CTST FAQs
You can find answers to frequently asked questions here!
Can I host a CTST contest locally at a bar or studio?
Absolutely! We are here to help, though there are many requirements for a contest that people generally aren’t aware of. Have you given consideration to the following?
- VENUE – A Two Step Jack and Jill needs a floor large enough to accommodate the dance. Do you have a facility with enough space and appropriate surface to hold this
contest? The CTST Rules contain a minimum floor size required to host a CTST competition. - REGISTRATION – Do you have someone to run registration? They need to help competitors register, assign bib numbers and collect payment.
- JUDGES/CHIEF JUDGE – Who will fill the role of Chief Judge? A Chief Judge’s primary responsibility is ensure a fair and accurate contest for everyone involved. They should be familiar with CTST rules, heating, judging methodologies, and relative placement scoring. Do you have enough judges to run a fair and impartial contest? Typically, you need six judges for prelims (3 to judge each role), and 5 for finals. Ideally, these judges would have no conflicts of interest with any of the competitors (spouse, student, family member, partner, etc.).
- SCORING – You need a scoring system, or someone who can hand score the contest using the relative placement scoring system.
- SUPPLIES – Clipboards, pens, paper, competitor numbers, etc. are all needed to administer the contest. Do you have what you need and/or are you willing to buy it?
- DJ – Do you have a DJ familiar enough with Two Step to play appropriate competition music? This CTST website hosts a Playlists page someone can pick songs off of. If the DJ at a bar has agreed to play the music, are they willing to play from that list if they don’t understand the musical needs for the contest? Often the “Two Step” songs played at bars are polkas which do not serve the needs of a fair contest. Recently, a Chief Judge had to stop a contest at the start of a song because the DJ played a Waltz.
- MC – Do you have someone who can act as an MC? This is an important job and you need someone who knows how to be the voice of the event to help keep the contest moving, the audience engaged, and the contestants happy.
How do I apply 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 get my 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.
