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UK Open Couple Competition

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UK Open Couple Competition

 

Competition Structure

The UK Open competition follows a progressive elimination format:

  1. Pre-Selections 
  2. Quarter Final
  3. Semi Final
  4. Grand Final

From January to April 2026 UK Regional & International  Qualifiers 

Note: International & UK dancers who qualify will skip the pre-selection process and advance directly to the Quarter Final at the UK Open competition 26 (At GBKF UK 19-22nd June 26).

GBKF UK 26 Competition Format

Part 1

Pre-Selection

  • Participants: Open to all dancers UK/ International 
  • Improvisation : 1 minute improvisation in your dance style (Kizomba/Semba or Urban Kiz/Ghetto Zouk)
  • Music: Randomly chosen by DJ
  • Advancement: Top 12 couples advance to quarter final

Quarter Final

  • Participants: 12 pre-selection winners + UK & Internationals qualified couples
  • Improvisation : 1 minute improvisation
  • Music: Randomly chosen by DJ
  • Advancement: Top 12 couples advance to Semi final choreographed shows

Part 2

Semi Final

  • Performance: Choreographed shows (1 minute)
  • Advancement: Top 4 couples advance to final
  • Scoring: Combined scores from the quarter final improvisation + the semi-final choreographed shows will determine the top 4 couples finalists.

Part 3 

Grand Final

  • Final Battle : The top 4 finalists couples will compete against each other. They will be randomly paired in two groups. The winners of the first round will face off to determine 1st and 2nd place, while the other two couples will compete in a second battle to decide the 3rd place.

Choreography and Music Rules

Music Requirements

  • Time Limit: 1 minute (± five seconds tolerance)
  • Style: Must match your dance category (Kizomba/Semba or Urban Kiz/Ghetto Zouk)
  • Submission: Audio files must be emailed by 1st June 2026 (email address TBC)
  • Backup: Couples must bring soundtrack backup (email/Google drive/ wetransfer link)

Jury Ethics

  • Judge solely on event performance, not prior knowledge of couples
  • Disrespect toward judges or organisers is prohibited

Evaluation Criteria

Each couple will be scored based on the five categories  below :

  • Technical Ability – Movement mastery and execution
  • Creativity/Originality – New and different movements
  • Rhythm/Interpretation – Timing and fluidity
  • Visual Presentation – Hair, costumes, makeup
  • Choreography/Improvisation – Complexity, evolution, synchronisation

Score will be in form of a CARD 1-5 points for Pre selections & Quarter final & Semi final.

In the Grand final battle, the judges will choose a side by raising their hands.

Prizes

KIZOMBA & URBAN KIZ COUPLES

  • 1st Place: € 2000 + Medal
  • 2nd Place: FREE Couple pass for GBKF UK (18-21st June 2027) + Medal
  • 3rd Place: FREE Couple pass ALL STARS Budapest  (6th-9th Nov 2027) + Medal

Competitor Requirements

Eligibility

  • Competitors must be 18+ years old at the time of competition
  • Travel, accommodations, ETA Visa are self-funded
  • All qualified competitors couples advance directly to quarter final (skip pre-selection)
  • Competitors can only compete with a qualified partner (International/ UK)
  • Competitors can compete in multiple categories 
  • Different outfits required for:
    1. Improvisations (matching outfits required)
    2. Shows (costumes required)
  • Competitors are responsible  for choreography, soundtrack costumes, hair, and makeup
  • Lifts, dips, and tricks are allowed
  • Keep same competitor numbers throughout competition

Penalties

  • Non-compliant music, late submission, or incorrect format leads to disqualification
  • May result in removal from current competition and rankings
  • Penalty severity determined by disciplinary committee (judges + organisers)

Liability

  • Organization not responsible for lost/stolen items
  • Dancers responsible for any venue damage or injury
  • Minimum 8 couples required in each category for competition to proceed (8 Kizomba, 8 Urban Kiz)
  • Ginga Boo UK retains rights to all audios/videos recordings for promotional purposes

Registration Rules

  • Festival Pass Required: All competitors must purchase a full pass for GBKF UK 2026 (no guest passes allowed)
    • Discounted Pass for competitors only. No Registration fees Apply in 2026 (only discounted full pass)
    • If you wish to participate in multiple categories, there will be an additional fee of £20 per extra category.

  • – Nov/ Dec £75 / 85 Euros 

    – Jan /Feb £85 / 95 Euros 

    -Mar/April £95/105 Euros 

    -May /June £105/120 Euros 

  • At the time of the registration discounted Full Pass must be paid for.  

  • Registration deadline must be before the competition starts

  • Note: If you cancel your participation for the competition but still want to attend the festival, you must pay the price difference for a regular pass.

  • Rule Changes

    • Rules may be modified if communicated 30 + days in advance via www.gingaboo.com

    For updates and additional information, visit: www.gingaboo.com