Ceroc Champs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions
  • Attendance and Participation: The organiser, Community Dance Education CIC accepts no responsibility for any loss or injury to persons or possessions as a result of, attendance at, or participation in the event. 

  • Contract conditions: The booking form is a contract between Community Dance Education CIC and the lead name only, and they as group leader are responsible for advising their guests on all issues relating to the booking. 

  • Late Bookings: Do not send any postal bookings within a week of the event. After this date, book on line or telephone the Champs Hotline mobile number 07733 408 796. 

  • Online Bookings: All online bookings are processed by Stripe for your security. 

  • Confirmation: An automated confirmation of your booking will be forwarded to you as a receipt by email. 

  • Changes to the Event Content and Format: The organisers reserve the right to amend or alter any information they have published or may publish from time to time in the future, in connection with this event. The actual schedule and heats listings will be uploaded onto the website just a couple of days before the event if possible. Otherwise the schedule for the event will be handed to you at the event when you arrive and the heats listings will be displayed in the dance arena. 

  • Category Entry: Entry to most categories will be closed 2 days before the event.  Entries received after this date may be refused however where there is capacity in any category, entry may be accepted on the day of competition as long as entry is made and accepted BEFORE the start of any heat of that category. Any categories under-subscribed two days prior to the event point may be cancelled, in which case all entries for that category will be contacted and refunded. 

  • Judging: The judges’ decision is final. Score sheets or other evidence of marks is not made available for review. 

  • Competition Participation: It is the competitor's responsibility to check the competition category rules, the heats listings and schedule for the timings of your heats and be ready on the dance floor with your partner; dance numbers fixed securely in position; on time to partake in your heat. The organisers cannot be held responsible if you miss your heat. If you have any queries about the timings of the event, the schedule or the heats please clarify your queries at the information desk. 

  • Disclaimer: Dancing is an aerobic activity and all attendees at this event participate at their own risk. The organisers cannot be held responsible for any loss or injury resulting from participation at this event. 

  • Pets: Animals are not allowed at this event. 

  • Age Limit: This event is open to anyone over the age of 12 years of age. Any one under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult who acting as their chaperone will be held responsible for the propriety of the minor. Competition entry ages are as per the individual competition category rules. 

  • Filming and Photographs: Anyone attending this event agrees that they can be filmed and may appear in photographs, which may be used for promotional purposes. There will be an official DVD produced by the organisers that can be pre-purchased at the event or purchased online after the event by visiting www.ceroc.video. No other filming is allowed at this event. There is not an official photographer at the event apart for the winners photos for the website. Attendees are allowed to take photos, but any personal photographs taken are for your own use and cannot be sold or distributed for profit. No one is allowed on the competition dance floor apart from competitors during their heat, judges and officials.

  • Security: The event is supervised by SIA qualified security personnel and by attending the event you agree to comply with any reasonable request from official security personnel.
cancellation policy
Cancellations:  80% refund if cancelled up to 3 months before the event. 50% refund if cancelled up to 2 months before the event.  25% refund if cancelled up to a month before the event. No refunds available within a month of the event. There are no exceptions or special circumstances such as illness, bereavement, emergencies or accidents etc. Please note that all cancellations will be subject to a minimum £10 administration fee. ​

Bookings and Tickets

What is the difference between a 'Day ENTRY ticket' and a 'party ticket'?
A 'Day Ticket' allows entry from '10.30am until 1am'. In other words... from the very start of the event to the very end. If you are a competitor or you wish to spectate for the full day, then this is the ticket you require. (You are allowed in and out of the venue all day).
​
A 'Party Ticket' allows entry from '7pm until 1am'. If you want to see the Finals of all the day's competitions, then this is the ticket you require. If you want to join in the evening freestyle, then this is also the ticket you require. You cannot enter any competitions if you have only purchased a Party Ticket. Note that if you purchase an evening ticket, you will not be allowed entry before 7pm (this is strictly enforced).

Party tickets cannot be purchased in advance, but sold on the door at the event from 7pm for £15 (cash).
How do I buy tickets and competition places?
Complete your purchase online. Booking online guarantees your place, is quicker, easier and more efficient (and probably more environmentally friendly). Decide how many day entry tickets you require and if competing in what categories.
Can I change or amend my booking?
This is possible but there is a £10 fee for any amendments to or cancellations of bookings to cover administration costs.
How do I cancel the application and payment process once I have started it?
If you've started the online process then you can cancel it provided you haven't already clicked the "Authenticate payment" button which is on the final "Review order" page.
Before then you can always use an on screen option to return to the previous stage, change the contents of your cart and close your browser.
I'm having problems when I get transferred to the BOOKING WEBSITE!
If you are online at work which goes through a server or you have your security setting too high on your computer at home you may experience problems carrying out the purchase transaction. This is because the secure connection is being blocked by the computer security. We have no control over this but advise reducing your security setting if at home and if at work trying again at home.
Which organisation is processing my payment?
We're using Shopify and Stripe to take bookings. Stripe is the payment processor and is certified to the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry.
Is the online payment process safe?
The online payment process is a secure process with Shopify and Stripe. During the process the website you are directed to should have the prefix "https://". The 's' in https indicates that it is a secure server.

Stripe has been audited by a PCI-certified auditor and is certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1. This is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry.​
Do I need to bring the numbered ticket with me on the day?
The numbered tickets you receive in the post are required for entry to the event. If you lose your tickets prior to the event please call the office and report the loss at least 2 days prior to the event.
How do I get my tickets and dance numbers?
Your numbered entry tickets and dance numbers if you are competing, will be posted to you prior to the event. If you have not received the tickets by the date specified for receipt then please contact the Champs Hotline 07733 408 796.

If you purchase your tickets late then you have to pick them up at the venue on the day. There will be a pre-purchased tickets collection point in the front lobby when you arrive.
Are numbers limited?
Numbers are limited in all categories in order to squeeze in all the various competitions and heats but NOT to the event as a whole, so if you wish to come along and spectate you will definitely gain admission..
Can I cancel or amend my booking?
This is possible but there is a minimum £10 fee for any amendments to or cancellations of bookings to cover administration costs. If you have duplicated a booking or someone else has booked for you, then please let us know, but with bank charges etc it may not be possible to refund you.

On the Champs Day

is there a cloakroom
The FREE cloakroom for coats and bags at the venue is very large, well staffed and FREE... The cloakroom is well sign posted. There will be Crew and security who will be directing you to deposit your bags and coats in the cloakrooms. Bags and coats cannot be left around the venue as they represent a FIRE and Health & Safety risk. We have been told by the Venue Management that any bags obstructing free passage around the venue, or piles of coats/and or clothes that may constitute a fire risk, will be removed and placed in a lost property section in the cloakrooms provided. It is possible to take your bags out of the Cloakrooms at any time which allows dancers to change before and after a competition heat. We request that everybody entering the venue leave their large bags and belongings in the cloakroom. We would appreciate your co-operation in this matter.
Is there a Changing Room?
MALE & FEMALE CHANGING ROOMS are available. The location of these changing rooms will be indicated with signs on the day and stewards will be available to assist in locating the rooms. There will be mirrors, hanging rails and hangers so that costumes may be hung up and bags left for ease of access for competitors. These changing rooms are NOT SECURE... repeat NOT SECURE, which means you leave your belongings at your own risk so we recommend NOT leaving any valuables here. PLEASE PUT ALL VALUABLES IN THE FREE CLOAKROOM PROVIDED
Can I bring food and drink into the Venue?
YOU CANNOT BRING YOUR OWN FOOD AND DRINK INTO THE VENUE.
The management of the venue does not allow food or drink, including bottled water, to be brought into the venue. The venue management has security on the front doors and they will stop you if they think that you are bringing your own food and /or drink into the venue. A wide selection of food and drink is available all day at the venue. The venue has committed to serving a range good value, nutritious, hot food buffet style from a servery which will be located at the back of the cafe bar area. Tap water will be available all day. You can also leave and re-enter the venue at any time during the day which allows you to eat and drink in any of the many pubs, cafes and coffee shops within easy walking distance of the venue. There are no exceptions to this rule, and if you have special dietary needs you will need to make your own arrangements.
can i leave and re-enter the venue?
You can pick up a re-entry ticket from the front desk at any point during the day. This will allow you to leave and come back into the event. You can do this as many times as you wish during the day.
Where can i find the competition rules?
Click here for the rules
Can I bring my friends and family?
Please visit the Friends and Family page where you can read about the deal we offer. Click here

Competitions, Categories & Definitions

Where do I pin the Dance Numbers?
The numbers must be pinned with 4 safety pins to the back of your top. If you do not have a back to your top then they may go on the front. They must not be pinned to trousers or skirts. We strongly recommend that you reinforce your dance number with tape or laminate it to ensure it does not fall off during the competition. If your number falls off during a competition there is a chance you will not be judged.
I am competing in Lucky Dip, what do I do?
All Competitors taking part in the Lucky Dip need to be down on the main dance floor at 11:00hrs (11am) where you will be allocated a partner! The first heat will start at approx. 11:30hrs (11.30am). Please be there on time, men with your numbers pinned with 4 pins on your back... no numbers on front or on trousers please, and Ladies make sure you have your Pink Slip with your name filled out correctly. The Compere and Judges will sort you all into rows and into pairs, then move you around a random amount of times to mix you all up. Once you are allocated a final partner the Judges will take the pink slip from the Ladies and fill out her partner's number on it, thus confirming that partnership for this competition. Each row will then be allocated a Heat number and that will determine when you get on the dance floor to compete. You will then need to check the Results Wall (which is on the back of the partitions on the ground floor at the back of the main auditorium by the double entrance to the foyer), so that you know at what time to be on the floor for your category heat.

As you have combined the Intermediate and Advanced into the All Stars does that mean if I have won the Intermediate category at another competition that I have to compete in the Open category at this event?
No, what you have done in other competitions has no relevance to this competition. Also whether or not you have been PLACED (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in the Intermediate category in this Competition you are still fine to compete in new All-Stars category. If you have won the All-Stars category at a previous Ceroc Champs then you do have to move up to the Open category competition.

If I have previously won the Intermediate category at the Ceroc Champs does it mean I have to compete in the Advanced category at this event?
Obviously this question is irrelevant now as we have combined the intermediate and advanced into the All Stars. Due to the changes, even if you have been PLACED (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in the Intermediate competition or Advanced then you are still OK to complete in the All Stars category. If you have won the AllStars category at a previous Ceroc Champs then you do have to move up to the Open category competition.
I am a Lady competing in Lucky Dip and I do not have a number?
Ladies are not allocated Dance Numbers for the Lucky Dip. They receive a pink slip with their name on it. Instructions on what to do with the pink slip are written on the back of it. Ladies need to line up on the floor with their pink slip in hand. Once they are lined up with their final partners the Judges will come around and collect the pink slips and write their partner's number on the slip. This is the partnership for the Lucky Dip. You cannot change partners. This slip is then kept safely and the couples in the final will be checked to ensure they have not swapped partners.
How do I get to be on the Lucky Dip Waiting List?
There are 100 places for Ladies and 100 places for men available in the Lucky Dip Competition Category. Once the allocation for Lucky Dip is "on hold", you may choose to join the waiting list.

If places become available we will contact those who joined the waiting list by email or telephone with instructions of how to book.
 I am on the Lucky Dip Waiting List what do I do?
If you are on the Waiting List for the Lucky Dip you will need to go to the Information Point, where you will be met by a Judge who will look after you. The Information Point is situated in the front lobby by the main entrance. We have a Lucky Dip Waiting list because there are invariably competitors who do not make it on time for the allocation of partners at 11:30 hrs (11.30am), and we need to have even numbers of Ladies and Men in this competition category. The procedure for inclusion in the event from the Lucky Dip Waiting List is as follows:
The Waiting List normally consists of 5 men and 5 women. Each dancer on the List is given a place number in the List. Each dancer on the List is sent a slip with their name and place number on it. 'Ladies Lucky Dip Waiting List Competitor number 1', will be the first dancer to be included in the allocation of partners for the competition if there is a shortage of women, and so on. All dancers on the Waiting List must meet at the Information Point at 11:15hrs. (11.15am) sharp to register with a judge. They should all have their numbered slip with them. The Ladies will be given their pink Lucky Dip slips with their names in full as required. The men must have their white dance number pinned to their backs. A judge will meet them there and take them to the side of the main stage. As the Compere requires dancers to make up the numbers in each row, he will ask the judge to provide someone from the Waiting List. The Judge will ask someone by name to join the competition. If you are not asked to join the competition then you are free to rejoin the audience. Your payment will be refunded after the event if you are not asked to join the competitors.
Can I enter more than one freestyle category if I am dancing with different partners?
The rules have changed from previous years. This was possible in the past but not now. You may NOT enter All Stars and Open with different dance partners. 
You cannot enter the Open and Ceroc X. 
You cannot enter Open if you are competing as an amateur in the ProAm category.
These changes make the competition as a whole more open to competitors
Can the dance partners swap leads in the Ceroc X category?
Yes it is acceptable for either dance partners to swap and to take the lead at any point during the competition. The lead and follow aspect of the dance must clearly be demonstrated at all times but the lead can swap between partners at any time during the track but it must be clear at all times which partner is leading.
I want to enter the 'RocVets' category but I'm 50, but my partner is only 28! Is this OK?
Well first of all, lucky you! But sorry, both Partners have to be 50 years of age or over to be eligible for the 'RocVets' Category
If I have previously won the All-Stars category at the Ceroc Champs, does it mean I have to compete in the Open category at this event?
If you have WON the All-Stars competition previously then you are obliged to move up to the Open category. This rule applies to the individuals in the winning pairing. Once you have won the All-Stars you cannot for instance compete in the All-Stars again with a different partner. You have to move up to the Open whoever you are dancing with!
If I have won the Intermediate category at another competition, does it mean I have to compete in the advanced category at this event?
Obviously this question is irrelevant now as we have combined the intermediate and advanced into the All Stars.  Due to the changes, even if you have been PLACED (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in the Intermediate competition or Advanced then you are still OK to complete in the All Stars category. Also as a general note, what you have done in other competitions has no relevance to this competition.
What is this Top Cats category all about?
This is a 'Jack and Jill' competition that will really show us who is the Best of the Best. This category is open to both Amateurs and Dance Professionals. What happens is that the entrants are paired randomly in the first round like in the Lucky Dip BUT in "Top Cats" the judges pick the best 'individuals' to go through to the next round!! In the second round the dancers are again paired randomly and the same thing happens. The judges pick the best 'individuals' to go through. This means that the eventual winners, THE Top Cats, really ARE the best dancers. You cannot be carried by your partner in this category as you are judged as an individual!!
What is a dance professional?
Please refer to Champs Rules
Is the music for the Double Trouble category specified?
No, previously it was but now it is a freestyle category with music chosen by the organisers.
​ I want to enter a team in the Team Cabaret Competition. What do I do?
That is great. The more teams the better as you all add to the atmosphere of the event.

What you need to do initially is book a place online for your team and pay the appropriate fee to secure your team place.

We need a definitive list of the team members from you at some point before the event but we realise that individuals may change so let us know when you know. We also need to know the name of the team and the name of the choreographer at least a week before the event. Your team members can then book their day entry tickets individually and include additional categories with their booking whenever they like, but they do need to book a Day Entry ticket to enable them to take part in the event!
​Do you publish the results?
Ceroc operated the very first championships of its kind over 20 years ago and we have since grown into the largest and one of the most critically acclaimed in the world. It is important for the preservation of our success that our scoring system remains protected and confidential. 
The Ceroc Championships has been established for nearly two decades and consequently, over the years, we have invested a lot of time, effort and money into developing our judging system. Our system also receives regular scrutiny from the International Dance Sport Judges and Trainer's Association (IDJTA). This investment has been necessary to ensure that we have a judging system that is accurate and unbiased. Naturally therefore, we have no desire to provide people who try and replicate what we do with the knowledge and experience that we have built up over the years. This is one of the reasons why we will not be publishing our results. Publishing judges' scores would only make any sense if we explained the judging system, and for the reasons stated above, we have no intention of doing this.

In recent years, at the London Champs we have been fortunate enough to have present a highly respected independent scoring adjudicator who monitors both the overall system and the individual scores to ensure they are accurate, and any anomalies are investigated.

Mike Shelton is our reputable adjudicator and his accreditations are:
Former Secretary General for the International Professional Dance Sport Council
Former Secretary General for World Dance Sport Federation Professional Division 
Current Vice President for International Dance Sport Judges and Trainers Association (IDJTA)
Current Vice President for Dance Sport England
Current Licensed Chairman of Adjudicators for World Dance Sport Federation. 
Current Chairman of Adjudicators for the German Open Dance Championships - Europe¹s largest competition with 4,900 couples taking part.
Importantly for us and our competitors, he has no affiliation with Ceroc. 

In addition to the above there are other some serious implications that we believe affects the fairness of a competition like ours.

Firstly and most concerning, if judges are aware of the fact that their scores are going to be seen by the public, their judging might be influenced by recognising the efforts of their family, friends, colleagues, peers or indeed their pupils unfairly. This could result in biased results from those judges with whom you have worked or those who have any prior or current engagements or relationships with you and other competitors. 

Secondly, many of our judges are celebrated teachers who operate at a number of prestigious events across the UK. It is nigh on impossible to guarantee that our judges have never offered a level of tuition, paid or unpaid, to a competitor in the past. This again puts pressure on judges to favour those who have received training from them. A confidential scoring system removes this stigma to allow for a completely honest and unaffected appraisal. 

We are extremely grateful for our dancers' involvement with this event. From 1998, the Champs has earned the enviable position as the biggest event of its kind in the world, and with the more recent scrutiny of the independent IDJTA, you can be reassured by the integrity of our results.
 Can I enter more than one of the age range competition categories with different partners?
Potentially yes. The age restriction only applies to the youngest member of the partnership. Therefore, if you are under 25 yourself, then you are only allowed to enter the under 25 category. If you are over 36 however, you can enter all three categories, providing your 3 respective partners are within the age range of the 3 different age groups (under 25, 26 - 35, over 36). 
what are the judges looking for?
This is a very complex area, and is covered under a separate document.
Why don't you offer a beginners category?
We have tried this in the past, and it was flawed. In brief, it's difficult to define a Beginner, and police whether someone fulfils any criteria that might be published.
AS YOU HAVE COMBINED THE INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED INTO THE ALL STARS DOES THAT MEAN IF I HAVE WON THE INTERMEDIATE CATEGORY AT ANOTHER COMPETITION THAT I HAVE TO COMPETE IN THE OPEN CATEGORY AT THIS EVENT?
No, what you have done in other competitions has no relevance to this competition. Also whether or not you have been PLACED (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in the Intermediate category in this Competition you are still fine to compete in new All-Stars category. If you have won the All-Stars category at a previous Ceroc Champs then you do have to move up to the Open category competition.

If I have previously won the Intermediate category at the Ceroc Champs does it mean I have to compete in the Advanced category at this event?
Obviously this question is irrelevant now as we have combined the intermediate and advanced into the All Stars. Due to the changes, even if you have been PLACED (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in the Intermediate competition or Advanced then you are still OK to complete in the All Stars category. If you have won the AllStars category at a previous Ceroc Champs then you do have to move up to the Open category competition.
What do the age restrictions in open and all stars mean?
The age restrictions apply to the youngest member in the partnership. If a 50 year old competes with a 24 year old, then they must enter the under 25 category.
Can the judges give us feedback on our performance?
In accordance with advice and best practice of the World Dance Sport Federation and IDJTA (International Dance Sport Judges and Trainers Association), judges are strictly prohibited on giving feedback or private lessons to competing couples or individuals.

This is extremely important to protect the authenticity of the judges' scoring, to ensure that the competitions are wholly unbiased, and for all those who compete to have equal opportunity at success.
As you have combined the Intermediate and Advanced into the All Stars does that mean if I have won the Intermediate category at another competition that I have to compete in the Open category at this event?
No, what you have done in other competitions has no relevance to this competition. Also whether or not you have been PLACED (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in the Intermediate category in this Competition you are still fine to compete in new All-Stars category. If you have won the All-Stars category at a previous Ceroc Champs then you do have to move up to the Open category competition.

If I have previously won the Intermediate category at the Ceroc Champs does it mean I have to compete in the Advanced category at this event?
Obviously this question is irrelevant now as we have combined the intermediate and advanced into the All Stars. Due to the changes, even if you have been PLACED (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in the Intermediate competition or Advanced then you are still OK to complete in the All Stars category. If you have won the AllStars category at a previous Ceroc Champs then you do have to move up to the Open category competition.

A competition truly for everyone

The Champs is a spectacular day of dancing and entertainment for both competitors and spectators but as a competitor you get a whole different insight into the event that makes the Champs experience just that little bit more special. There are competition categories available for you to enter without a regular dance partner. This allows you to compete without the hours of practice normally required.

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