Competitive Ballroom Dancing 
A Guide for Beginners

DanceSport

Ballroom dancing can be a competitive sport with specific rules, structures, and judging criteria or social. What styles and levels  of dance are typically offered in a ballroom dance competition.

Dance Styles

American Rhythm

• Cha Cha
• Rumba
• Swing
• Bolero
• Mambo

American Smooth

• Waltz
• Tango
• Foxtrot
• Viennese Waltz
• Peabody

International Latin

• Cha Cha
• Samba
• Rumba
• Paso Doble
• Jive

International Standard

• Waltz
• Tango
• Viennese Waltz
• Foxtrot
• Quickstep

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.

 

Club Style Dances

• Hustle 
• West Coast Swing
• Argentine Tango
• 2 Step
• Night Club 2
• Salsa
• Bachata
• Triple 2
• Merange

Skill Levels

Syllabus or Closed Levels

• Newcomer
• Intermediate Bronze
• Full Bronze
• Beginner Silver
• Beginner Silver
• Intermediate Silver
• Full Silver
• Beginner Gold
• Intermediate Gold
• Full Gold
•  

Open Levels

• Bronze 
• Silver
• Gold

Proficiency

Contestants may choose to not receive a placement but rather a grade or numerical score evaluating their skill.