VERY IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION: WHEN SHOULD YOU ARRIVE?
Competitors are advised to be in the town of Calpe at least one day before their performance. Airline changes and cancellations and the unreliability of train service in Spain can play nasty tricks on you.
These times are approximate, to help plan travel and stays. The schedule with specific times by category will be provided later. We remind you that the Full Pass is the only pass that allows family members or friends to watch the competition. No exceptions.
Wednesday 21 - New this year!
Wednesday is the new day for floor qualifying rounds. Be ready to compete between 17h and 00h: Salsa Female Solo Pre-Qualifiers, Salsa Male Solo Pre-Qualifiers and Bachata Female Solo Pre-Qualifiers.
SCHEDULE FORECAST
These times are approximate, based on the number of competitors we have as of today.
If by October 21 there are significant withdrawals in some of the categories for which a Semi-Final and Final have been planned, the organization reserves the right to hold a sudden death (only the final will be danced once).
WEDNESDAY 21
17:00BACHATA: Female Solo Pre-Qualifiers
18:30SALSA: Male Solo Pre-Qualifiers
20:30 Break-dinner
22:00SALSA: Female Solo Pre-Qualifiers
THURSDAY 22
12:00 to 14:00 BACHATA Female Solo Qualifiers
Break-lunch
15:30 to 17:30 BACHATA: Male Solo Semi-Final
17:30 to 19:00 SALSA: Female Solo Qualifiers
19:00 to 21:00 SALSA: Male Solo Qualifiers
Break-dinner
23:00 to 00:45 SALSA: Female Duos Semi-Final
FRIDAY 23
12:00 to 14:00 SALSA: Male Duos Semi-Final
Break-lunch 13:00 to 15:30h
16:00 to 18:00 SALSA: Female Solo Semi-Final
18:00 to 18:55 BACHATA: Female Solo Grand Final
19:00 to 19:55 BACHATA: Male Solo Grand Final
20:00 to 21:00 Solo Awards Ceremony V Bachata World Championship
Break-dinner 19:30 to 23:30
22:00 to 23:00 SALSA Female Duos Grand Final
23:00 to 00:00 SALSA Male Duos Grand Final
00:00 to 00:55 SALSA Female Solo Grand Final
Salsa Duos and Female Solo Awards Ceremony
SATURDAY 24
12:00 to 14:00 SALSA Male Solo Semi-Final
Break-lunch 13:00 to 15:30h
16:30 to 17:55 BACHATA: Mixed Duos Semi-Final
18:00 to 20:00 SALSA: Couples Semi-Final
Break-dinner 19:30 to 23:30
22:00 to 23:00h SALSA: Male Solo Grand Final
23:00 to 00:55 SALSA Teams Grand Final
Salsa World Championship Male Solo and Salsa Teams Awards Ceremony
SUNDAY 25
13:00 to 14:50h BACHATA Couples Grand Final
Break-lunch 13:00 to 15:30h
17:00 to 18:00h BACHATA: Mixed Duos Grand Final
18:00 to 19:00 SALSA: Salsa Couples Grand Final
19:00 to 21:00 BACHATA Teams Grand Final
Break-dinner 19:30 to 22:30
22:00 to 23:00 DANI J IN CONCERT
23:00 Awards ceremony and Grand Final party
HOW DO I COMPLETE MY REGISTRATION?
Once you have passed the selection phase and received the admission email, you must pay SEPARATELY for each category in which you will compete before March 15, 2026. There will be no extensions or exceptional cases.
Any competitor who does not pay for their category will automatically be excluded from the competition, and their spot will be assigned to a competitor on the waiting list. Once the spot has been reassigned it will be IMPOSSIBLE to recover it.
The competitor pass grants access to all event activities: salsa and bachata world championship, workshops, parties and awards gala. IT DOES NOT INCLUDE ACCOMMODATION, MEALS OR TRANSFERS. This Full Pass granted to the competitor is a gift from the organization. If you cancel your spot and withdraw from the competition, READ THE FOLLOWING TEXT.
VERY IMPORTANT! If you compete in a single category and cancel your competitor spot after having completed payment, and you wish to use it as a Full Pass, this will only be possible by paying the difference between the price of the competitor pass and the final sale price of the Full Pass. Under no circumstances will the amount paid for registrations be refunded, nor will name changes on the competitor pass be accepted. This pass is EXCLUSIVE and may not be used by another person. Breaching this rule will be considered a very serious offense and you will not be able to participate in the event as a competitor in future editions. The same will apply if, once registered, you do not notify your withdrawal, or the reason is not justified.
COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION: COMPETITOR REGISTRATION HERE
WHERE CAN I STAY?
The event is held entirely at the Hotel AR Diamante Beach 4* Superior, the official venue for the competition, workshops and parties.
You can stay at the hotel with special rates through this link: https://campeonatopasoslibres.com/festival/#hotel
The rates correspond to double rooms with full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner included). The price shown is per double room, not per person.
IMPORTANT NOTE: RATE EXCLUSIVE TO EVENT ATTENDEES. IF THE CONTRARY IS IDENTIFIED AND THE FULL PASS IS NOT PRESENTED AT CHECK-IN, THE RESERVATION WILL BE CANCELED.
Accommodation at the host hotel is optional.
If you prefer to stay in apartments, you can contact: Alejandro Padillo +34 637 46 60 33
The organization provides these options, but the management and conditions of the reservations depend directly on each accommodation.
Hotel reservation: https://ar-hotels.actpages.com/la-negra-festival.html
HOW CAN I GET TO THE HOTEL?
Transfer from Alicante airport: Private company (unaffiliated with the organization). We advise booking 15 days before the start of the event: https://www.beniconnect.com/es/
WARNING: INFORMATION FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COMPANIONS
The only way to watch the championship and take part in the activities organized at the event is by purchasing the Full Pass, whether or not you attend workshops and parties. There is no pass to watch only the competition. The Full Pass increases every month and usually sells out quickly. Take precautions. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.
RULES FOR THE CHOREOGRAPHIC PIECE
This world championship requires a 100% brand-new choreography. Original, previously unseen work is mandatory and must premiere only during the championship in Spain. A choreography copied in whole or in part, or premiered in public before the championship, is grounds for disqualification.
How many choreographies must I prepare for the Freestyle World Championship?
Only one. Whether you are selected for pre-qualifiers, qualifiers, semi-final or final, as you move from one phase to another you must keep the same choreography. If you qualify for the semi-final from another country, you must bring a new choreography to Spain; this will not be required for the qualifiers held before the October event, if any, in which you may indeed dance a choreography that has already premiered.
In how many categories can I compete?
You may apply for up to a maximum of three categories, but you must pass the filter of submitting a video to apply. Once you are accepted, each category is paid for separately: €120 for the first category (€100 if signing up for a second, and €100 more if signing up for a third). As it does every year, the organization gives the competitor the Full Pass, which grants the right to watch all competitions, take the workshops and access all the parties. A single Full Pass is given for the competitor's personal use, regardless of the number of categories they enter. This Full Pass will be canceled if the competitor withdraws. If they withdraw as a competitor but wish to attend as a spectator, they must pay the difference between the price of the competitor pass and the general public price.
What day and time will my category compete?
Once all registrations have been paid, around the month of March, the organization proceeds to organize the galas based on the number of competitors per category. Some categories have sudden death (danced once and winners are chosen), as in the case of teams. Some categories, such as the solos, given the extremely high number of applications, have pre-qualifier, qualifier, semi-final and final rounds. If a category that has been assigned a semi-final and final sees its number of participants reduced due to competitor withdrawals, it may become sudden death. Competitors will receive an email stating the exact day on which they will compete according to the round for which they were selected.
What style of salsa can be danced?
Any of the styles known within the salsa scene is allowed: L.A., New York, Puerto Rico, caleña, cubana or each contestant's own style. We are looking for a true salsero/salsera. Technique and cleanness are important, but the competition looks for a dancer who looks completely salsero in their choreography and who demonstrates and defends the richness of the genre on stage.
How long should my choreography be?
For Salsa solos, duos and couples the choreography must last a maximum of 2 minutes. A flexible margin of 5 seconds more, or less, will be allowed to make musical editing easier. Therefore, the choreography may not be shorter than 1' 55" nor longer than 2' 05". In the case of groups, they may do a minimum of 2 minutes and a maximum of 2 minutes 10 seconds.
If I want to fuse styles, which dance styles can I use?
A choreography can be 100% salsa. If someone wishes to fuse styles, they only have 30% of their work to do so, using only Afro-Antillean or Afro-Latin rhythms in their most traditional forms. Example: Son, rumba, afro, bomba, plena, mambo, pachanga, chachachá... This fusion may be at the beginning, middle or end of the choreography.
An exquisitely danced choreography that does not include that minimum percentage of salsa will be considered unfit for the championship. Avoid fusions with hip hop, classical, modern or contemporary music... only fusions with Afro-Antillean rhythms are allowed, and up to 30%.
Basic steps and footwork (mandatory)
Solos, couples, duos or groups that do not include basic steps within their performance will be penalized 50% of the score in the choreography section. The couple must show their basic step while joined and during the footwork. All members of the groups must do it within their choreography at the same time, perfectly synchronized, as must the duos. The mandatory basic step must have at least two bars of 8 counts one after the other (4 measures of 4 counts each / 16 quarter-note beats) as required, so that the style and personal movement of each dancer, couple or group can be seen.
Are acrobatics allowed?
They are allowed, but not mandatory. Solo competitors, duos and groups may perform only one. Couples will be allowed to perform a maximum of two acrobatics of no more than 2 bars of 8 counts (4 measures of 4 counts at most). If in an acrobatic move both feet are placed on the floor and the person is lifted again, it will be considered a second acrobatic move from that point of support onward.
An acrobatic move is considered to be any movement in which the body loses its normal contact with the floor: elevation, body inversion, figures that depend on the balance of the partner. (For example, if the partner removes their support, the couple would fall...)
In the case of solos, the following ARE acrobatics (somersaults, front/back flips, flips, cartwheels without hands or with minimal support, balances, jumps with a full aerial rotation).
THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT ACROBATICS: spins (such as pirouettes, turns), technical dance jumps (such as jeté, assemblé or chassé), level changes (rising and lowering to the floor with control).
Floor elements or decorations may be used, without overusing them. Starting a basic salsa step by lifting both feet is already considered a salsa idiom, NOT an acrobatic move.
THOSE WHO EXCEED THE NUMBER OF ACROBATICS WILL, IN THE FINALS, BE PENALIZED BY DEDUCTING 50% OF THE SCORE OBTAINED IN THE CHOREOGRAPHY SECTION. (Example: CHOREOGRAPHY 35%, score obtained 28%, after the penalty the percentage to add to the rest of the items would be 14%). This point must be looked after, and dancing basic steps is VERY IMPORTANT to keep in mind.
What are the contact limits in salsa groups, duos and couples?
The members of a duo or group may not dance holding each other; they may only maintain contact for a maximum of two bars of 8 counts if a transition is required or an acrobatic move is being prepared. In the case of couples the opposite applies: they must dance intertwined for 70% of the choreography, the other 30% being for the moment of solo breakout or free steps for both (this is mandatory).
Important information for submitting the music
Due to the excessive repetition of songs, salsa competitors must reserve which song they are going to dance to at the moment they are accepted, or as far in advance as possible. The same song may not be danced within the same category. Using live recordings or old, non-remastered songs, or timing errors when making cuts, will be penalized. We recommend consulting a professional to verify the music's quality, clarity, sound and power.
Once you submit the music, changing it is strictly prohibited. One month out, we understand that the competitor should have their final track. Music on phones or removable hard drives will not be accepted. The music must be sent to the email musicpasoslibres@gmail.com only in mp3 format (other formats have caused problems) and that file must be titled with the name of the dancer, duo or team and the category in which they are competing. Songs that do not arrive in the corresponding format will not be accepted.
NEW THIS YEAR!
Due to the excessive manipulation of the musical works in our 2025 edition, in which the effects were so numerous that they stood out more than the orchestra itself and the singer's voice, every competitor must ensure that their track adheres to the requirements of the competition. The goal is to prevent the song from becoming a container of sound effects accompanied by a bit of music (as happened in many cases).
If in more than 60 years of salsa a song does not meet the conditions to be danced just as it was produced, because of viral trends typical of reels and TikTok, where is the artist's originality if everyone resorts to the same resources? The judges, the organization and a large part of the audience expressed their disagreement with the excessive alteration of the songs and how annoying the noise they produced one after another was. That is why, after 14 years of history, we have been forced to take action in defense of the intellectual property of the musicians and their works.
Remastering a song, boosting the sound of its instruments at key moments, leaving the voice bare for a few seconds to achieve an effect, adding spoken voices or small sounds to make cuts easier, placing clappers to mark the start of the track, adding a few measures of a musical instrument as an introduction or transition (without replacing the original breaks)... ALL OF THAT IS ALLOWED. What will be penalized is the abuse of manipulation. Songs produced by AI are prohibited.
Can songs be repeated?
Songs may not be repeated within the same category. An exception may occur if a song is very different due to having different performers and arrangers. Example: «Azuquita pa' el café» by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is very different from the «Azuquita pa' el café» by Calle Vapor. «Píntate los labios María» by Roberto Faz differs greatly from the arrangement of the same name by David Calzado and Charanga Habanera. The «Bilongo» by Ismael Rivera has nothing to do with the Bilongo by Playa Sextet. In cases like these, the same song could coincide within the same category because they are different artists, cadences and even different musical genres. If, on the other hand, it is a new version that largely respects the musical arrangement of its predecessor, it will not be accepted, even if they are different orchestras. It has to be very different.
Another exception is that the competitor uses an element of a song to mix and does not develop it. Example: playing the introduction of «Persona ideal» (8 measures) and jumping to another song. It is understood that they use an element of the song but do not develop the piece.
IMPORTANT NOTE: MUSICAL EDITS THAT DO NOT COMPLY WITH WHAT THE COMPETITION STIPULATES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AFTER THEIR PERFORMANCE. FOR EXAMPLE, IF SOMEONE DANCES A PLENA, THEY WILL SIMPLY NOT QUALIFY FOR THE NEXT ROUND. IF IT IS A PARTICIPANT WHO HAS REACHED THE FINAL, THEY WILL RECEIVE A SCORE OF 0.
The track must have your name, not the name of the song. Example:
Juan Pérez Solo.mp3
Juan Pérez y Pedro Martínez Duo.mp3
Los Salseros Team.mp3
When submitting their music, the dancer, duo or team must indicate on which time they will dance their choreography (whether it is on1, on2, etc.). You may use a single song or several songs mixed together to perform the choreography, always respecting the minimum of 70% salsa. The author and the name of the songs to be used must be indicated.
20% Technique and quality of movement (also synchronization in the case of duos, couples and groups).
15% Projection, staging, styling and wardrobe.
Choreography: Salsa must prevail at 70%, both in the dance and in the music. The style of salsa does not matter (cubana, caleña, L.A., New York, Puerto Rico...). The participant has the right to fuse, if they wish, 30% of their choreography with any Antillean or Afro-Antillean rhythm: Afro-Cuban (or afro from other Caribbean countries), Cuban rumba, pachanga, chachachá, son, guaracha, plena, bomba, mapalé, bolero, danzón, etc. Or simply dance salsa for 100% of the choreography.
Creativity: originality, dynamism and choreographic complexity. The lack of originality is what keeps excellent dancers from reaching the final, since it is a scarce commodity. We encourage you to keep this point very much in mind, especially when a gesture (no longer just a dance step) is trending.
Footwork: that the choreography includes clear footwork, given that this is a freestyle contest, an unmistakable hallmark in the dancing of a genre like salsa.
Dynamism: that it is not heavy, boring or repetitive. That the dance keeps a close relationship with the music and that changes, nuances, breakouts, climax, the theme of the lyrics, etc. are reflected.
Show your timing and your basic step: Although the complexity of the steps will be evaluated, it is mandatory that the competitor include at least two measures of salsa basic steps in their choreography (4 measures of 4 counts / 2 bars of 8 counts) continuously, so that the judges can measure the quality of that basic step and the salsa cadence of each competitor. Preferably do it in the first measures of your song; show your musical timing and your basic step. Do not confuse footwork with an excess of flourishes; marking a basic step is healthy and necessary. There have been choreographies that did not mark a single basic step, which is why we insist, so as not to be penalized. This applies to solos, couples, duos and groups. A well-danced basic step is difficult. Do not disdain the basic step, because by doing so you set an example for the social dancer who looks up to you as a reference and role model.
Timing and musicality: that the timing (On2, On1) remains consistent along with the coherence of the music. Do not go off time. Do not change arbitrarily unless justified by the musical arrangement or the style being fused (example: Starting with a son or chachachá on2 and dancing On1 during the salsa is correct because it is justified). If a woman starts her «one» with her left leg forward or her right leg back, both forms are accepted; the important thing is that she is consistent with the chosen form throughout the entire choreography. When a dancer plays an instrument musically: piano, bongó, timbal, during the footwork drawing they may step freely, but upon finishing that breakout they must take up the timing with which they began dancing. That is why this section is called timing and musicality.
Technique and quality of movement: Cleanness in execution, care for the lines and stability in the turns. If rumba, afro or pachanga is used, they must be danced well. Do not introduce styles or steps you cannot defend. In the case of couples and groups, special emphasis will be placed on SYNCHRONIZATION and rapport among the members. Do not forget salsa technique. A lot of salsa cadence must be seen regardless of the salsa style: footwork, shoulders, hips, arms and the body flow proper to the genre. Above all, duos and groups must respect a large percentage of synchronized dance: if alternation is overused, it gives a clear advantage over those who take the risk of appearing unsynchronized.
Projection, staging, styling and wardrobe: All together this equals 15% of the score. Reaching the audience, conveying emotions, is one of the great challenges for competitors. We are looking for salsa and bachata artists, not athletes or acrobats. An excellent choreography, danced on time, exquisitely executed and with unique styling that does not reach the audience diminishes the result. Gesturing and expression should match what the music and the movement call for. Singing the songs or inciting the audience to applaud is not allowed; this can lower points in this item. It is also important to take care of the wardrobe. It is mandatory to use dance shoes, and it is prohibited to go on stage with a shoe that does not meet the basic characteristics of a dance shoe. You must not dance with jazz shoes, street shoes, conventional sneakers, cat's paw (foot thong) or barefoot. For female-style solo and duo, women are recommended to dance in heels of at least 5 cm in height. In the case of a group of women or a solo duo that dances in flat footwear, they must understand that, in technical difficulty, the one who does it in heels will score higher than the one who does it flat. For this reason, the use of heels is recommended for female solos, male and female duos, and women in mixed or 100% female groups.
THE QUALIFYING ROUNDS UP TO THE FINAL WILL BE JUDGED AS: QUALIFIES / DOES NOT QUALIFY. ONLY IN THE FINALS WILL SCORING BE CARRIED OUT BY EACH JUDGE FOR EACH OF THE PARTICIPANTS, WITH THE ITEMS AND VALUES LISTED ABOVE.
Stage/floor dimensions: 10 meters long x 6 deep with a linoleum floor. The new pre-qualifier rounds will be held on the floor (parquet) and not on stage. From the Qualifiers onward they will all be held on stage. Keep this in mind for the soles of your footwear, because the use of talc or resins is prohibited.
The cash prizes will be paid by bank transfer once the event is over and within the 30 days following its conclusion.
Those who are going to compete are advised to be in the city of Calpe at least one day before their performance. Airline changes or cancellations and the unreliability of Spain's train service can play nasty tricks on you.
These times are approximate, to help plan your travel and stay. The schedule with specific times per category will be provided later. We remind you that the Full Pass is the only pass that allows family members or friends to watch the competition. No exceptions.
Wednesday 21 New this year!
Wednesday is the new floor qualifying-round day. Be ready to compete between 17h and 00h Pre-qualifier Female Solo Bachata.
SCHEDULE FORECAST
These times are approximate, based on the number of competitors we have as of today.
If, by October 21, there are considerable withdrawals in some of the categories for which a Semi-Final and Final have been planned, the organization reserves the right to hold a sudden death (only the final will be danced, one single time).
WEDNESDAY 21
17:00BACHATA: Female Solo Pre-qualifier
18:30SALSA: Male Solo Pre-qualifier
20:30 Break-dinner
22:00SALSA: Female Solo Pre-qualifier
THURSDAY 22
12:00 to 14:00 BACHATA Female Solo Qualifier
Break-lunch
15:30 to 17:30 BACHATA: Male Solo Semifinal
17:30 to 19:00 SALSA: Female Solo Qualifier
19:00 to 21:00 SALSA: Male Solo Qualifier
Break-dinner
23:00 to 00:45 SALSA: Female Duos Semifinal
FRIDAY 23
12:00 to 14:00 SALSA: Male Duos Semifinal
Break-lunch 13:00 to 15:30h
16:00 to 18:00 SALSA: Female Solo Semifinal
18:00 to 18:55 BACHATA: Female Solo Grand Final
19:00 to 19:55 BACHATA: Male Solo Grand Final
20:00 to 21:00 Solo Awards Ceremony 5th Bachata World Championship
Break-dinner 19:30 to 23:30
22:00 to 23:00 SALSA Female Duos Grand Final
23:00 to 00:00 SALSA Male Duos Grand Final
00:00 to 00:55 SALSA Female Solo Grand Final
Salsa Duos and Female Solo Awards Ceremony
SATURDAY 24 (No bachata competitions)
12:00 to 14:00 SALSA Male Solo Semifinal
Break-lunch 13:00 to 15:30h
16:30 to 17:55 BACHATA: Mixed Duos Semifinal
18:00 to 20:00 SALSA: Couples Semifinal
Break-dinner 19:30 to 23:30
22:00 to 23:00h SALSA: Male Solo Grand Final
23:00 to 00:55 SALSA Teams Grand Final
Salsa Male Solo and Salsa Teams World Championship Awards Ceremony
SUNDAY 25
13:00 to 14:50h BACHATA Couples Grand Final
Break-lunch 13:00 to 15:30h
17:00 to 18:00h BACHATA: Mixed Duos Grand Final
18:00 to 19:00 SALSA: Salsa Couples Grand Final
19:00 to 21:00 BACHATA Teams Grand Final
Break-dinner 19:30 to 22:30
22:00 to 23:00 DANI J IN CONCERT
23:00 Awards Ceremony and Grand Final Party
HOW DO I COMPLETE MY REGISTRATION?
Once you have passed the selection phase and received the admission email, you must pay SEPARATELY for each category in which you are going to compete before March 15, 2026. There will be no extensions or exceptional cases.
Any competitor who does not pay for their category will automatically be excluded from the competition and their place will be assigned to a competitor on the waiting list. Once the place has been assigned, it will be IMPOSSIBLE to get it back.
The competitor pass grants access to all the event's activities: salsa and bachata world championship, workshops, parties and the awards gala. IT DOES NOT INCLUDE ACCOMMODATION, MEALS OR TRANSFERS. This Full Pass granted to the competitor is a gift from the organization. If you cancel your place and withdraw from the competition, READ THE FOLLOWING TEXT.
VERY IMPORTANT! If you compete in a single category and cancel your competitor place after having completed the payment and wish to use it as a Full Pass, this can only be done by paying the difference between the price of the competitor pass and the final sale price of the Full Pass. Under no circumstances will the amount paid for registrations be refunded, nor will name changes be accepted on the competitor pass. This pass is EXCLUSIVE and may not be used by another person. Failure to comply with this rule will be considered a very serious offense and you will never again be able to participate in the event as a competitor.
COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION: COMPETITOR REGISTRATION HERE
WHERE CAN I STAY?
Although we recommend it, there is no obligation to stay at the hotel we indicate. The price includes full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Host Hotel AR DIAMANTE BEACH 4*
Book your hotel here: https://ar-hotels.actpages.com/la-negra-festival.html
HOW CAN I GET TO THE HOTEL?
Alicante airport transfer: Private company (independent from the organization). We advise booking 15 days before the start of the event: https://www.beniconnect.com/es/
NOTICE: INFORMATION FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COMPANIONS
The only way to watch the championship and take part in the activities organized at the event is by buying the Full Pass, whether or not you attend workshops and parties. There is no pass to watch only the competition. The Full Pass price rises every month and usually sells out quickly. Take precautions. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.
RULES FOR THE CHOREOGRAPHIC ROUTINE
This world championship requires a 100% brand-new choreography. An original, previously unseen work is mandatory and must only premiere during the championship in Spain. A choreography copied in whole or in part, or premiered in public before the championship, is grounds for disqualification.
How many choreographies must I prepare for the Pasos Libres World Championship?
Only one. Whether you are selected for the pre-qualifier, qualifier, semifinal or final, as you move from one phase to the next you must keep the same choreography. If you qualify for the semifinal from another country, you must bring a new choreography to Spain.
In how many categories can I compete?
You can apply for a maximum of three categories, but you must pass the filter of submitting a video to apply. Once you are accepted, each category is paid for separately: €120 per category. The organization will present the competitor with the Full Pass, which grants the right to watch all the competitions, take the workshops and access all the parties. A single Full Pass for the competitor's personal use is granted regardless of the number of categories they enter. This Full Pass will be voided if you withdraw as a competitor and, as stated above, the difference between the price of the competitor pass and the final price of the Full Pass must be paid if you do not compete.
AS A PREFACE
From its second edition onwards, our bachata competition underwent a radical change: opening up to all bachata styles, and that has brought richness, variety and vibrancy to the genre. This is what, over the years, we want our bachata section to be: showing the same quality, difficulty and mastery as the salsa shows, and not losing essence, character and foundation just because they are shows.
Bachata as a musical and dance genre is one, and it is Dominican. Since 2019 it has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is undeniable that new dance forms have emerged to interpret this originally Dominican music, and it cannot be denied that millions of people around the world dance it in different ways. Even so-called traditional or authentic bachata is now mixed with steps from salsa, gagá, Haitian, reggaeton or dembow. The music they use may even be 100% traditional, but its dance has changed, it has evolved. Street bachata (urban) and batey bachata (rural) also have their differences.
The Bachata All Styles Pasos Libres World Championship wants to put all these dance forms on stage, and for each dancer to show their way of interpreting it freely, but with minimum requirements that prove that what is being danced is bachata.
Within what is known as traditional or Dominican bachata, sensual bachata, modern bachata or urban bachata, what we look for is a dancer capable of interpreting the music so that, without any sound at all, a spectator can deduce that the participant is dancing bachata, with the footwork and movements typical of the genre. We look for a complete dancer who has musicality, masters the basics, has quality of movement and a great deal of footwork, because free steps (pasos libres) are what give the championship its name.
Therefore, the most complete routine must win, the one that achieves the highest score in the items to be evaluated.
Bachata was born mixed (bolero, son, merengue, guaracha, rancheras), and it is natural for the genre to lend itself to fusion. The dancer in this competition must know that fusion is allowed, but it should never kill the essence of the dance: bachata must remain bachata.
RULES FOR THE CHOREOGRAPHIC ROUTINE — THE MUSIC
Choosing the song
Choose your song as soon as possible and notify the organization via email: inscripcioneslanegra@gmail.com. A track cannot be repeated within the same category. If over time you want to change songs, you can do so as long as it has not been chosen by another competitor.
The music for the choreography must be BACHATA, produced by a singer or group, and born as bachata. Tracks made by AI are not accepted. The purpose of this section is to give visibility, support, promotion and importance to the musicians who fight to keep the genre alive. There are countless current productions that, while having a strong modern feel, remain faithful to the structure of bachata.
The exceptions will be covers produced by bachata singers with all the instruments and elements that make up a bachata. Example: «Dos gardenias» by El Torito is 100% bachata, but the original song is a bolero; since El Torito produced it from scratch as bachata, it is considered bachata. «Ley de gravedad» is a pop ballad by Luís Fonsi, but Dani J produced it in bachata. This type of case will be accepted as bachata. Putting a bongo over Luís Fonsi's pop song is not bachata.
The track can be a studio or live recording as long as it is well equalized (a song with bad sound spoils a show and that may be penalized). You can dance to a single track or, at most, make a mix with 2 songs. Editing is allowed, since the length of the choreography requires it. Remixes are not permitted.
From 2026 we will require that edits respect the original song as much as possible; overusing hits and effects within a track may be grounds for penalty. The goal is to prevent the song from becoming a container of sound effects accompanied by a bit of music (as happened in many cases in the previous edition).
The musical track must be 100% bachata; only fusion with merengue at 30% is allowed.
How long must my choreography be?
Soloists: 1 and a half minutes.
Groups, duos and couples: 2 minutes.
In both cases there will be a margin of 1 to 10 seconds to fit the musical edit. Therefore, a soloist's routine will not be allowed to exceed 1'40", nor a group, couple or duo to exceed 2'10".
Once edited, the track must retain part of its musical structure. Example: it should not be only mambo, or worse still, lack it entirely. Try to include part of the verse, the chorus and the guitar solo. In short, include part of the derecho, the majao and the mambo, as instrumental bachatas would also be valid.
Important information for submitting the music
The music must be sent one month before the day of competition. Music will not be accepted on mobile phones, CDs or external hard drives. The music must be sent to the email musicpasoslibres@gmail.com only in mp3 or mp4 format (other formats have caused problems), and that file must be named after the dancer or group, never only the song title.
Songs that do not arrive in the corresponding format will not be accepted. Music will be penalized if it has poor sound quality, is badly cut, or is metrically off-beat. Pay attention to which measure a song is cut on and the way and timing of joining the two parts. We advise using the services of an expert or a professional DJ if you are not able to cut your own music. Avoid downloading songs from platforms like YouTube and then converting them to MP3 because they lose a lot of quality. If it is an old version, try to get it remastered for optimal listening.
ABOUT THE DANCE
What categories are there in the Bachata All Styles division?
Female and male soloists.
Mixed couple (male-female).
Teams (5 to 15 members). They can be all male, all female or mixed.
The organization may declare a category void if a minimum number of participants do not register.
Can I dance a choreography that has already premiered?
No. The choreography must be previously unseen. The routine must be created expressly for the La Negra Pasos Libres World Championship and must premiere for the first time at that event. A choreography partially or totally copied, or that has premiered at another event, will be grounds for automatic disqualification of the competitors.
In groups, can you dance as a couple?
No. You can hold hands for two bars (4 measures of 4 beats) to perform some group ornament or transition.
Can I fuse my bachata with another musical and dance style?
No. If there were bachata songs that within themselves nod to other non-bachata styles, for example: «Pañuelo» by Rosalía and Romeo (flamenco and bachata), or «Lo que más» by Milly Quezada (bachata-chachachá), it is clear that the music justifies the fusion, to cite two examples. That would be allowed. The purpose of this item is to demonstrate that in less than two minutes a complete bachata show can be made that pleases the audience, as the salsa dancers do every year, without losing the essence and with a high dose of creativity.
Are acrobatics allowed?
They are allowed, but they are not mandatory because in our competition dance, cadence and footwork take priority. Solo competitors and groups may perform only one acrobatic move. Couples will be allowed to perform a maximum of two acrobatic moves of no more than 2 bars of 8 beats (4 measures of 4 beats at most). If, during an acrobatic move, the feet are placed on the floor and the person is lifted again, it will be considered a second acrobatic move from that point of support onward. Floor elements or decorations may be used, without overusing them. What this competition seeks (especially in the couples) is to see dance, quality of movement, connection, synchronization, evenly matched skills, 30% footwork and a great deal of bachata.
Basic steps and footwork
It will be grounds for disqualification if a soloist, couple or group does not mark a clear bachata basic (regardless of the direction of movement: static, in a square, diagonal, linear). Whatever style of bachata one chooses to dance (sensual, traditional, modern, urban), bachata is bachata because it has certain footwork that makes up its basic step, independent of body flow or personal cadence. A choreography needs basic steps, since in them it will be seen whether the person competing really has bachata cadence and what the soul of their cadence would be, their unique and original dance «DNA», but bachata after all. So the jury can measure it better, they must perform basics in various parts of the choreography, and one of them must be at least two bars of 8 in a row (4 measures of 4 beats each / 16 quarter-note pulses) —mandatory— in order to see the real personal style and movement of each dancer, couple or group.
Only couples are limited to doing free steps (footwork) separately at 30%, since it is desired that during 70% of the dance they remain together (closed position, open position, in shadow, turning, drawing steps and in acrobatics if they have any) but holding on to each other, during that 70% of the song.
In the case of soloists and groups, where forming couples is prohibited, footwork refers to the difficulty and creativity of the footwork throughout the song, and above all in the drawing of the mambos. Unfortunately, taking the first edition of this competition as a reference, there was a lack of richness, creativity, difficulty and originality in the competitors' footwork. This is a point that every competitor must take care of for this edition. Poor use of the feet, failing to take advantage of a song's musical richness, may be grounds for losing points. Above all, we insist, in the mambos.
ADVICE ON ORIGINALITY
We are looking for brave dancers who are capable of creating choreography and movements that do not imitate, over and over again, what dancers who are or have been references have done. Seeking inspiration in them, studying with them, is one thing; imitating their personal gestures and moving exactly like them is another. Our goal is to find (as does happen in our Salsa world championship) quality and personal style, since the diversity of styles is tremendous. Perhaps what will make a dancer stand out is within themselves, and it can be fascinating to see new proposals. Do not imitate. Draw out your own way of feeling bachata from within (we have now given that freedom); we ask only one thing of you: that it be bachata.
WHAT ITEMS ARE SCORED IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP?
35% Bachata style (base, cadence, flow, footwork, hips, shoulders, arms, posture). Use of elements characteristic of bachata.
10% Technique and quality of movement (Execution, cleanliness and, in couples and groups also: synchronization, connection, balance).
10% Projection and styling (Communication with the audience, charisma, confidence, conveying sensations and feelings, personal style, personality), wardrobe, styling and stage presence.
Bachata Style
A competitor must arrive at the world championship with well-worked bachata cadences, whether they opt for traditional, sensual, modern or fusion. The latter is the one they must take the most care with so as not to overuse the fusion percentage, since bachata must always prevail. The footwork, the movements of the hips, shoulders, arms, torso, the posture, the undulations in some cases, and even the ways of moving around that are typical of the genre must emerge during the choreography. We invite competitors to prepare, study and get to know the different trends well before building their choreography.
Many people enter bachata competitions with styles and cadences more typical of salsa, ballroom, hip hop, or straight, stiff movements similar to those of rhythmic gymnastics, which move away from the smoothness, roundness, fluidity, flow, spark, flavor or use of energy usually shown by dancers who are clearly bachata dancers in their respective styles. The jury must be prepared to detect it. Anything that moves the dance away from the bachata style can lower the score tremendously. This competition cannot be won by any dancer who lacks bachata style, whatever branch of bachata they wish to perform.
Use basics in your choreography, it is mandatory. There is a basic footwork marking regardless of the style of bachata one wishes to dance. That basic can be static, walked, in a square, line, diagonal, etc. We are referring to the count and the execution of the feet and body of THE BASE of bachata, that which determines that this dance is bachata and not another genre. We repeat: remember to include 2 bars of eight beats (4 measures of 4 beats each / 16 quarter-note pulses) of basics in your choreography.
In this world championship we do not accept the «cabaret» category, that bachata based on acrobatics. In themselves, acrobatics are not mandatory. In couples, a maximum of two acrobatic moves may be included that do not last more than two 8s (4 measures of 4 beats each). The acrobatic move will be evaluated within the item technique and quality of movement, but it is not a scoring line. Soloists and groups may perform only 1 acrobatic move (or none if they prefer).
It is not enough to dance to traditional bachata music if the cadence, the footwork, the hip movement and the postural placement are not appropriate. The swagger, the playfulness, the flair of a culture —not its caricature— is what we seek. Not its personal gestures.
Although we want to reclaim spontaneity, we look for a high level of dance, naturalness, cleanliness and well-executed movements. That they do not look rushed, stiff, insecure or sloppy.
Choreography
It must be previously unseen, a complete premiere. It cannot be an old choreography. It must be new, and if it is danced in public before the competition it entails immediate disqualification.
Creativity, choreographic complexity and above all originality will be evaluated.
Footwork: the choreography should include clear footwork, given that it is a free-steps (pasos libres) contest, the unmistakable hallmark of this World Championship and this dance style. The competitor is required to include, in addition to the difficulty of the steps, several measures of basic bachata steps in their choreography so as not to be disqualified. Those steps must have a body cadence in keeping with the style chosen for dancing (traditional, sensual, modern, urban). A choreography that lacks basic steps may lead to disqualification.
Dynamism (that it not be heavy, static, boring or repetitive).
In the case of groups, coordination, synchronization and connection among the members will also be evaluated. That some do not stand out more than others and that they have the same level of dance.
In the case of couples, the synchronization and connection between them will be taken very much into account, and they are required to include 30% footwork and 70% couple dancing (holding on) whatever the style. Balance in the level of their members (one cannot be superior to the other, but rather they must be matched in quality, strength and projection).
Quality of movement: any foot, hip, wave must be well executed, and it must be evident that the leader's lead is real, not choreographed.
Projection: charisma, the ability to create empathy with the audience, winning them over with the work itself is what this section is about. You must not sing the song, nor rouse the audience with your hand to make them shout; the applause must be produced by the execution itself.
Timing and Musicality
In bachata this can be a controversial topic. Given the difference in criteria that can exist between jurors with quite opposing positions, the organization's criterion will be imposed as the barometer for evaluating timing and musicality. The count will go from 1 to 8; you may dance on the 1 or on the 2 (and step on another beat if the musical arrangement, or interpreting an instrument, or the lyrics and phrasing justify it). If a competitor is not consistent with the timing they decide to dance on, they will be considered off-beat, and this type of mistake can lower many points, even if they were the best dancer of the day.
Therefore, dancing bachata on the 1 as well as on the 2 is accepted in this competition because in both cases they perform an action (one of holding back and one of stepping out) on the first beat of the measure, and all phrase endings fit well.
What cannot be accepted is that a person keeps changing timing at will when doing footwork or coming out of a pause because they have no musical awareness. We understand that many street dancers dance «by feel» and not «to the beat», but at this event we need to start from a single criterion to evaluate timing. Therefore, bachata can only be danced on the 1 or on the 2, changing timing only if the music or musical arrangement justifies it. There will be a jury member exclusively for timing who will monitor this item. As this is not a street event, this will be the criterion to be used, and the competitor will be warned before building their choreography, as will the jury.
Finally, if a competitor stops counting the beats to dance a mambo and wants to draw out or imitate the sound of an instrument or of the voice, at that moment they may step with either foot until they resume the basic; right there it will be seen whether they are consistent with their musical timing. This is why this section is called timing and musicality.
Musical interpretation: Not dancing in keeping with the music can also be grounds for losing points. Example: if the guitar is doing a staccato (a succession of sharp, short sounds), doing a drag or a fluid wave. This is already the terrain of musical interpretation, which can be apt or inapt. The same as dancing a very sad, angry or bitter song with an eternal smile. You must be consistent with the music, the lyrics (theme) and the energy of a song.
Projection, wardrobe and staging
Charisma, moving with confidence and assurance on stage, and above all: conveying emotions to the audience is what will be evaluated in this item. A dancer cannot leave the audience indifferent, they must convey. An excellent choreography, danced on beat, exquisitely executed, with a genuine style… that does not reach the audience diminishes the result. Body and facial expression, the gaze, poise, confidence, dramatization, what a bachata dancer would call THE FEELING with which one dances, is what best describes this important item.
Singing the songs (moving your lips) is not allowed, much less making gestures with your head, mouth or hands to «force» the audience to applaud. You cannot shout words like «Come on!», to cite an example. It is assumed that the choreography itself should spontaneously draw shouts and applause from the audience. Asking the audience for applause, such a hackneyed device in shows, cannot be done in this competition, and the jury can penalize it.
On wardrobe: in a world competition, styling and wardrobe must be taken care of, since the formal nature of the event and respect for the stage must be reflected in the way of dressing, without this affecting the dancer's creativity to present themselves as unique and original if they so wish, or in keeping with the theme of the song. Hair and makeup must also be attended to. Avoid coming in «street clothes».
Of all the previous items, wardrobe is the one that adds the least points, but it is recommended not to neglect it. A zipper that breaks, an earring or button that flies off, a hair over the face that gets tangled with an eyelash, a hairpiece that comes loose, a hat that falls off… etc., can distract the spectator and the jury itself from the dance itself. It is necessary to take care of these situations that are, unfortunately, common in competitions.
At the La Negra Bachata World Championship you may dance with different footwear as long as they are dance shoes. Currently, specialized suppliers have a wide variety of models with heels of different heights and lengths that make this task easier. You may not dance with casual sneakers, jazz or practice shoes, ballet flats, cat-heel shoes, and much less barefoot. Failing to heed this section entails a penalty, even to the point of not being able to step on stage.
Putting on or taking off clothing, or the use of props (hats, flags, canes, scarves, instruments, chairs, etc.), is allowed, as long as it is related to the choreography and they can be gotten rid of skillfully if need be and do not get in the way on stage. Bringing out a prop of this nature that is not going to be used and adds nothing to the competition may be penalized. Avoid throwing flowers, confetti or any element on the stage floor that could cause the competitor who dances after you to slip. Using talc or resins on the stage is prohibited. The surface is linoleum and is ideal for perfect performance.
At the Bachata World Championship the jury may decide that all judges score all items in the finals, or that specific scoring lines be assigned to them, which will be made known to the competitors. The organization will ensure that the jury is composed of professionals from different bachata styles (traditional, sensual, fusion) and may invite experts in dance techniques whose prestige and career make them suitable to judge an event of these characteristics.
THE QUALIFYING ROUNDS UP TO THE FINAL WILL BE JUDGED WITH: QUALIFIES / DOES NOT QUALIFY. ONLY IN THE FINALS WILL SCORING BE DONE BY EACH JUDGE FOR EACH OF THE PARTICIPANTS, WITH THE ITEMS AND VALUES LISTED ABOVE.
Stage/floor dimensions: 10 meters long x 6 deep with a linoleum floor. The new pre-qualifying rounds will be held on the floor (parquet) and not on stage. From the Qualifiers onward, they will all be held on stage. Keep this in mind for your shoe soles because the use of talc or resins is prohibited.
The cash prizes will be paid by bank transfer in Spain once the event has ended and within the 30 days following its conclusion.
