What is a Mix ‘n’ Match competition?

The premise of a Mix ‘n’ Match competition is that it is a 100% freestyle competition with dancers partnered up at random.

This means that you don’t need to have a partner to enter a Mix ‘n’ Match competition, as men and ladies each enter separately.

You may also choose to Lead or Follow.

Venue and schedule

The SAKAD D2D Dance Challenge Mix ‘n’ Match competitions will be held at the 2020 SAKAD Festival at THE ADELAIDE ROWING CLUB, 1 Festival Drive, Adelaide, SA, 5000, at the following times:

Heat and Final from 9:30pm – Sunday 14/3/2021

Download the Entry Form Here

Afro/ Semba/ Kizomba 

Amateur/Novice/ Open category

A person competing in Amateur/Novice should not be teaching or performing as a professional dancer, or in their chosen style (Afro/Semba/Kizomba).

Points and Scoring

Points are awarded to the winners and place getters of our Mix & Match Competitions.

Each Competitor will be judged out of 10 on:

Timing & Musicality

Technique

Connection & Synchronicity

Difficulty

Appearance

Mix & Match competitions are designed to highlight skills in social dancing and the ability to dance well with a variety of partners. Competitors enter as individuals, are randomly assigned partners and dance to music selected by the SAKAD Festival D2D DJ. Male and Female competitors can enter as “leaders” or “followers”.

Afro Semba Kizomba Judging Criteria

Timing & musicality

Key points to remember:

  • Timing must be consistent. Once you choose your timing, it must be maintained for the duration of the dance.
  • Competitors should take care in the manner they interpret the selected song.
  • Use appropriate breaks and holds, being rhythmically in sync with the music.
  • Competitors must demonstrate basic timing for a minimum of 60% of each song. This can be reflected in foundation movements, turn patterns and others.

Technique

 Afro/Semba/Kizomba motion and 

Proper selection of Traditional movements matched to the music (e.g. Afro, Kuduro, Semba, Kizomba, Urban, Fusion when the music calls for it.

  • Correct footwork in Foundation movements and  patterns
  • Fundamental dance technique (e.g footwork placement, frame, balance, connections etc)

Difficulty

  • The complexity of the foot work
  • The complexity of overall improvisation
  • Originality of  patterns

Connection & synchronicity

  • Physical interaction with partners (coordination of movements between each other, lead/follow relationship)
  • Stage presence, performance quality and emotional connection between partners

Appearance

  • Wear Shoes (Dance shoes or other comfortable shoes for dancing are allowed)
  • High heels are not mandatory however judges will favourably take into account the additional complexity this introduces to the dance
  • Wear clothes like if you were going to a social dance party – you want to stand out to the judges