For all American Rhythm syllabus events:
- No entrances are allowed. Partners must start in a closed or open facing hold on opposite feet.
- Posing or Poses prior to taking hold will be considered an entrance.
- All figures must be from an official syllabus, be from the correct level, and must not violate any of the restrictions below. Please be ready to name the figure and the syllabus from which it originates if asked.
| American Rhythm Invigilation Rules | Holds | Feet | Timing | Restrictions and Allowances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | • No shadow • Partners may not completely separate Exception: • Partners may fully release on spot or walk around turns in Cha Cha, Rumba, Bolero, and Mambo, and American Spin and Tuck Turn in ECS, Chase in Cha Cha and Mambo, and Lindy Side Passes in ECS • Shadow may be used in Sweethearts in Cha cha, Rumba, Bolero, and Mambo | • Feet must remain close to the ground. No aerial rondes, developés, knee lifts, etc. • No same foot figures • No swivels or Chicken Walks • No flicks, kicks Exceptions: • Sweetheart may be danced on same foot • Hitch kicks and ball changes allowed in ECS • Cross-pause in mambo can swivel | • No holds or freezes • No deviations from the basic timings Exceptions: • Timing may deviate from the basic rhythms for extended chases and walks, such as 3 Cha Chas, or Continuous Tuck and Promenade Walks/Chasses in ECS, etc. | • No spirals • No more than a single turn at a time • No dips, drops, standing spins, horse and cart, etc • No lifts |
| Silver | • Shadow, side-by-side and apart allowed, but for a maximum of 16 consecutive counts | Same as Bronze, plus: • Flicks and swivels allowed • No aerial rondes, but floor rondes allowed • Developés allowed • Knee lift alllowed | Same as Bronze plus: • Guapacha timing allowed in Cha Cha | Same as Bronze plus: • Spirals allowed • continuous pivots allowed up to two measures, but only one syncopation • Double turns allowed • Sailor Shuffles allowed in ECS |
| Gold | Same as Silver, but there is no time restriction on side-by-side or apart figures | Same as Silver, but aerial rondes allowed | Same as Silver, but freezes of up to 8 counts allowed | Same as Silver, but back bend dip to left or right, staying above the waist is allowed • Around the world dip is allowed • Continuous pivots allowed • No more than double turn allowed |