What Is DanceSport? A Beginner's Guide to Competitive Ballroom

DanceSport is the name for competitive ballroom and Latin dancing. It is judged on technique, musicality, partnership and presentation, and it is danced at every level, from complete beginners at their first local event to world champions. This guide explains how DanceSport is organized, which dances are included, and how an adult beginner can start competing.

The two main styles

In the international system, competitive dancing is divided into two styles, each with five dances.

Standard (Ballroom)

• Waltz
• Tango
• Viennese Waltz
• Foxtrot
• Quickstep

Standard dances are danced in closed hold and travel around the floor. They are judged on posture, frame, movement and how well the couple moves as one.

Latin

• Cha Cha
• Samba
• Rumba
• Paso Doble
• Jive

Latin dances are more rhythmic and expressive, with open positions, strong hip action and more individual styling.

In the United States there is also an American style, with American Smooth and American Rhythm, which allow more open positions and different figures. Many competitions offer both.

Levels

Competitions are divided by level so dancers compete against others at a similar stage. Common levels in the U.S. are Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Open. Each level has a syllabus that limits which figures you can dance, which keeps the competition fair.

Pro-am and amateur

• Pro-am: an amateur student dances with their professional teacher. This is how most adults start competing, because you do not need to find a partner.
• Amateur: two amateurs dance together. Partnerships practice together and usually share coaching.

Events are also divided by age group, so adults compete against dancers of a similar age.

How competitions are judged

Several couples dance on the floor at the same time in heats, usually lasting around a minute and a half. A panel of judges watches from the edges of the floor and marks couples on technique, timing, partnership and presentation. In larger events, couples advance through rounds to a final.

What you need to start

• Coaching: a teacher who knows the syllabus and can build routines for your level
• Routines: set choreography for each dance you enter
• Shoes and costume: proper ballroom or Latin shoes, and costumes or practice wear allowed at your level
• Presentation: hair, tan and makeup; see our competition makeup guide

Is DanceSport right for you?

You do not need to be young or have a dance background. Many adults start competing after a year or two of lessons, and pro-am makes it possible without a partner. Competing gives your practice a clear goal, and the improvement that comes from preparing routines shows in every kind of dancing you do.

Start with a World Cup Champion

Jelena Stojkovic is a World Cup Champion, 14-time National Champion and International Winner. She coaches pro-am and amateur competitors in the Dallas area, from first-time Newcomers to experienced dancers. Learn more about our competitive ballroom and DanceSport coaching, or book a private coaching session to talk through your goals.