There are different levels and categories in contests for When it comes to steppin’ contests, the best advice is “know the rules and follow them.” No contest is the same and the rules can change. Most importantly, what the contest host does not write into the rules is just as important as what the host has written into the rules.

The largest contest in the Stepping community is the World’s Largest Steppin’ Contest (WLSC). Common category descriptions summarized below are pulled directly from the World’s Largest Steppin’ Contest. Here are the WLSC rules to see the complete category descriptions.

Original Old Skool Category

Emphasis will be placed on fancy footwork, pulling the female dance partner in close while steppin, and overall style and rhythm. Turns are acceptable but dips and drops will result in deductions. Timing, style, footwork, close dancing, and slow bopping are all elements of original style dancing. Routines are frowned upon. 

Original New Skool Category

Emphasis will be placed on turns, dips, and drops and they are no frowned upon. These techniques are not required or preferred over creative dancing. Routines are acceptable as long as the basic pattern of steppin’ exists. Judged by steppers who began dancing after 1995. 

Walking Category

Surprisingly, there are no official written rules for the Walkers category at the WLSC. 

Advanced Types of Contests

• Masters/Titans. For steppers who have previously placed either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in an Original category. Both partners have to have placed in the WLSC previously to be eligible for this category. All contestants must walk for the first minute of their performance.
• Trio Category. Is executed with 3 partners dancing together in unison. Coordination, rhythm, timing, and creativity are important elements. The lead in a trio dance can change and the basis of this dance is for the lead to keep his or her partners continuously involved in the dance. Turns, dips, and drops are allowed. Limited routines.
• All-Star Game. This was a competition of mastering skills – catching the beat, spins, staying in your lane. At the Heritage Ball.
• Blindfold. One of the dance partners is blindfolded. Sheila and Riq are dancing in a Blindfold Jack and Jill contest.

Other Contest Types

• Beginners. Steppers that have less than 1 1/2 years of total dance times. Beginners are judged on the Old Skool Original rules. Emphasis will also be based on the initial development and/or foundation of a unique style.
• Jack and Jill or Grab Bag. The competing couples are the result of a random matching of leaders and followers.
• Blindfold. One of the dance partners is blindfolded. Sheila and Riq are dancing in a Blindfold Jack and Jill contest.