Do you have any questions? Check this page first, the answer might be here! Includes general questions, plus some more detailed answers for competitor.

What is SHOUT 'N FEEL IT?

Shout ' Feel it is a Lindy Hop, Tap, Authentic Jazz event that will take place in Pieve di Cento (BO) and whose aim is to spread the culture, the  music and the dancing of the Swing Era in Italy, thruough the presence of world class instructors and dancers, live bands and specialised djs. There will be several workshops for all levels of dancing, also for absolute beginners.

When and where will Shout 'n Feel it be?

SHOUT 'N FEEL IT will be hosted by the Palacavicchi in PIeve di Cento - Bologna, in May, 25th, 26th, 27th

I want to compete but I don't want to take classes, can I do that?

Yes,  register online for any competition for not attendees and pay the fees.

How do I register? 

Register on-line on www.swingfestival.it. 

Is the hotel included in any pass?

No, this year you have to book the hotel separately, directly from this website, following the booking options while you book your pass.

What are my payment options?

There are only two options for payment 

1. Paypal (including all major credit cards, debit cards, bank account or Paypal balance)
2. Direct bank wire transfer

I registered but I can't come. Can I have a refund?

Unfortunately no. No refunds will be given under any cisrcumstances. Your options are to transfer your registration into another name, or cancel your registration in return of a credit of the full amount towqrs the following year's festival.

What is the official language of the weekend?

The whole event will be biligual: italian and english.

What will the weather be like?

It's going to be warm and probably sunny.

Can I bring flyers for my events or business?

Yes. Swing dance events organisers and those with business related to jazz and swing dancing, will be able to place their flyers on the promotional tables.

COMPETITION FAQs

Do I have to attend the competitors' meetings?

Yes! It is compulsory for all competitors to attend the competitors' meeting on any day on which they are competing (BOTH PRELIMINARY OR FINALS)

Are there prizes?

Yes, there are a lot of prizes, incuding passes for international swing dance events.

Do you need to be European to enter the competitions?

No! The competitions are open to all nationalities.

What formats are used in the competitions?

All the competitions are based on 4 formats:

1. Showcase: competitors perform a choreo with their music;
2. All-Skate: social dance format. All competitors dance on the floor at the same time;
3. Phrase-battle: jam session format. Competitors take turns, one at the time, in an assigned order, for on or two phrases each, until the song ends.
4. Spotlight: showcase format

How do preliminaries work?

There are preliminary rounds for all competitions, except the Showvase divisions. For all other contests there will be a preliminary round to decide which competitors go to the finals. For preliminaries, all the competitors will be divided into heats, to have a fair number of dancers on the dancefloor at any one time. All the preliminary heats for one given contest division will be run back-to-back. Attend the Competitor Meeting that day to find out which heat you are in. This info will also be posted on the competitor's noticeboard. During your heat you will dance in an all-skate format. For the Solo Charleston contest, the finalists will be decided on the spot (you will be tapped on the shoulder if you are in) and the finals will follow shortly after.

What levels are the competitions? What is the difference between Open ed Advanced?

There are 2 levels for the competitions: open and advanced. All dancers, regardless of their level or experience are welcome in the Open divisions. The advanced divisions are for advanced dancers, but as this is a relative idea, there are no criteria and there won't be auditions. It is your choice whether to compete in the Open or Advanced. 

What is the best contest for me?

If you enjoy social dancing, enter a Jack and Jill. No partner needed!

If dancing alone is your thing, then enter the Solo Charleston contest.

What will we be judged on?

The Judges will be looking at a range of criteria: how well you improvise and respond to the music, how you work as a partnership, yur repertoire. your creativity, your connection, if you can recognise phrasing in the music, and how the audience responds. The value placed on each of these criteria is at discretion of individual judges. The judges decisions are final. Swing dancing is about having fun social dancing, connecting with your partner and engaging with the music and the judges will be looking for couples that embody these values. 

What are the rules? 

The only rules are to dance safely and to respect the Judges and other competitors. There are no rules about "swing Contents" and there will be no disqualifications on this matter.

Do we need to wear costumes?

There is no requirement for costumes. For the appreciation of the judges and audience, we encourage you to dress you in a vintage style (1920s to 1940s) but it is not compulsory. We only ask that you are neatly and aprropriately dressed.

How can I give my showcase music to the dj?

For showcase divisions, it is your responsibility to submit your music to the competition dj, no later than the competitors' meeting on the day of your division. You can submit your music during the competitors' meeting on the day of your division. You can submit your music during the competitors' meeting that day (or in a prior meeting), either on a one-track CD or USB thumbdrive.