Star of the North DanceSport Classic

Venue
Attractions
Competitors
Schedule
Spectators
Workshops
Officials
About Us
*FAQ

USA Dance MN

Following are answers to many common questions about Star of the North. Please direct any additional questions to sotn@usadance-mn.org.

What is Star of the North?
The Star of the North DanceSport Classic is an all-amateur ballroom dance competition run by USA Dance-MN Chapter #2011. The chapter has organized Star of the North every year since 1998 to give the local dance community an opportunity to perform, compete, and watch great dancing.

Who competes at Star of the North?
Star of the North welcomes competitors of any age, skill level, and experience level. Many of our competitors are from the Twin Cities and our sister chapter in Rochester, MN, as well as from throughout the Midwest. We are proud to have a strong collegiate presence from many local and regional colleges and universities, including: the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Campus, Carleton College, Iowa State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Do I need to be a USA Dance member to compete at Star of the North?
No, Star of the North is not a sanctioned USA Dance competition, which means that any amateur dancer can compete.

What kind of dances can I compete in at Star of the North?
Star of the North features competitions in traditional ballroom dances Ð American Rhythm, American Smooth, and International Latin Ð as well as Social or ÒStreetÓ Dances such as Argentine Tango, Hustle, Lindy Hop, Polka, and West Coast Swing. In addition to these competitions, Star of the North also has opportunities for Formation Teams and Solos to perform.

What are the rules for Star of the North?
Star of the North generally follows USA Dance competition rules. Some rules are modified as described below to make the competition more beginner-friendly. A full USA Dance rulebook can be found here.

What do Judges look for?
In general, judges look to see that you have 1) good technique, 2) good rhythm, and 3) a good connection with your partner Ð are you dancing together and with the music and do you seem confident and comfortable with what you are doing. Having good, clean technique is much more important that how many moves you know, or how flashy they are. Click on the following link for a more comprehensive What Judges Look For tip sheet.

Do I need a partner to compete?
Most of the competition categories at Star of the North require partners to sign up together. If you do not have a partner, you are still able to compete in the Jack and Jill divisions.

Can I dance with more than one partner?
Yes, you can dance with multiple partners, as long as they are for different dances. (Ex. David can dance Bronze American Cha Cha with Amy, Bronze American Cha Cha with Sarah, and Silver American Waltz with Natalie)

What level do I compete in?
Newcomer is a category reserved for first-time competitors. The remaining levels are determined by the number of proficiency points competitors have earned in previous competitions. Couples are able to compete in two consecutive levels for any style of dance (ex. Bronze Rhythm and Silver Rhythm; Pre-Champ Smooth and Championship Smooth). Both you and your partner must be eligible to compete in both levels.

What do "Syllabus Level" and "Open Level" mean?
Dancers in syllabus level categories (newcomer, bronze, silver, and gold) are restricted to dancing the steps listed in their associated syllabus. Syllabus lists are available on page 8 of the USA Dance rulebook. Open level competitors are not restricted to dancing certain steps or patterns.

What do I wear when I compete?
Syllabus level dancers (Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, and Gold) are not permitted to wear costumes. In general, syllabus dancers may wear anything bought at a non-specialty store or unadorned (no rhinestones, etc.) practice wear from specialty store. Leads typically wear black slacks and dress shirts and may also include a tie, bow tie, vest, and/or coat. Follows typically wear cocktail, prom, and/or evening dresses. Open level dancers (Novice, Pre-Championship, and Championship) are encouraged to wear costumes.

What age groups can I dance in?
Competitors are able to dance in two consecutive age categories as long as both partners meet the age criteria.

What is Mixed Proficiency?
Mixed Proficiency is a competition division where partners of different skill levels compete together Ð only the lower level partner is judged. Mixed Proficiency gives higher level dancers an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with a beginning dancer. Because Star of the North believes strongly in Mixed Proficiency competition, we do not charge the higher level competitor to participate in these events.

What are Team Matches?
Team Matches are a competition division where teams of 3 couples compete against each other. Each couple will compete in one dance. (Ex. Bob and Sally compete in Rumba, Tom and Jane compete in Swing, and John and Lauren compete in Waltz.) A cumulative score will then be calculated to determine the winner of the Team Match trophy. Star of the North has both Adult and Collegiate/Youth Team Matches. You could find team members at your dance studio, your favorite dance location, or even your group of friends.

What is a Strictly competition?
In a Strictly competition, you sign up with a partner and dance to three songs together. Strictly is a category often used in social or ÒstreetÓ dances such as lindy hop, hustle, and west coast swing.

What is a Jack and Jill competition?
Jack and Jill is a competition division that tests your ability to dance with different partners. You sign up as a lead or as a follow and are paired randomly with different partners. Jack and Jill is a common division for many styles of social or ÒstreetÓ dances such as lindy hop, salsa, and west coast swing.