In the Stage Tango Category each couple will appear one at a time, dancing to a song of their choice. The song must not exceed four minutes of duration and must be submitted on a CD (2 original copies in good condition). There can be ONLY ONE treck on the CD. Since the judges will take into account the variety of choreographies exhibited, we recommend that participants present different songs, one for each round, this not being exclusive.


Judges

The judges will be appointed by the Management.
In all categories, the panel of judges for the Qualifying Rounds, the Semi-finals and the Final Pound will consist of five members.

The Management has the authority to eliminate from the competition any contestants who:
a) do not comply with the rules;
b) commit any moral offense or take any inappropriate action that may tarnish the image of the Tournament or may cause displeasure to the public.

There is no right of appeal against the judge's ruling. Each contestant, by enrolling, corroborates his/her acceptance of this provision. In case of distrust or disagreement, contestants may present a written statement.

In case of a draw or if the judges determine it necessary, contestants shall dance the number of pieces the judges may consider necessary to achieve a final ruling. Participants may not refuse to perform.

The jury will select one pair, the winner in each category.


Evaluation Criteria

1. “Salon Tango” (unrestricted entry for amateurs and professional dancers)

Once a couple is formed, the partners must not separate as long as the music is playing. This means that the embrace, which is considered the tango dance position, must not be broken.

For the position to be considered correct, the body of one of the members must be constantly held by the other by means of the embrace. In certain figures this may be flexible, but this should not continue throughout the entire piece.

All movements must be performed within the space allowed by the couple’s embrace.

The judges will evaluate the couple’s musicality and walking style as fundamental to the qualification.

Within these guidelines, contestants may perform any figure commonly used, including barridas (sweeps), sacadas al piso (close to the floor), enrosques (twists), etc.

Ganchos (leaps), saltos (jumps), trepadas (climbs) and any other typical choreographic stage tango possibility shall be completely excluded.

Couples, as in a real dancehall, shall constantly move anti-clockwise and try to avoid remaining in the same place for too long, obstructing the normal circulation of dancers around the dance floor.

No contestant may raise his/her legs above the knee line.

2. "Milonga" (amateurs and professionals): The rules are the same.

3. “Stage Tango” (unrestricted entry for amateur and professional dancers)

Contestants will be able to express their personal view on the Argentine tango dance. This implies that they may resort to movements, figures and applications not usually related to traditional tango, but the classic tango figures must be present in the choreography: ochos, caminatas largas (long walks), boleas, ganchos and the “milonga embrace”. Couples may break the embrace and use additional techniques derived from other dance disciplines, as long as these are justified and performed for the benefit of a particular performance.

Tricks, aerial movements and other movements typical of other dance styles should not be used excessively, i.e. they should not exceed the third part of the performance. The couple should move around the entire stage.


Dress Code

Dance Dress Code:
Wearing casual clothes, sportswear or denim clothing is prohibited.


Assessing and rules for the category "Children"

"Tango Salon" (children ages 9-13 years):

Couples will perform two dances, a rhythmic tango: in closed and open embrace.

Closed hug:
Dancing in the pair do not deviate from each other until the end of the music piece. This means that the hug, which is the basic position in the tango, is impossible to break.

In the position, which is believed to be correct, the partners must be in each other's arms. All the movements should be performed in the space limited by the partners’ hugs.

The jury will consider the hug, musicality and style the main criteria for evaluation competing pairs.

In this framework the contestants can perform the following figures: Caminada in parallel, cross-system, Salida, broken steps with changed direction, medio Hiro, sandwich, Ocho, Ocho Cortado, lower boleo.

Other elements of tango salon should be completely excluded, otherwise they will be deemed excess of the program, and the judge has the right not to evaluate them.

Couples have to constantly move counterclockwise and try not to linger at one place more than two musical phrases in order not to be in the way of the other pairs, they mustn't overtake other couples.

Contestants aren't allowed to raise the legs above the knee level.

Open hug:
The same rules as for the closed arms.


Dress code

Partner: black trousers, white or black shirt, tie, vest or jacket is allowed, black shoes

Partner: elegant dress, shoes.


Prizes

In each category there will be one winning couple.
In addition, the participants who win second and third places in each category will receive prizes.
At the announcement of final results, the finalists are announced in full and with all the data including the winner’s name, the club, the coach’s name.




* The Management reserves the right to record all the performances at all stages of the tournament by any known or unknown means, including recording on film, photography and recording to digital media. The resulting material is the exclusive property of the organizing committee of the Tournament. On becoming the participants of the Tournament the contestants authorize the organizing committee to use the footage without incurring liability to any individuals or organizations that could claim rights to it. This right given to the administration of the Tournament could not be challenged or revoked. The Management can also use all photographs without limitation for promotional purposes. The rights for video and photography belong to the organizers of the Tournament.