In Brazilian Zouk Dance Council (BZDC) Jack and Jill competitions, dancers improvise with a randomly assigned partner and song. Their dancing is assessed against defined criteria.

The 2026 Brazilian Zouk World Championships specify the format: partners rotate during preliminary and semifinal rounds, with several couples dancing together in a heat. Final partnerships are drawn using cards. The rules leave open whether finalists dance together in heats or individually.

What the judges assess

The BZDC weights technique at 40 percent, timing and teamwork at 20 percent each, and difficulty and presentation at 10 percent each. Teamwork includes adapting to a partner’s style and ideas. Difficult movements need controlled execution to receive credit.

Preliminary rounds use callbacks to select individual dancers for the next round. In finals, judges rank couples; relative placement determines the final order using majorities.

The assigned partnership remains part of the challenge. At the 2026 Worlds, dissatisfaction with the music or partner alone does not entitle competitors to a restart. For certain technical or safety incidents, the rules provide for a decision by the head judge.