Beats and Bars

We suggest that you review the rules for formation dancing in the NDCA Rule Book. As you present your medley your choreography and composition will be strictly scrutinized based on the current NDCA rules. Failure to comply with all rules may result in disqualification. For your convenience we included brief instructions on how to count the bars for ballroom routines.

COUNTING IN BEATS AND BARS

Waltz:

Time signature is 3/4 Each step is 1 beat

for example: Counting in Beats and Bars 123, 223, 323,423 = four bars.

Tango

Time signature is 2/4 Slow = 1 beat Quick =1/2 beat– this is often easier counted as below:

for example: 1234, 2234, 3234 = three bars.

V.Watlz

Time signature is 3/4 Each step is 1 beat

for example: Counting in Beats and Bars 123, 223, 323,423 = four bars.

Foxtrot

Time signature is 4/4 Slow = 2 beats, Quick =1 beat–

for example: 1234, 2234, 3234 = three bars.

Quickstep

Time signature is 4/4 Slow = 2 beats, Quick =1 beat–

for example: 1234, 2234, 3234,4234 = four bars.

Dances

Open

Closed (every couple must be in closed in order to count the bar as closed)

Waltz

Tango

Quickstep

Total

BALLROOM FORMATION TEAM

CLOSED AND OPEN BAR ACCOUNTING CHART

Team Name:

Director:

Age Category: (Please circle) Pre teen Junior Youth

Time: (list the exact length of your medley)

List dances in your medley in the order in which they are danced

OPEN BARS

CLOSED BARS

TOTALS