COMPETITIONS

Competition registration will open in October 2026
It will be possible to register for competitions at The Snowball if space is available.

Important: Pre-registration does not guarantee a spot in a competition. To secure your place, you must also pay your competition fee and pick up your competition number at the Snowball registration desk.

Registration for each competition closes at 16:00 on the day of its preliminary round. Competitors must check in and collect their competition number before 14:00. Any remaining spots will be released to dancers on the waiting list from 14:00 on a first-come, first-served basis.

If a competition is full, dancers may join the waiting list. Any unclaimed spots will be offered after 14:00 on a first-come, first-served basis to dancers on the waiting list who are present at the registration desk.

The Snowball reception will handle registrations during these days/hours:

December 26: TBA
December 27: TBA (closed 13.00-14.00 & 19.00-20.00)

December 28: TBA (closed 13.00-14.00 & 19.00-20.00)

December 29: TBA

December 30: TBA

For divisions where competitors select their own music, it must be submitted as a high-quality, one-track digital audio file at least one day before the competition.

Competition schedule TBA - Competitions and competition information is subject to change.

INVITATIONAL

Snowball Invitational – Expression of Interest
In 2026, Snowball will host invitational Mix & Match competitions in Lindy Hop, Blues, and Balboa. A small group of dancers will be invited.
Invited dancers receive a free evening pass (Bronze) and are expected to judge other competitions at Snowball.
The Invitational is a curated competition that highlights high-level dancing and helps shape what we value in our scene. To be considered, you should be a top international dancer, plan to attend Snowball, and be available to judge.

Fill out the Expression of Interest form to let us know you’re interested and available. We select dancers based on level, activity, and how they contribute to a strong and balanced lineup. We also aim for diversity and rotate invitations over time.

The Invitational is not a ranking, and not being selected does not reflect a dancer’s value or level.
Last day to sign up is August 14 2026.

The Snowball Team

LINDY HOP

Newbie Lindy Challenge

A fun and welcoming Lindy Hop competition designed for newer dancers who want to challenge themselves, gain experience, and celebrate their progress on the social dance floor.

Format:

Sign up individually or as a couple (this is combined Mix & Match and strictly format competition)
Individual entries will be paired randomly throughout the competition.
The competition focuses on social dancing skills and a positive competitive experience.
Selected dancers and couples will advance to the finals.

Eligibility:

Open to newer Lindy Hoppers with limited competition experience who don't feel ready to enter any of the amateur level competitions at Snowball.
The organizers reserve the right to move dancers to a more appropriate division if necessary.

Judging:

Judges look for rhythm, connection, timing, musicality, technique, and overall dance quality.
Social dancing skills and a positive approach to partnership are encouraged.

Entry fee: Free
Awards: Honor and recognition
Prelims: Dec 28th
Finals: Dec 29th

Lindy Hop Mix & Match Amateur

A social dancing-inspired Lindy Hop competition for developing dancers. Sign up individually.

Format:

Partners are assigned at random throughout the competition.
During prelims, dancers will dance with multiple partners to a variety of tempos.
Selected individuals will advance to the finals. Dancers are individually judged in the finals.

Eligibility:

Open to less experienced dancers who have not previously reached Mix & Match finals.

Judging:

Judges look for musicality, technique, rhythm, creativity, adaptability, and partnership.
Special attention will be given to your ability to connect with different partners and make your partner shine.

Note:

You may only sign up for one Lindy Hop Mix & Match competition unless you register in different roles.

Entry fee: €20 per person
Awards: €100 each to the winning dancers
Prelims: Dec 27th
Finals: Dec 28th

Lindy Hop Mix & Match Advanced

A social dancing-inspired Lindy Hop competition for experienced dancers. Sign up individually.

Format:

Partners are assigned at random throughout the competition.
During prelims, dancers will dance with multiple partners to a variety of tempos.
Selected individuals will advance to the finals. Dancers are individually judged in the finals.

Eligibility:

Open to experienced dancers who have previously reached Mix & Match finals.

Judging:

Judges look for musicality, technique, rhythm, creativity, adaptability, and partnership.
Special attention will be given to your ability to connect with different partners and make your partner shine.

Note:

You may only sign up for one Lindy Hop Mix & Match competition unless you register in different roles.

Entry fee: €20 per person
Awards: €100 each to the winning dancers
Prelims: Dec 27th
Finals: Dec 28th

Lindy Hop Mix & Match Invitational

An invitational Lindy Hop Mix & Match competition featuring dancers selected by the organizers.

Format:

Partners are assigned at random.
Invited dancers compete in a social format and are judged as couples.

Judging:

Couples will be judged by the competitors themselves.

Entry fee: None
Awards: €400 to the winning couple
Finals: Dec 28th

Teacher's Strictly Lindy Hop

A partnered Lindy Hop competition open to the teachers at Snowball.

Format:

Teachers compete with a partner in a Strictly Lindy Hop format.
Couples dance together throughout the competition.

Judging:

Couples will be judged by the competitors themselves.

Entry fee: None
Awards: €400 to the winning couple
Finals: Dec 27th

Champions Cup Sweden (Strictly Lindy)

The Champions Cup is one of the most prestigious competitions in the Lindy Hop community. The top two placements in this qualifier will earn direct qualification to the Champions Cup at Savoy Cup in Montpellier.

Format:

Semi-finals: Battle format. Couples dance a full chorus each at approximately 170 BPM.
Finals: Jam format, either 8x8 or 12x8, at approximately 220 BPM.

Judging:

Judges look for partnership, technique, musicality, and overall dance quality.
Choreographed elements and air steps are permitted but will only be rewarded when used musically and appropriately.

Entry fee: €30 per couple
Awards: €400 to the winning couple
Prelims: Dec 28th
Finals: Dec 29th

BALBOA

Balboa Mix & Match Amateur
A social dancing-inspired Balboa competition for developing dancers. Sign up individually.
Format:

Partners are assigned at random throughout the competition.
During prelims, dancers will dance with multiple partners to a variety of tempos.
Selected individuals will advance to the finals. Dancers are individually judged in the finals.
Eligibility:
Open to less experienced dancers who have not previously reached Mix & Match finals.

Judging:

Judges look for musicality, technique, rhythm, creativity, adaptability, and partnership.
Special attention will be given to your ability to connect with different partners and make your partner shine.

Note:

You may only sign up for one Balboa Mix & Match competition unless you register in different roles.

Entry fee: €20 per person
Awards: €100 each to the winning dancers
Prelims: Dec 29th
Finals: Dec 29th

Balboa Mix & Match Advanced
A social dancing-inspired Balboa competition for experienced dancers. Sign up individually.
Format:

Partners are assigned at random throughout the competition.
During prelims, dancers will dance with multiple partners to a variety of tempos.
Selected individuals will advance to the finals. Dancers are individually judged in the finals.

Eligibility:

Open to experienced dancers who have previously reached Mix & Match finals.

Judging:

Judges look for musicality, technique, rhythm, creativity, adaptability, and partnership.
Special attention will be given to your ability to connect with different partners and make your partner shine.

Note:

You may only sign up for one Balboa Mix & Match competition unless you register in different roles.

Entry fee: €20 per person
Awards: €100 each to the winning dancers
Prelims: Dec 29th
Finals: Dec 30th

Balboa Invitational Mix & Match
An invitational Balboa Mix & Match competition featuring dancers selected by the organizers.
Format:

Partners are assigned at random.
Invited dancers compete in a social format and are judged as couples.

Judging:

Couples will be judged by the competitors themselves.

Entry fee: None
Awards: €400 to the winning couple
Finals: Dec 30th

Balboa Strictly
A partnered Balboa competition open to couples of all levels.
Format:

Prelims and semi-finals feature both Pure Balboa and Bal-Swing danced to a variety of tempos.
Finalists will each dance to a song of approximately 230–240 BPM.

Judging:

Judges look for partnership, musicality, technique, rhythm, flow, and overall dance quality.
Creativity and performance skills are encouraged.
Aerials, lifts, and choreographed elements are permitted.

Entry fee: €30 per couple
Awards: €400 to the winning couple
Prelims: Dec 27th
Semi-finals: Dec 29th
Finals: Dec 29th

BLUES

Blues Mix & Match
A social dancing-inspired Blues competition. Sign up individually.
Format:

Partners are assigned at random throughout the competition.
During prelims, dancers will dance with multiple partners to a variety of Blues music.
Selected individuals will advance to the finals. Dancers are individually judged in the finals.

Judging:

Judges look for musicality, technique, rhythm, creativity, adaptability, expression, and partnership.
Special attention will be given to your ability to connect with different partners and interpret the music.

Entry fee: €20 per person
Awards: €100 each to the winning dancers
Prelims: Dec 30th
Finals: Dec 29th

Blues Invitational Mix & Match
An invitational Blues Mix & Match competition featuring dancers selected by the organizers.
Format:

Partners are assigned at random.
Invited dancers compete in a social format and are judged as couples.

Judging:

Couples will be judged to a variety of Blues music.

Entry fee: None
Awards: €400 to the winning couple
Finals: Dec 29th

Solo Blues
A solo Blues competition celebrating individual expression, musicality, and improvisation. Sign up individually.
Format:

Competitors dance solo to Blues music of different tempos and characters.
Selected dancers will advance to the finals.

Judging:

Judges look for musicality, rhythm, creativity, technique, expression, and quality of movement.
Individual interpretation of the music and personal expression are encouraged.

Entry fee: €20 per person
Awards: €150 to the winner
Prelims: Dec 30th
Finals: Dec 29th

MORE COMPS

Authentic Jazz / Charleston
A traditional solo vernacular Jazz competition celebrating improvisation, rhythm, and individual expression. Sign up individually.
Format:

Dancing may include vernacular jazz steps, Charleston, Black Bottom, soft-shoe, tap-inspired movement, and other jazz traditions.
Selected dancers will advance to the finals.

Judging:

Judges look for musicality, rhythm, creativity, technique, expression, and authenticity of movement.
Individual interpretation of the music and personal style are encouraged.

Entry fee: €20 per person
Awards: €150 to the winner
Prelims: Dec 28th
Finals: Dec 29th

Late night competitions

Frostbite Shag Fight
A late-night Collegiate Shag Mix & Match competition. Sign up individually as a leader or a follower.
Format:

No pre-registration is required.
Finalists will be tapped in during the event.
Held late at night in the Balboa ballroom.

Judging:

Judges look for musicality, rhythm, creativity, technique, partnership, and overall dance quality.
Energy, adaptability, and social dancing skills are encouraged.

Entry fee: None
Awards: Honor and recognition
Prelims & Finals: Dec 28th

Trio Switch & Steal Challenge
A late-night switch-and-steal competition where anything can happen. Sign up as a trio and be ready for fast decisions, quick reactions, and a healthy dose of mischief.
Format:

Teams of three dancers compete while constantly changing partners and adapting to unexpected situations on the floor.
Any swing-related dance style is allowed.
Music of different tempos and styles will be played.
No pre-registration is required.
Finalists will be tapped in during the event.
Held late at night in the Balboa ballroom.

Judging:

Judges look for teamwork, creativity, communication, musicality, adaptability, and overall dance quality.
Fun, spontaneity, and collaborative problem-solving are encouraged.

Entry fee: None
Awards: Honor, glory, and bragging rights
Prelims & Finals: Dec 28th

The Minute Challenge
A showcase competition open to all swing-related dance styles. Solo, partner, and team performances are welcome.
Format:
• Perform a showcase of up to 60 seconds in any swing-related style, including Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Saint Louis Shag, Charleston, Solo Jazz, Blues, Tap, Burlesque, and more.

Judges will select entries for the finals.
Final performances may not exceed 60 seconds.

Judging:

Judges look for creativity, musicality, originality, technique, presentation, and overall performance quality.

Rules:

Multiple entries are allowed.
Music must be submitted as a high-quality MP3 and cut or faded before 60 seconds.

• Submit music to DJ@thesnowball.se no later than December 26th with the subject line "The Minute Challenge".
Entry fee: €30 per showcase
Awards: €300 to the winning showcase
Prelims & Finals: Dec 30th

RESULTS

Results 2013-2019

Results