WINNIPEG BACHATAFEST
COMPETITION

Registration is Now Open

Welcome to the 3rd Annual

Winnipeg Bachatafest

Competition

The stage is set,
the music is ready - are you?!

Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Location: Ted Motyka Dance Studio
Address: 460 Main Street

The countdown is on! Mark your calendars for the Winnipeg Bachatafest competition and get ready for a day filled with rhythm, energy, and some great competition.

💃 Diverse Categories – Compete in different levels and styles, from Salsa to Bachata to Cultural and beyond.
👶 For All Ages – Kids can take the stage alongside adults, bringing their own passion and showcasing their talent.
🏆 The Thrill of Competition – Expect a whole afternoon of incredible performances, fierce determination, and well-earned victories.

*IMPORTANT* Competition registration will be closed on May 31st or sooner due to time restrictions. Register your competition before it’s too late! No late entries will be allowed.

We’re only a week away! Here’s a checklist reminder for all competitors:

  • Purchase your full weekend performer pass

  • Register for your competition categories

  • Submit your music to the correct submission link

All set?! Let’s GO!

What’s new this year? Check it out

*NEW* Divisions added:

  • Under 8 Salsa and Bachata Solo/Duos

  • Cultural Category**
    - Amateur Team Showcase
    - Amateur Team Showcase 17 and Under
    - Amateur Team Showcase 12 and Under

  • Open Showcase Category
    - Teams 17 and Under
    - Teams 12 and Under

*NEW* Cultural Category Division

  • Team registration entries only (3-16 dancers)

  • Maximum time limit of 3 minutes

  • Genre can be any Folklore genre outside of Salsa and Bachata

*NEW* Open Showcase Category - Saturday Night!

Location: Fort Garry Hotel
Competitor Call Time: 6:00pm
Competition Start Time: 7:00pm

  • Anything goes

  • Open to all genres

  • Cash Prize of $300!!

Competitor Call Times

KIDS COMPETITION

Call Time: 10:00am
Start Time: 11:00am
Kids Awards Ceremony: 2:00pm

ADULT COMPETITION

Call Time: 2:00pm
Start Time: 3:00pm
Adult Awards Ceremony: 5:00pm

**Times subject to change due to based on how competition schedule progresses.

*NEW* Children’s competition awards will be presented immediately following the children’s competition. The adult competition will commence after the children’s awards ceremony.


NOTE: Performers are permitted upstairs in the mezzanine only during their designated call time. Until then, we encourage you to enjoy the competition and soak in the excitement! Good luck to all!

Competitor entrance will be found through the back pink door through the parking lot at Main Street and McDermot Avenue.

Spectator entrance will be through the front door at 460 Main Street.

Street parking only - park at your own risk.

Competition Regulations

Showcase Music:

  • Length: Routines should be between 1.5 - 2.5 minutes long

  • Dancers have no more than 20 seconds to get into position for performance

  • Any choreography prior to beginning of music will be counted towards overall performance time

  • Dancers have a maximum of 20 seconds to conclude and leave the dance floor

Song Submissions Must Be Renamed:

Please RENAME the file name to the following format:
FullName-Category-Solo/Duo or TeamName-Category

Example:
JohnDoe-Amateur-SalsaSolo.mp3 or
JaneSmith-BachataSolo-17AndUnder.wave or
DanceWorldTeam-SalsaTeamShowcase.mp3

There must be one song uploaded per showcase registration

Music Submission

Upload your music using the appropriate links for you and your team. Be sure to follow the required labeling format as specified above.

Music Submission Deadline:

Please ensure your music is submitted no later than Thursday, June 5, 2025.

🔹 Important Notice: Music submitted on the day of the competition will be subject to a $10 late fee per song. The submission links will no longer be available on the website after June 5.

Judging Criteria

Our panel of expert judges will evaluate performances based on the following categories:

  1. Technique (15%)

    • Precision and control in dance movements.

    • Mastery of foundational techniques, balance, and alignment.

  2. Timing (20%)

    • Ability to stay in sync with the music's tempo and rhythm.

    • Consistency in starting and ending movements on time.

  3. Musicality (15%)

    • Connection with the mood and dynamics of the music.

    • Interpretation of beats, accents, and tempo changes.

  4. Choreography & Creativity (10%)

    • Originality and innovation in the routine.

    • Effective use of formations, transitions, and storytelling.

  5. Performance & Presentation (15%)

    • Stage presence, energy, and confidence.

    • Engagement with the audience and charisma.

  6. Costume & Appearance (10%)

    • Creativity and appropriateness of attire.

    • Contribution to the overall performance theme.

  7. Connection (15%)

    • Synchronization and coordination between team members.

    • Unity and cohesion as a group.

Sunday’s Vendors

*IMPORTANT* Competition registration will be closed on May 31st or sooner due to time restrictions. Register your competition before it’s too late! No late entries will be allowed.