2026 Black Family Weekend Stepshow Application, Rules and Information

General Application Information
This online application form will not be reviewed and considered without completing all required Application Entry Form fields and uploads. Omissions will delay application processing.

Deadline for Submission: September 10, 2026!

Selection Process
1. The BFW Step Show committee will review your submitted application entry form with your uploaded files

2. If selected, BFW will email you an approval notice requesting additional information required to release funds:

* Authorized recipient designation
* W-9 collection
* Payment instructions

You cannot participate in the BFW Stepevent without

1. BFW receiving a signed online application, including W-9 form and media uploads;
2. BFW approving your application and emailing you an approval notice; and
3. Aproved Stepshow Team emails BFW the additional information required to release funds

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If you win the BFW Stepshow competition, you will also be required to sign an Award Acknowledgement.

Contact us at stepshow2026@bfwca.org if you have any questions.

Rules and Conditions

1. Submitting your application alone does not guarantee team selection.
   
   
2. Teams shall have a maximum of 12 performing members and 2 team supporters.
   • If a team member (performer or team supporter) is found to be grossly un-sportsmanlike causing a disruption to the show, the team will be disqualified. This will include any profanity (even in music), nudity, vulgarity, or harmful disrespect beyond banter, will result in disqualification.
   • Any team member (performing or not) found attempting to bring in unauthorized people, alcohol, drugs, or other contraband will have their team forfeited from the competition.
   • Team supporters shall assist with on and off-stage support and team items.
     
     
3. Teams must be checked in at the venue no later than two hours prior to Stepshow start time.
   
   
4. Major props are not allowed.
   • For example, no pyrotechnics, helium baloons, or confetti may be used in the team’s performance.
     
     
5. No more than 60 seconds of music is permitted during the team's performance.
   
   
6. Each team will have from 5 to 8 minutes to perform. This includes stage set up, the introduction and exit routines. A total of five (5) points will be deducted from the score of each team that performs less than 5 minutes or exceeds the 8-minute allotment. This deduction will be assessed by the judges only once per team.
   
   
7. Each team must have all music media labeled with their team name and submitted no more than two hours prior to the Stepshow start time.
   
   
8. BFW will not be held responsible for anything adversely resulting from the team’s actions.
   
   
9. Each team will be judged by a panel of BFW-qualified judges. The decision of the judges is final.
   
   
10. The following Judging Criteria will be used to tally scores.

 

General Information

1. Winning teams will be paid by check ONLY!
2. If selected as a BFW Stepshow Team, the individual/entity/group identified as the award recipient on behalf of the Team will certify that they are authorized to receive funds on behalf of the participating organization. Black Family Weekend is not responsible for the internal distribution of award funds after payment is issued.
3. The performance setting is auditorium style with a built-in wooden stage.
4. Each team shall assign a person to instruct the sound person as to when music is needed during their performance.
5. BFW shall approve all other props and special requirements of the teams. Props and all special accommodation must be specified and submitted as part of this application form for consideration. Unauthorized props will not be allowed in the team’s performance.
6. At the end of the Show all the winners will be photographed. Awards and winnings will be given to First Place Performances.
7. Each judge will use the categories (shown below) to judge each team’s performance. The point value is based off the most that can be awarded per category.
8. Points will be deducted for rule violations. 
9. All judges’ scores will be averaged. The first-place organization for each men and women category will be the team with the highest averaged total.
   • In the event of a tie for either 1st or 2nd place, judges will determine the winner based on the team’s educational and effective incorporation of the Stepshow Theme. The Theme will be provided to all approved teams at least 30 days prior to the competition. 
10. Stepshow Categories and Winnings:
    • 1st Place Women’s Stepshow Winner
    • 1st Place Men's Stepshow Winner
    • Each winning team receives:
      •  Winnings (by check), takehome trophy and team name engraved on SJSU BLACK HERITAGE STEPSHOW perpetual trophy

Indemnification

If approved, the participating stepshow team or the organization it represents agrees to be responsible for the conduct of its members and for any damages, injuries, or claims caused by the organization or its representatives during participation in the event. The organization also acknowledges that Black Family Weekend is not responsible for the organization’s internal distribution of prize or award funds.

Hold Harmless

If approved, by participating in the Black Family Weekend Step Show, the participating stepshow team or the organization it represents voluntarily assume all risks associated with travel, rehearsals, performances, and event participation, and agree to hold harmless Black Family Weekend, San José State University, NPHC, BSU, and affiliated representatives from claims arising from participation in the event.