As the continental same sex dance organisation and representative of IFSSDA, ESSDA is the sanctioning body of both competitions.
The applicable rules, recommendations and codes of conduct for the competitions are those of the European Same-Sex Dance Association (ESSDA), in their version in force at the time of the events.
More specifically, the following documents are applicable:
- Same-Sex Dancesport Competition Rules (SSDCR), for international dance competitions (Standard and Latin for both Men & Women as well as Combined 10-dance);
- ShowDance Guidelines for Couples / Teams, for the Showdance for couples and team events;
- Appendix 1: Adjudicator’s code of conduct
All these documents can be found on
www.essda.eu/competition-rules/essda-competition -rules/
The application of these rules shall be extended to the other competitions hereafter:
- International dances (Latin and standard, combined 10-dance) for mixed couples
- Argentine Tango (subject to the specific rules related to this dance : Spécific rules)
- Handi-dance
All competitors and judges must acknowledge that they are aware of these rules in order to participate in the competitions.
The following requirements apply:
- Standard dances, Latin dances and 10 Dance (male, female and mixed couples)
Dancers can participate in several events with different partners. However, in any given competition, category, all dances shall be danced with the same partner. Different competition categories may be danced with different partners.
Couples participating in the “Senior” category may also take part in the “Open” category.
Competitors shall wear clothes in accordance with accepted standard of decency and etiquette.
Showdance couples entries must be a pair of dancers (2 dancers only).
During entrance, performance and exit, the couple must be alone on the floor.
Music must be between 2 minutes 15 seconds and 5 minutes 30 seconds long including entry and exit music.
- Formation Team (Showdance Teams)
The team must be a minimum group of 8 dancers. Only on showdance entry per team is permitted.
During entrance, performance and exit, the team must be alone on the floor.
Music must be between 4 minutes and 7 minutes long including bows/exit music.
Dancers can participate in several events with different partners. However, in any given competition, category, all dances shall be danced with the same partner. Different competition categories may be danced with different partners.
Couples participating in the “Senior” category may also take part in the “Open” category.
Competitors shall wear clothes in accordance with accepted standard of decency and etiquette.
This dance event is open to any couple or group of which one of the members has the following handicap:
- Mental and intellectual disability and autism
- Physical disability / motor
- Hearing impairment – Visual impairment