What is the Bachata Jam Session?
It is an open improvisation competition that invites couples and soloists to showcase their Bachata talent, promoting improvisation, versatility, creativity and the dancer's connection with the music. Our goal is to foster learning and fun among all lovers of bachata and improvisation, providing a space where every participant has the opportunity to surprise the audience and judges.
Categories
Female Soloist
Participants who compete individually demonstrating their ability to improvise with feminine style.
Male Soloist
Participants who compete individually demonstrating their ability to improvise with masculine style.
Couple
Participants who compete as a couple, in the role of leader or follower, showing coordination and creativity in improvisation with random partners.
General Rules
- Participants must register in advance with proof of payment for their category.
- Participants may incorporate elements from other dance styles, as long as they do not abandon the essence of bachata or lose its identity.
- Any soloist may participate, independently or representing a school.
- Competitors must be punctual at the established time for the draw determining the order of performance.
- Non-compliance with the rules will result in disqualification and non-admission to the competition.
Competition Format
- Each participant's opponent will be chosen by draw.
- In the couples category, partners will be formed by a draw assigning numbers — those with the same number form a couple.
- At the start of each couples battle, a random partner change will take place. All participants will have the opportunity to dance with different partners, showcasing their adaptability.
- In each round of the couples battle, the current partner is exchanged with the opponent's partner.
- The song will be chosen randomly.
- Music plays from the beginning without any editing; the competitor is free to start whenever they choose. The opponent must respond without interrupting.
- Participants play 1 round of Rock, Paper, Scissors and the winner decides who goes first.
- There will be two dance rounds per battle. Each round must last a minimum of 15 seconds and a maximum of 50 seconds. Time starts when the competitor begins dancing, and they decide the duration within these limits.
- At the end of each round, each judge scores by pointing to the winner (left or right) or crossing hands if undecided. In case of a tie, a tiebreaker will be held.
- After the competition, contestants may ask the judges questions and request feedback. The judges' decision is final.
- At the end of each round, the person who best executes their role — leader or follower — advances to the next round. The full couple does not need to advance; one leader and one follower advance from each battle.
Judging Criteria
Timing
The ability to maintain rhythm and synchronization during improvisation.
Style
The capacity to express the characteristic bachata style (Traditional/Modern/Sensual) and adapt other styles when relevant.
Creativity
Originality and innovation in movements and sequences during improvisation.
Stage Command
Effective use of the available stage space and interaction with the audience.
Role Performance
The ability to correctly execute leader and follower roles, as well as the connection and communication within the couple.
Versatility
The ability to adapt to different music styles, tempos and situations during improvisation.
Originality
The capacity to present unique and distinctive movements and sequences.
Difficulty
Execution of movements and combinations of greater technical and musical complexity.
Performance Structure
The organization and coherence in the development of the improvisation, including beginning, development and conclusion.
Dance Technique
The ability to execute technical dance movements including posture, body alignment, movement control and facial expression.
Acrobatics
Acrobatics are permitted when harmoniously integrated with the music and do not negatively affect flow. Dance quality and expression are prioritized over acrobatics.
Ethics
The following are considered unethical conduct:
- Any agreement or intimidation that affects or attempts to affect the result.
- Verbal or physical aggression.
- Improper use of the name "Bachata Jam Session".
- Competitors acting in an unsportsmanlike or offensive manner toward fellow competitors.
- Non-compliance with the articles of these regulations.