Competition Dance Styles

People get into competitive dance for different reasons. People dance at weddings, because of their ethnicity, or simply because they want to exercise and be really good at something. Whatever the reason is, can be just a hobby or a competitive sport

Competitions are very broad in type. They can range from winning $50 at your local bar, to the more formal international competitions which require hours upon hours of discipline, dedication, and practice. These competitions are for dancers that are very serious about their art.

Your journey through the world of competitive dance will most likely begin in your teacher’s dance studio. Even Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly were taught by someone at first. You participate in local competitions held throughout the year, and if you win you move up to the next level competition until you are at the state, national, and international contests.

There are many things that are required to be a successful competitive dancer. You will have to pay entry fees, travel expenses, and hundreds to thousands of dollars on amazing costumes. You will spend of love of time developing your routines and practicing them with your partner. You have to have to love to dance and have the discipline to compete.

Dancing is an art form, not a science, and the greatest dancers have it within them to dance. You can learn to do the steps perfectly, but that may not be enough to be a good dancer. Dancing is not about how complicated the steps are, it is about making the most difficult steps like light and easy.

There are different categories for competitive ballroom and latin dancing. You will compete based on age, style of dance, and level. There are lists of moves that you have to avoid. The only category that allows lifts is theater arts. There are 10 International Style categories: five International Standard: Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep, and five International Latin: Cha-cha-cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive. The American Style includes four American Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and five American Rhythm: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo categories. You will be judged by a panel that consists of great dancers that have won championships in their past.

Esther has been dancing for 25 years and runs a successful ballroom and latin dance studio in the heart of times square. Make sure you see her advice on becoming a competitive dancer How to Dance Competitively

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