This new page is to invite questions from dancers considering competition dancing. Submit your questions through the form below and we will seek an answer for you. Note that we require your details for authentication purposes only and will not be published.
There is a comprehensive Rule Book for National Competitions
But that doesn't always provide the answers you want so fire them through, and be assured, you won't be the only one wondering!
We also welcome comments from experienced competitors past and present. The more input we get the better! We are here to help!
Okay, we've done some club & local competitions, how does Nationals differ?
Heats and semis are usually during the day and finals at night for couples. Same Sex & Triples differ in that they complete heats to finals in a block.
What are the main points on which competitors are judged and is one aspect more important than the others?
Great question. First a link to the Full Judges Guidelines. Briefly, three aspects of your dance are timing, harmony & variety. So, put simply, timing is the essential thing, we dance to music and must be in time with that music, also using the tempo and rhythm of the music. Harmony is how you present on the floor as a partnership, complement each other, enjoyment and the flow of your dancing. Variety is what you do and how well you do it. A mix of moves, showing creativity and excitement.
I'm a bit confused about the dress code - what do I wear, how important its it?
Well, yes it is important, not least because if you are happy with your outfit and feel good in it, then that will translate into how you feel when competing. Check Section 2 of the Rule Book 1 carefully. Some tips from those who know - competitors! Note that these notes are for dancing best dressed.
Never plan to wear gloves or hats for competition dancing, they are not in the list of what can be removed between the best dressed parade and dancing. The shoes you wear in the Best Dressed parade are what you must wear to dance in. Men - waistcoats look great on the floor - not essential, but the do keep you looking together, especially if your shirt rides up, becomes untucked. Ladies - wear full knickers, and if possible similar in colour to your petticoat. Skirts need straight hems and should cover your petticoat completely. Dark coloured socks on females can look heavy on the floor - opt for white or a pale colour. For some ideas get hold of some Nationals DVD's and see what the competitors are wearing. Contemporary prints can look great, but possibly won't win a best dressed - if that is your aim then opt for traditional patterns.
How often do I need to practice to compete?
There are as many answers to this as there are competitors! We have asked some past competitors, and have come up with a some suggestions around this. As a minimum, if you have a coach then a session a week with your coach is probably sensible, then perhaps an hour or two on your own cementing the suggestions from your coach. Note that when building your routines, sessions will be longer and as you approach the competition they will probably be shorter and more intense.
A word of wisdom from a past competitor - if things just aren't working for you at a training session - leave it! Come to the next session refreshed and eureka - everything works!
From another competitor - start early, really learning and creating moves and routines all year. Once routines are pretty much set, fine tuning and polishing starts as the competition gets nearer.
I'm a bit worried that competing will take away my enjoyment of dancing.
Stop worrying - if anything it will enhance your enjoyment. As you challenge yourself your skill and confidence will grow. Keep up the social side of dancing too - just get out and dance at hops and club nights, have fun.
Okay, we've entered the club champs, what happens on the day?
You will arrive in time to attend a meeting either with the floor manager or team manager. There you will be given a competitor number and instructions for how the day/night will run. You should have by this time seen a programme which will indicate when you will be dancing. A best dressed parade will be held at most competitions and usually before you dance. If the event it being run to national rules, the floor manager will be looking to see that you costume complies (Section 2, Rule Book A). Before your section is to dance you will be invited to do a warm up song. After the last person in the warm up has left the floor, the MC will call competitors back to the floor. Once the judges are ready the MC or DJ will announce your first song. Then you just dance and enjoy the experience! There will be a short break while the judges complete their marks then your second song will be announced. At the completion of the second song, stay where you are on the floor until the judges have completed their marks and the runners are collecting the sheets. You may then congratulate your fellow competitors. Stay on the floor until the MC asks you to leave.
Whoa, back up a minute - what songs will we dance to. Do I know before we compete?
Well, no you won't know exactly what songs you will dance to before you compete. But they will have been chosen from the National Play List. Couples dance to a slow and then a fast song, triples a slow medium and then a faster medium song. When practicing, try to use a variety of speeds within the ranges.
