Ballroom Guide

For the past few decades, the Syllabus that has been most recognized and enforced at competitions was that of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD), however, like a dictionary written 50 years ago, many dancers argue it does not reflect modern trends. The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has set out to solve this problem, by creating a new Syllabus with new ways of dancing old figures, and other figures new entirely to the Syllabus. More and more this Syllabus is starting to become accepted around the world.

New Standard Figures

Below is a list of the Standard figures found in the WDSF Syllabus that were entirely absent from the ISTD Syllabus.

Some of the more exciting highlights are that Promenade Position is now allowed in Quickstep, starting in Silver, and that everyone's favourite line figure, the Throwaway Oversway, is now available in Gold Viennese Waltz. Also, certain figures like the the Outside Change, and the Quick Open Reverse are long overdue being added to certain dances.

New Latin Figures

Below is a list of the Standard figures found in the WDSF Syllabus that were entirely absent from the ISTD Syllabus. Much of the WDSF Syllabus was based on the original Latin technique book, written by Walter Laird.

The most exciting change is the inclusion of the Advanced Sliding Doors in Rumba. So few couples dance it the traditional way, most people don't even know what the traditional way looks like (see for yourself here). It's also interesting to see the Sugar Push accepted into Jive. Traditionally a West Coast Swing figure, it was used often as an advanced variation, giving smoothness and dynamic to an almost over the top dance.

Check the Rules of the Competition before Dancing these Figures

While it is exceedingly rare to find a competition that doesn't abide by the ISTD Syllabus, most non-WDSF competitions don't allow the WDSF Syllabus, although more and more are allowing it each year. Always check the rules of the competition before using a new Syllabus.