How long is a para dance freestyle?
I · Intermediate · Dancing and judging · 3 of 4A freestyle is one programme danced once, in a drawn order, with no preliminary rounds. Music lasts 1:30 to 2:00 for singles, 2:00 to 2:30 for duos and 2:30 to 3:00 for combis. Any style is allowed; at most three lifts may be used and none may be the main action. Props are banned. A dancer who falls may carry on.
How it works
- Programme: one, danced once.
- Order: drawn.
- Singles: 1:30 to 2:00.
- Duos: 2:00 to 2:30.
- Combis: 2:30 to 3:00.
- Styles: any, from folk to breaking.
- Lifts: three at most.
- Props: banned; accessories allowed.
The glossary has the freestyle programme, the freestyle movement and content, the freestyle lifts and acrobatics, the accessories and props, the freestyle dress code and the fall in freestyle.
Tricky cases
A dancer falls and needs help. What happens?
The music stops and they restart from the fall.
Can a dancer leave the wheelchair?
Yes, as a transition.
Is a fan a prop?
No. It is an accessory.
What entry score is needed for the Worlds?
15,000 in class 1, 18,000 in class 2.
Why the rule exists
Limiting lifts keeps the programme about dance rather than acrobatics.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fourth lift | Deduction | R 4.3.1(g) |
| Props | Banned | R 4.3.4 |
| Fall | Restart from fall | R 4.3.5(d) |
From the rule book
World Para Dance Sport, 2026 Rules and Regulations, articles 4.3.1 to 4.3.5. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: WPDS 2026 Rules and Regulations and the classification pages.