The Ballroom and Latin Dances
In competitive ballroom dancing, there are two styles of dance - International and American. Each style has its own set of "Ballroom" and "Latin-American" dances.
International Style
Standard Dances (Ballroom dances)Latin (Latin-American inspired dances)
- Waltz
- Tango
- Foxtrot
- Viennese Waltz
- Quickstep
- Cha Cha
- Rumba
- Samba
- Paso Doble
- Jive
American Style
Smooth (Ballroom dances)Rhythm (Latin-American inspired dances)
- Waltz
- Tango
- Foxtrot
- Viennese Waltz
- Cha Cha
- Rumba
- Mambo
- Bolero
- Swing
The Skill Levels
Often when newcomers join, there is a concern about whether or not they will be at a disadvantage because they have just begun dancing. In competition, dancers must adhere to a set of figures specified by the syllabus level that they are competing in. Each subsequent syllabus level allows dancers to implement more complicated figures and techniques into their routines.
Experienced dancers may also compete in open choreography levels, which are no longer limited by a syllabus.
Syllabus LevelsOpen Choreography Levels
- Newcomer (for those dancing a year or less)
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Novice (3 dances)
- Pre-Championship (4 dances)
- Championship (4 or 5 dances)
For complete International and American syllabi, see Members.
What to wear at competition
Men’s Attire
Ladies’ AttireStandard/Smooth - white dress shirt, black vest (optional), black dress pants/dance pants, black socks, and tie. Latin/Rhythm - black dress shirt, black dress pants/dance pants, and black socks.
Standard/Smooth - calf-length dresses. Latin/Rhythm - above-the-knee dress or shirt/skirt combination.
No sequins, sparkles, crystals, or floaters (decorative pieces of material that attach from the dress to the wrist or hand) are allowed in the syllabus levels. This is to promote affordable collegiate ballroom dancing and prevent beginning dancers from purchasing expensive dresses, which often give an unfair aesthetic advantage.
