Module 005 – Competitive Ballroom Dancing

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

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  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 in clude 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.
 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, eac h
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
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  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
  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).

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 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.
 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

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 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 mus ic. 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 toda y.
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.
 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 dra ma 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
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 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
 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
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 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 h elped 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.
 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.

References and Supplementary Materials

Online Supplementary Reading Materials
What is Competitive Dancing?; https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-competitive-
dancing-1007277; August 8, 2017
Competitive Ballroom Dancing: A Guide for Newcomers; http://udancefest.com/guide/;
August 8, 2017

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