Jitterbug Contest

THE LONDON

SWING CATS

Authentic Lindy Hop & Jitterbug

from the 1940s

Information & Rules

WHAT IS JITTERBUG

Originally “Jitterbug(s) “ was the name given to the young swing fans who just couldn’t keep still when listening to their favourite swing music in the 1930s.

However, within a short period the name “jitterbug” had been extended to cover not only the fans themselves but the dances which they danced. Jitterbug, therefore, became a generic term for all the popular swing dances of the day: Lindy Hop, Balboa, Shag etc.

The “JITTERBUG JAM” contest is in the spirit of this definition. Competitors can effectively dance however they like in response to the music, however, the judges will be looking for authenticity in their performance.

JITTERBUG JAM - RULES

Participants must enter as a couple.
You must register on the night before 9.15pm in order to compete.
There must be a minimum of three couples registered in order for the contest to take place
Competition entry is free!
All participants must pay standard club admission. (£8 before 9pm, £6 after 9pm, students £5)
There is only one first prize of £50.
In the event that the contest does not take place there is no refund of club admission.
This will be a “Jam Style” cutting contest.
Depending on the number of couples there may be a heat & final or just a final.
Couples will be required to dance at 2 tempos, first medium and then faster (over 200 bpm).
Couples will dance for 8 x eight beats and will then give way to the next couple.
This will repeat throughout the track.
Couples who do not give way to the next couple may be penalised.
There will be two judges and marking will be by relative placement.
In the event of a draw then the audience will act as the third judge in order to decide the winner.
There are no rules as to dance content as long as the material is authentic and in the spirit of the contest.
If a couple win a Jitterbug Jam one month they cannot enter as a couple the following month. However, they can still enter if dancing with a different partner.

The Swing Cats Jitterbug Jam

The Hottest Contest in Town!

Tuesday 16th June

3rd Tuesday of Every Month
Jam Style Contest
Free to enter
Jam Pot - Winner Takes All
Guaranteed prize of £50
All styles of authentic Jitterbug allowed - Lindy Hop, Shag, Balboa, Charleston and Jive Variations.

SWING CATS CORNER

St Aloysius Social Club
20 Phoenix Road, London NW1
(Easy Parking, Tube: Euston/Mornington Crescent)

Entry: £8 (including Classes) Students: £5
Club Only: £6 after 9pm.

Tuesday 19th May, Tuesday 16th June, Tuesday 21st July,

(NO Jitterbug Jam August!), Tuesday 15th September,

Tuesday 20th October,

Tuesday 17th November, Tuesday 15th December.