So, you’ve started ballroom dancing and have found you LOVE it! You want to show the world what you know and start dancing competitively, and you want to get started right away but don’t quite know how or what to expect from dancing competitively. First things first, ask your studio if they do competitive dance. They will be able to get you information on the pricing and help you sign up for competitions that are in your skill level.
In a ballroom competition, dancers of similar skill levels are taken onto the dance floor. The DJ plays a piece of music that is about a minute and a half long, in the style of the dance form you have chosen to compete in (for example: Cha-Cha, Waltz, Tango, etc). All the couples start dancing simultaneously to the music as judges watch and score you on your timing, posture, partnership, expressions, and overall presentation.
When getting ready for a competition, the first thing to do is talk to your instructor. Tell them that you are interested in competing and then talk about which styles of dance you want to compete in. All the dances you see in a competition are rehearsed which means your instructor will choreograph something on your skill level for you to learn. This is what you will be practicing in your private lessons. Practice is when you work on your form, technique, musicality, and choreography.
Some practices will seem harder or more stressful than others. Just remember, those private lessons are when you are getting ready for the competition. It’s the “work hard” time. Don’t give up, and if a part of the dance seems extremely difficult or you feel like you are not getting the moves after a few private lessons, talk to your dance instructor. They can either switch it up or spend some time just focusing on that series of moves.
As you practice, take your time seriously and trust that you are preparing/prepared for the competition. When the time comes to dance for the judges you can go out, dance confidently, and just have fun!
There is usually a dress code based on what level you are dancing in. Ballroom is formal, and some styles have a specific style that is required of the dancer. Make sure to go over the dress code with your dance instructor and read the rules so you do not get disqualified/points deducted.
Here is a brief list of what to do/expect on the day of competitions:
Have fun competing. Don’t get caught up with the technicalities or perfection. Just have fun dancing! Use the practices to work hard and the competitions to have fun, and trust that you are prepared for the competitions.
Just because the competition has started you are not going to magically learn a lot of new things: dance what you’ve learned, and be confident in your abilities. (Some wise advice I received at an audition.)