2026 Black Family Weekend Stepshow Application

General Application Information
This online application form will not be reviewed and considered without completing all required Application Entry Form fields and submitting video(s) and/or photo(s) of any past team performance(s). Omissions will delay application processing.

Deadline for Submission: September 10, 2026!

Selection Process
The BFW Step Show committee will review your submitted application entry form with your uploaded files and send you a contract to esign if you are selected.

You cannot participate in the BFW event without

BFW receiving the online application, including uploads
BFW approving your application and sending you a Performance Contract;
the Team signing and submitting the Performance contract to the BFW; and
BFW signs and sends final Performance Contract and approval confirmation to Team.

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

Name of Organization*

Name of Team*

Legal name of Entity/Person receiving winning remittance:*

City, Area, or Region Team is Representing*

Main Coordinator Name*

First NameLast Name

Main Coordinator Email*

example@example.com

Main Coordinator Cell Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Main Coordinator Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Back-Up Coordinator Name*

First NameLast Name

Back-Up Coordinator Email*

example@example.com

Back-Up Coordinator Cell Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Back-Up Coordinator Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Number of all Persons Participating (maximum of 12 performers and 2 team supporters)

Upload videos, images, links of Team's past performances. Team and organization Team represents authorize BFW to use uploaded content for BFW marketing purposes without harm.

Questions/Comments

Rules and Conditions

Submitting your application alone does not guarantee team selection.
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.
Teams must be checked in at the venue no later than two hours prior to Stepshow start time.
Major props are not allowed.
- For example, no pyrotechnics, helium baloons, or confetti may be used in the team’s performance.
No more than 60 seconds of music is permitted during the team's performance.
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.
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.
BFW will not be held responsible for anything adversely resulting from the team’s actions.
Each team will be judged by a panel of BFW-qualified judges. The decision of the judges is final.
The following Judging Criteria will be used to tally scores.

General Information

Winning teams will be paid by check ONLY!
Each winning team must have an open business bank account to receive winnings.
The performance setting is auditorium style with a built-in wooden stage.
Each team shall assign a person to instruct the sound person as to when music is needed during their performance.
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.
At the end of the Show all the winners will be photographed. Awards and winnings will be given to First Place Performances.
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.
Points will be deducted for rule violations.
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.
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

2026 Black Family Weekend Stepshow Application, Rules and Information