Jack & Jill Competition
A Jack & Jill is a lighthearted dance competition where you don’t know who your partner is until right before the competition. Furthermore you don’t know exactly which dances you’re dancing until right before you dance.
We hold Jack & Jill Competitions at our Student Showcase events.
How It Works
We draw names for couples immediately prior to the event. Once you’ve found your partner and introduced yourself it’s time to boogie.
We usually have two rounds: a semi final and a final. Each round includes 2 dances: 1 Ballroom and 1 Latin. Each dance is just over 2 minutes long.
In the semi final all participants take the floor at one time. We then draw the first dance.
The 1st dance is 1 of Foxtrot, Tango or Waltz.
The 2nd dance is 1 of Rumba, Cha Cha or Swing.
Following the semi final dances we have general dancing while we figure out who made the final.
We then call the finalists back for the final heat. We draw dances again in the same way, except that the dances from the semi final are not drawn for the final.
We then tally the results and announce the winnners. The winners are crowned King Jack and Queen Jill, are invited to perform an honour dance of their choice and retain the title until our next event.
Who Should Enter this Event
Most of our students should feel very comfortable in this event. If you have completed most Level 1 classes and attend our parties regularly then we would like to see you participate. You’ll have more fun on the floor than in a seat.
If we don’t have equal numbers of men and ladies signed up we try to encourage more students to join in order to balance the numbers. If this doesn’t work we have to draw names. If it comes to this anyone who wanted to participate but was not drawn is guaranteed a placement the next time we run this event.
Preparing for the Event
Remember that this is a light-hearted, fun-intentioned event. The goal is to introduce the excitement and spirit of a dance competition at our school in a way that is inclusive and avoids too much pressure. Don’t take this too seriously. On the other hand...
• Gentlemen - Dress up a bit. A jacket is usually a problem because your shoulders will ride up in dance position. However, a shirt and tie or vest look sharp. Matching your top to your bottom is key. Polish your shoes and shave.
• Ladies - Wear something that is appropriate for both ballroom and Latin dances. A knee length skirt is probably ideal. Colour is also good to help you stand out.
• Gentlemen will be assigned numbers when they get to the party. These should be pinned on your back. We will have further directions for you at the party.
Judging Criteria and Suggestions
There are a number of factors that go into judging something like a dance competition. Here, in no particular order are some of the most important things we will look for.
Timing: Being on time is one of the most important indicators of quality. If your dancing does not relate to the music... well, you’d better have great showmanship!
Characterization/Showmanship: This is a great equalizer for this competition. Evoking the character of the individual dances is a big key to doing them well. Realizing that you are entertaining people as well as dancing is another important factor.
Appearance & Manner: Appropriate dress, attention to personal grooming and a generally gracious manner are all ways to impress.
Partnering: Lead, follow, connection and general consideration and care for your partner is another major thing we will look for.
Floorcraft: We strongly suggest using fewer figures that you are more comfortable with rather than trying to impress us with difficult figures done poorly. The number of competitors will make it so that you will only gets seconds of each judges’ attention. It is best to make those seconds of quality.
Keep in mind that judging something like this is very subjective. If you are watching the final don’t panic. We still love you! Further questions? Let us know.