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Bachata Sensual America Jack & Jill Competition

We're thrilled to announce our exclusive collaboration with the Bachata Council, one of Europe’s most esteemed and influential Jack & Jill organizations.

This global 🌎 partnership sets the stage for one of the largest Jack & Jill competitions in the USA, featuring:

  • 🔥 Up to 100 talented dancers

  • 💰 Over $4000 in prizes

  • 🏅 The chance to earn global ranking points within the Bachata Council, unlocking qualification for future international divisions

What is a Jack & Jill Competition?

Jack & Jill competitions are unique dance events that test a dancer’s ability to adapt, connect, and improvise. Here’s what makes them special:

  • Random Pairings: Unlike traditional competitions, partners are assigned randomly, often before each round, making every pairing a new experience.

  • Spontaneity and Improvisation: Dancers are judged on how well they adapt to different partners and music styles, showcasing their skills in leading, following, and musicality.

  • Multiple Rounds: Events typically consist of preliminaries, semi-finals, and finals. In early rounds, dancers are judged individually, while in later rounds, the focus may shift to their performance as a couple.

  • Music Variety: Organizers select a mix of tempos and bachata styles, challenging dancers to demonstrate versatility and creativity.

  • Judging Criteria: Judges evaluate timing, technique, connection, musical interpretation, and overall presentation. A strong connection with randomly assigned partners is essential.

  • Community and Fun: Beyond the competition, these events foster a sense of community and enjoyment, making them a highlight at dance festivals and gatherings.

Rules

All participants must adhere to the following rules to maintain the spirit of fairness and sportsmanship:

  • Eligibility: Competitors must register with the World Bachata Council to obtain a valid Bachata Competitor ID (BCID), and a Full Pass or Weekend Party Pass to Bachata Sensual Festival Chicago.

  • Role Declaration: Dancers may compete as either a leader or follower in a division. Switching roles within the same division during an event is not permitted.

  • Conduct: All participants must behave respectfully towards fellow dancers, judges, organizers, and audience members.

  • Costumes: Attire should be tasteful and appropriate for the style of competition. Costumes deemed inappropriate may result in penalties.

  • Music: Music selection will include a range of bachata styles and tempos.

Detailed Judging Criteria:

  • Timing: Precision in maintaining rhythm and staying in sync with the music.

  • Technique: Proper execution of dance movements, including posture, balance, and footwork.

  • Connection: The ability to establish and maintain a strong lead-follow connection with a partner.

  • Musicality: Creative and dynamic interpretation of the music through movement.

  • Presentation: Stage presence, energy, and overall impact of the performance.

 

Judges’ decisions are final and are based on individual and partnered performance during the competition.

Competition Schedule & Format

The Jack & Jill will consist of 5 total rounds with multiple songs and bachata styles over a period of 2 days as following:

  • Friday Night:

    • Preliminaries Group B (25 Couples)

    • Preliminaries Group A (25 Couples)

    • Quarterfinals (25 Couples)

  • Saturday Night:

    • Semifinals (10-15 couples)

    • Finals (3-5 couples)  

  • Each Round will Consist of 3 Leader Judges and 3 Follower Judges

Award Prizes

  • 1st Place (Valued at $1,300 per person):

    • Full Pass to Bachata Sensual Festival Houston (May 2026)

    • Full Pass to Bachata Sensual Festival Chicago (Sep 2026)

    • Full Pass to Bachata Sensual World Congress in Spain (Jan 2026)

    • Full Pass to Viva La Bachata Texas Festival (Jan 30-Feb 3 2026)

    • Full pass to Bachata Sensual Weekender New York (Oct 2025)

    • $120 Certificate for MyZiji shoes

  • 2nd Place (Valued at $500 per person):

    • Full Pass to Bachata Sensual Festival Houston (May 2026)

    • Full Pass to Bachata Level Up Festival Toronto (Jun 2026)

  • 3rd Place (Valued at $400 per person):

    • Full Pass to Bachata Sensual Festival Chicago (Sep 2026)

    • Full Pass to Viva La Bachata Weekender Washington DC (Nov 2025)

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