What is a combi in para dance sport?
B · Beginner · Events and classes · 2 of 3A combi is a wheelchair user dancing with a licensed standing dancer; a duo is two wheelchair users. In conventional events a couple is one man and one woman; in freestyle any genders may pair. A single is one wheelchair user dancing alone. Partners stay the same through the season. Powerchair users have their own events for now.
How it works
- Combi: wheelchair user and standing dancer.
- Duo: two wheelchair users.
- Conventional couples: one man, one woman.
- Freestyle couples: any genders.
- Single: one dancer alone.
- Single dances: Waltz, Tango, Samba, Rumba, Jive.
- Partners: fixed for the season.
- Powerchair: separate events.
The glossary has the combi, the duo, the single, the partners, the powerchair events and the heat.
Tricky cases
Can a dancer change partner mid-season?
Only between duo and combi.
How many dances does a junior single dance?
Three: Waltz, Samba and Jive.
How many couples are on the floor at once?
Eight at most.
When does the season run?
1 January to 31 December.
Why the rule exists
Fixed partners stop couples swapping dancers to chase results within a season.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Man and woman | R 4.1.3 |
| Freestyle | Any genders | R 4.1.3 |
| Powerchair | Own events | R 4.1.2(d) |
From the rule book
World Para Dance Sport, 2026 Rules and Regulations, articles 4.1.1 to 4.1.4. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: WPDS 2026 Rules and Regulations and the classification pages.