Baila Bachata: Jack and Jill

Baila x BeatzandCulture presents:

Are you the best social dancer in Seattle?

REGISTER

Baila Bachata Jack and Jill Competition

Are you our social dancer of the year? The Baila Bachata JnJ celebrates true social dancing — connection, musicality, and adaptability over choreography and flashy tricks.

No partner needed. You’ll rotate throughout multiple bachata styles and show us how you connect, interpret the music, and elevate each dance.

Do you have what it takes?

Date OPEN Division: Sunday October 18, 2026 Sunday

Time
7:00pm - 11:00pm

7-8pm Qualifier

9:30pm Finals

MC
Ashley

Judges
Victor & Monika (Japan); Margarita & Johnny (Seattle), TBD (TBD)

DIVISIONS

OPEN Division: Sunday, October 18, 2026

Eligibility:

  • Open to everyone:

    • Social dancers

    • Students

    • Dance instructors

This division is designed for everyone. Dancers that did not win in the Amateur round may participate in this division again.

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Event Schedule

7:00 PM

  • Number pick-up

  • Mandatory Pre-JnJ Meeting
    (All competitors must attend)

  • Qualifying Round and Semi-Finals Round

9:30 PM

  • Final Competition Begins

Results are announced after each round.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Participants will be judged on the following:

• Technique: Solid foundation in Bachata basics

(ex. timing, weight transfer, control, frame, clean turns).

• Connection: Ability to establish a good lead/follow connection with multiple partners.

(ex. clear signal, smooth transitions, consistency)

• Musicality: Interpreting the music and staying in rhythm. Ability to dance across different genres of bachata music.

(ex. on time, accents, style match, musical awareness)

• Social dance quality: Ability to adapt to different partners, have great presence, and be partner aware.

(ex. energy, expression, floor awareness, make partner look good)

House Rules:

• Participants must maintain a good attitude, sportsmanship,

and respect towards all dancers and judges.

• Judges' decisions are final.

• The competition is meant to highlight social dancing skills,

so participants should prioritize connection over flashy

moves, though creativity and flair are still encouraged.

What Won’t Be Rewarded

  • Lift & Tricks

  • Unsafe dips

  • Choreography-style rehearsed patterns

  • Ignoring your partner

  • Overpowering your partner

This competition prioritizes:
✔ Connection
✔ Musical awareness
✔ Adaptability
✔ Real social dancing

Round Structure

1) Qualifying Round

7:00 PM

  • Up to 20 couples (40 dancers)

  • 3–5 songs

  • 2-3 switches per song

  • Rotation every 30-50 seconds

Judges select 5–8 couples to advance.

2) Semi-Final Round

7:00 PM

  • 5–8 couples (10–16 dancers)

  • 3-5 songs

  • 2 switches per song

  • Rotation every 30-50 seconds

Judges select 3 leaders and 3 followers to advance.

3) Final Round – Dance With Judges

  • 9:30PM (In front of a Live audience)

  • 3 Leaders & 3 Followers

  • 6 Judges (each finalist dances with judges)

  • 3 songs; No partner switches

In the Final Round:

  • Leader judges evaluate Followers

  • Follower judges evaluate Leaders

PRIZES

OPEN DIVISION

WINNERS (2 total)

• 1st place leader & 1st place follower

• Choose from 10-class pass (worth $220)

• OR $100 cash prize (or $150 Baila Credits)

2nd & 3d place (4 total)

• $50 Baila studio credit each

Note: Cash Prizes must be claimed on the same day. Otherwise only credits can be given out. Please email info@bailadistrict.com to arrange.

Results
October 18 2026 Open Division

Leaders

Followers