Competition

• Jumptown Jam Competitions

Jumptown Jam wouldn’t be complete without a little Competition! Each event we host a series of fun, high-energy contests that celebrate social dancing, creativity and the spirit of Lindy Hop.

 

 

Mix & Match – Friday Night

Start the weekend with our classic Mix & Match competition. Dancers enter individually and are randomly paired with a partner. It’s all about connection, musicality and improvisation as couples hit the floor to the DJ.

Format

• • Competitors enter individually and are randomly paired with a partner.

• • The competition usually runs in preliminary heat/s followed by a final, either straight away or later that night.

• • Music will be provided by the DJ.

• • Competitors dance for approx. 60 to 1:30secs to a slow, medium and medium to fast song. 

• • The final will be an all-skate, where all finalist couples dance simultaneously to a full medium/fast song.

• Occasionally visiting teachers or judges change things up, so this format is not guaranteed and is provided as a general guide.

Rules/Judging

• • Partners are randomly assigned by throw of a dice and cannot choose their partner.

• • Dancers may dance with multiple partners during heat(s), but only one partner in the final.

• • Competitors should focus on lead/follow connection and musicality rather than rehearsed material.

• • Mix & Match competitions are not suited to aerials due to the risk of your partner not knowing what you are about to do.

• Fun moves, dips and tricks are encouraged, provided they are safe and respectful of your partner.

Strictly Lindy – Saturday Night

Grab your favourite partner and show us what you’ve got. Strictly Lindy celebrates classic partner dancing with an emphasis on swing rhythm, creativity and authentic Lindy Hop style.

Format

• • Competitors enter with a partner, and couples dance together for the entire competition.

• • The competition usually runs in preliminary heat(s) followed by a final, either straight away or later that night.

• • Music will be provided by the DJ.

• • Heats and finals typically consist of a Phrase-by-Phrase or Jam Circle format, where each couple dances two phrases before exiting the circle.

• • Smooth entries and exits in time with the phrasing are often part of what judges look for.

• • Finals typically conclude with an all-skate format, where all finalist couples dance simultaneously until the end of the song.

• • Occasionally visiting teachers or judges like to change things up, so this format is not guaranteed and is only provided as a general guide.

Rules/Judging

• • Aerials are encouraged in Strictly Lindy, provided they are safe and respectful of your partner and those around the floor.

• • While Mix & Match emphasises lead/follow adaptability, Strictly Lindy allows couples to showcase partnership chemistry and musical interpretation together.

• • Judges typically look for:
    

• • • Connection & Partnership

• • • Musicality

• • • Swing Rhythm & Fundamentals

• • • Creativity & Variety

• • • Performance & Presence
    • Connection

• • Optional show elements such as safe aerials, tricks or dynamic movement.

Solo Jazz – Saturday Night

For dancers who love to shine on their own, the Solo Jazz competition brings the energy of classic jazz steps, musical expression and personal flair to the floor.

All competitions take place during the evening dance, creating an electric atmosphere where competitors and social dancers share the floor. Whether you’re entering or cheering from the sidelines, the Jumptown Jam competitions are always a highlight of the weekend.

Format

• • Competitors enter individually.

• • The competition usually runs in preliminary heat(s) followed by a final, either straight away or later that night.

• • Music will be provided by the DJ.

• • Heats typically consist of spotlights of around 45 seconds to 1:30 minutes, dancing to a medium or medium-fast swing song.

• • Finals typically consist of an individual spotlight or jam-style format, where dancers take turns entering the circle.

• Occasionally visiting teachers or judges like to change things up, so this format is not guaranteed and is only provided as a general guide.

Rules/Judging

• • Competitors dance individually without a partner.

• • Dancers may perform classic jazz steps, improvisation, or their own creative interpretation of the music.

• • Judges typically look for:
    
    • • Rhythm & Timing
    • • Musicality
    • • Jazz vocabulary and creativity
    • • Personal style and expression
    • • Energy and performance presence
    •  
      • Connection

Note: Competition organisers reserve the right to modify the format if required to ensure a smooth and fair competition.