Competition is a big part of what we do at the club. It is not mandatory, but a lot of fun.
When and Where
Competitions are held at universities and dance studios all over the country, but our club focuses on the ones in the metro/Boston area. During the fall semester we visit Brown University, University of Connecticut, Harvard, and Tufts. For the spring semester we visit Holy Cross, Boston University, Harvard (again), and MIT. Competitions generally last one day, sometimes two, and always take place on a weekend. During the competitive season of October through March the events are generally separated by at least a week, but once in a while we need to dance back-to-back. For more information, see the Upcoming Competitions page.
How it Works
Ballroom Dance has evolved into a very competitive activity. The competitors dance in different events depending on their level of experience. The core dances used for competition are known as the "Big Six." Beyond those six, which are listed below, are more dances that are gradually added on as you go up through the levels.
Experience Levels
For your first competition, you will dance Newcomer level. After one semester in newcomer, you have to move up to the Bronze level. To be forced out of Bronze, you either need to earn points by placing in enough events, or stay in it for two semesters. Most people don't earn enough points in that time, so they move up to Silver level after two semesters in Bronze. Once at Silver level there is no time restriction. You move up to Gold only if you earn the placement points to do so. Beyond Gold are the very advanced levels of Pre-Champ and Champ, but if you're wondering about those then you probably don't need to read about it here.
The Dances
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Smooth Dances
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Rhythm Dances
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The first competition we attend in the fall semester is Harvard Beginners, and it only offers Foxtrot and Swing at the newcomer level. Once you get past that, or move up to bronze, you will have all of the "Big Six" available to you: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing. When you move into silver, Viennese Waltz, Mambo, and Bolero are added.
