Version November 11, 2025
Contest Rules
Rules and expectations for all Midnight Madness competitors and participants.
General Rules for All Participants
- Everyone must always abide by the Midnight Madness code of conduct, including in performance.
- All participants agree to follow current health and safety policy requirements.
- A chaperone age 21 or older is required for each participant under 18 and is responsible for supervision on and off site.
- Event staff may remove or disqualify anyone who presents potential harm, danger, or disruption.
- Your wristband ticket must be worn at all times. Do not remove it.
- Seating is open and shared. Do not sit on carpet, block doors or views, or hold shared seating with belongings.
- Photography and video are welcome during contests, except routines and spotlight performances. No tripods or extension cords. Get permission before publishing identifiable video of others.
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed in meeting rooms per hotel policy.
- Contest entries are nonrefundable. Contact the Registrar if unforeseen circumstances prevent attendance.
- No bare feet. Wax, powder, or other foreign substances may not be used on dance shoes or floors.
- Sales or solicitation in event areas require advance permission from event management.
General Contest Rules
- Read, know, and follow all contest rules. Ask questions in advance.
- Register and pay entry fees before published deadlines and pick up your competitor number before your first division’s deadline.
- Respect contest staff, your partner, fellow competitors, and the audience; exhibit good sportsmanship.
- Refrain from vulgar or offensive gestures, costumes, or song lyrics.
- Check in with competitor coordinators 15 minutes before each round or you will be scratched and forfeit the entry fee.
- All contestants must be at least 15 years old. An individual may not enter the same contest twice.
- Contests with fewer than five entries may be cancelled or have reduced prize money at the organizers’ discretion.
- Entering a contest indicates consent to unrestricted use of your name and likeness in promotional photos and videos.
Strictly Swing
Sign up with your partner; we pick the music. Couples dance several short songs and are evaluated on social dance skills, timing, technique, connection, lead and follow, presentation, and showmanship. Matching costumes and props are not allowed. Divisions include Newcomer–Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, All-Star, Sophisticated (35+), and Masters (50+).
Choreography
Bring your partner, costumes, music, and routine. Performances must be 2–3 minutes. Music must be supplied at floor trial as one clearly labeled file on a USB drive. Restarts are allowed only for technical problems, wardrobe malfunction, or when stopped by the Head Judge.
Rising Star (NASDE)
For couples with limited choreography competition experience who do not yet want to compete against professionals. Competitors may not enter both Rising Star and Classic or Showcase at the same event. Additional NASDE tour rules apply.
ProAm Spotlight & Strictly
Students enter with their teacher. Spotlight is a choreographed routine; in Strictly, only the amateur is evaluated. Strictly patterns must be lead/follow, with no choreographed sequences or lifts. Each pro may enter up to five students per division.
Jack & Jill
Individuals enter without a partner and are randomly paired. Competitors are evaluated on timing, technique, teamwork, and musicality. WSDC skill levels follow the WSDC points registry rules. First-time competitors should begin in Newcomer; level petitions must be submitted at least 48 hours before competition.
All Madness Jack & Jill
Open to qualified dancers with a current WSDC ID who are at least 15. Partners are randomly paired and remain together through all rounds. WSDC standard criteria and relative placement are used. Social dance attire is encouraged.
Not all divisions in these rules are offered at every competition. Check registration annually.