Question 1

What is the Smoothest Dancer Competition?

Accepted Answer

The Smoothest Dancer is a social dance competition presented by CALDAC and BIG Salsa Festivals. Unlike a traditional dance competition, the focus is on the quality of the social dance experience—connection, musicality, confidence, smoothness, and how enjoyable you are to dance with.

Question 2

Is Smoothest Dancer a Jack & Jill competition?

Accepted Answer

No. Smoothest Dancer is not a traditional Jack & Jill or choreography-based competition. Competitors will social dance with featured artists and instructors who will score their overall experience dancing with you.

Question 3

What dance styles can I compete in?

Accepted Answer

There are two divisions: Salsa and Bachata. You may register for Salsa, Bachata, or both.

Question 4

Can I compete in both Salsa and Bachata?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may compete in both genres, but each genre requires a separate competition entry.

Question 5

Can I compete as a Lead or Follow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may register as a Lead or Follow. Each genre is limited to 20 Leads and 20 Follows.

Question 6

How many competitors will be accepted?

Accepted Answer

Each genre is limited to 20 Leads and 20 Follows. That means up to 40 entries in Salsa and 40 entries in Bachata. Registration for a role will close once its available spots are filled.

Question 7

Do I need a CALDAC Convention pass to compete?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need to purchase a CALDAC Convention pass to enter the Smoothest Dancer Competition. Your competition entry is separate from admission to the rest of the CALDAC Convention.

Question 8

When and where is the competition?

Accepted Answer

The competition will take place during the CALDAC Convention on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 4:00 PM–5:00 PM at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center.

Question 9

How does the competition work?

Accepted Answer

Competitors will social dance with featured artists and instructors. The artists/instructors will score the overall social dance experience based on qualities such as connection, musicality, confidence, smoothness, and how enjoyable the dance feels.

Question 10

Do I need choreography or a prepared routine?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no choreography and no prepared routine. This competition is about authentic social dancing. You won't know exactly what song will play or who you'll be dancing with—that's part of the experience.

Question 11

Are tricks and complicated patterns part of the judging?

Accepted Answer

Flashy tricks and complicated patterns are not the focus. If they naturally fit your dance, that's one thing, but they won't automatically earn you a higher score. We're looking for dancers who can create a smooth, musical, connected, and enjoyable social dance.

Question 12

How many winners will there be?

Accepted Answer

There will be one overall Salsa Champion and one overall Bachata Champion. The competitor with the highest overall score in each genre—whether Lead or Follow—will be crowned the Smoothest Dancer Champion.

Question 13

What does the winner receive?

Accepted Answer

Each Salsa and Bachata Champion may choose between:$300 cash, ORA Full Pass to any BIG event + a Full Pass to the next CALDAC Convention

Question 14

When will the winners be announced?

Accepted Answer

The winners will be announced during the Saturday Afternoon Party from 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, immediately following the competition. Winners do not need to be present to claim their prize.

Question 15

How late can I register?

Accepted Answer

Registration will remain open through the day of the competition as long as spots are still available. However, each genre is limited to 20 Leads and 20 Follows, so registration may close earlier if a division fills. Register early to secure your spot.

COMPETITION

The Smoothest Dancer

ENTER . SOCIAL DANCE. WIN CASH MONEY!

A Pure Social Dance Competition

Presented by CALDAC & BIG Salsa Festivals

This isn’t a traditional dance competition - nor is it a traditional Jack & Jill. Smoothest Dancer celebrates what great social dancing is really about: connection, musicality, confidence, smoothness, and creating an unforgettable experience for your partner.

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Prizes