Ballroom Guide

The Full Beginner's Guide to Competition

What is a Ballroom Competition
Different Levels
What to Wear
Walkthrough
Advice from Other Dancers

What is a Ballroom Competition

A Ballroom Competition is a way for dancers to show off their skills and be ranked among their peers in dancing. At a competition, couples of the same level are ushered onto a large dance floor all at once, surrounded by judges standing along the edges. The DJ then plays music lasting about a minute and a half corresponding to a particular dance style (e.g. Cha Cha, Waltz, etc.), and then all the couples begin dancing to that music. While they dance, the audience cheers, and the judges mark which couples they think are the best. At the end of the music, couples bow and walk off the floor, arm in arm. In the end, the top couples are given their awards, ranging from ribbons and trophies to scholarships or even cash prizes.

Different Levels

If we were to combine all the dancers in the world, the top few would keep winning and everyone else would be discouraged. This is why the level system was invented, separating dancers by skill level. For Amateurs, there are seven skill levels, shown in the graphic on the left. The lowest four levels are called the Syllabus levels. This is because dancers in these levels may only dance certain steps, which are listed in an internationally accepted document called the Syllabus. These levels get progressively harder from Newcomer to Gold, as the skill level of the dancers competing in these events increases. Newcomer is distinct in that it is only for those who have been dancing for a very short period of time (sometimes less than 6 months, sometimes less than 1 year, depending on the competition's rules). Beyond the Gold level, there are the Open levels. These levels are comprised of advanced dancers who can dance whatever steps they like, even those not found in the Syllabus. Champ level dancers are the top tier amateurs, and often compete in international competitions all over the world.

If you have been dancing for less than six months, you should register in the Newcomer events. Some competitions will let you register in two consecutive events, in which case you might as well register for Bronze too, to get more experience. Talk to your coach about what level would best suit you.

What to Wear

Those dancing Newcomer and Bronze are not expected to wear costumes. Some competitors buy competition costumes, however these aren't common at the Newcomer and Bronze level. In Standard and Smooth at these levels, men typically wear dress pants, a dress shirt, a tie or bowtie, and (optional) a vest, while women wear a longer dress or skirt that passes the knees.  In Latin and Rhythm at these levels, the men may wear the same thing, or they may forgoe the tie and unbutton the shirt to the collarbone, while women often wear slightly shorter skirts.

Detailed information on costuming can be found here for men and here for women.

Walkthrough

Below is a walkthrough from the dancer's point of view on the day of a competition.

1. Arrive at the competition the evening before, not too late, and pick up your competitor packet from the front desk. The packet will include a schedule for the next day, a list of which events you're competing in, your number, and safety pins to attach your number to your back.
2. Go to the hotel and get a good night's rest.
3. Wake up hours before you are scheduled to dance to shower, and prepare, especially the Lady whose hair and make up will take a long time.
4. Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast to fuel you throughout the day. Many people don't eat when they are nervous, but it is important to stay fueled when exerting as much physical effort as a dance competition requires. Nutritional information for dancers can be found on our Nutrition Page.
5. Arrive at the competition at least an hour in advance, in case they are running early.
6. Find out if the competition is on time, running early, or running late. Double check what time you will be dancing.
7. Change into your dancewear.
8. Warm up, and prepare for your event. Competitions often provide a practice floor for competitors in a different room.
9. When it comes near your time to dance, line up with the other people who are dancing in your event.
10. When your event is called, walk onto the floor and get ready to dance.
11. When the music begins, start dancing.
12. When the music turns off, bow to the audience, and walk off the floor.
13. Wait to see if you have been recalled to the next round. Often, it is projected onto a large screen or available online.
14. You've been called back - Great job. Repeat steps 8-13.
15. If you've made it to the finals, you will find out your placement and collect your ribbon/medal/trophy when the awards ceremony begins.

Advice for your First Competition

Amateur and Professional dancers with varying competitive experience were asked one question, "What advice would you give to someone whose first competition is coming up?" Below are their replies.