Step onto the floor. Dance with new partners. Earn your place in the spotlight.
For the first time, Zagreb Bachata Festival presents the ZBF Social Cup — an open Jack & Jill competition powered by the Bachata Social World Cup.
No partner and no previous competition experience are required. Register individually, dance with randomly selected partners and show the judges your connection, musicality, adaptability and social dancing skills.
ZBF SOCIAL CUP AT A GLANCE
- 📅 Saturday, 21 November 2026
- ⏰ 17:30–20:00
- 📍 Hotel Zonar, Zagreb
- 🎟️ Registration: €20
- 👥 Limited to 20 leaders and 20 followers
- 🏆 First prize: A teaching spot at ZBF 2027
- ✅ A valid Full Pass or Party Pass is required
- 💃🕺 No partner needed
Competition registration does not include festival admission. A valid Full Pass or Party Pass is required.
HOW DOES JACK & JILL WORK?
You register individually as a leader or follower. Partners and music are randomly selected during the competition, giving you the opportunity to dance with different people in each round.
Judges evaluate your social dancing skills, connection, musicality, adaptability and ability to create an enjoyable dance with every partner.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Every Zagreb Bachata Festival Full Pass or Party Pass holder is welcome to enter.
The ZBF Social Cup is open to dancers of all levels — from first-time competitors to experienced social dancers. You do not need to be a professional or have previous competition experience. Just bring your passion for bachata, your energy and your desire to challenge yourself on the dance floor.
No partner is needed. Register individually as a leader or follower and get ready to dance!
All photos are from the 2025 Bachata Social World Cup Final.
WIN THE OFFICIAL ZBF SOCIAL CUP TROPHY
Take the trophy home — and earn your place in the spotlight.
The official ZBF Social Cup 2026 winner trophies.
The winning leader and follower will each receive the official ZBF Social Cup 2026 trophy. First-place winners will also earn a teaching spot at Zagreb Bachata Festival 2027.
MEET THE ZBF SOCIAL CUP 2026 JUDGES
Six judges. One trophy. Your moment.
Our judging panel brings together international bachata artists, experienced competitors, instructors and active members of the social dance community. Meet the six people who will be watching for connection, musicality, adaptability, technique and the quality of every shared dance.
YEXY
Venezuelan-born international bachata dancer and instructor based in Barcelona, known for his fusion style, body movement, musicality and expressive footwork.
SUAREZ
One half of the Spain-based international duo Suarez & Carmen. His approach combines bachata and zouk influences with dynamics, clear technique and strong partner connection.
FELIPE
Brazilian dancer and DJ active in the European Latin scene, bringing musical knowledge and a strong sensitivity to rhythm, interpretation and dance-floor energy.
CARMEN
International dancer and instructor from the Suarez & Carmen duo, recognized for fluid movement, body control and a connected Bachazouk-inspired style.
MINA
Experienced bachata dancer and competitor whose perspective centres on musicality, adaptability and the quality of the social connection between partners.
KRISTINA
Zagreb-based dancer and instructor from LaTina Dance Studio, bringing teaching experience, local scene knowledge and a close understanding of the social dance community.
WHAT ARE THE JUDGES LOOKING FOR?
The winners will be the dancers who consistently create the best social dance experience with every partner through connection, musicality, adaptability, creativity and positive energy.
This is not about complicated tricks, choreography or putting on the biggest show. It is about making the dance feel natural, comfortable, musical, connected and enjoyable for both partners.
FUNDAMENTALS
Timing, body control, balance, precision and clean movement. Strong fundamentals create a safe, comfortable and enjoyable social dance.
MUSICALITY
Understanding and interpreting the music through timing, rhythm, musical nuances and genuine conversation with the music.
CONNECTION
Clear leading and following, communication, adaptability and shared intention with every partner.
CREATIVITY & STYLE
Personal expression, originality and use of space while respecting your partner and the essence of social dancing.
ATTITUDE
Presence, confidence, enjoyment and the positive energy you bring to your partner and the dance floor.
There is no single “right” way to dance. We want to see who can make every partner feel great on the dance floor.
COMPETITION FORMAT
The ZBF Social Cup will consist of three rounds, with dancers facing different musical challenges throughout the competition.
- Modern / Sensual Bachata
- Traditional / Dominican Bachata
- Urban Bachata & Remixes
Detailed round structure, judging panel, participant check-in and additional prizes will be announced soon.
JACK & JILL FAQ
Have a question? Click any question below to reveal the answer.
Do I need to bring a partner? Click to open
No. Register individually as a leader or follower. Partners are randomly selected during the competition.
Do I need previous competition experience? Click to open
No. The ZBF Social Cup is open to social dancers of all levels. Strong fundamentals, connection and adaptability matter more than flashy tricks.
Will I know the music in advance? Click to open
No. The music is selected by the organizer, and every dancer hears it on the competition floor.
How are dancers judged? Click to open
Leaders and followers receive individual scores for fundamentals, musicality, connection, adaptability, creativity and attitude.
What if I make a mistake or feel nervous? Click to open
Keep dancing, stay connected and enjoy the music. Mistakes are normal; calm recovery and a positive experience with your partner are more important than perfection.
Read the complete beginner’s guide to Jack & Jill →
READY TO TAKE THE FLOOR?
Register as a leader or follower, meet new partners and let your love for bachata shine through.