Competing 101

Types of Dances

There are nineteen competitive ballroom dances, divided by nine American and ten International styles. The Rhythm and Smooth categories divide the American style, while Latin and Standard categories divide International.

American Smooth
Foxtrot
Tango
Viennese Waltz
Waltz
American Rhythm
Bolero
Cha Cha
Mambo
Rumba
Swing
International Standard
Foxtrot
Quickstep
Tango
Viennese Waltz
Waltz
International Latin
Cha Cha
Jive
Paso Doble
Rumba
Samba

You can find information on variations between the International and American Styles, as well as the official syllabi, in USA Dance's DanceSport Rulebook.

The Dance Floor

Couples compete against others of similar skill level in the following levels:

The Newcomer through Gold levels are syllabus levels where figures are restricted to those officially designated. Higher levels (considered "Open") do not have syllabus restrictions.

For additional information on competition, the Columbia University Ballroom Dance Team provides a great resource: Ballroom Dance Competition Guide.

For even more information on competing (and dancing in general), Ballroom Guide has a ton of great resources as well!