Nova Dance Fest 2026
Salsa & Bachata Jack & Jill Competitions
Compete. Connect. Challenge yourself.
Competition coordinator: Cassandra Villaseñor
Two Separate Competitions
- Salsa Jack & Jill
- Bachata Jack & Jill
- Enter one or both divisions.
How It Works
- Partners rotate during the preliminary rounds.
- Dancers are judged individually in the preliminary rounds.
- Competitors are judged as a couple in the semifinals and finals.
- Finalists will also have the opportunity to dance with the judges.
Open Level
Everyone is welcome to compete, including artists. Nova Dance Fest headlining artists are not eligible to compete.
Registration
$25 per divisionEntry fee
Full or Performance PassFestival pass required
One or bothSalsa and Bachata divisions
Qualification Events
- Participation in pre-festival qualification events is optional.
- Winners earn a direct spot in the Nova Fest semifinals.
- If you do not participate or do not qualify, you can still compete by starting in Sunday’s preliminary rounds.
Sunday Competition Schedule
- 3:00 PM: Preliminary rounds
- 4:00 PM: Semifinals, followed by finals
🏆 Prize Package
$1,200 Cash Prize Pool
Winners will also receive medals, Nova Fest T-shirts, and full passes to:
- 2026 SF SBK
- 2027 NYC SBK
- 2027 San Diego Big Fest
- 2027 Nova Fest
🎯 Judging Criteria
- Technique
- Timing
- Teamwork and connection
- Musicality
- Difficulty and intricacy
- Creativity within the division
Scores are cumulative throughout the competition.
📋 Competition Rules
- Any gender may compete as a Leader or Follower.
- Choose one role and keep it throughout the competition.
- Partners are randomly assigned.
- Any dance shoes are permitted.
- No tricks.