Material danced should be based on the NDCA, ISTD, DVIDA, Fred Astaire, Arthur Murray, or equivalent syllabus.
Costumes may be worn by all Pro/Am, Am/Am, and Collegiate participants. Youth participants under 12 must wear age appropriate costuming.
Participants may dance with any gender partner.
American Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, V. Waltz
American Rhythm: Rumba, Cha Cha, EC Swing, Mambo, Bolero
Night Club: Hustle, WC Swing, Merengue, Night Club 2-step, Salsa, Bachata, Argentine Tango, Peabody
International Standard: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, V. Waltz
International Latin: Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Jive, Paso Doble
Country: Country Waltz, Country 2-Step, Country Swing, Country Cha Cha, Country Polka
Newcomer
Pre Bronze, Intermediate Bronze, Full Bronze, Open Bronze
Pre Silver, Intermediate Silver, Full Silver, Open Silver
Pre Gold, Intermediate Gold, Full Gold, Open Gold
OG+
Preteen: 4-6
Junior: 7-12
Youth: 13-18
A: 18-30
A1: 31-40
B: 41-50
B1: 51-60
C: 61-70
D: 71+
Please note that people with multiple partners in the same age category may dance down one age level with one partner.
Participants may only dance in one age category. Mixed-aged Am/Am couples will dance in the oldest partner's age group.
Each participant may dance in as many levels as desired up to up to 60 entries. They may also add one level in each of the five categories (American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, International Latin, Night Club, and Country) for personal competition critiques. A participant may dance in more levels if they have multiple competitive partners. If you get above 60 entries, additional a la carte fees will be required. Personal competition critiques may be done for each partnership as well.
Professionals bringing multiple partners are advised to keep to 5 partners if you want to do three rounds with each partner. More than 5 partners would need to have fewer rounds. In the past we have had around 100 heats for smooth/ standard, 100 heats for rhythm/ latin, and 50 heats for nightclub/ country. Due to this being a one day competition this is our limit in order to have breaks for lunch and supper.
Pro/Pro competitor heats are now available. The fees are the following: $50 for submission, $75 for critiques, and $100 for Professional Competition Critique. Prices are per couple. This is a great place for new Pro/Pro couples to try out routines on a competition dance floor. Seasoned Pro/Pro couples are also invited to compete.
Each participant may sign up for a personal competition critique session for each of the five categories of dance: American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, International Latin, Night Club, and Country. Personal Competition Critiques consist of dancing one round in one level of your chosen dances. Then you will be taken to a private space for a mini private lesson from one of the judges specific to your competition performance. There are a limited number of personal critique slots available. They will be scheduled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Deadline for all entries and payment is 10/16/2026. Checks should be made out to 'Step Connect' and mailed to:
DMDC
c/o Anne Bates
3407 Grand Ave #314
Des Moines, IA 50312
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