DanceSport is what used to be referred to as competitive Ballroom Dancing. This glamorous and exciting leisure activity has been renamed to suit its modern image as a demanding sport.
Its characteristics consist of physical strength, agility, co-ordination, stamina, high level of fitness, discipline, teamwork, grace, style and musical interpretation. It is now recognised by the International Olympic Committee as a sport and is expected to eventually be included in the Olympic program. It was featured in the closing ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. DanceSport provides opportunity for developing athletic discipline of body and mind and as well as artistic creativity through musical interpretation, costume design and choreographic programming.
Participants usually commence their training in Social Dance Classes. These are fun for all ages and provide the additional advantage of meeting people while participating in a ‘fitness’ activity. Students who wish to take their dancing a little more seriously may progress to Medal Classes. They study more technical aspects of dance and achieve formal recognition of their achievement from bronze medal to higher level awards.
If the desire to compete against other dancers develops, then it’s time to find a suitable partner and enter the many competitions and championships registered with DanceSport.
Social Dancing
Whether you want to meet new friends, enjoy a different type of exercise, or you’re looking for a great night out, Social dancing is perfect for people of any age – male or female.
Most NSW dance studios offer group classes, private lessons and some hold social dances. You can participate as an individual, a couple or in a small group. Classes can start from as little as $5 but the cost of tuition does vary from studio to studio and from city to country areas.
Medal Dancing
If you have completed an elementary Social Dance programme, and feel you want more of a challenge, then try a Medal Dancing Course. Participating in Medal Dancing develops better technique and improves your skill.
Most Dance Studios set their pupils goals to strive for, by providing a choice of Medal and Trophy awards. The progression from Bronze to Silver and then Gold (carrying lower or higher achievements awards), will give you the incentive to improve your dancing skills.
With or without a partner – at any level – Medal Dancing is fun, good exercise and provides you with a greater sense of achievement.
Competitive Dancing
When you’ve completed Social or Medal dancing and you’re ready for something a little more glamorous and exciting – it’s time to get competitive.
Over its 60 year history, competitive Ballroom Dancing, has evolved to become the new glamour sport, and has achieved world wide recognition – as DanceSport.
DanceSport caters for all ages.
- Juvenile (under 13 years)
- Junior (13-15 years)
- Youth (16-19 years)
- Adult (16-34 years)
- Masters 1 (35-49 years)
- Masters 2 (50+ years)
- Professional (16 years and over)
There are 3 styles of dance which consists of:
- Modern/Standard: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz & Quickstep
- Latin American: Samba, Cha Cha, Jive, Rumba & Paso Doble
- New Vogue: eg. Swing Waltz, La Bomba & Gypsy Tap
Starting at Level 1, you progress through to Level 5 and then on to Professional at your own pace. Competing in DanceSport can not only take you all over the world, it can also bring world wide recognition.
DanceSport does wonders for your social life, and enables you to be more creative, through working with music, costume designs and choreographing routines.
So whether you compete for fun and personal satisfaction, or pursue your ambitions to an elite Amateur or Professional status, DanceSport is an exciting and rewarding pastime and competitive sport.
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