Get Ready for World’s Largest – September 19, 2026

Original Old Skool

PRECISION AND TRADITION

Original Steppers should be masters of all the basic elements of the dance. The emphasis in this category will be placed on fancy footwork, pulling the female dance partner in close while Steppin, and overall style and rhythm. Turns are accepted but dips and drops will result in deductions in this category. Timing, Style, Footwork, Close Dancing, and Slow Bopping are all elements of original style dancing. Routines will be frowned upon in the Original Category. The Original Category will be judged by dancers with 25 Years of experience or more, so structure your dance accordingly.

New Skool

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

While this category shares many of the same elements as the Original Category, the Original New Skool category differs with respect to the emphasis placed on Turns, Dips, and Drops. While dips and drops are not required or preferred over creative dancing in the Original New Skool Category, they will not be frowned upon. Routines are also acceptable in this category, as long as the basic pattern of Steppin’ exists. The New Skool Original category will be judged by Steppers who began dancing after 1995, so plan your dance accordingly.

Beginners

FOUNDATIONAL TIMING & FOOTWORK

Beginners should have less than 2 and ½ years of total dance time. Beginners are judged on the Old Skool Original rules. The judges for this category will be the Original Old Skool judges, so plan your dance accordingly. Emphasis for beginners will be placed on timing and coordination, synchronization with a partner, mastering basic turns and basic footwork, the initial development and/or foundation of a unique style

Walkers

No rules published.

Trios

The Trio Category is executed with 3 partners dancing together in unison. Coordination, rhythm, timing, and creativity are important elements of the Trio. While the lead in a Trio dance can change, the basis of this dance is for the lead dancer to keep his or her partners continuously involved in the dance. Limited routines will be accepted in this category. Turns, dips, and drops are also allowed in this category. The judges for this category will be Original New Skool judges so plan your dance accordingly.

60 & Over

No rules published.

The Masters

ADVANCED EXCELLENCE

The Master’s Category is designed for Steppers who have previously placed either 1st, 2nd, or3rd in an Original Category. Both partners have to have placed in the World’s Largest Steppers previously to be eligible for this category. Both Original New and Old Skool dancers are welcome to compete in this year’s Master’s Category. The Judges for this category will contest of 5 Original Old Skool judges and 5 Original New Skool judges. All Master’s Category contestants must walk for the first minute of their performance. Master’s Category participants are not eligible to compete in any additional categories.