list of approved music for the 2011 World Latin Dance Cup. Music must be at least 80% salsa. You are allowed to mix no more than 3 different songs or 3 mixes in one routine. We strongly suggest to use one or two songs at the most. The 20% of your routine that you are allowed to have other music besides salsa can be any music of your choice as long it is on the pre selected song list for the finals. 
Reminder: A maximum of 3 songs per routine can be mixed Into your routine. 
We encourage you to prepare more than one choreographed routine for the various qualifying rounds in case you qualify for the finals. 
.
IMPORTANT: Prepare at least 3 CDs on different CD brands with the music for each 
routine. Example: Two routines equal 6 CD’s. The CDs should be ready to be played as is. There should only be music for one routine on each CD. The DJ will not slow down or speed up your CD. Please protect your CD ' s by having covers for each one. CD’s will not be accepted without covers. Also please identify your CD by putting your name, name of song, artist name, name of record company and author of song and length of each song on the CD. This is a MUST! 
G. Props are not allowed. Extra costume pieces such as hats or jackets are permitted if they are a part of the costume, and are not Discarded (taken off and thrown away) at any time during the performance. Failure to follow this rule will result in points being deducted off the final score by the main judge and lower the score by the judges also. Hairpieces, jewelry or clothing pieces that fall on the stage during routine can also result in lower scores to be given by the judges. NO PROPS Allowed other than those worn by dancers (hats, Glasses, etc) NO Chairs, Canes, Guns, Knives, Fire effects, or any other carry on to stage props allowed. 
H. Tricks, dips, drops, leverage moves & flares. A trick is defined as any movement that requires the support of the other partner to Maintain balance. This is regardless of whether the feet remain on the Floor or not. On 1 & on 2 showcase divisions and team divisions that do not include acrobatics: one foot must always remain on the floor even during tricks. If both feet of any competitor in these divisions leave the floor via the assistance of the other 
partner, it will be considered a lift and there will be a major deduction from the final Score. A maximum of three tricks / dips or flares are permitted for the routine. Any lift above the shoulder is subject for couple or team to be disqualified. All other couples or team divisions may utilize Lifts and overheads. Routines in the cabaret and teams with acrobatics need to be at least 50% salsa dancing. Multiple positions are okay in Trick combinations but no more than three total positions may be achieved in any combination. However there cannot be any stops during the combinations. Positions must consistently flow from one to the Next, with no stops. If there is a stop, each position will be counted As a separate trick, and will account toward the three trick limit. No Trick or trick combination can last more than two 8 counts.

TRICKS, LIFTS, DIPS AND DROPS:

Definition of a LIFT: 
That point when both feet are off the ground, and weight is not self supported.

Definition of a DROP: 
The point at which the head goes below your partner’s waist and weight is not self supported.

Definition of an AERIAL:.
The point at which both feet of one partner are off the ground due to the other partner and not maintaining contact with their partner.

LIFTS: Cartwheels Or Any Similar Lifts or Tricks are permitted. Lifts are defined as any assisted movement whereby any partner is carried off the floor. Whether the feet are 2 inches off the floor or 10 feet, this type of assisted movement will still be considered a lift or trick. Tricks and trick combinations are expected to remain within the confines of salsa timing and or musicality of the routine.

TRICKS: Any assisted movement whereby the movement cannot be balanced or 
performed without the assistance of the partner is considered to be a TRICK.

TRICK COMBINATIONS: Multiple Positions (Non Cabaret Divisions): 
Are okay in trick combinations but no more than 3 total positions may be achieved in any 
combination. However, there cannot be any stops during the  combinations. Positions much consistently flow from one to the next, with no stops. If there is a stop, each position will be counted as a separate trick, and will count toward the 3 trick limit. No trick or trick combination can last more than two 8-counts (4 measures). One foot must remain on the floor at all times.

TURNS: For all divisions: a maximum of four bars / 16 beats / 2 counts of 8 are allowed for continuous turns. More than this will result in a penalty off the final score. All preparations for turns and or checks must maintain basic timing. For the on 1 style, preps must occur on The 1-2 or the 5-6. For the on 2 style, preps must occur on the 2-3 or 6-7. Coming out of a turn sometimes preps can also start on 1 style: On 8 or on 4, and on 2 style- on 1 and on 5.

CONTINUOUS TURNS: Multiple / Continuous turns such as multiple turns in one spot, touch and go style turns, or pot stirrers / corkscrews cannot last longer than two 8 counts and cannot happen more than two times in the routine. If this is not the case points will be deducted by the main judge. 
Stops / freezes, What is a stop? A full stop of the legs but movements in the body. 

WHAT IS A FREEZE?:

 

A full stop of the legs and no body movement (like a pause). Dancers cannot maintain an extended stop or freeze position for more Than one 8 count. Extended stops or freezes cannot happen more than Two times in the routine. So as its only allowed to stop or freeze two Times in the routine from 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. You can do this only two times during the whole routine. If you do this more than two times, points will be deducted by the head judge. If you decide to stop or freeze for less than a 8 count it’s still counted as a freeze or stop. But there will be no point deduction by the head judge but the other judges might give you a lesser score in choreography if he or she thinks that there were to many stops or freezes in the routine. Dancers cannot maintain an extended stop or freeze position for more than one 8-count (2 measures). Extended stops or freeze’s cannot happen more than two times in the routine.

THESE RULES ARE THE PROPERTY OF ALBERT TORRES PRODUCTIONS INC & WORLD LATIN DANCE CUP INC.
ANY SHARING OF THIS INFORMATION TO ANY IDENTITY OTHER THAN ALBERT TORRES PRODUCTIONS INC AND WORLD LATIN DANCE CUP INC IS IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF OUR CONFIDENTIALITY LAWS AND IS REASON TO ASK YOU TO NO LONGER BE A PART OF EITHER OF THESE COMPANIES AS AN EMPLOYEE, PERFORMER, COMPETITOR, VOLUNTEER OR SUB CONTRACTER.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT,
ALBERT TORRES & THE ALBERT TORRES PRODUCTIONS INC & WORLD LATIN DANCE CUP INC STAFF.