Competitive Ballroom Dancing & DanceSport

The Heritage Classic - Twenty-Five Years and Counting!
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, May 02, 2012 - Colin Hillary

A Dancesport Judge's View Of Do's And Don'ts
What I like to see, and hate to see, on the competition dance floor.
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, April 18, 2012 - David Hamilton

What factors does a judge weigh in assessing a couple's performance?
The criteria that a judge might choose to consider are actually too numerous to examine individually in the brief time allotted, since at least six couples are being judged simultaneously. Therefore, the judge must rely on the impression each couple makes relative to the others . The experienced judge, having seen and studied dancing at all levels, can quickly assess these factors collectively.
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, April 18, 2012 - Dan Radler

How to prepare for your ballroom dance competition
Mental Preparation before the competition, Motivation, Start your preparations well in advance, Nutrition and Diet, Two weeks before the competition, Right before the competition, Stretching and Warming up, Learn how to move on
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, April 18, 2012 - Igor Galabov

Why Should I Compete?
Anyone who has ever walked into a dance studio and peeked into the ballroom can immediately tell you the dual feeling of excitement and intimidation upon seeing a pro/am or professional couple practicing in the ballroom.
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, April 18, 2012 - John DePalma - Organizer of Capital Dancesport Championships

Sometimes a judge's score or mark is drastically different from the rest of the judges. In such cases, should there be a rule to make that judge account for his or her mark?
Answers from an Adjudicator, Coach, Competitor, and Champions: Paul Holmes, Jukka Haapalainen, Jane Edgett, Louis van Amstel, Judi Hatton.
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, April 05, 2012 - Christine Zona

When there are a large number of competitors and they are dancing in several heats, how do you call back the required number?
Answers from Organizers, Competitors, Coaches, and Adjudicators - Pat Traymore, Wayne Eng, John Swick, Keith Todd, and Rickey Geiger.
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, February 23, 2012 - Christine Zona

What is the best way to choose which competitions to attend?
Answers from Competitors, Coaches, and Adjudicators - Sam Sodano, Glenis Dee, Sarwat Kaluby, Shirley Johnson, and Edward Simon.
Added to AccessDance National: Sat, February 11, 2012 - Christine Zona

Ashley Frohlick... The Blackpool Beat Goes On
When we hear the names, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey or Benny Goodman we conjure up an image of dancing the night away to the exciting music of a live orchestra. But when we think of competition dancing, especially here in the United States, we assume that the music is pre recorded. Since it?s inception, the British Open Championships, better known as Blackpool, have always employed a live orchestra to play for the competition.
Added to AccessDance National: Mon, January 30, 2012 - Christine Zona

LineDanceSport. Taking A Step Beyond Social Dance.
Until recently, linedancing has been thought of as mostly a social activity taught in churches, clubs and a few dance schools. But for some students, it's steps and patterns have led to an interest in Ballroom dancing; making it much easier for them to learn new skills.
Added to AccessDance National: Fri, January 27, 2012 - Melva Gail Smith

NDCA Updates Age Classifications and Pre-Teen Costuming Rules
Age classifications, "a" through "f-(3)", will become effective on the individual's actual birthday. On a year where a competitor is going to move from one classification to the next they may make this change anytime during a 60 day period that begins 30 days prior to their birthday and ends 30 days following there birthday.
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, January 26, 2012 - The Emerald Ball

The Look
Aside from the obvious - skill, posture, knowledge ? judges want to see a total "look." A look is the total package, meaning a costume that is professionally made, fits properly and is age appropriate. There are ways to achiev
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, January 12, 2012 - Lisa Bentley

How do you deal with pre-performance jitters?
If there was a big competition coming up I was better if I did something completely different the day before. I found if I went out social dancing and just had fun, I was more relaxed the next day. Also, I truly took the time to warm up my muscles, and I developed a system. The process of repeating that system had a calming effect on me.
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, January 12, 2012 - Christine Zona

What should I do if I am dancing an in house showcase? Should I change anything from when I dance a regular competition?
The makeup used for a competition is much heavier due largely to the intense lighting and the distance between you and your viewing audience. A studio's lighting is much different. Softer lighting helps hide flaws and your setting is much more intimate.
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, January 12, 2012 - Lisa Bentley

What to Wear, What to Wear??
Your dancing speaks volumes, but your costume can also affect the judge's final decision. I have seen many a great dancer in the wrong costume and it was terribly distracting!
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, January 12, 2012 - Lisa Bentley

Corky Ballas... Pro/Am Dancer To Professional British Champion
There probably isn't a single competitor around the world that doesn't know the name Corky Ballas. And with good reason. He has won titles all around the globe. He started dancing ballroom as an amateur in a pro/am partnership... just as many other dancers have done. Some of us remember his first appearance on PBS in the early 80's dancing a Samba with his teacher. He certainly made quite an impression!
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, January 12, 2012 - Christine Zona

Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin... Starting A New Chapter
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin, the 1995 United States Latin American Champions, captured the title through hard work and perseverance, but this is merely a small part of their incredible journey. Their careers have crossed over into many other dimensions, including movies, music and fashion.
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, January 12, 2012 - Christine Zona

In addition to practice is it important for dancers to do other things if they want to compete successfully?
"I think going to a ballet class or a flamenco class, jazz, tap all those other forms are extremely important. For a workout it's best to do what you're doing, five or six rounds a day not going to the gym or running or swimming. It's a different set of muscles..."-Corky Ballas (Coach and Adjudicator)
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, January 12, 2012 - Christine Zona

What do competitive dancers do for relaxation?
"We go to the theatre to see any type of performance, but mainly musicals or dance We visit art galleries, walk in a park, spend an evening with friends, cook, eat, listen to music, go DANCING, go to a concert, sleep, read, take a bath, sit and have a coffee, do a relaxation exercise, go to a football match." - Jukka Haapalainen (1997 World Professional Latin Champion)
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, January 12, 2012 - Christine Zona

If people keep telling a couple they look great but they never move up in the rankings what should they do?
"You have to ask yourself a few questions. Are you practicing enough? Have you asked your coaches for their honest opinion? Are you constantly improving your mind set?"-Maja Servé (Coach and Adjudicator)
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, January 12, 2012 - Christine Zona

Cheryl Burke: The Basics of Dance
With the 2011 Ballroom Dance Championships just ahead, it is never too late to think about how to polish up our steps and overall appearance. While nothing takes the place of mastering proper dance skills, you may be amazed at how a few simple tips c
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, December 22, 2011 - Melva Smith

Cheryl Burke: Entering First Competitions
Nationals are quickly approaching once again, and the thoughts of those new to Ballroom Dancing may be focused on questions concerning when they will know they are ready to compete. New dancers may be ready to enter their first competition quicker th
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, December 22, 2011 - Melva Smith

Beyond Individuals
As the couples line up in matching brilliantly styled, sequined dresses and shirts, the college-aged crowd waits expectantly. The girls all match each other - not a freak accident requiring a frantic change of wardrobe - and the guys, though differi
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, December 21, 2011 - Ivor Lee

Batons and Ballroom
The United States was awarded the hosting of the 2011 World Baton Twirling Federation International Cup August 4-7 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA at the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena.
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, December 21, 2011 - Michael Mecham

Beyond The Physical
After dancing together for a couple of weeks, months or years, you and your partner have finally decided to compete for the first time.
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, December 21, 2011 - Daphna Locker, Ph.D.

Amateurs vs. Pros, How different are they really?
Let's look at a couple of stereotypical views. The first is that Amateurs of all ages are hobbyists who dance just for fun, who dance in their spare time and do not earn an income from their hobby.
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, December 21, 2011 - Michael Mead

The Making of National Champions
For many new dancers, competing in the Nationals is a goal, but when Nancy Davis began taking dance classes at Ballroom East, she had never heard of Ballroom dance competition. She had no idea that one day she too would be dancing at the Nationals.
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, December 21, 2011 - Melva Smith

Accessorizing Your Costume
If you attended the 2009 Derby City Dancesport Championships, you couldn't help but notice the many vendors that assist competitors in completing the look of their costumes.
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, December 21, 2011 - Melva Smith

Helpful Advice from Two Judges in Dancesport
At the time of this writing the 2009 Derby City Dancesport Championships was about a week away, and many of our dancers were preparing for the event by perfecting their steps and styling. So, what exactly are some of the important things the judges w
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, December 21, 2011 - Melva Smith

Kiki Nyemchek & Ted Volynets Recaps Season 13 of Dancing With the Stars With American Dancer
USA Dance members Christopher ?Kiki? Nyemchek and Teddy Volynets just finished their second season as part of the Dancing With the Stars professional troupe. 
Added to AccessDance National: Mon, December 19, 2011 - Michael Mecham

Musical Chairs
For dancers, injury is their greatest fear, but for the injured and disabled, Aubree Marchione believes their greatest hope is dance. Marchione has been teaching and participating in wheelchair ballroom for years, and is testament to its advantages,
Added to AccessDance National: Mon, December 19, 2011 - Jillian Zacchia

Ted Volynets: Student - Dancer - And Reality TV Star on Season 13 Dancing With the Stars
Ted Volynets began dancing at the age of 11.  He studied under Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy.  Four times a week he would make the hour and a half drive to their studio and then back home.  Ted has competed in ballroom competitions all ove
Added to AccessDance National: Mon, December 19, 2011 - Michael Mecham

WDSF World Championships
Thirty-four couples from over 40 countries took to the hardwood at the Luwan Stadium in Shanghai.  The world?s all-around best dancers faced off in the competition, demonstrating highly-trained skills in both the Latin and Standard dances.
Added to AccessDance National: Mon, December 19, 2011 - Jean Stoddard

"I'm a guy! Won't I look funny wearing make up?"
I suspect most guys have the same reaction when it comes to their girl and her beauty business, but tell a guy to WEAR make up. However, if you are a competitor looking for better results and fewer comments about grooming, then you should consider taking a peek into your partners' beauty bag.
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, December 15, 2011 - Lisa Bentley

Brian and Carmen... Short Road To The Top
Talk about a winning lineup: U.S. Open Champions; European Champions four times; International Champions twice; U.K. Champions twice; German Open Champions three times and World Champions four times. In fact, in the three years Brian Watson and Carmen Vincelj have been together, there have only been three competitions where they have not placed first.
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, December 15, 2011 - Christine Zona

"Oh, no! There is no one at the competition to do my hair! What should I do?"
This is a dilemma that has sent women of every age into the hissey fit of all hissey fits followed by a total melt down complete with sobbing and sniveling comparable to that of a 4 year old. You will be fine! Here are some ideas for different types of hair that are easy. They won?t go in the record book for the most fabulous do of all times, but they will get you on the floor in a respectable manner.
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, December 14, 2011 - Lisa Bentley

Larry Dean Live
He trained at night after working his full-time day job. He rode to the studio on his bicycle, his dance shoes safely under a poncho.
Added to AccessDance National: Mon, November 28, 2011 - Alex

Rave Reviews : LARRY DEAN LIVE
Talking to Larry Dean is like living the history of Ballroom in Quickstep time! I was on the edge of my seat, drawn to his tremendous energy. It was thrilling to learn how his commitment to the industry had grown into the Triple Crown and Crown Jewel competitions.
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, November 09, 2011 - Alex

Invigilation - What Is It & Why Should I Care?
This is a Q and A with Donna Edelstein, coach, championship adjudicator and invigilator. This issue centers on the importance of basics. Donna will be invigilating the United States Dance Championships in Orlando for the second time. We thought we'd catch up with her to find out more about invigilation.
Added to AccessDance National: Tue, August 16, 2011 - Donna Edelstein

The Emerald Ball ? Old hat or the future of Dancesport?
Would it be stuck in the 90s or take us into the future of Dancesport? Read on to hear what I saw at the 2011 Emerald Star Championship. As I walked into the LAX Hilton I was struck by the excitement of the mass of competitors and Dancesport fans. They were milling about waiting for their next heat or to see their favorite dancers tear up the floor.
Added to AccessDance National: Tue, June 28, 2011 - Emerald Ball

FAQs by John DePalma
Why is the material I can dance in closed Bronze and Silver Syllabus divisions limited to the NDCA Steplist? What if I am unfamiliar with the Approved Step List? What is so important about meeting the organizers deadline?...
Added to AccessDance National: Tue, May 10, 2011 - John DePalma

Keeping In Shape Through Zumba
I magine arriving at a fitness facility where you are about to teach an aerobics class, only to find that you have forgotten all the dance music.
Added to AccessDance National: Sun, May 01, 2011 - Melva Smith

USA Dance And Special Olympics Join Forces For A Ground-Breaking Competition
USA Dance in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Special Olympics are working together to organize a ballroom dance competition to be held July 5th and 6th of this year. "Dance Notes" talked with representatives of many of the associations that have been instrumental in bringing this pioneering event to Fort Wayne.
Added to AccessDance National: Sat, March 01, 2008 - Christine Zona

I'll Take Seconds, Please!
My lifelong goal was to be a U.S. Champion. (OK, 'lifelong' since I was 18 and discovered championship ballroom dancing!) For as many years as I was old (and then add a couple) I've taught and danced competitively. A few years ago I unofficially 'retired'.
Added to AccessDance National: Sat, March 01, 2008 - Lisa Bentley

Why We Dance
A Student/Student Couple Share Their Experience And Enthusiasm. One of his favorite phrases he uses when telling other men about dancing is "where else can you go and spend time with your wife, hold her in your arms, look into her eyes, and LEAD all at the same time!" We like being able to show people that after 33 years of marriage we can still feel sexy dancing and having fun with each other.
Added to AccessDance National: Fri, September 28, 2007 - Mike & Karen Collins

Tennis Anyone?
"Why am I doing this?" you ask over and over. The answer is, "because it is fun." The dancing part is fun, the nervous part isn?t. So how do you overcome this incredible fear? You focus your mind. How do you do THAT?
Added to AccessDance National: Sun, July 01, 2007 - Lisa Bentley

A beautiful Mind (set)
I recently had the opportunity to judge a youth competition and was amazed at the wonderful grooming of these children. I saw children ages 4-5 years old through their late teens all looking like beauty queens or Mr. GQ. In an age where dressing up is wearing jeans without holes in them and actually having them sit ON the hips, I experienced a flutter of hope that maybe one day these kids might help make the world a prettier place just by being in it .
Added to AccessDance National: Tue, May 01, 2007 - Lisa Bentley

The Power Of Beauty
"Mirror, mirror on the wall..." We've all asked that question at least once in our lives if not more than once a day! I, myself, have had delusions of grandeur only to be told (at a very tender age ? I must say) 'you are NO beauty queen!' Well! Shock and crocodile tears behind me, my quest for beauty has become a career!
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, March 01, 2007 - Lisa Bentley

Before and After
Several years ago, my partner and I were told by our coach that we were not to dress "too casual" at any competition, i.e. no jeans, shorts, anything with holes in it, etc. His point was for us to present ourselves in the best possible light at all times when in front of the judges and that included just walking around the hotel. The judges are watching, and notice many things you probably don?t even think about, or regard as inconsequential. Dress for success both on and off the floor.
Added to AccessDance National: Mon, May 01, 2006 - Lisa Bentley

This is my first competition. What do I need to know?
This is a broad question! Your teachers have done a most excellent job of getting your dancing ready or else you wouldn't be going in the first place! As a competitor of many years, I learned by trial and error. It?s hard to plan when you don?t know what to plan for, so I?d like to pass along a few words of advice and a small check list.
Added to AccessDance National: Sun, January 01, 2006 - Lisa Bentley

How Competition Dancing Has Changed My Life
The Winner Of The First Ever Emerald Ball Essay Contest. For the first time in my life, I am doing something for the sheer joy of doing it. Don't misunderstand, good marks do make me want to celebrate, but I'm not dancing to gain approval from judges or anyone else. I'm not dancing for anyone but me. I'm dancing because I want to, because it makes me smile, because I love it. I love it when the music seems like a live thing that carries me across the floor.
Added to AccessDance National: Fri, March 05, 2004 - Lynn Moreland - Houston, Texas

Richard Douglass... Simplifying Competitions With CompMngr
Richard Douglass has made an incredible impact on dancesport. He competed with his wife Elizabeth in the amateur standard division for years, but that?s not what he?s most known for. His true claim to fame lies behind the scenes.
Added to AccessDance National: Sat, November 01, 2003 - Christine Zona

On Deck With Yolanda Vargas
In the long process of preparing for a competition, the On-Deck Captain is the last link in the chain before the dancers step on the floor. Yolanda Vargas fills this most important behind the scenes position, averaging more than 20 competitions a year. She is responsible for making sure everyone is there on time, lining the dancers up for their heats and keeping the on deck area light and cheerful.
Added to AccessDance National: Mon, September 01, 2003 - Christine Zona

Curious About Your Placement?
A Master Scrutineer sheds some light on the matter. Between the afternoon dance session and dinner, Jackie Rogers walks out of the hotel building to have an interview with us. "This is very nice," she says, deeply inhaling the fresh outdoor air, "I haven't been outside for three days." Rogers has been working as a scrutineer since the beginning of the American Star Ball, held at the New Brunswick Hilton.
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, May 01, 2003 - Christine Zona

Wheelchair Dancesport to Debut at Colorado Star Ball!
The Colorado Star Ball is proud to share with you, the world of wheelchair dancesport. Last year we introduced wheelchair dancing as a special exhibition. This year, the Colorado Star Ball in Denver, Colorado is proud to present Wheelchair Dancesport as a competitive event.
Added to AccessDance National: Tue, May 14, 2002 - Richard Booth

An Explanation of Pro/Am Competitions
Everything you've always wanted to know but were afraid to ask.
Added to AccessDance National: Fri, December 07, 2001 - Renee Coates for Dance Vision

Dancing Tid-bits: Stop and Go
"Dancing Tid-bits" Issue #60: It is perfectly OK if you want to dedicate your whole life for competitive dancing. However when this starts to impose on others in everyday and social life, I think it becomes a little over bearing. You know what I mean? If not, read the following.
Added to AccessDance National: Thu, July 19, 2001 - Max Ali

DanceSport on Lifetime TV
Monaco 10-Dance Championships
Added to AccessDance National: Wed, May 02, 2001 - Jennifer Setzer, Marketing

Courageous Comebacks
David Hamilton, Alicia Duhon, Michael and Lucy Slywka are dancers who have gone through some amazing physical challenges, and are back dancing. Their stories are as remarkable as they are inspiring, and we call them... courageous comebacks.
Added to AccessDance National: Sat, July 01, 2000 - Christine Zona

Feel the Heat - The DanceSport Champions Series Comes to Miami, USA.
So the task DanceSport World group has set for itself is this - to provide an exciting, yet short dancesport event that will give a general audience the feel of competitive dancesport without boring them with endless repetition of the same dances.
Added to AccessDance National: Mon, May 01, 2000 - Dance Beat Report by K. Todd

Competitive Ballroom, also known as DanceSport, has grown significantly over the past several years. Whether you're just starting out as a new comer, or vying for that top spot as a 10 Dance or 9 Dance champion, the thrill you feel moments before the music starts will 'get you' everytime!

AccessDance : Competition DanceSport Dance Lessons in COLUMBIA, South Carolina