How To Get Started in Competitive Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing used to be seen as simply a social activity. During classic times, parties meant dancing at the ballroom. Today, though, ballroom dancing has evolved as a competitive sport. It is even included in the events of the Olympics as dance sport. Here, different styles of ballroom dancing like Cha-cha, Tango, Salsa, and Rumba are the main event.

So you already have your best dancing shoes and a matching costume, and you've chosen music for cha-cha, tango, and swing. You think you are for a competitive ballroom dancing? Before entering the dance floor, you may want to consider the following.

Learn the basics. Getting into a competitive ballroom dancing means learning the basics of all the styles: Cha-cha, Tango, Swing, Rumba, and more. Learn one style at a time as you cannot learn them all at one sitting. Have a great deal of patience and practice every day to cover the basic moves.

Choose a dance instructor you are comfortable with. Ballroom dancing also involves trust. Trusting each other will bring out the best moves for both of you. There are routines that will involve lifting so you had better be prepared for close contact. It is also the foundation of a good chemistry. Instructors are professional, so you need not worry about any inappropriateness. Just enjoy dancing with each other.

Ballroom dancing is a team effort. Ballroom dancing is done with partners. So while you have to master the moves, you and your partner should jive also. Even if you are great individually, a dance without chemistry is also not good.

There are notions that the gents should lead the ladies when it comes to moves on the dance floor. While this is partly true, it is not necessarily the case with competitive ballroom dancing. The judges will quickly notice if the girl is just waiting for leads from his partner, and will merit negative points. This is a team effort so the outcome of the dance should not entirely depend on the guys alone.

Practice and practice some more. This sport, like any other sports, requires frequent practice in order to master the moves and the routines. By practicing, you can already picture the whole set of routines without even starting. This will eliminate waiting for leads from your partner. It is also good to practice often to develop chemistry between you and your dance instructor, and then eventually your partner.

Presentation is key. Ballroom dancing is not just about the moves. You also have to impress the judges and the audience. Audience impact is important, so you have to be dressed to impress. And you have to be expressive while you do your dance number. Feel the music while you dance. And show everyone that you are feeling it. Give that winning smile, or look angry when the music is at its most passionate melodies. Communicate to the audience with both your moves and your body language.

If you think you and your partner are ready, then it is time to join local ballroom competitions. Then you can work your way through qualifying tournaments, so that you can make your way to the top.