New Competitors

New to competing in West Coast Swing? Welcome! Check out the information below to find out how to get started! Have other questions? Contact us!

Jack and Jill's

This "luck of the draw" division allows competitors to sign up as individuals in one role (leader or follower), draw random partners and dance to music selected by the event DJ's. You can choose your role at events that have role-based rather then gender-restricted Jack and Jill's.

Check out Where Can I Compete? for a list of events that have role-based Jack and Jill's. The online registration sites for these events have drop down menus that allow you to select your role when you sign up. If you register in person, just tell the registration desk whether you are competing as a leader or follower.

You can never compete in both roles in the same Jack and Jill competition even if you compete at different levels in each role. You must choose one role or the other each time you register for a Jack and Jill competition.

Strictly swing

This division allows competitors to sign up as a partnership (with one leader and one follower), and dance to music selected by the event DJ's.

Most events allow you to choose your role in Strictly Swing divisions. Be sure to check the rules just in case. If the rules are not clear, don't hesitate to e-mail the event director or head judge to ask. Or you can Contact Us.

Some events allow you to compete in both roles in the Strictly Swing division, as long as you don't register in the same level or with the same partner in both roles. Check the event rules!

Other Divisions

Events often offer a variety of other competition divisions such as Sophisticated, Master's, Pro-Am Jack and Jill's, etc. If an event has role-based Jack and Jill's, it's a good indication but not a guarantee that other competitions are also role-based.

Check the event rules! Many event rules contain a blanket statement that all competitions are gender neutral. Others have clear gender rules that are specific to each division. If the rules are not clear, don't hesitate to e-mail the event director or head judge to ask. Or you can can Contact Us.