Savoy Swing Jam
Competitions
Competition details (such as number of heats, number of people/couples per heat, number of songs/rotations), are subject to change. However, competition structure (such as prelims and finals, requirement of spotlights) will not change.
Note: The word “song” as used below may mean either a full song a portion of a song, depending on the competition and needs of the judges.
Jack & Jill - New Competitors
Designed for newer lindy hoppers who have not yet competed. Competitors register as a lead or follow. Competitors will dance to several songs (between 140-180 beats per minute), dancing with a new partner each time. Multiple couples will be on the floor at all times; i.e. there will be no spotlights. Dancers will be judged individually. NOTE: An individual can only enter either the New Competitors or Open Jack & Jill competition, but not both.
Jack & Jill - Open
Intended for lindy hoppers dancing at an intermediate level and above and who have competition experience, even if limited. Competitors register as a lead or follow. In the preliminary round, competitors will dance to several songs, dancing with a new partner each time. Multiple couples will be on the floor at all times during the prelims. In the final round, dancers will be randomly paired with a partner, and be judged with that partner. Couples in the finals will dance in all-skates and spotlights, and all songs will be between 160-220 beats per minute. For spotlights, the number of phrases each couple has will not be determined prior to the competition. NOTE: An individual can only enter either the New Competitors or Open Jack & Jill competition, but not both.
Jack & Jill - Invitational
This competition is by invitation only. Competitors register as a lead or follow. Competitors will be matched with a partner with whom they will dance for the entire division (i.e. there will be no partner rotation). Couples will dance to two songs each; songs will be between 180-240 beats per minute. More than one couple will be on the floor at all times. NOTE: An individual invited to the Invitational Jack and Jill is not allowed to register for any other Jack and Jill division. Entry fees for this division will be donated to The Lindy Hoppers Fund.
Strictly Lindy - Battle
The Strictly Lindy competition is open to competitors of all skills levels. Competitors will register as a couple. In the preliminary round, couples will dance in an all-skate to several songs. The final round will be in "battle" format: two couples will dance at the same time for one minute, with the judges selecting the battle winner immediately, who then advances to the next round. This pattern continues until the final winner is selected. All songs will be between 180-250 beats per minute for the finals. Choreographed sequences are allowed but not required, and air steps, aerials and lifts are allowed. NOTE: An individual is allowed to enter both the Strictly Lindy - Battle and Strictly Lindy - Classic divisions.
Strictly Lindy - Classic
The Strictly Lindy - Classic division is open to competitors of all skills levels. Competitors will register as a couple. In the preliminary round, couples will dance in an all-skate to several songs. In the final round, couples will dance in all skates and spotlights, and songs will be between 180-210 beats per minute. Air steps, aerials, and lifts are not allowed. On the ground moves, such drops, slides, and splits are allowed. NOTE: An individual is allowed to enter both the Strictly Lindy - Classic and the Strictly Lindy - Battle divisions.
Authentic Solo Jazz Team
Dancers of all skill levels are encouraged to enter this competition. Competitors enter in teams of three dancers. Teams have the option to send one, two, or all three team members out for each song. Teams will dance one up-tempo song (180 or greather beat per minute) and one slow song (125 or less beats per minute). At least two teams will be on the floor at all times, and dancers from each team will not be allowed to cross a "center line" between the teams. Choreography is allowed, although judges will also consider a team's ability to improvise to the music.
Short Showcase
This division is open to dancers of all skill levels, but those with limited to no choreographed performance experience are strongly encouraged to enter. Competitors may enter as individuals, couples or teams; there may be no more than six individuals per entry. There are no gender-based requirements. Individuals are limited to one entry in this division. Competitors will perform an original-choreographed routine to approximately 30 seconds (not to exceed 45 seconds) of pre-recorded jazz-era or modern swing music of their choosing. Dancing must be lindy hop and/or from the jazz era. Dancers are required to edit their music (either to cut or fade) and submit it in advance. Competitors may choose any part of their song to perform to; i.e. it need not be the first 30-45 seconds. Originality and new material encouraged, although not required. Costumes are not required, but overall presentation will be considered by the judges.
