California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Nominating and Voting Process
Swing Dancers are nominated and ultimately inducted within their respective categories – A nominee must have lived and danced in California five years (Nova Star, 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) Our emerging talents and the future of swing dancing in California. These dancers demonstrate exceptional natural ability and promise early in their journey, showcasing strong lead/follow skills, personal style, musicality, precise footwork, and solid swing fundamentals. Often achieving competitive success in just a few short years, Nova Stars represent the fresh energy and rapid growth revitalizing the scene today.
- 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 (10+ years as a recognized partnership)
Iconic swing dance duos and partnerships celebrated for their extraordinary synergy, artistry, and shared legacy. These well-known couples have achieved notable success through competition, performance, teaching, and influence, inspiring generations with their chemistry, creativity, and enduring contributions to California’s swing dance community. - 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, bio, headshot, and 1 or 2 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: