Judging Criteria

The Jack & Jill judging criteria were carefully designed to reflect the key elements of partner dancing, with focus on connection, technique, musicality, partnership, and creativity.

Each of the five criteria below represents a percentage of the competitor's total score:

1. Timing - 20%

2. Technique - 40%

3. Teamwork - 20%

4. Presentation - 10%

5. Difficulty - 10%

Judges evaluate dancers by balancing these aspects, recognizing both technical excellence and artistic expression. This approach ensures a fair and complete assessment of performance on the dance floor.

The ability to dance in time with the music and maintain consistency throughout the dance. Dancers should keep rhythm and execute movements in alignment with the beat.

• Dancing on the correct timing (emphasis on strong counts: 1, 3, 5, 7).

• Musicality and how dancers interpret the music.

• Timing influences the other criteria (technique, teamwork, etc.).

This criterion is fundamental because it supports the full structure of the dance.

Correct technical execution of movements, with attention to posture, balance, body control, and clarity of steps.

• Starts at 0%; points are added for good execution.

• Well-executed movements.

• Efficient weight usage and correct transfer.

• Appropriate posture and frame for the dance.

• Includes both individual and partner technique.

• Connection or timing errors affect technique score.

Good technique allows dancers to express musicality and connection with greater freedom.

The level of partnership demonstrated between dancers, including active listening, connection, and mutual response.

Starts at 20% and is judged similarly across all levels.

Judges evaluate:

• Clear and continuous connection between leader and follower.

• Communication between partners.

• Adaptation to partner style and ideas.

Jack & Jill is about improvisation with a random partner, so teamwork is essential.

This criterion considers the technical and creative level of movement choices made by the couple. Some examples of elements that increase difficulty:

• Starts at 0%. Refers to technical or musical difficulty.

• Complex combinations.

• Musical complexity in the dance.

• Complex movements that are controlled and well executed.

• Dancing in high heels without compromising technique or connection.

Difficulty should be used consciously. Attempting very difficult movements without technical control may reduce your score.

Starts at 0%. Stage presence, confidence, and charisma during the dance are evaluated.

• Posture and visual appearance.

• Positioning on stage/floor.

• Expressiveness and entertainment value.

A captivating presentation makes the performance memorable for judges and audience.

Judges expect to see Brazilian Zouk fundamentals at all levels, including:

• Basic steps (such as soltinho, boomerang, abertura, base)

• Head movement appropriate for the level

• Body waves

• Proper use of pre-movement and preparation

• All Zouk variations are accepted (Neo, Traditional, Flow, Lamba), as long as correct timing is maintained.

• Judges recognize different styles of musical interpretation.

• The beginning and end of the dance should be clearly connected to the music.

• Judging considers variety, contrast, and flow between movements.