Strictly Come Dancing lift rules and penalties explained

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 19:56 · Archive

Lifts are banned in Strictly's ten core ballroom and Latin dances but permitted in contemporary, jazz and American Smooth routines.

Lifts can create memorable moments on Strictly Come Dancing, but they are not allowed in every routine. The rules around lifts are often a source of confusion for viewers, contestants and judges themselves.

A lift is defined as any movement where a dancer has both feet off the floor with assistance or support from their partner. The definition relies on whether the airborne movement was supported by the partner, not simply if both feet left the floor.

In 2024, judge Craig Revel Horwood highlighted the rule after Pete Wicks and professional partner Jowita Przystał included two lifts in their Rumba. He said one foot should have remained on the floor and described both moves as 'totally illegal', adding that couples could lose marks for doing so.

Lifts are banned in the ten core ballroom and Latin dances featured on Strictly Come Dancing. They are permitted in some of the show's other styles, including contemporary and jazz routines. American Smooth routines can include lifts, although the exact number permitted may vary based on the show's current rules.

Judges have shown some flexibility in enforcement. In 2022, Ellie Simmonds was helped down from a table by Nikita Kuzmin during their Paso Doble. Head judge Shirley Ballas deducted a point for the 'assisted lift', while Revel Horwood said the issue was that it lasted too long. He suggested that a brief, supported descent would have been acceptable.

Performing an illegal lift does not result in automatic disqualification from the competition.

How it is being reported

• Strictly Come Dancing lift rules explained - when are they illegal and the penalties?Strictly Come Dancing lift rules explained, including banned dances, permitted routines, and how judges penalise illegal moves.NW Evening Mail · 14 Nov, 19:09
• Strictly Come Dancing lift rules explained - when are they illegal and the penalties?Strictly Come Dancing lift rules explained, including banned dances, permitted routines, and how judges penalise illegal moves.Westmorland Gazette · 14 Nov, 19:09
• Strictly Come Dancing lift rules explained - when are they illegal and the penalties?Strictly Come Dancing lift rules explained, including banned dances, permitted routines, and how judges penalise illegal moves.Whitehaven News · 14 Nov, 19:09

In this story: Strictly Come Dancing · Craig Revel Horwood · Pete Wicks · Jowita Przystał · Ellie Simmonds · Nikita Kuzmin · Shirley Ballas

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