Rules & Regulations

Recognized by the Canadian DanceSport Federation (CDF) and the National Dance Council of Canada (NDCC).

Professionals, both male and female, entering Pro or Pro/Am events must be registered with the Canadian DanceSport Federation or their country’s professional organization affiliated to the World Dance Council.

Amateur couples entering amateur events must be registered with the amateur organization of their country of residence. Amateurs competing ONLY in Pro/Am events do not need to register

For studios and groups, upon arrival at the venue, a studio representative should come to the Registration Desk and pick up packages/tickets/heat lists for their studio. Any outstanding balances must be paid before packages can be released.

Competitors are required to register with the Registrar and confirm entries/heat lists. At this time, male competitors’ numbers will be issued. Proof of current registration for Professional competitors and Amateur couples must be established in order to be issued their competitor’s number. Each competitor must be present in the ballroom at least 30 minutes prior to ones scheduled dance time.

No responsibility for the loss or theft of articles left in changing rooms, ballrooms or hotel rooms can be accepted by Can-Am DanceSport Gala organizers or the C.D.F., nor can they be held liable for injury sustained by persons participating in or attending this event, however caused. Everyone attending does so at his/her own risk.

All persons attending the Can-Am DanceSport Gala as spectators, competitors, guests or officials, shall be bound by C.D.F. rules, and by participating in the event, become automatically obliged to adhere to them.

The organizers have engaged highly qualified adjudicators and scrutineers. The decision of the Chairman of Judges will be final. No judge shall be harassed or questioned about the reasons for marking.

PRO-AM SOLO EXHIBITION (Routine)

Critique sheets and scores will be available to studio personnel at the registration desk. No Solo Exhibition can exceed three (3) minutes. American Style and International Style Dress Code for Pro/Am, To be eligible for a Scholarship, the student must have a minimum of 10 Single dances in any style.

AMATEUR International Style

All Amateur competitions are sanctioned by National Dance Council of Canada (NDCC) and each Canadian competitor must be registered for 2026 with NDCC before the competition. Amateur dancing in Closed division: Pre-Bronze, Bronze and Silver, figures are restricted to the ISTD Syllabus. Gold division, figures are restricted to ISTD Syllabus plus Popular variations. Rules and dress codes are available on the NDCC web at: NDCC Amateur Registration – NDCC National Dance Council of Canada.

AMATEUR SOCIAL & AMERICAN STYLE

Please see the Social & American style Entry Form. DRESS CODE: Gent: Business suit, Vest. Lady: Social dress, skirt, blouse. Costumes are acceptable (but not mandatory from INTERMEDIARY LEVEL AND UP) See Entry Form.

MIXED AMATEUR

Amateur dancing with another amateur are for competitors without partner. See rules and information on the Mixed Amateur Entry Form. Partner: Refers to the partner not being judged AMATEUR SOLO See rules and information on the Entry Form for Amateur SOLO. More than one competitor will be dancing at the same time on the floor. FORMATION TEAM ’ Costumes are permitted. Music: Maximum 3 minutes. See Entry Form.

AMATEUR SOLO

See rules and information on the Entry Form for Amateur SOLO. More than one competitor will be dancing at the same time on the floor.

FORMATION TEAM ’

Costumes are permitted. Music: Maximum 3 minutes. See Entry Form.

PACKAGE CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

1. Package Cancellations received by September 8th, 2026 will receive a full refund.

2. Cancellations received after Sept. 8th but before Sept. 21st will be charged a $100 package cancellation fee for non recoverable processing costs.

3. Cancellations received after Sept. 21st, 2026 will be charged $150 package cancellation fee. Any balance of Package payment will be refunded. Refunds will be made within 45 days following the event. No refunds for cancellations within 7 days of event.

• In Closed Pro-Am Bronze American Ballroom dances, only “closed” footwork will be permitted – no “continuity” styling.
• Lifts are not be permitted in closed and open Pro-Am / Amateur events.
• In American Style categories, competitors are permitted to dance steps from Arthur Murray, Fred Astaire or any syllabus recognized by C.D.F. or the N.D.C.A.
• A standards judge will observe all restricted closed events. Competitors committing infractions will be penalized.
• In Single-Dance Events competitors may dance in 4 consecutive levels in the Closed, and in 3 consecutive levels in Open events.
• Changes in categories will not be allowed at the event.
• The organizers reserve the right to merge any categories.
• There will be separate divisions for ladies and gentlemen in all Pro-Am Single-Dance events.
• Can-Am DanceSport Gala reserves the right to cancel any competition with less than 3 entries.

Payment methods accepted are credit card and e-transfer (Canada only). eTransfers can be sent to canam.dance@gmail.com, no business or personal checks will be accepted. For credit card charges, a surcharge of 4% will be added.

We will consider that everyone who attends this event has, by his or her very presence in the ballroom, consented to the use and release of any video, image or names of those spectators or contestants or persons participating in the floor show who may appear on television or in any of the DVDs for sale.

If any person attending this event has any objection to being recorded or the possibility of being seen in DVDs or digital images, please notify the organizers in writing prior to September 9th.