California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Nominating and Voting Process

Swing Dancers are nominated and ultimately inducted within their respective categories – A nominee must be living California residents for at least five 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 5 – 10 years: A swing dancer whose talent is evident in their lead/follow, style, musicality, footwork and swing skills, with potential for future growth.
• Rising Star 11 – 20 years An advanced swing dancer who demonstrates swing dance expertise, receiving accolades for their swing dance excellence, achievements in competition, and community influence.
• 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 A consistent long-time swing dancer who is respected and well regarded not only for their swing dance excellence but also their influence, leadership, promotion, and community contributions.

Other Nominating Categories:

• Couples 10+ years: Well known swing dance couples/partnerships whose swing dancing is recognized for their notable achievements, contributions, and influence.
• Special Achievement: Individuals who have substantially contributed, influenced, or promoted swing dance.
• Lifetime Achievement: An individual who is highly revered within the swing dance community, whose impact, influence, and body of work furthered the art of swing dancing in California. Selection is decided by the Board. 
• Stellar Star: A swing dancer who made a substantial impact to swing dancing who are now deceased. Selection is by the Board.

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 up to 3 videos. Nominations and Awards are every other year. Our next nominating/award year is 2024. Nominations are accepted beginning in spring, 2024, voting mid year, and conclude August 2024. Our Gala dinner, dance and awards, will be September 28, 2024. 

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.