In 2026, Swingvasion will be running the following competition divisions:

• Newcomer Jack & Jill (non-WSDC event)
• WSDC Novice Jack & Jill
• WSDC Intermediate Jack & Jill
• WSDC Advanced Jack & Jill
• Lucky Switched

There will not be a Strictly Swing competition in 2026.

This event is gender neutral, noting that a competitor qualifies for their dance level based on either Leader or Follower points, whichever is highest. This defines their primary role as a leader or follower throughout the event.

Competitors are allowed to also compete in their non-dominant role up to two levels down in competitions, unless they are required to move up based on the WSDC points for their secondary role. Competitors with points qualifying both their primary and secondary roles to the same skill level are required to choose only one to compete with. E.g. Competitors cannot compete in Intermediate Jack and Jill as both a leader and follower.

Petitions to compete at a lower competition level must be made to the Event Director in writing no later than 3 days before the event. Petitions to compete at higher levels are managed by the World Swing Dance Council (WSDC) and approved requests must be provided to the event no later than registration check in at the event.

Jack & Jill Competition

Jack & Jill competitions are designed to highlight skills in spontaneous WCS dancing and the ability to dance well with a variety of partners.

Competitors enter as individuals, are randomly assigned partners, and dance to music pre-selected by the DJ. Dancers will be judged individually in the heats & as a couple in the final.

Lucky Switched Competition

Lucky Switched is designed as a fun competition where the lead and follow role is switched back and forth between partners, multiple times throughout a song.

Competitors enter as individuals, are randomly assigned partners, and dance to music pre-selected by the DJ. Competitors will compete with the same partner for heats and finals. The structure of the competition will be announced at the event. Entries for this event are capped and may close before previously announced competition.

All competitors will compete in the same competition regardless of WSDC eligible level.

Competition Divisions

Newcomer Jack & Jill Division (non-WSDC)

This division is not being run as a WSDC division and therefore WSDC points will not be awarded.

A person may compete in Newcomer if they have been dancing West Coast Swing for less than 12 months and have not earned any WSDC points in any role.

Eligible competitors in the Newcomer division may also compete in the WSDC Novice Jack & Jill division. Eligible competitors can compete in the same or opposite roles as they compete in Novice but can only compete in one role per division.

WSDC Novice Jack & Jill Division

A person should compete in Novice if they have earned fewer than 16 Novice points and do not otherwise qualify for the Intermediate category. They may compete in Novice if they have earned 30 or fewer Novice points.

WSDC Intermediate Jack & Jill Division

A person should compete in Intermediate if they have already competed at the Intermediate level and hold Intermediate points (and don't qualify for a higher category) or when they have earned 30 or more Novice points. They may compete in Intermediate if they have earned 16 or more Novice points.

WSDC Advanced Jack & Jill Division

A person should compete in Advanced if they have already competed at the Advanced level and hold Advanced points (and don't qualify for a higher category) or when they have earned 45 or more Intermediate points. They may compete in Intermediate if they have earned 30 or more Intermediate points.

Competitors eligible to compete at All Star are able to compete in the Advanced Jack & Jill Division at the discretion of the Event Director. Only Advanced level points are awarded even in the case when higher level competitors are competing.

General Competition Information

For the Jack & Jill Division: The Newcomer and Novice finals will be an All Skate, Intermediate final will be clustered spotlights, and the the Advanced final will be Spotlights. Trophies will be awarded to the first 3 placings of each category. To enter a competition please pre-register when you purchase your event pass. In the event you require changes to your competition entry please contact the Swingvasion team. Please refer to competition registration deadlines to ensure you are signed up for all the contests you are interested in participating in.

Competition Entry fees: Please note that the competition entry fees are already included in the Full Event Passes price. If you do not hold an event pass you will not be eligible to partake in the competitions.

Swingvasion Lift Rule: A lift is defined as any instance in which a dancer’s feet are both off the floor while their weight is supported by their partner. Lifts are not permitted in the Jack and Jill division and will result in disqualification. Enforcement of this rule is at the discretion of the Chief Judge, who will assess each case individually. Leniency may be granted in situations involving very minor and clearly unintentional lifts.

Competitor responsibilities

1. Planning Ahead. Competitors should check the weekend schedule in advance in order to arrive in time to meet registration deadlines. They should bring appropriate competition attire. They should also plan so as to be on time for all meetings & competitions. Competitors are responsible for checking at the event for any changes to previously announced schedules, which are always subject to change.
2. Knowing the Rules. All competitors should read these rules carefully prior to attending the contestant meeting for their competition. Competitors are responsible for adhering to these rules whether they have read them or not. Questions about the rules should be asked at the contestant meeting or addressed in advance to the Contest Coordinator and/or the Chief Judge. Swingvasion is run in accordance with the WSDC Rules.
3. Be Prepared to Compete. Competitors should be present in the venue at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their competition. Competitors are responsible for their bib numbers – please keep them safe for the duration of the event.
4. Demonstrating Good Sporting Conduct. Competitors must demonstrate good sporting conduct at all times, both on & off the competition floor. Competitors must also refrain from any behaviour that the judges deem inappropriate. Failure to adhere to this code of behaviour may result in disqualification.
5. Discussing the Competitions Only Where Appropriate. Competitors may only discuss the competitions with the contest officials or judges using appropriate channels. Please do not approach judges seeking advice on their decisions.
6. Waiver. By entering any of the competitions above you expressly grant the director(s) of Swingvasion Ltd and it's assignees, licensees, vendors, and legal representatives the unlimited right and authority to use your name and any photograph or video recording of your participation at Swingvasion in any and all media, in whatever manner, for any lawful purpose, without any obligation to you. You further agree for myself, your heirs, executors, and administrators, to waive and release any and all right for damage you might have against the Director(s) of Swingvasion Ltd for any injuries and damages you may suffer by participating in this event and your traveling to and from the event.