1. What local competitions are coming up that I can watch or participate in?

Competitions in the Pacific Northwest for 2008 are:

You do not need a partner to participate in informal local jack & jill dance contests, like we host at our weekly Sunday night dance parties.
To compete in any of the above-listed competitions, you need a partner.
When you compete with a friend or significant other, this is called an "Amateur" couple, and you can enter amateur competitions.
If you do not have an amateur aquaintence to compete with, you can compete with your teacher -- this is called a "Pro-am" couple, and you can enter pro-am competitions. Amateurs usually have to pay their teacher, to be able to compete pro-am with them.

3. Am I too old (or too young) to compete?

The youngest competitors begin at 4-5 years old. There is no age limit, you are never too old to compete.
Amateur and Pro-Am competitions usually offer different age categories.
USA Dance sanctioned competitions offer the following age divisions: Pre-Teen I (9 & younger), Pre-Teen II (10-11), Junior I (12-13), Junior II (14-15), Youth (16-18), Adult (19+), Senior I (35+), Senior II (45+), Senior III (55+).
NDCA sanctioned competitions offer additional age divisions, which usually vary per competition. Check each competition's entry forms to see which age division you fall within.

4. How skilled do I have to be to compete?

Competitors begin in the 'newcomer' division. There are 7 levels of difficulty in competition, in order of proficiency ranging from newcomer, bronze, silver, gold, novice, pre-championship and championship.
Newcomers will be expected to dance at least one dance in their chosen style (usually a waltz for International Standard or American Smooth, or cha cha for International Latin or American Rhythm).
To compete successfully in the newcomer division, you should be sufficiently skilled to dance at least figures in your chosen style.

5. How do I prepare for competition?

6. What dances can I compete in?

Dancesport is primarily divided into 4 categories: International Standard (waltz, tango, viennese waltz, foxtrot, quickstep)
International Latin (cha cha, samba, rumba, paso doble, jive)
American Rhythm (cha cha, rumba, east coast swing, bolero, mambo)
American Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot, viennese waltz)
Most NDCA and non-sanctioned competitions also offer 1-dance events in a wider variety of styles including but not limited to nightclub two step, salsa, country two step, and more.
Beginners start by entering a category called "newcomer." The newcomer category usually only requires the competitor to do one dance -- usually waltz for standard or smooth and cha cha for latin or rhythm.

7. What category should I enter?

You should enter the "newcomer" division for your first competition. If the event offers age divisions, enter under your appropriate age division (eg: a 60 year old couple would probably enter "Senior Newcomer"). If the entry form is confusing (it usually is your first time!) ask your instructor for help.

8. What should I wear to compete and where can I buy a ballroom or latin dance costume?

9. What is a competition like?

A) Couples must pre-register to compete, most competitions do not allow last-minute entries. Entry deadlines are published on each competitions website or entry forms.
B) Competition range in size from 20-2000 competitors. There are some similarities between small local competitions and major national or international competitions. The similarities are as follows:
C) Especially in smaller competitions, it is possible you will be the only couple competing in your category. This is called an "uncontested event" which you usually automatically win, although you still must dance your heat.
D) In large international competitions, you could have 200+ couples in your category. In this case, elimation rounds are held. In each round, 1/2 the floor is elimiated. The top 1/2 of the dancers return to the floor to re-compete. And again: 1/2 the floor is elimiated. This elimination process continues and couples re-dance until the competition is narrowed down to the top 6 couples. It is only the top 6 couples who recieve a 'placing' (1-6).
E) When you arrive, check in with the "Registar" usually at the front reception area table. They will give you a paper number to pin on the man's back. This number is how judges will identify you on the floor.
F) Double-check with the register (and buy a program) to find out what time(s) your event(s) run.
G) Couples are expected to be in the ballroom, dressed and ready for competition 1/2 hour before their event begins.
H) Usually 5 minutes before your event begins, a "Deck Captain" will call your heat to the "On Deck" area. The "On Deck" area is just off the corner of the dance floor, where competitors are expected to line up before their event. Line up in numerical order (based on the number on the man's back).
I) Couples are divided into heats. A maximum of 12 couples will compete on a single dance floor at any given time.
J) Multiple heats might dance on the floor at one time, if there are only a few entries in your category. But you will only be judged against couples in your own category (eg: Adult A Bronze International Latin).
K) As your heat begins, you will be called to the floor by number. Walk to the middle of the floor, and place yourself where you'd like to begin your dance. Begin dancing when the music starts, and finish dancing when the music ends.
L) If you are competing against more than 8 couples, you will likely have to wait to see if you are "Called Back" for the final round. If you are one of the top couples, make sure to be back in the ballroom in time to re-dance your final round.
M) Couples are expected to stay in costume until they recieve their awards. Awards are handed out in the middle of the ballroom floor. Wait for your number to be called and walk up to the official to recieve your certificate/ribbon/medal/trophy. Prizes vary at each competition. Cash prizes are rare.

10. What shoes should I wear and where do I find them?