Professional Ballroom Dance Competitions

Professional ballroom dance competitions have waxed and waned in popularity over the years. During the early to mid twentieth century, when Arthur Murray dance studios and others were spreading over the nation, these contests were well-attended and established. During the "disco" era, though, ballroom dance itself became less popular, and might have disappeared forever were it not for shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars. Suddenly the 21st century has ballroom dancers like Julianne Hough as household names, and the fans of professional ballroom dance competitions are worldwide.

One of the primary reasons that these competitions have become so popular is due to the combination of intense rivalry with exquisite grace and beauty. Dance is, by nature, a subjective skill, and it's certainly possible for a performer to be technically perfect but artistically poor, and vice versa. Judges in these competitions (also called "scrutineers") take all of these into account when judging at the various levels.

Professional competitors are ranked from "Rising Star" to "Open Professional," and compete against fellow professionals of their rough skill level. Often competitions are divided by age as well. By having this many levels of competitors, there is a wide variety of dance styles for fans to cheer and root for their favorite dancer or team. While the competition itself is fierce, it also ends up being a celebration of dance at all levels.

Aside from being divided into levels of skill and age, the competitions also are divided by kinds of dance. This is divided into several categories, the most common being International and American:

International Style

• International Standard
  • Slow Waltz
  • Tango
  • Viennese Waltz
  • Slow Foxtrot
  • Quickstep

• International Latin
  • Cha cha
  • Samba
  • Rumba
  • Paso Doble
  • Jive

American Style

• American Smooth
  • Waltz
  • Tango
  • Foxtrot
  • Viennese Waltz

• American Rhythm
  • Cha cha
  • Rumba
  • East Coast Swing
  • Bolero
  • Mambo

There are other categories such as "Historical Dance" (including waltz and polka), "Nightclub" (hustle, jive, etc.) and others. However, these additional dances are usually showcases in the professional ballroom dance competitions, as opposed to being the main events.

One of the other major elements of professional ballroom dances is the costuming of the competitors. Ranging from classically retro tuxedos and ballroom gowns to scandalously revealing sequin-covered bodysuits, the costumes are designed to draw the judges' attention to the individual performers amidst the crowd of the dance floor. Severe hair styles and extreme makeup, often with glitter and sequins included, round out the style and flair that ballroom dancers are famous for.

Most dancers get involved with competitions through their dance studios or through joining an organization such as DanceSport or USA Dance. The latter is actually a member of the International Olympic Committee, which now recognizes competitive ballroom dance (though it is not likely to be added to the games). Under the guidance of dance teachers, students can determine where to focus their dancing curriculum and what level it is appropriate to dance at.

Locating a dance competition is as easy as checking the Google Directory for Professional ballroom dance competitions. It lists the web pages for dance competitions all over the world, and through them information on application requirements, rules, and guidelines for each event can be found. Often the dance teachers themselves will accompany a student on their first competitive experience, in order to guide them through the exciting and busy world of dancers and judges.

Thanks to the popularity of shows like Dancing with the Stars, millions of people now enjoy the world of competitive dance. As it continues to grow in popularity, a new generation is strapping on their shoes and pinning a number to their backs in order to show their own skill and joy in ballroom dance.

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