Spectator's Guide to USA Dance Competitions
If this is your first time at a ballroom dance competition, this page is
designed to help you have a more informative and enjoyable time. The following
is a brief explanation of how a dance competition is organized.
What is in a Dance Competition?
A dance competition allows dancers to show and compare their skills with other
dancers at a similar level. A competition consists of many events, each of
which is targeted at a particular skill level. Each competitor is required to
perform one or more dances from a given division. As competitors move up a
skill level, they are required to perform additional dances in the respective
category. Not all skill levels or divisions are offered at all competitions.
Dance Skill Levels
-
Championship
- Pre-Championship
- Novice
- Per-Novice
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
- Newcomer
Who can compete in a Dance Competition?
Any dancer registered with USA Dance
as a competitor may enter a dance competition. In most events,
dancers compete as couples. However, some events such as formation team
competitions are performed by teams of dancers. Others, such as the
"Jack & Jill" competitions are NOT limited to competitive dancers.
In a Jack & Jill event, participants enter individually and their partners
are chosen by a blind draw to compete in a single-dance event.
What are the events in a Competition?
| Dance Divisions |
|
American Smooth
|
American Rhythm
|
Waltz
Tango
Foxtrot
Viennese Waltz |
Cha Cha
Rumba
East Coast Swing
Bolero
Mambo |
|
International Standard (Modern) |
International Latin American |
Waltz
Tango
Viennese Waltz
Foxtrot
Quickstep |
Cha Cha
Samba
Rumba
Paso Doble
Jive |
| Night Club |
West Coast Swing
Salsa
Hustle
Night Club Two Step
|
| Theatre Arts |
| Cabaret |
How are the events judged?
During the event, up to seven judges will rank the dance couples based on
their skills, presentation, and showmanship. Scores from all the judges are
combined to obtain the final standings. Adjudication is a subjective process
(to say the least) and that is why several judges are used to ensure fairness.
Depending on the number of entries, competitors may be required to compete in a
series of elimination rounds (nth round, quarter and
semi-final) until six couples are recalled for the final round by the judges.
During the final round, the top placements are determined.
What about Social Dancers?
Some competitions will have general dancing. These
intermissions allow social dancers to stretch their legs and share the floor
with the competitors, (It's amazing how much your dancing improves just
watching the great dancers!). Don't be afraid to join in, competitive dancers
are also social dancers!
Many dance competitions feature showcases toward the
end of the evening performed by some of the top ranked
dancers. They are considered the highlight of the competition.
How to support your favorite Dancers?
During the competition, you will be seeing some lovely and inspiring dancing.
Beautiful movement to music is one of life's great joys! Applause is much
appreciated anytime during the event. So don't be afraid to clap, yell and call
out the number of your favorite couple. We invite you to play "judge"
during the competition and see if you agree with the judges results. So sit
back and experience this wonderful visual and aural delight.
We hope this brochure provides you with some insights to dance competitions.
If you have any questions (we hope you do), or would like information on how
to get started with dancing or where to dance, please feel free to ask any of
the USA Dance officers. Have a wonderful time and we hope to see you again.
Glossary of Terms
American Smooth - A style of dancing in which open work
is allowed. That is, the couple may separate from the closed dance hold during
the dance steps.
International Standard - A style of dancing in which
couples must remain in closed dance position.
Scrutineer - A certified dance official who tabulates
the judges scores from the competitive events.
General Dancing - The portion of the program when the
dance floor is open to the audience for social dancing.
Showcase - An unjudged dance exhibition.
Theatre Arts/Cabaret - A special type of artistic
exhibition dancing characterized by lift and drop movements in the dance
routines.
Night Club Dances - Dances designed to be danced in a
club or on a small dance floor.
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VEE