Eligibility: Participants must register before the deadline.

Age Categories: Competitions may be divided by age groups if necessary (e.g., Juniors, Adults, Seniors).

Partnerships: Couples can be same-gender or mixed-gender. Partners must compete together throughout the entire event.

2. Attire

Dress Code: Men: Should wear fitted dance pants and shirts that allow movement but look polished. Women: Can wear skirts, dresses, or pants that allow freedom of movement. Heels or dance shoes are required.

No Costumes: Unless otherwise specified, costumes should be simple and not theatrical.

Footwear: Dance shoes or appropriate footwear must be worn. Sneakers and street shoes are prohibited.

3. Music and Tempo

Music Selection: Contest will be divided into two parts:

Part 1: Participants will have 45 sec of fully choreographed routine to the music of their choice within disco music selection. For restrictions in choreography please refer to further points of rules and regulations. All participants should submit their songs at least a day before the contest as well as have their music prepared on flash drive as a back up copy on the day of the contest.

Part 2: Participants will be dancing all together in a group of no more 12 couples to the music provided by the organizers for 90sec.

4. Judging Criteria

Technical Skill:Precision of footwork, timing, rhythm, and adherence to the Hustle style. The couple’s ability to stay connected while maintaining proper technique.

Musicality: Ability to interpret the music, responding to changes in rhythm and energy.

Partnership and Connection:The lead and follow dynamics should be clear and smooth, with no visible force or tension.Good communication and body control between partners are key.Presentation and Performance: Judges will look for confidence, energy, and expressiveness. The couple should engage both with each other and the audience.

Choreography and Creativity: In freestyle rounds, couples are encouraged to show their own creativity while staying within the bounds of Hustle. Lifts, drops, or acrobatic movements are allowed but should be controlled and safe. No overhead lifts or any trick going over the head of the lead due to facility limitations.

5. Rounds and Advancement

Preliminary Rounds: Couples will be placed in heats and dance together with others on the floor. Judges will select couples based on overall performance, not just individual technical elements.

Semifinals and Finals: Fewer couples will advance, and judges will focus more on execution and stylistic details. In the finals, couples may perform individually.

6. Prohibited Moves

Dangerous Lifts or Drops: Lifts, drops, or aerial moves that pose a risk to the couple or others are prohibited, unless explicitly allowed for advanced categories. Couples should avoid including elements from other dance styles (e.g., Salsa or Swing) that stray too far from the essence of Hustle.

7. Scoring System

Marking: Judges will score based on a points system, typically 1 to 10 for each of the following categories: technical skill, musicality, partnership, presentation, and creativity.

Tie-breakers: In the event of a tie, the couple with the higher score in the technical skill category will advance.

Final Decision: The judges’ decision is final and cannot be appealed.

8. Disqualification

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any inappropriate behavior towards judges, other competitors, or event staff may lead to immediate disqualification.

Late Arrival: Couples who are not present when their heat is called may be disqualified from that round.

Violation of Attire or Dance Requirements: Failure to comply with dress code or performing non-Hustle elements may result in penalties or disqualification.

9. Code of Conduct

Respect and Courtesy: All participants must show respect toward other dancers, judges, and event organizers. Disrespectful or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and may lead to penalties or disqualification.

Consent for Moves: If couples plan to perform lifts or other close-contact movements, they must both consent to the execution of these moves in advance.

10. Appeals

Score Review: Scores are final once posted, but dancers can request feedback from judges after the competition.

Misconduct Reports: Any reports of misconduct must be submitted in writing to the event organizer within 24 hours of the competition.