What is Competitive Dancing?

The differences between social ballroom

dancing, competitive ballroom dancing and exhibition ballroom dancing
has been enumerated in the previous module. Bedinghaus (2016)
provided the following information on competitive dancing: Competitive
dancing is a style of dance in which dance competition is the main focus.
Couples perform several different dances in front of judges whom
evaluate and score each routine. In recent years, this style of dance has
come to be viewed as a sport, demanding high levels of strength, stamina
and flexibility. DANCESPORT DanceSport is the official name for
competitive ballroom dancing. DanceSport is a stylized form of ballroom
dancing in which the main emphasis is on performance and appearance.
In a DanceSport competition, couples dance together on the same floor
while being judged on their speed, elegance, body action, and dramatic
movements. Ballroom dancing is a competitive sport with specific rules,
structures, and judging criteria. A typical ballroom competition consists
of events in various dance styles, age groups, and skill levels. SKILL
LEVELS In a dance competition, dancers show off and compare their
skills with other dancers of the same level. The competitors are required
to perform at least one dance from a particular division. As competitors
move up in skill level, they are required to perform mor e dances in the
category level. In ballroom parlance, the term proficiency level is used to
describe the expertise with which a given couple performs—a
combination of their training, competition experience, and natural
talent. Depending on the skill level, dancers will compete in single-dance
events (one dance at a time) or multi-dance events (several dances in a
row). As the skill level increases, so do the number of dances available to
the dancers. Newcomer Dance Fest includes a newcomer level, consisting
of single-dance events, which provides dancers new to competing with a
level in which they can primarily dance with other newcomers. Syllabus
Levels Newcomer Bronze Advanced Bronze Silver Gold In each
dance style, couples generally begin at the bronze syllabus level and
work their way up through silver and gold. Each syllabus level has a list
of clearly defined dance steps, or figures. Couples competing in a given
syllabus are not allowed to perform figures of a higher proficiency level,
although couples competing in silver or gold usually include certain
bronze figures in their routines. There are also cer tain costume
restrictions on syllabus dancers. For example, syllabus costumes may
not feature shiny fabric, crystals, or decorations. Open Levels Novice
Pre-Championship Championship Dancers typically graduate from the
syllabus levels on to the open levels. At the open levels, both costume
and figure restrictions are lifted, though dancers do still use syllabus
figures along with original, non-syllabus choreography. Championship is
the most competitive level in ballroom dance. Mixed Proficiency Mixed-
proficiency events give dancers a unique opportunity to compete with
someone at a different level of dancing. Brand-new dancers can dance
with people who have been dancing awhile; people who have been
dancing for over twenty years can dance with individuals in their first
year of dancing; etc. In these partnerships, only the less proficient
partner is judged. Team Matches At Dance Fest, collegiate teams
compete in international and American styles, vying for first-place
honors and generous scholarship money to help encourage their
continued exploration of ballroom dance. Each team consists of three
couples, and each couple is assigned a specific dance in their chosen
style. The team matches are very loud and exuberant, so find some
earplugs and get ready to cheer for your favorite team! Jack and Jill Jack
and Jill events are designed to be fun for everyone! In these dances,
couples are paired up randomly and are often judged on enthusiasm as
well as technique. Dancers and spectators alike are encouraged to get
involved in the Jack and Jill dances. You never know who might take
home first place! Strictly Dances The Strictly category contains dances
not included in the core four styles of American rhythm and smooth and
international Latin and standard. These dances include Argentine tango,
lindy hop, salsa, west coast swing, etc. These are judged based on the
character and technique of each dance, which can be very different from
the techniques customary in the core four dance styles. Course Module
Judging Judges are certified by various licensing agencies. They are also
experienced competitors and instructors. Judging is both an objective
 and a subjective process. Couples are judged on their technical skill,
their interpretation of each dance, and their showmanship. In addition,
each adjudicator has his or her own personal standards. For this reason,
several adjudicators will judge each event to ensure fairness. Depending
on the number of entries, competitors may be required to compete in a
series of elimination rounds until six couples are recalled for the final
round by the judges. These six couples will be ranked first through sixth.
Competitor Participation Dancers compete in heats, which are a specific
group of competitors competing in a particular event at a specified time
(or times, if there will be callbacks). Typically, dancers will receive a
program or heat list to let them know approximately what times they’ll
be expected to compete. Dancers should be prepared to compete at least
half an hour before their scheduled heats in case the competition is
running ahead of schedule. When it is time for dancers to compete, they
will form a line with their fellow competitors in the designated on-deck
area. When their heat is called, they’ll find a spot on the floor and dance
until the music stops. They’ll take a bow and exit the floor. If a heat has a
large number of competitors, it is likely there will be a callback process
in which the judges select a number of couples to return to the floor and
dance again. This process will continue until there are eight or fewer
couples (the ideal number is six) remaining on the floor, which will be
the final round. Audience Participation Many people attending their first
ballroom event expect to find the audience sitting in serene dignity,
delicately applauding at the completion of each dance. Instead, the
spectators are yelling, jumping up and down, and generally carrying on
the way they would at any other spectator sport. Ballroom dancers
thrive on audience appreciation. Even if you don’t know the first thing
about ballroom, you still have an important role to play at an event.
Audience participation is not only allowed but is encouraged and
welcomed. Cheer, applaud, and call out the numbers of your favorite
couples. Being an active spectator ensures that you’ll have a great time!
AGE LEVELS United States DanceSport competitions are divided into the
following age levels: Pre-Teen I: 9 years and under Pre-Teen II: 10 and
11 years Junior I: 12 and 13 years Junior II: 14 and 15 years Youth:
16-18 years Adult A: 19-34 years Adult B: 35-49years Senior: 50 and
older JUDGES Judges of competitive dancing are usually former
professional dancers. They sit at the front of the dance floor and watch
all competitors at once. The judges have scorecards for each couple and
award points based on skills, presentation, and showmanship. The
couple with the most points is declared the winner. EVENTS The
following is a list of events offered at a dance competition: International
Style Standard Waltz Tango Viennese Waltz Foxtrot Quickstep
Latin American Cha Cha Samba Rumba Paso Doble Jive American
Style Smooth Waltz Tango Foxtrot Viennese Waltz American
Rhythm Cha Cha Rumba East Coast Swing Bolero Mambo
Miscellaneous Theater Arts Course Module Cabaret Night Club West
Coast Swing Salsa Hustle Night Club Two Step International
standard and American smooth share many technical principles, and
many couples compete in both styles. In standard, the couple remains in
closed dance position throughout each dance. In smooth, they dance in
open positions (side by side, shadow, etc.) as well as in closed position.
Although international Latin and American rhythm both include cha cha
and rumba, each dance style uses different technique and music tempos.
Dance Styles Some of the common dance styles used in ballroom dancing
competitions will be discussed here according to Bedinghaus’ articles
(2016). CHA-CHA The cha-cha is a popular, social Latin dance. Lively and
flirtatious, the cha-cha is full of passion and energy. Cha-cha
characteristics The cha-cha is a vibrant, flamboyant and playful dance.
The light and bubbly feel of the cha-cha gives it a unique sense of fun.
The cha-cha requires small steps and lots of hip motion (Cuban motion),
as it is danced in 4/4 time. The fourth beat is split into two, giving it the
characteristic rhythm of 2, 3, 4 and 1. Therefore, five steps are danced to
four beats. You may have heard it counted like, "One, two, cha-cha-cha."
History of the cha-cha Also called the cha-cha-cha, this unmistakable
dance originated in Cuba in the 1940s. Composer and violinist Enrique
Jorrín developed the dance as a variant of the mambo and rumba. The
name is onomatopoeic, derived from the sound of dancers' shoes as they
shuffle around the floor. Cha-cha action To dance the cha-cha like a
 professional, dancers must master Cuban motion, a common hip
movement in Latin-style dancing. Cuban motion is a distinct way in
which the hips move up and down. The hip movements mainly come
from alternately bending and straightening the knees; as one knee
bends (or straightens), the same hip drops (or raises). The basic
components of the cha-cha are triple steps and rock steps. Quick, small
steps must be maintained throughout the dance. The movement of the
hips results from the constant bending and straightening of the knees.
Dancers must synchronize each movement as they dance parallel to one
another. Distinctive cha-cha steps Because the cha-cha is similar to the
rumba and mambo, several steps coincide with the steps of these dances.
The main difference between the dances is that the slower steps of the
rumba and the mambo are replaced with a triple step in the cha-cha. The
following are a few basic cha-cha steps: The cha-cha chasse The fan
The hockey stick Manita a Mano The New York The New York bus
stop El Mojito Underarm spot turns The liquidizer The Alemana
turn El Paseo The peek-a-boo The zigzag Cha cha rhythm and music
Because of the carefree nature of the cha-cha, its music should produce a
happy, party-like atmosphere, with a tempo of 110 to 130 beats per
minute. The cha-cha is often danced to authentic Cuban music but can be
performed to all music genres, including country, funk and hip-hop. JIVE
Jive is a lively, and uninhibited variation of the jitterbug. Many of its
basic patterns are similar to those of the East Coast swing. Jive is one of
the five International Latin dances, although it has an African-American
origin. Characteristics of jive dancing Jive and East Coast swing share
many figures, as well as the same music style and tempo. The basic look
and feel of jive is that it is performed with lots and lots of energy, with
the legs portraying a pumping action. Course Module Both the East Coast
swing and basic jive consist of two triple steps and a rock step. The jive
differs in that the count begins with the rock step, which is counted "1,
2." The two triple steps are counted "3 and 4" and "5 and 6." In
competition, it is danced at 176 beats per minute. History of jive Jive was
first demonstrated by Cab Calloway in 1934. It caught on in the United
States in the 1940s and was influenced by the Boogie, Rock & Roll,
African/American Swing and Lindyhop. The name either comes from jive
being a form of glib talk or from African dance terms. Jive became a
generic term for swing in the United Kingdom. In International Style
ballroom dancing competition, jive is grouped with the Latin dances but
it is danced to Western music, with 42 bars per minute in 4/4 time. Jive
action Jive is a very happy, boppy, energetic dance, with plenty of knee-
lifting, bending, and rocking of the hips. The fastest of the Latin dances,
jive incorporates lots of kicks and flicks, even twirling of the woman, and
doesn't move around the dance floor like other dances. Although jive
dancers may appear to be moving their feet haphazardly in every
direction, the feet are actually well-controlled under the body with the
knees close together. Distinctive jive dance steps The basic jive step (jive
basic) is a 6-beat pattern: The man and woman face each other with
arms in the closed position and the man leads. Rock step (counts 1 and
2): Step one foot behind the other and lift the front foot up. The man
steps back with his left foot while the woman steps backward with her
right foot. Chasse to the left (counts 3 and 4) The man goes left, the
woman goes right. Chasse to the right (counts 5 and 6) The man goes
right, the woman goes left. A few distinctive Jive steps: American Spin
Throwaway Comb Chicken Walks Arm Breaker Jig Walks Jive
music and rhythm Jive can be danced to swing music and jump blues in
the tempo range of about 200 beats per minute. Depending on the style
preferred, Jive can be danced to a variety of upbeat music including
Boogie-woogie, Swing and Rock and Roll. The most important thing for
beginners is to get familiar with the rhythm of the music. Listen to the
drum line rather than the melody...the drum provides the beat. MAMBO
Originating from Cuba in the 1930s, mambo is enjoyed throughout the
world at both the social and competitive dance levels. The mambo is a
favorite of ballroom audiences because of its high energy level and
infectious rhythms. Reinvigorated in recent years by crossover pop
singer Ricky Martin and by Lou Bega with "Mambo No. 5," mambo dance
is fascinating and diverse. Today, the dance is making a comeback and is
performed in ballroom competitions. History of mambo The Mambo
dance originated in Cuba as a mixture of Afro-Caribbean and Latin
 American cultures. The word "mambo" denotes an African origin,
particularly from the Congo region. The mambo is believed to have been
named after the voodoo priests who thought they could send dancers
into hypnotic states. Initially condemned by churches and restricted by
authorities in some countries, with time the mambo gained popularity
and became the favorite dance style that it is today. Mambo in New York
In the 1950s, various publications in New York City proclaimed there
was an emerging "mambo revolution" in music and dance. Recording
companies began to use "mambo" to label their records and
advertisements for mambo dance lessons were in local newspapers. New
York City had made mambo a transnational popular cultural
phenomenon. By the mid-1950s mambo mania had reached a fevered
pitch. In New York, the mambo was played in a high-strung,
sophisticated way that had the Palladium Ballroom, the famous
Broadway dance-hall, jumping. The ballroom soon proclaimed itself the
"temple of mambo," for the city's best dancers. Mambo characteristics
The feel of the mambo is based mostly on forward and backward
movements. The basic components of the dance include rock steps and
side steps, with occasional points, kicks and flicks of the feet. Important
to mambo is the distinctive hip movement, hence the unofficial meaning
of the word "mambo" means to "shake it." Mambo action Some say the
mambo is a flirtatious, sensual dance, sometimes almost raunchy.
Mambo dancers appear quite passionate and seem to express that
passion with the movements of their hips. Exaggerated hip movements
combined with long, flowing movements and sharp, quick steps
contribute to the sensuous feel of the mambo. Course Module Distinctive
mambo steps The mambo uses a 4/4 beat and is similar in rhythm to the
slower bolero. The basic mambo combination is counted as "quick-
quick-slow," with the foot moving on the second beat. On the third beat,
the weight shifts to the other foot, returning to the original foot on the
fourth beat. Dancers swing their hips through each step, creating a fluid
motion and a sensuous atmosphere. A few distinctive mambo steps
include the following: La Cucaracha Manita a Mano New York New
York Bus Stop El Molinito The Liquidizer El Mojito Los Giros Locos
 Mambo music and rhythm In Mambo music, the rhythm is set by a
variety of percussive instruments, including maracas and cowbells.
Beginners may be confused by the variety of mambo rhythms, but
variety is what gives mambo its spice. The tempo of mambo also varies
between musicians, with a wide range of 32 beats per minute to a
challenging 56 beats per minute. In the past, Mambo bands would hold
friendly competitions to see who could create the best mambo rhythm.
PASO DOBLE The Paso Doble, or Pasodoble, is a lively dance modeled
after the drama of the Spanish bullfight. In Spanish, "Paso Doble" means
"two-step" and refers to the marching nature of the steps. This theatrical
dance has an interesting background that involves role-playing of sorts.
Paso Doble characteristics At its core, the Paso Doble is a dramatic
Spanish dance. Traditionally, the man is characterized as the matador
(bullfighter) and the lady as his cape in the drama of a Spanish bullfight.
The dancers may choose to enact the role of the torero, picador,
banderillero, bull, or Spanish dancer. They can also change roles
throughout the dance. Based on Flamenco dancing, the Paso Doble is
both arrogant and passionate in its portrayal. The Paso Doble is
performed more as a competition dance than as a social dance, and it is
also taught and performed under the International Latin genre, which
includes, cha-cha-cha, samba, rumba, and jive. Paso Doble history The
Paso Doble originated in southern France and began gaining popularity
in the United States in the 1930s. Because the dance developed in
France, the steps of the Spanish Paso Doble actually have French names,
which is interesting considering its Spanish roots. In France, it was
known as the " Paso Redoble." The Paso Doble in action One of the most
dramatic of all the Latin dances, the Paso Doble is also a progressive
dance. In the Paso Doble, dancers take strong steps forward with the
heels and incorporate artistic hand movements. The forward steps, or
walks, should be strong and proud. The man should also incorporate
apel, a move in which he strongly stamps his foot, much like a matador
strikes the ground in order to capture the attention of the bull. All moves
of the Paso Doble should be sharp and quick, with the chest and head
held high to represent arrogance and dignity -- again, much like a
 traditional bullfight. Distinctive Paso Doble steps The dance consists of
several dramatic poses that are coordinated with highlights in the music.
The body is held upright with the feet always directly underneath it, and
strong in posture and position. The following dance movements are
distinctive to the Paso Doble: Sur Place (on the spot) Separation
Attack Huit Open Promenade to Open Counter Promenade Spanish
Line Promenade Close Flamenco Taps The rhythm and music of the
Paso Doble Paso Doble music has strong Flamenco influences, so it will
sound similar to Flamenco music. The bold, inspiring music has a simple
1-2-1-2 march rhythm, with very few rhythm changes. The tempo of Paso
Doble music is usually a brisk 60 beats per minute. The Spanish Gypsy
Dance has become the universal anthem of the Paso Doble, though
Sombreros y Mantilles, Suspiros de España, Que Viva España, and
Valencia are common Paso Doble songs. RUMBA If you've ever watched
ballroom dancers or seen "Dancing With the Stars," you have probably
seen the Rumba in action. This theatrical dance tells a story of love and
passion between a strong, male lover and a coy, teasing woman. Full of
sensual movements, the Rumba is considered by many to be the sexiest
of the ballroom dances. "Rumba" is a term that refers to a variety of
dances or a "dance party." It is one of the most popular ballroom Course
Module dances and is seen around the world at nightclubs, parties,
weddings and dance competitions. Rumba dance characteristics The
Rumba is a very slow, serious, romantic dance that exudes flirtation
between the partners -- good chemistry makes the movements even
more impactful. The dance is fun to watch, as many of its basic dance
figures of the dance have a teasing theme in which the lady flirts with
and then rejects her male partner, often with apparent sexual
aggression. The Rumba spotlights the lady's rhythmic body movements
and hip actions resulting in intense -- almost steamy -- scenes of passion.
History of rumba The Rumba is often referred to as the "grandfather of
the Latin dances." Originating in Cuba, it first came to the United States
in the early 1920s. The Rumba is the slowest of the five competition
Latin and American dances. Before the mambo, salsa and pachanga
became popular, Rumba was also known as the style of music commonly
 heard in Cuba. Different styles of the Rumba have emerged in North
America, Spain, Africa, and other destinations. Rumba action The
distinctive hip movement, called Cuban Motion, is a very important
element of the Rumba. These hip movements and characteristic sways of
the Rumba are generated by the bending and straightening of the knees.
The intensity of the Rumba is increased by sharp eye contact that is
maintained between the man and the woman. The stillness of the upper
body, while adding dramatic intensity, also emphasizes the strong,
sensuous leg and foot movements. The basic rhythm of the Rumba is
quick-quick-slow with distinctive side-to-side hip movements. Hip
movements are exaggerated, but are not generated by the hips -- they
are simply a result of good foot, ankle, knee and leg action. When these
weight transfers are well-controlled, the hips take care of themselves.
Distinctive Rumba steps include the following: Fan Hockey Stick
Alemana Turn Aida Open Hip Twist La Elenita Fencing Line Hip
Rolls El Paseo Rumba music and rhythm Rumba music is written with
four beats to each measure, in 4/4 time. One full step is completed in two
measures of music. The music tempo is usually about 104 to 108 beats
per minute. Rumba rhythms, while once influenced by African-style
music, have found their way into country, blues, rock, and other popular
music genres. The music is sometimes enhanced by homemade
instruments from the kitchen such as pots, pans and spoons for an
authentic sound. VIENNESE WALTZ The Viennese Waltz is the classic,
original Waltz often featured in old films. The elegance and charm of the
Viennese Waltz reminds us of glamorous balls in the palaces of Europe. A
waltzing couple rotates around the floor, revolving gracefully around
each other. The Viennese Waltz is a quick, rotating dance, much faster-
paced than the classic, slow Waltz. This simplified social version is a
beautiful, non-strenuous dance that dancers of all abilities can enjoy.
Viennese Waltz characteristics The Viennese Waltz is characterized by
sweeping turns that move gracefully around the floor. This dance is
known for its simple and elegant rotational movement. Viennese Waltz
history The Waltz developed in Central Europe, originating from the
Austrian folkdance known as the "Landler." The dance arrived in Vienna
during the 1800s, then became popular throughout Europe and America.
The music of Johann Strauss helped to popularize the faster, elegant
Viennese Waltz. Viennese Waltz action The principal action of the
Viennese Waltz is the sweeping turns that move gracefully around the
floor. The rise and fall action is abrupt and shallow, and the steps are
small and compact. Dancers exhibit graceful fluency, stamina and timing
as they rotate charmingly around the dance floor. Viennese Waltz
distinctive steps The simple moves of the Viennese Waltz are comprised
of one gentle swing action to each bar of music. The dance has a
delightful, lilting feel. The following steps are distinctive to the Viennese
Waltz: Basic Natural Lilt Step Basic Reverse Lilt Step Stationary Lilt
Step Viennese Waltz rhythm and music Viennese Waltz music belongs
to the music genre that accompanied the fast Waltzes of the the
Romantic era in Vienna. The music is usually written in 6/8 time with a
fast tempo of about 180 beats per minute. Almost always instrumental,
Viennese Waltz music is written for orchestras of various sizes. Course
Module Dancers today enjoy many different styles of Waltz music, many
of which are not Viennese. The Viennese Waltz can be danced to music
that is instrumental, vocal, classical, celtic, country, or popular Top 40
hits.