Categories

These standard rules apply to all competition categories.
• Competitors are encouraged to warm up sufficiently prior to the heat.
• Competitors will dance to music chosen by the organisers. This could include anything from the 40’s to present day.
• All judging will be by a points system.
• Competitors are encouraged to dance to the end of their heat.
• Qualifying dancers will be asked back to the next round.
• Judges decisions are final.
• There is no age restrictions at this event, except in:
  – Veterans (specified in category rules as aged 50 or over)
  – Top Cats & Lucky Dip (minimum age is 16)
  – Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be supervised by a parent or guardian
• Competitors will be issued with a dance number on the day of the event. It is the competitors’ responsibility to ensure that their dance number is reinforced and securely fixed to their person during the competition categories.
• If the competitors dance number drops off or is unreadable during the competition heat then the competitor may not be judged.
• Ceroc Exeter Ltd reserves the right to change the programme and competition if necessary without consultation.
• The event will be recorded by film, video and photograph; these may be used for Ceroc promotional purposes without any obligation.
• The organisers accept no responsibility for loss or injury to persons or possessions in relation to this event.
• There will be no refund for competitors who withdraw or are unable to compete of a category either before or during the event.

• If you have previously won an intermediate, advanced or Open Trophy at these champs you must enter the next category up, for instance if you have won a trophy in the advanced category you must next compete at Open level.​

Dance Professional Definition:
• Anyone who has taught a partner dance more than 6 times in the previous 6 months for payment.
• Anyone who is intending to teach a partner dance more than 6 times in the next 6 months for payment.
• Any Open level category participant in this Champs.
• Any Open Category competition medalist (bronze, silver or gold) in any other Ceroc competition in the three years prior to this competition date.Definition of a Major Airstep:
• A major airstep is defined by both of the lady’s feet travelling above the man’s waist level.
• Baby aerials are not considered to be major airsteps, providing at least one of the lady’s feet is below the man’s waist level. Any number of baby aerials are permitted in categories that allow aerials. The following standard rules apply to all competition categories.

£23 per couple.
Spaces available – 12 couples.

The perfect introduction to competition awaits! In the Newcomers category, couples can be a thrilling mix of two complete Newcomers or an exciting blend of one Newcomer paired with an experienced intermediate dancer. Dive into the competitive spirit and discover the joy of dancing in this dynamic and supportive environment! 

• Both partners must be amateurs.  

• Couples can consist of either two newcomers or one newcomer paired with an intermediate dancer. 

• Newcomer Definition:  

• A Newcomer is someone who has never competed in any major dance competition (local and weekender competitions are allowed – see definition below) 

• Must not have placed 1st in any previous Newcomer category. 

• Intermediate Definition for this category: 

• The Intermediate dancer must never have placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in any Ceroc or Modern Jive competition at the Intermediate level or above (exceptions include categories like Lucky Dip, Top Cats, and Pro Am).  

• They may have placed in a Newcomers category previously. 

• Major Dance Competitions: 

• Newcomers must not have competed in any major competitions such as Welsh Champs, London/UK Champs, Midland Champs, Northern Champs, Scottish Champs, Pan Asia Champs, Crystal Blues, World Modern Jive Champs, Indie Champs, etc. Small local class night or freestyle competitions for fun do not count. 

• Airsteps (Lifts, Jumps, Baby Aerials and Acrobatic Moves) are not permitted. Attempting these moves will result in penalisation or automatic disqualification. 

• Drops: No extra points will be awarded for drops, but they are allowed if one of the lady’s feet remains in contact with the ground. Otherwise, the move will be defined as an airstep and will result in a penalisation or disqualification. 

£23 per couple.
36 fixed couples.

Want to make a name for yourself on the amateur competition circuit? Then this is the gig for you.  This section is recommended for those who have danced for six months or more but do not wish to compete with the Advanced dancers. 

• The Intermediate Category is open to amateurs only. 

• Both you and your partner must be amateurs. 

• Dance teachers/professionals, and competitors from Advanced and Open level categories, are not allowed to enter this section. 

• If the judges think entrants are of an Advanced standard, they will be asked to move up to the Advanced Freestyle category or be disqualified.  

• Airsteps (Lifts, Jumps, Baby Aerials and Acrobatic Moves) are not permitted. Attempting these moves will result in penalisation or automatic disqualification. 

• Drops are permitted, provided that the ball of one of the follow’s feet remains in contact with the ground. If this condition is not met, the move will be classified as an airstep and will result in a penalisation or disqualification. 

£23 per couple.
Spaces Available: 24 Fixed Couples.

Want to make a name for yourself on the amateur competition circuit? Then this is the gig for you. This category is recommended for couples who want to compete with the best of the best on the amateur competition circuit.

The Advanced Category is open to amateurs only. 

• Both you and your partner must be amateurs. 

• Dance teachers/professionals, and competitors from Intermediate or Open level categories, are not allowed to enter this section. 

• If the judges think entrants are of an Open standard, they will be asked to move up to the Open Freestyle category or be disqualified.  

• Airsteps (Lifts, Jumps, Baby Aerials and Acrobatic Moves) are not permitted. Attempting these moves will result in penalisation or automatic disqualification. Baby Aerials are permitted. 

• Drops are permitted, provided that the ball of one of the follow’s feet remains in contact with the ground. If this condition is not met, the move will be classified as an airstep and will result in a penalisation or disqualification. 

£23 per couple.
Number of places available: 24 fixed couples.

Going head to head with some of the best dancers on the competition circuit will certainly raise your game. This eagerly anticipated category will bring out your best performance. The Open category is recommended for those dancers who want to dance Ceroc with no holds barred! 

• The Open Category is open to professionals and Open level dancers.
  
• Competitors or partnerships from the Intermediate & Advanced level categories, are not allowed to enter this section. 

• Drops are permitted. 

• Each track will allow up to 2 major airsteps or inverted moves, in addition to drops, leans, and baby aerials of any kind. (Please refer to the FAQ subsection for definitions.) Major airsteps or inverted moves should not exceed 7 seconds in duration, meaning the lady’s feet should not be off the floor for more than 7 seconds from the start to the end of the move. Baby aerials are also permitted. 

£6 per person.
Available places: 60 Lead, 60 Follow

It’s the luck of the draw that could see you end up with a teacher, your regular dance partner or some random person who turns out to be your dancing soul mate. You just never know with this category so dip in and see what you get.

Only the leaders receive dance numbers. The follows are given a slip, which they must bring with them on the day. Couples are paired randomly on the day, and the leaders dance numbers are recorded on the follows slips as a record of the partnership. It is crucial to arrive at the venue ontime to register and be ready on the dance floor for partnering. 

• The Lucky Dip Category is open to all, amateur and professional 

• Airsteps (Lifts, Jumps, Baby Aerials and Acrobatic Moves) are not permitted. Attempting these moves will result in penalisation or automatic disqualification.  

• Drops are permitted, provided that the ball of one of the follow’s feet remains in contact with the ground. If this condition is not met, the move will be classified as an airstep and will result in a penalisation or disqualification. 

£23 per couple.
Number of places available: 24 Fixed Couples

Completely levelling out the playing field, this category is THE ONE to sign up for if you’re fed up with the youngsters stealing the lime light. It gets highly competitive and is a great showcase for the age group.

• The Verterans Category is open to amateurs only. 

• Both you and your partner must be 50 years old, or older, on the day of the competition. 

• Airsteps (Lifts, Jumps, Baby Aerials and Acrobatic Moves) are not permitted. Attempting these moves will result in penalisation or automatic disqualification. 

• Drops are permitted, provided that the ball of one of the follow’s feet remains in contact with the ground. If this condition is not met, the move will be classified as an airstep and will result in a penalisation or disqualification. 

£12 per person.
Available Spaces: 24 Lead and 24 Follow

In this section no-one knows who their partner will be! We aim to discover who are the best individual dancers in this open/pro category.  Tops Cat’s is based on the Jack & Jill concept where individuals are randomly paired in each round and judged on their dancing. It is the individuals who go through to the next round, again to be randomly paired for the next heat. This means that each entrant may have a different partner for each round.  

• The Top Cat Pro Category is open to Open level dancers and those that have placed 1st in any recent (in the last year) Top Cats Am. 

• Airsteps (Lifts, Jumps, Baby Aerials and Acrobatic Moves) are not permitted. Attempting these moves will result in penalisation or automatic disqualification.  

• Drops are permitted, provided that the ball of one of the follow’s feet remains in contact with the ground. If this condition is not met, the move will be classified as an airstep and will result in a penalisation or disqualification. 

£12 per person.
Available Spaces: 36 Lead and 36 Follow

In this section no-one knows who their partner will be! We aim to discover who are the best individual dancers in the Amateur category. Tops Cat’s is based on the Jack & Jill concept where individuals are randomly paired in each round and judged on their dancing. It is the individuals who go through to the next round, again to be randomly paired for the next heat. This means that each entrant may have a different partner for each round. 

Those that have placed 1st in any recent (in the last year) Ceroc Top Cat Am, will be asked to compete in the 2025 Top Cat Pro category so that you can deservedly compete against the best of the best. 

• The Top Cat Am Category is open to amateurs only. 

• Dance teachers/professionals, and competitors from the Open level categories, are not allowed to enter this section. 

• Airsteps (Lifts, Jumps, Baby Aerials and Acrobatic Moves) are not permitted. Attempting these moves will result in penalisation or automatic disqualification.  

• Drops are permitted, provided that the ball of one of the follow’s feet remains in contact with the ground. If this condition is not met, the move will be classified as an airstep and will result in a penalisation or disqualification. 

£23 per couple.
Available Spaces: 24 fixed couples (12 for ProAm Lead, and 12 for ProAm follow)

In this category couples will be made from one Pro and one Am. Pro’s are professional dancers (see definitions in the FAQ). Am’s are amateur dancers who have not received payment for teaching dance. Sparks can fly in this category as the best of the best and the best of the rest team up for some awesome partnerships that burn up the dance floor.

ProAm Lead – The Pro is an Follow and the Amateur is a Lead
ProAm Follow – The Pro is an Lead and the Amateur is a Follow

• This competition is open to couplings comprising of an Open Level Dancer (Pro) and a non-Open level dancer (Am). 
• The Dance Professional and the Amateur will be judged as a couple. 

• Each track will allow up to 2 major Airsteps or inverted moves, in addition to drops, leans, and baby aerials of any kind. (Please refer to the FAQ subsection for definitions.) Major Airsteps or inverted moves should not exceed 7 seconds in duration, meaning the lady’s feet should not be off the floor for more than 7 seconds from the start to the end of the move.

Cost – FREE
Available Spaces – unlimited within sensible reason

This competition takes place at 10pm on the Friday night Warm Up Freestyle. Anyone who wishes to enter will come onto the floor with their fixed partner when Ivan announces so. We will have a selection of judges who will then each pick 1 couple who will go through to the final. The chosen couples then dance in the finals and the winning couple will be those who get the loudest cheer from the crowds (measured via decibels).

1 round, 1 final, 1 winning couple

Competition Rules

• This category is open to all, amateurs and professionals.
• Any couple goes, but no threesomes (tag or double trouble).
• No dance numbers needed.
• Judges will be picked at random from the crowd.
  
• Judges will NOT award points for dress and presentation. 
  
• Airsteps, (lifts, jumps and acrobatic moves), will not be permitted. Disqualification from the competition will be automatic should a couple attempt these moves. 
  
• No extra points will be awarded for drops but they will be permitted provided that one of the lady’s feet remains in contact with the ground. Otherwise the move will be defined as an airstep. Please agree beforehand with your partner if you agree to any kind of dip, drop or lean.
• There is no age limit in this category.

Maximum 12 Fixed Couples in each rank (12 intermediate, 12 advanced, 12 open)
Price per couple – £8

Enter as a couple, and dance battle against another couple. Selected in a random order, 2 couples will have 30 seconds to show their best to the judges, at the end of 30 seconds, the judges will send off 1 couple, the remaining couple will dance again against the next in line. Last couple standing WINS!

Competition Rules

• Intermediates, Advanced and Open have their own categories, therefor each couple must be made of 2  people in those categories.
• Judges will award points for style, innovation, musical interpretation, quality of dancing and synchronisation of dancers rather than the number/difficulty of moves and links. 
• Airsteps/Aerials (lifts, jumps and acrobatic moves), will not be permitted at all in any rank.
• Couples will be randomly selected and lined up at the start of the heat, the first 2 couples will dance. The judges will send off 1 couple, the remaining couple dances again with the next couple in-line. The last remaining couple WINS!
• Judges decisions are final and immediate, by show of handheld scorecards for Couple 1, or Couple 2.​
• Couples entering may only get to dance for 30 seconds if they are sent off straight away. Only 2 couples will be dancing at a time!

Cost – FREE
Anyone can enter – limited spaces on the day – drawn at random​

Jen Eddy is the only judge who has judged at ALL 10 South West Ceroc Champs, we always joked that if she made it the 10th then we’d give Jen her very own category and here it is!

Didn’t make it to the final? Don’t hang up your dance shoes yet! You can still be in with a chance to make it onto the floor with your “Last Chance To Dance”.

When entering online tick the “I want to be entered” then if it happens that you do not make it to a final in any of your entered categories, then you’ll be in with a “Last Chance To Dance”. 

Picked at random, you’ll be paired with a judge for 1 last final. If selected at random, you and the judge you’ve been paired with take to the floor with all the other judge/last chancers couples to dance one last dance! 

There’s no pressure, no judging and no points awarded – just an added bonus on your day!​

Music is selected by Jen herself!

Cost – £2 per couple – and donations on the day
Open to all couples​

​​To help celebrate our 10th year, we’ve added in a charity category. It’s open to any couple, and only costs £2 per couple – although we will also be fundraising on the day.

​Remember Musical Statues? That’s what this round is…couples will enter the dance floor, and start dancing, judges will be walking around trying to catch couples who don’t stop when the music does. When the DJ stops the music, you have to stop dancing. If you’re tapped by a judge, you’re out. Last couple standing wins!

​Read more about our chosen Charities HERE!

This will be the lead and follow who reaches the most finals through out the day and has shown great competition spirit across all their dances!

Competition Rules

• The Lead and Follow who reach the most finals of the day will be crowned Lead and Follow of the Day.
• If there are most than 1 dancer with the highest number of finals, then the shortlist will be given to the judges to decide, if a tie still happens the decision is made finally by the head judge. 
• All categories with a final are eligible (this means Team Cabaret and Showcase are omitted)
• Judges decisions are final
• Winners will receive a medal, trophy, and have their names on the SWCC Plaque