Dancesport: Competitive Ballroom Dancing

Glamorous costumes, beautiful music, appreciative audiences… the world of competitive ballroom dancing is one of extremely skillful athleticism combined with excitement and romance. However, there is no mistaking the high level of hard work and training that is evident in every step and spin performed on the ballroom dance floor. Advancement within the realm of dancesport requires dedication and commitment to the craft.

The name "dancesport" specifically refers to competitive ballroom dancing, in contrast to social or exhibition dancing. The name was invented to help gain Olympic recognition, and applies to both individual couples dancing and formation dance. Dancesport includes the International Style (also called Standard or Modern Ballroom Dancing), and Latin Dancing. Competitive ballroom dancing events are sanctioned and regulated by national and international governing bodies such as the World Dance Council (WDC), and the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF).

These organizations regulate both professional and amateur dancesport, and provide rules for competitions that are lengthy and detailed. For instance, music for competitions is kept confidential until the event, and dancers must follow a strict tempo. The length of couples dances must be at least 90 seconds, and no longer than 2 minutes. International Style dances are open to choreography within the limits of the traditional style of the dance. Lifts are not permitted, except for Show Dance titles. Couples are judged under the skating system, marked by timing, footwork, rise and fall, alignment, direction and floor craft.

Competitive ballroom dancing most often includes two categories with ten specific dances. International Standard Ballroom dances include the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep. International Latin Dances refer to the Samba, Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.

In ballroom, men typically wear evening dress including coattails, waistcoat and bowties, while the women wear full evening gowns. Partners remain in a closed position throughout the dance, with movements that are elegant and sweeping. Dances progress counter-clockwise in a line around the floor. Latin dancing displays men in tight fitting costumes, with the women also in sultry, form revealing styles that allow greater freedom of movement. Dances are more overtly sensual, and couples' positions may be closed, semi-open or open. Choreography is important and includes a lot of hip action, ballet and athletic maneuvers, and dancers are not required to move in any pattern on the floor.

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