CTST-NCDC Partnership FAQs
You can find answers to frequently asked questions about the CTST-NCDC Partnership here!
Why Form a CTST-NCDC Partnership?
This partnership and cooperation will further promote social, competitive Two Step. We are stronger together and want to reward and encourage dancers who compete in Two Step, no matter what “brand” they compete under. It’s not about ownership – it’s about community, growing our dancesport, and supporting competitor development.
Combining the structure, longevity, and respect of CTST with the energy, momentum, and marketing prowess of NCDC will make for an unstoppable force for the dance we all love so much – Two Step!
What Does the CTST-NCDC Partnership Mean For Me?
This means that ALL YOUR POINTS from each system will now count toward your Two Step Jack & Jill level! You *may* even have enough to graduate into the next skill division, so check your points in the registry!
E.g. If you had 14 Novice Points with CTST and 6 Novice points with NCDC, you would now have the 20 points necessary to graduate into Intermediate.
ANY past points AND future points will all go toward the same goal. All points will be visible within both systems.
What Is My Competitive Level? (This is important!)
If you are an NCDC competitor with points in your current level, YOU MAY NOW COMPETE IN CTST IN THAT LEVEL.
- E.g. if you have 1 or more points in Advanced NCDC Two Step, you are qualified to dance in Advanced CTST
If you do NOT HAVE ANY POINTS in your current competitive level, you may STILL continue to self-place in NCDC-only comps OR dual-branded (CTST-NCDC) comps.
For single-branded CTST comps, you must begin in Novice if you do not have any points in a higher level of NCDC OR you may submit a petition to dance in a higher division. Please refer to CTST petition guidelines before submitting. For petition questions, please email CTST.
Are There Any New Graduation Provisions?
Yes. Compromises were made by both organizations to create the most encouraging environment for competitive Two Step dancers. Please locate the detailed updated graduation provisions in a separate Rules document provided on the Documents and Forms page.
Most notably, the threshold for moving into Intermediate from Novice has increased. While we understand this may be frustrating, please know that there are nearly 30 CTST and NCDC Two Step Jack and Jill events being held around the country in 2026 – offering you many opportunities to secure your last few points.
Are There Any New Awarded Point Tiers?
Yes. Compromises were made by both organizations to create the most encouraging environment for competitive Two Step dancers. Please locate the detailed updated awarded point tiers provisions in a separate Rules document provided on the Documents and Forms page.
Will I Still Have Separate CTST and NCDC Identification Numbers?
Yes. If you are already in the CTST registry, you will maintain your CTST number within CTST. If you are already in the NCDC registry, you will maintain your NCDC number within NCDC. If you are already in both registries, you will maintain both unique numbers within in each system,
If you do not have a CTST or NCDC number yet, one will be created for you when points are transferred into each system. You will be able to search for yourself in the points registries and find your newly assigned number.
How Do the Points Work Now?
Points logged with the NCDC will be entered into the CTST system retroactive to the NCDC’s formation.
CTST points will be entered into the NCDC database for each competitor – but they will only reflect the competitor’s current level, and they will be entered as a lump sum.
Past points from previous skill divisions will not be entered.
- E.g. if you are currently in Intermediate, none of your Novice points will transfer over as they are unnecessary to count toward forward point progression.
What About the NCDC “-1 Point” System?
To make data tracking across both systems work seamlessly, NCDC has decided to not utilize a “-1 point” anymore and instead notate the trend with a “-0” for the purpose of tracking and data. The “-1 point” could potentially cause the data across both registries to not match, so it is no longer in effect. The “-1 point” was being used in cases where a competitor receives all No’s in prelims from prelim judges. Instead the all No’s in prelims from prelim judges is now notated with a “-0”.There is no point reduction for a “-0” score. CTST and NCDC reserve the right to review exceptional circumstances where division alignment materially conflicts with skill division definitions.
When Does the New System Take Effect?
1/1/2026
This means that some competitors may graduate into a new division with the combining of CTST and NCDC points.
This also means that some competitors who were close to graduation may have a bit further to go – some graduation provisions have changed. Visit our websites for more details.
Do CTST and NCDC Judge Based on the Same Standards?
Yes. Both CTST and NCDC utilize CTST’s published judging guidelines. Those guidelines are now posted on the NCDC website.
How Will I Know if an Event is CTST, NCDC, or Both?
Events will advertise on their website if they are running CTST, NCDC, or both.
If an event is only advertised as CTST, you will still receive points in NCDC. If an event is only advertised as NCDC, you will still receive points in CTST. This is why we have formed an organizational partnership.
Worlds 2026 Points Questions, Answered
If you would have “pointed out” (graduated) from your current level with the points you accrued at UCWDC Worlds, we are allowing you to graduate into your next division. We are not requiring that you meet the new point thresholds.
- E.g. if you had 12 Novice points going into Worlds and earned 3 points at the event, you will still graduate into Intermediate despite the points threshold for graduation increasing from 15 to 20.
Moving forward (anything after Worlds), all competitors will be required to meet the updated graduation requirements.
