DanceSport (or Ballroom Dancing as the sport has been called in the past) is for some, a very competitive sport but for others it can be a wonderful way to participate in social dancing. People as young as 4 years, or as mature as 90 years, can enjoy this wonderful pastime. To dance is a natural human activity, and also with it, comes many advantages, which are:

• Thorough but gentle way to exercise your body without knowing it

• Develop co-ordination of mind and muscle

• Encourages good poise, irrespective of age

• Develops good muscle tone and gives a person that “wonderful feeling of being alive”

• Teaches participants the social graces

• Helps to keep you youthful with an up to date spontaneity

• Is one of the few hobbies that couples or friends can do together

• Is a great social asset in developing skills of communication

• Promotes confidence, self-assurance and awareness of life

• Develops artistic creativity and musical interpretation

• The competitive dancer’s opportunity to dress up and feel “special”

• Is the most rewarding way to spend your leisure time

• The best and easiest way to meet someone you are interested in

• And best of all instigates great friendships that can last a lifetime

 Social Dancing

Social dancing is perfect for people of any age. Most dance studios offer group classes usually 8 weeks at a time for an up front nominated fee. Also some studios have a pay as you go system, work out which is best for you and choose the studio that suits your needs. Sometimes there is a free lesson or a discount for the first night also. You can participate as an individual, a couple or in a small group. Cost of tuition does vary from studio to studio, so ask before you decide to take lessons. Once you take dance lessons try to participate in any social dance cabarets that the studio may have, these are beneficial for practicing what you have learnt in class.

Medal Dancing

If you are more confident, and feel you want more of a challenge, then try a Medal Dancing Course. Participating in Medal Dancing develops better technique and improves your skills. Most Dance Studios have a Medal and Trophy awards system. The progression from Bronze to Silver and then Gold, will give you the incentive to improve your dancing skills. Medal Classes run for about a 12 week term though it also depends on when the Studio thinks you are ready to do your medal exam with your instructor. After participating on your Medal Day the achievement gained in obtaining a medal is very satisfying for the medal dancer.

Competitive Dancing

Of the many people throughout the world who regularly participate in social dancing, there are some who are attracted to taking part in organized DanceSport competitions. Competition dancing is a form of DanceSport dancing that has evolved from social dancing. It attracts people who love to dance, and who have the urge to show their skill and talent in direct competition with other couples on the dance floor, and if you are ready for something a little more glamorous and exciting then it’s time to get competitive

There are two main international styles of DanceSport, they are:

• Standard (Which used to be called “Modern or “Ballroom””)

• Latin American

Separate events are held at Competitions for Standard and Latin dances as the two styles are so different. The differences are particularly reflected by the costumes worn by the dancers during these competitions. Ladies dresses worn for the Standard dances are long and flowing, to enhance the movements created during these dances and the Gentlemen wears a Suit of Tails. In contrast, the dresses worn by the Ladies for the Latin dances are designed to show the movements of the individual body parts used to interpret the various Latin rhythms. The Gentlemen wearing fitted long pants with a fitted or loose shirt to match.

Standard Dances are: Modern Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz and Tango

Latin Dances are: Rumba (the dance of Love), Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Jive and the Paso Doble (dance of the Matador)

There is also a third style of DanceSport which is completely Australian, it is called: New Vogue

Unlike the Standard Ballroom and Latin American styles of dancing, New Vogue is a sequence style of dancing. Everyone on the dance floor dances the same steps together. Thus making these dances easy to learn, and enjoyable. Many mature people prefer this type of dancing, but it is also popular at social Cabarets where there are large numbers of dancers on the floor, of mixed ages, who can follow easily the person in front of them.

New Vogue Dances are: Evening 3-step, Merrilyn, Parma Waltz, Gypsy Tap, Swing Waltz, Carousel, Tangoette, La Bomba, Charmaine, Lucille, Twilight, Barclay Blues, Tango Terrific and Excelsior

Age Groups for Dancers in Australia

DanceSport caters for all ages and is inclusive.

• Juvenile (neither partner to have reached their 13th birthday)

• Junior (neither partner to have reached their 16th birthday, the older partner must have reached their 16th birthday)

• Under 21 (Neither partner to have reached their 21st birthday.  The older partner to have reached at least their 16th birthday. The younger partner must have reached their 11th birthday.

• Adult (Both partners to have reached their 16th birthday (refer to Rule 11.11 for exceptions)

• Masters 1 (One partner must have reached their 35th birthday, the other partner must have reached their 30th birthday or more)

• Masters 2 (One partner must have reached their 50th birthday or more The other partner must have reached their 45th birthday or more)

• Masters 3 (One partner must have reached their 60th birthday or more.  The other partner must have reached their 55th birthday or more)

• Professional (16 years and over)

Each age group is further broken down into performance levels according to their number of championships or competition wins. The levels range from A Grade (the top level) to C Grade. (beginner in the amateur level). Before entering the Amateur Grades total beginners or Social Dancers can compete in a Division called Recreational with a partner.

Couples must compete for elevation marks before elevating from one grade to another. This will be common from C Grade to A Grade for Amateur dancers.

There is a restricted syllabus (which means not all dance sequences are allowed to be performed) for the following sections: Juvenile Grades Junior, Adult and Masters 1 & 2.

Juvenile competitors are required to comply with a separate dress code, that is they are not permitted to wear full dress costumes.

Junior, Adult and Masters Social Dancers wear non-competitive attire. who compete in Coach Recreational Events.  Coach/Amateur can wear full dress costume.

So whether you dance socially or compete for fun or personal satisfaction, you can pursue your ambitions to an elite dancer. DanceSport has the criteria to cater for all participants as an exciting and rewarding pastime, as well as a competitive sport.