Is the Dance Team Showdown for new or experienced dance teams?

Both.  New and experienced teams are encouraged to participate.  No prior competition or professional coaching experience is required.  This is a competition for dancers of all levels.  Dancers with ballroom and swing dance experience who may have taken private or group lessons at a studio may compete int the Dance Studio or Swing dance categories.  Groups of dancers are encouraged to form a dance team now, select their favorite music, choreograph a routine, practice and perform at the Dance Team Showdown to share their talent and love of dance.

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Is the Dance Team Showdown a sanctioned event?  

The Dance Team Showdown is affiliated with the World Dance Showdown created by Dale and Tanya Curry, a dance competition and workshop event held in Indianapolis in November 2025 for line dancers, partners, dance teams and choreographers.  Both dance events are independent events operating under their own rules and organized for social dancers who want a more relaxed set of rules focused on fun and entertainment while spotlighting the talents of thousands of dancers around the world.

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How many people can participate in a dance team routine?

Dance Teams may have 2, 3, 4 or more people on the team.  The Duo Dance Team requires 2 peope, Trio Dance Team is for 3 people and Quad Dance Teams are for 4 people.  Teams with 5 or more people will participate in any of the other Dance Team categories.  Show-Stopper Dance Teams can have 3 or more members.  Duo, Trio, Quad Teams compete in their own category.

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What is the age limit to participate in the dance team competition?

There is no maximum age requirement.  All dancers on the Legacy Dance Team must be at least 55 years of age or older.  A limited number of dancers under the age of 18 may perform with adult teams with approval of the event director.

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What is the time limit for the routines?

Each routine should be 3-5 minutes long from the time the music starts until the last beat of the song. Dancers can start and end on the stage.

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What type of music can be used in dance competition routines?

Country and non country music with a tasteful theme and no explicit lyrics can be used in the routines. 

Dance routines can have a combination of country or non country music for the routine.  In the Line/Solo Country Music Category, up to 25% of the song can be non country music or the entire song can be country music.    In the Line/Solo Non Country Music Category, up to 25% of the song can be country music or the entire song can be non country music.  The same rule applies to the Partner/Solo Dance Team competition categories.  The music selection can be one song or multiple songs mixed together.

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How many songs can be used in one routine?

A dance team can use as many songs as they want in each dance routine provided the time limits are met.  All songs must be edited and combined into one mix for the competition.  The DJ will not be able to change from one file to another during your performance.

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How is music submitted for the dance team competition?

Music must be submitted in electronic format at least 10 days in advance of the competition.  You will be notified in advance of the event where to submit the music.  Please submit one file for each routine.  Please label your music with the Name of your dance team and the competition category for that routine.  In addition, please bring a backup of your music to the event on a usb drive and keep it with you.

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Is there practice time for dance teams at the event venue?

Yes, teams can schedule practice time with the event director.  Practice time slots are limited and will most likely be early in the morning or late in the evening.

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What styles of dancing can be included in routines?

Dance styles can include line dance, partner dances, ballroom and swing.  Ballroom dance routines should be performed only in the Ballroom Dance Team category.  Swing dances can be performed in the Partner/Solo category and in the Swing Dance Team category.  Any dance style can be utilized in the Show-Stopper Dance Team category.  Partner dances can include any of the following:  Two-Step, Waltz, East or West Coast Swing, Country Swing, Night Club Two-Step, Pony, Polka, Cha Cha and Fixed Pattern Partner dances like the Schottische, 16-step, Cotton-Eyed Joe and the many other dances done with a partner that are not lead and follow dances.

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What does the word "solo" refer to in the Line/Solo and Partner/Solo dance routines?

The word "solo" refers to any dance steps or patterns that are not part of a line dance or partner dance.  Dancers might add a section of steps to change formations, accent a tag in the music or play (act-out) sections of the music.  Solo movement take the dancers out of their basic line dance or partner dance routine momentarily.  Variations to line dances steps can be used.

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Can line dancers in the Line/Solo dance routine connect?

Yes, dancers may momentarily connect to clap hands, link arms, accent parts of the music and execute a formation change or other reasons.

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Can partners in the Partner/Solo dance routine break partnership?

Yes, partners can break partnership momentarily to dance solo movements change formations, accent a tag in the music or play (act-out) sections of the music.

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What movements are not allowed in the Dance Team competitions?

Lifts, drops, aerials, throwing, carrying, stunts, laying or sitting on the floor and splits.

Dance movements that are not traditional to line and partner dancing should only be used in the Show-Stopper Dance Team category with the exception of Ballroom Dancing which should be used in the Ballroom Dance Team category.  Swing dancing can be used in the Partner/Solo Dance Team Category and the Swing Dance Team Category.

If stunts or aerials are being used in the Show-Stopper category, the dance team must provide at least one spotter on the floor for each stunt. 

 

What type of costumes are required for dance teams?

Dance Teams may choose to wear matching or non-matching custom or pre-made costumes of their choice.  Elaborate costumes are not required.  T-shirts and social dance attire are acceptable for the Dance Team competitions.   Costumes should be tasteful and appropriate for the dance type and should match the theme of the dance routine.  Dance Team costumes should match the style of dance you are performing.  Country dance styles for costumes should be used where country music is the primary music type. Costumes may be a blouse, skirt, shorts or slacks for women and shirt, pants and belt for men.  If buttocks might be revealed during the dance, dance underpants should be worn for best coverage.  Shirts may be tucked or untucked.  Hats and boots are not required but are acceptable.  Dance Teams in the Ballroom and Swing Dance Team categories may wear shoes that match the dance style.   Costume modifications such as tear away, reversible skirts and hat tricks may be used during the dance routine provided it does not compromise safety of the dancers while they are performing. 

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How many judges will judge the competition?

There will be 5 judges and the judges could vary based on the Dance Team category.

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What is the cost to enter the Dance Team competition?

The entry fee for each Dance Team category is $20.00 per team.  Teams may enter each category with one routine and may enter as many categories as they wish.

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Will we get our scores at the event?

Winners will be announced at the event but the judges scores will be emailed to the team captain after the event is over.

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What are the prizes for the Dance Team competition?

Prizes will be determined as we are closer to the event.

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What is next for teams after the Dance Team Showdown?

Dance Teams should continue to work on their dance routines, perform at community events, festivals and parties and attend the World Dance Showdown November 13-16, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana to perform their existing and new dance routines following the same rules.

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How to register for the Dance Team Showdown:

Go to https://www.ftwaynedanceforall.com/?page_id=654 to register for the Ft. Wayne Dance For All.

Request a Dance Team Showdown Team Entry form from Tanya Curry to enter the team competition and the Dance Team Showdown crew will take care of you from this point forward.

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If you have any questions about this Q & A, please contact Tanya Curry at 260-466-2484 or email hellotanyacurry@gmail.com

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