California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Nominating and Voting Process
Nominees for the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame are inducted within specific categories that reflect their unique contributions to our dance heritage. To ensure a deep and sustained connection to the California scene, a nominee must have lived and danced in California for a minimum of five (5) years. Once this residency requirement is met, the individual remains eligible for life, regardless of their current state of residence.
For partnership inductions in the Couples category, eligibility is met if at least one member of the duo has fulfilled the five-year California residency requirement. To recognize the rapid impact and fresh energy of our emerging talents, the residency requirement for the Nova Star category is a minimum of three (3) years.
Scroll down to complete a nomination form. Include, bio, photo and video links. Nominees/Inductees are recognized for their outstanding swing dance talent, and accomplishments; such as, teaching, promoting, performing, competing, and their impact on Swing Dancing. We recognize talent early in the Nova Star category with the hope they will continue swing dancing, becoming Rising, Shining, and Golden Stars. The Board will collect and compile all nominee information and send ballots out for vote to our Distinguished Electors.
Star Categories
Nova Star (3–10 years)
Celebrating the emerging talents who represent the future of swing dancing in California. These dancers demonstrate exceptional natural ability and profound promise early in their journey, characterized by sophisticated lead/follow skills, developing personal style, and a deep connection to musicality and precise footwork. Often achieving significant competitive success within just a few years, Nova Stars bring the fresh energy and rapid growth that continues to revitalize and evolve our dance community.
Rising Star (11–20 years)
Established advanced dancers who have proven their expertise and earned recognition for outstanding performance. These individuals stand out through consistent competitive achievements, high-level accolades, innovative contributions to the dance, and meaningful influence within the California swing community—serving as role models and driving the evolution of the art form.
Shining Star 21 – 30 years
An advanced swing dancer who has consistently remained relevant and influential in swing dancing through competition, teaching, judging, promoting, and leadership.
Golden Star (31+ years)
Revered legends and pillars of the California swing community. These lifelong devotees are celebrated not only for their enduring technical mastery and dance excellence but also for their profound, lasting influence—through pioneering contributions, mentorship, community building, event promotion, and selfless dedication that have shaped and sustained swing dancing across generations.
Other Nominating Categories
Couples (7+ years as a recognized partnership)
This category honors iconic swing dance duos and partnerships celebrated for their extraordinary synergy, artistry, and shared legacy. These distinguished couples have achieved significant recognition through competition, performance, and teaching—inspiring generations through their creative chemistry and enduring impact on California’s swing dance heritage. To reflect the reach of our community, eligibility requires that at least one member of the partnership has maintained a California residency for a minimum of five (5) years.
Special Achievement
Individuals or organizations whose exceptional, substantial contributions have profoundly shaped and advanced swing dancing in California. This category recognizes outstanding impact through innovation, promotion, event organization, education, advocacy, or other transformative efforts that have elevated the art form and strengthened the scene—beyond what is captured in time-based or performance categories.
Lifetime Achievement
A highly revered individual whose extraordinary body of work, unwavering dedication, and profound influence have significantly furthered the art and community of swing dancing in California. Selected by the Board, this prestigious honor is reserved for those whose lifetime of leadership, mentorship, innovation, and service has left an indelible mark on the dance and its people.
Stellar Star
Beloved swing dancers who made a substantial, lasting impact on the California swing dance world and are now deceased. This posthumous tribute, decided by the Board, honors their remarkable achievements, influence, and contributions—ensuring their legacy continues to inspire and guide future generations as permanent pillars of our heritage.
Nominating
To nominate a swing dancer in any category you must be an active member of the swing dance community. A nominee must meet the criteria for the category. Scroll to the button and click on the nomination form. Nominee forms must be complete with nominee contact info; email, address, phone number, date began swing dancing, bio, headshot, and up to 3 videos. Nominations and Awards are every other year. Our next nominating/award year is 2026. Nominations are accepted February-June 2026, voting mid year, and conclude August 2026. Our Gala dinner, dance and awards, September 26, 2026.
Voting/Tabulation
Mid year, our Board of Directors along with our Distinguished Electors will begin voting for nominees using a ranking ballot. Once ballots are complete, the Board of Directors will determine the number of inductees within each category based on a relative placement result.
Inductees
Inductees will be honored at the next scheduled Awards Gala, A page devoted to them on this website ensures they will forever be part of California Swing Dance History.
Nominate
To nominate individuals or couples for the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, please complete the appropriate form below: