Bachata Tournament Regulations
Updated: 22/04/2025
1. General Provisions
1.1. These regulations apply to all participants of the The Phoenix Rising Bachata Tournament, organized by Bachata Fusion Events, in both the Jack and Jill and Couple Dance categories.
1.2. Registration takes place online via the official tournament portal at https://phoenix-festival.ch/. Participants can provide a self-assessment in advance, indicating whether they wish to compete in the Open or Semi & Pro category. This classification is reviewed by the tournament committee using video material or Instagram profiles.The goal is to ensure a fair distribution of participants and a more balanced level across all categories. The goal is to ensure fair division and prevent Semi & Pro dancers from competing in the Open category. On-site registration is only possible in exceptional cases and with prior approval from the tournament committee.
1.3. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Minors require a written consent form from a legal guardian.
1.4. The tournament management reserves the right to disqualify participants who behave unsportingly or violate the rules.
1.5. Purchasing a Full Pass is mandatory. If a tournament ticket is purchased without a valid Full Pass, a Full Pass must be bought in addition to the tournament ticket. In this case, an additional processing fee of CHF 100.- will be charged.
2. Classification Criteria for Tournament Registration
2.1. Self-Assessment of Participants
During registration, participants can indicate whether they wish to compete in the Open or Semi & Pro category. This self-assessment serves as an initial orientation and will be reviewed by the tournament committee.
2.2. Review by the Tournament Committee
To ensure a fair and performance-appropriate classification, the tournament committee evaluates participants based on the following criteria:
○ Video Assessment: Each participant submits a link to a publicly accessible video (e.g., via Instagram or YouTube) showcasing them in a social dance or a comparable dance situation. The committee analyzes dance quality, technique, and expression to determine the appropriate category.
○ Tournament Experience: Participants who have competed in multiple tournaments or have placed in previous competitions will primarily be assigned to the Semi & Pro category.
○ Teaching and Training Experience: Those who regularly teach dance classes, lead workshops, or have demonstrably reached an advanced dance level through training are also more likely to be classified as Semi & Pro.
2.3. Final Classification and Adjustments
The final classification is determined by the tournament committee and is binding. If participants deliberately classify themselves at a lower level to gain an advantage, the committee may make a retrospective adjustment or, in extreme cases, issue a disqualification.
2.4. Spots are limited.
In the Open category, registration works on a first come, first served basis.
In the Semi & Pro category, the tournament committee will allocate spots to applicants who best meet the criteria for that skill level after the evaluation of all videos
Participants who are not selected for the Semi & Pro category will be moved to the Open category automatically.
3. Tournament Categories and Participation Requirements
3.1. Jack and Jill Category
○ Participants register individually and are paired randomly with a partner.
○ Partners change in each round.
○ Dancers are judged individually on technique, musicality, expression, and adaptability.
○ Finalists dance with a random partner from the previous round.
○ Competitors are classified into Open and Semi & Pro levels.
3.2. Couple Dance Category
○ Participants register as a fixed dance couple.
○ Choreographies are not allowed and will result in point deductions.
○ Couples are judged on technique, musicality, synchronization, expression, and creativity.
○ Competitors are classified into Open and Semi & Pro levels.
4. Evaluation Criteria
4.1. Jury & Scoring System
○ Judging is carried out by a panel of renowned dancers and trainers.
○ Scoring is based on a 0-10 point system in the following categories:
○ Technique: Cleanliness of movements, balance, footwork.
○ Musicality: Connection to the music, accentuation of hits & breaks.
○ Leading/Following: Response and connection to the partner.
○ Partnering: Lead and response to the partner (only Couple Dance).
○ Expression: Stage presence, energy, interpretation.
○ Creativity: Uniqueness and innovation in performance.
○ Judges are specifically assigned to leaders or followers.
○ The jury’s decisions are final and cannot be contested.
5. Tournament Process
5.1. Tournament Phases
○ Preliminary Rounds: depending on the amount of couples competing, participants might be devided into multiple groups for the first round, to ensure a fair judgement of every participant. Groups will be made by the organition. A defined amount of leaders and followers will pass to the next round
○ Quarterfinals: Qualification for the Semi & Pro for a defined amount of leaders and followers.
○ Semi & Pro: Qualification for the finals for a defined amount of leaders and followers.
○ Finals: finalists compete with each other (still with switch of partners). Dancing with judges might be included in the finals of the JnJ to crown the winners (not in the couple division).
5.2. Starting Conditions & Time Limits
○ Participants must collect their number within the designated time slot before the competition begins. The number must be securely attached to their clothing and remain clearly visible throughout the entire competition.
○ Start order is drawn by lot.
○ 30-second rule: Dancers must be on the dance floor within 30 seconds, or they face disqualification.
○ Jack and Jill: Participants switch partners randomly per round (1-2x switches per round, resulting in dancing with 2-3 different partners per song).
6. Music & Performance
○ Music is randomly selected by the DJ of the competition
○ Music styles: all music styles of Bachata will be present (Traditional, Sensual, Fusion)
7. Clothing & Style
○ Neutral clothing with no advertising for other events/schools/teams to ensure that judging remains fair, unbiased, and fully impartial.
○ Brand logos are allowed.
○ No obscene or inappropriate outfits.
○ Dance shoes are recommended; barefoot dancing is not allowed.
8. Fairness & Disqualification
○ Unsportsmanlike behavior results in disqualification. Several “undercover evaluators” might participate also in the preliminary rounds to identify any overly aggressive or unsuitable dancers. Their identities will remain anonymous during the competition, and they will not be evaluated by the judges.
○ Lifts & dangerous tricks are prohibited (Jack and Jill: at least one foot of the follower must remain on the ground).
These rules ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all participants! 🎭🔥