RULES – CARIBBEAN & LATIN SHOW
1. Introduction to the discipline
The “Caribbean & Latin Show” discipline merges the vibrant energy of Latin dances with the expressive power of choreographic performance.
Only solo, duo or group performances are allowed.
Traditional couple dancing is not permitted.
Caribbean Show includes: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Reggaeton.
Latin Show includes: Samba, Cha Cha, and Rumba.
Performances are divided into three choreographic categories:
-
Synchro Dance
-
Choreographic Dance
-
Show Dance
2. Categories
• Synchro Dance (Group / Duo)
All members must perform synchronized movements in the same directions, maintaining formation throughout the entire performance.
All Latin-American styles are allowed. No lifts or physical contact between dancers are permitted.
A free variation may be included in the last 10 seconds.
In the Synchro Duo, two dancers (mixed or same gender) must perform identical movements in sync, with no contact or variation.
⚠️ No props or external persons are allowed on stage.
• Choreographic Dance
This category is the natural evolution of synchronized dance.
Groups must begin the routine in differentiated formations, using choreographic patterns that divide dancers into smaller subgroups.
⚠️ No lifts or physical contact allowed.
⚠️ It is forbidden to place any props or accessories on the floor, even if part of the costume.
Only the last 10 seconds of the performance may be free from structure.
• Show Dance
A narrative-based category where the dance tells a story or theme, inspired by films, musicals, emotions or real life.
Judging criteria includes the coherence between:
-
Music
-
Choreography
-
Gestural expression
-
Costumes
-
Makeup
✅ Props are allowed if brought on and off stage by the performers themselves.
❌ Animals, vehicles, external persons, or electric/electronic devices (even battery-powered) are strictly forbidden.
3. Competition Units & Age Categories
Allowed performance types:
-
Solo
-
Duo
-
Group
Age categories:
-
Promotional: 6–7 years
-
Mini: 8–9 years
-
Youth: 10–12 years
-
Junior: 13–16 years
-
Adults: 17–34 years
-
Senior: 35+
👉 A maximum of 1 overage dancer per 4 participants is allowed, but only for the next age group.
Younger dancers may always compete in an older category.
4. Performance Duration
-
Solo / Duo: max 3:00 minutes
-
Group: max 3:00 minutes
➕ An additional 15-second tolerance is granted.
After this limit, the music will be cut off by the technical team.
5. Music
🎵 Free music selection, consistent with the chosen theme.
🎧 Must be submitted in .mp3 or .wav format and named: GroupName_Category_AgeGroup
Music must be submitted via the official choreography form, available from October 1st, which will be sent by the Secretariat to all registered schools.
Each group must also bring a USB flash drive with their tracks in case of emergency.
6. Costume and Makeup
👗 Costumes are free but must be respectful and decent, ensuring appropriate coverage of private areas.
Makeup should be minimal across all age groups, except in Show Dance, where it is part of the storytelling.
7. General Competition Rules
-
A dancer cannot compete against themselves.
-
Schools may submit unlimited groups, as long as no dancer is repeated within the same category and age group.
-
In the case of rule violations, the judges may assign Out-of-Program penalties (FP).
After 3 FPs, the group will be ranked last.
8. Judging Criteria
Performances will be evaluated based on:
-
Technique
-
Choreography
-
Originality
-
Musicality
-
Expressiveness
-
Theme coherence
Scores will be given on a scale of 1 to 10, including half-points.
The judges’ decisions are final and non-appealable, except in the case of formal, written complaints by the school representative.
