Rules & Eligibility Restrictions

General Rules

Newcomer: A competitor is eligible to dance at the Newcomer Level if he/she has danced for less than 1 full semester (or half year equivalent for non-students). A full semester (or half year equivalent) of dancing includes participating in a competition during that semester or training regularly during that semester. A couple is eligible to dance at the Newcomer Level only if each partner is eligible to dance at the Newcomer Level.

All styles - Bronze Syllabus.

Bronze: A competitor is eligible to dance at the Bronze Level if he/she has danced for no more than 3 full semesters (or half year equivalents for non-students). A full semester (or half year equivalent) of dancing includes participating in a competition during that semester or training regularly during that semester. A couple is eligible to dance at the Bronze Level only if each partner is eligible to dance at the Bronze Level.

All styles - Bronze Syllabus.

Silver: A competitor is eligible to dance at the Silver Level if he/she has not placed out of Silver under the YCN Proficiency Point System. Results from any and all dancesport competitions with professional judges are counted.

All styles - Silver Syllabus.

Team Match: Each team must be comprised of at least ten people: five leaders and five followers. At least one partner in each couple must qualify as a Newcomer. At least two couples must have Vet Followers. A Vet is anyone who does not qualify as a newcomer.


The Harvard Ballroom Dance Team has neither the resources nor the ability to check the eligibility of every competitor. We expect teams and competitors to police themselves. If you believe a competitor has violated these rules, please inform us by emailing comp@harvardballroom.org. We will investigate to the best of our ability and take appropriate action. All reports of eligibility violations will be kept strictly confidential.

Double Registration

Competitors may NOT register for two levels in the same style.

Costume Restrictions

Costumes are permitted at all levels except Newcomer. A costume is any outfit that can not be purchased outside of dance specialty store. Newcomers may wear \"off the shelf\" clothing only, though alterations for fitting are permitted.

Ladies must wear heel taps.* (Available for purchase at the comp)

*Violation of this rule is grounds for immediate disqualification!