Dancesport Competitions: how they work, how to win, how they are judged

How are competitions judged?
Judging a dance competition is not an exact science and therefore is based on comparing the dance couples and giving the higher number to the better dance couple. Adjudicators and the rules for judging – like dancing – are still evolving.

The first stage of the competition is judged by the very basics of dance such as: are the dancers holding each other correctly, do they have basic technical skills, are they keeping time with the music? Frame is how you hold your body while dancing and is one of the most important and most difficult things to keep constant while dancing down the floor. Footwork is a first stage skill as well.

The next stage of judgment gets more detailed and focuses on how the dance steps are executed, how dynamic the performance is, how the dance is characterized, partnering skills and rhythm. Floor craft is considered second stage and is crucial to keep your dancing fluid while you move around the other dancers with grace. Therefore, remember to anticipate where the other dancers are going so you don’t make any sudden moves that would hinder the flow of your dance.

The final stage is judged for the artistic portion of the dance. This section is judged subjectively, therefore, make your dance a creative storyline and express yourself as a work of art in motion.

The WDSF judging process was first used in the Grand Slam in Seoul Korea in 2011.

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The more couples in a category, the more rounds of dancing.

If you enter a competition with 100 other dance couples, there will be multiple preliminary rounds until the number gets down to 6 couples for the final. The number of dancers allowed on the floor at one time is up to the competition organizers and the organization sanctioning the event. Competitions try to stay at 3 rounds and a final round. This means that you will have danced four times by the time you got done with the final.

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How long is each dance and how will I know when to dance?

The length of each song is about a minute and a half or 90 seconds. You will know when to dance when your Heat number is called. For example the category “Adult International Standard Bronze” has a certain designated heat number. So remember your number and listen for it. There is also a written list of the Heats in chronological order at each competition, so you can anticipate when your going to dance. For example, if your heat number is 223 and Heat 222 is dancing, you will know you are next. If you are in a Pro-Am competition, your teacher will have you ready so don’t worry.

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Are there different kinds of ballroom competitions?

Ballroom competitions vary depending on what country you are in and what organization is endorsing it. There are both professional and amateur world championships regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC) or the World DanceSport Organization – formally known as the  International Dancesport Federation (IDSF). It is estimated that close to 90 countries, including the US, belong to these organizations. There are many other organizations that hold competitions as well but the WDC and WDSF are the main organizations that are recognized around the globe. Competitions can have Amateur, Pro-Am and Professional categories.

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How can I rank Internationally in ballroom Dance Sport?

To rank internationally, you will need to compete in either IDSF or WDC endorsed competitions and learn International Standard and American Latin. These styles are recognized around the world. However, American Smooth and Rhythm styles were created in the US and are not recognized Internationally. For example, the biggest and most celebrated Ballroom competition in the world is the Blackpool Dance Festival in England and America styles are not recognized at the event.

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POSITION - Perfect balance and position is important and judges look for correct posture all the time. You should therefor never stop working on position and posture.

RHYTHM – If the couple is not dancing to the rhythm or beat of the music, the skill level will be ignored. Keeping up with the beat of the music is paramont and must be adhered to with perfection if you want to place or win a competition. Music – that’s it!

LINE – The line is referred to the length and strength of the body from head to toe. With beautiful and well-executed lines, either directly or indirectly, you will be sure to make the finals.

FRAME – A regular fixed position of the hands and body must remain in frame without wavering or changing. The couple must have their arms horizontal from the shoulder to the elbow forming a straight line. The back needs to be in a fixed position with the head and should only change or move by the bending of the the knees or rotation of the hips.

BALANCE - There are two kinds of balance – a neutral and central. Central balance is when the body weight is spread evenly on both feet. Neutral balance is when your body weight is on one leg. The whole dance – is the transition from a neutral to central balance and vice versa. If a couple is not in equilibrium, the dance becomes awkward with broken lines.

DISTANCE BETWEEN PARTNERS – The distant between partners should be sufficient to ensure that they do not disturb each other. If done incorrectly, partners will not be able to find their balance and the dance will loose its smooth and gliding look while going down the dance floor.

MUSICALITY –  The movements and steps in the dance must match the music theme. For example, when the music gets loud and more theatrical, you must as well. Or when the music gets more playful, you should become part of that story line and become part of that theme as well. This is more on the professional level and is very difficult to master.

PRESENTATION – The presentation is part of the emotional and theatrical aspect of performing. For example, your dress, your apparel, your hair, shoes and other superficial things are very important when dancing competitively. So have a great attitude and above all dance like you are having the best time of your life. This attitude will will shine through and people will take notice including the judges.

ENERGY – The energy of the dance captures the audience and the most energetic couple usually wins the round if the steps are done correctly. The energy must be controlled, however. For example, a powerful movement is very useful in the waltz and foxtrot, but only if it is achieved through the swing, not just the length of stride. Movements must comply with the music.

FEET  – Your foot work is very important in a competition. Some judges focus on feet while scrutinizing dance couples so you must have your footwork precise. For example, do not let your feet lift off the floor in your Standard dances.

SHAPE – The mans shape should accentuates his partner. She is the the bouquet of flowers and the man’s job is to hold the flowers in his vase or his frame. The man can shape his partner in various ways. The standard shape is achieved by stretching  his partner up and and to the right of him. The man should be straight at all times and should allow the lady to be the theatrical part of the dance. For example, the bending and swaying should be accented by the lady while the man holds his frame straight up. Years ago, the great Bill and Bill and Bobby Irvine  showcased the Foxtrot while he balanced a cup and small plate on is head. While he shaped his partner, Bobby, beautifully.

FLOORCRAFT –  The floorcraft concept includes not only the ability to evade a collision with objects and other couples, but also the ability to dance without stopping. When dancing in public of in competitions, you are always surrounded by other couples. This is where experience come to play and when it seems there’s nowhere to go, only the seasoned dancers can negotiate and evade collision with grace and without missing a step.

PARTNER SHIP & STYLE – This is judged by how dance couples compliment each other and how they look together as a couple. This includes costumes and the behavior of the couple on the dance floor. Partnership is proved to be an important characteristic in competitions. Knowing each others steps and the dance routines are a must when competing.

Please note that one judge may be interested in technique and choreography while another judge may concentrate on artistry or composition.  Each judge watches each dance couple for only a few seconds. At this point, a strong pair can make a mistake and get the lower scores, while the weak pair may execute simple steps in perfect form and get the higher scores.

To wrap this up, dance like no one is watching and have a great time. Others will notice and enjoy watching you, as well, including the judges.

Dance Competition Software used for Scores & Results