CTST FAQs
You can find answers to frequently asked questions here!
What should I do if I want to host a CTST competition?
- Navigate to the Documents & Forms page on the CTST website and read the Contest Procedures document (Sections I-III).
- Fill out an Event Application (also found on the Document & Forms page) and follow the directions on that form.
- Email info@countrytwosteptour.com with any questions. We are here to help and want you to be successful?
Do you have any recommended CTST judging guidelines?
Yes! Country Two Step Tour has a Judging Guidelines document available on the Documents and Forms page.
Where can I questions answered about the CTST-NCDC partnership for 2026?
There is a whole webpage dedicated to answering your questions!
I am DJing a CTST competition. What considerations should be given when I select music?
For all competitions, songs should have a traditional two step timing with a driving beat on the 1, 3, 5, and 7. This is particularly critical for Newcomer and Novice CTST contests in which judges are primarily assessing timing and rhythm.
For Newcomer and Novice CTST contests, the beats per minute should fall between 160 and 180. Avoid using songs which require dancers to double-time the music. Please see the “Top 10 Novice/Intermediate” or “Novice/Intermediate” playlists on the CTST Playlists page for samples/recommendations.
For Intermediate CTST contests, follow the Novice guidelines above for the first and/or second song. For the last song in a heat, a faster song and/or a song with simple breaks is appropriate. One song which requires dancers to double-time the music is acceptable but not necessary or recommended. Please see the “Top 10 Novice/Intermediate” or “Novice/Intermediate” playlists on the CTST Playlists page for samples/recommendations.
For Advanced/All Star CTST contests, the songs played should vary in their speed such that at least one should be slower, and at least one should be faster. All songs played should have breaks. One song which requires dancers to double-time the music is acceptable but not necessary or recommended. Please see the “Top 10 Advanced/All Stars” or “Advanced/All Stars” playlists on the CTST Playlists page for samples/recommendations.
For Sophisticated/Masters CTST contests, it is recommended to play songs with a variety of speeds and complexity since these contests are held across all skill levels.
Does an event have to be UCWDC sanctioned to host a CTST competition?
No! Any “event” can apply to host a CTST competition. We welcome bars, events featuring any styles of dance, county fairs, dance studios, etc. to apply to host a CTST competition.
How were CTST points assigned at Forever Country in 2024?
At Forever Country in 2024 CTST points were assigned as follows:
- FCDF Advanced Division earns CTST Intermediate points
- FCDF Intermediate Division earns CTST Novice points
- FCDF Beginner Division is non-pointed
Forever Country Dance Fest allocated points this way because they had custom made buckles and pendants with division rankings, but want to stay consistent with CTST rules to maintain the integrity of the Country Two Step Tour ranking process.
I am a Scoring Coordinator and would like a raw data file for CTST points. Do you have one?
Yes! The raw data file is available here and should reflect the current standings at the time of download.
