Let's see - 2000 CityLights ball in San Francisco. Still my favorite, for the smallness of it.

I got lucky to fall in with an instructor, who doesn't feel that he needs to take advantage of his students by charging an arm and a leg to compete.

But I wish I knew then, what I know now. How to dress, do hair, and makeup. I was hopeless.

Also, that Smooth and Rhythm Pro/Am's are typically the first events in the morning. I've been to at least one comp that I or my friends had to be on the floor at 7am.

And oh yeah, no matter how good you think you did, your first competition tape is going to be an eye-opener, if you haven't seen yourself on tape before. Remember, turning to my instructor, while watching some other dancers near my skill level, and going, "please, oh, please, tell me I dance better than that!!" He couldn't. But I'm still glad I did it when I did.

The butterflies and shakes hit me after the first dance, but you do well if your friends can't tell.

And you will wish that you had signed up for some more dances. I only did 3 dances, was done dancing in 6 mins after an 1.5 hour prep and an 1 hr drive. Was done by 8:15 am, all dressed up and nowhere to go.

But luckily, I had competition which isn't always the case.

Overall results:
(Calm and collected)
Am Waltz newcomer - 2nd out of 3.
(Butterflies hit)
Am Tango newcomer - 2nd out of 2.
(Flubbed the tango so bad, that I basically didn't care about the foxtrot and just danced it and had fun.)
Am Foxtrot newcomer - 1st out 3.


Hope this helps,
-TheDitz

What dances did you compete in ? Those that you felt comfortable with, or did you try to compete in as many dances as possible ? What about competing at different levels (newcomer/bronze etc) of the dances... would it be a good idea to give say,4 dances a try, all at newcomer level, to just get the experience of a first time competition ? I would assume that the first dance will be full of butterflies but by the third one, one would be more comfortable ?

Wow! I don't want to sound like a veteran, but I barely remember my first comp (1983-84???). I guess, as I think back, the most helpful information is knowing basically what the judges look for. It would have been nice to have had better knowledge on costumes, shoes, etc. At one comp. (Pro/Am) I went into a triple spin (already dizzy - I still haven't mastered spotting) and ended up face to face with a judge instead of my instructor. All I could do was turn around towards my instructor and just keep going. I was shocked when they called my number for first place! I'll never forget that as long as I live. A few years ago I read a website where they list all the things judges look for in a comp. It was quite informative.

Try to relax and have fun.

Don't be too hard on yourself (or your partner) over your mistakes. Nobody else knows your choreography, so don't get upset when you or your partner forgets (and they will) part of the routine.

Blair

Some questions may be:
1) Will we be dancing in only Am/Am and/or Collegiate comps?, or in Pro/Am comps?, or both? Now that the NDCA requires all Am/Am couples (except for student/student) to sign up for their membership. These questions are a must. Answers: If only dancing in Am/Am and/or Collegiate comps- you need to become a USABDA member (USABDA.org). If only dancing in Pro/Am comps (as an amateur couple)- you need to become a member of the NDCA (NDCA.com), as a student/student couple- no membership is needed, In my opinion, student/student is not suggested, as it can be very expesive (paying for each entry) and in most cases dancing uncontested and danced within the Pro/Am heats. If dancng in both competitions- sign up for both USABDA and NDCA memberships.
2) What to wear? Answers: When competing (as a newcomer)- most comps do not allow costumes- use ideas from other post(s) answers. It is very important that you find out what the dress code is. If competing from a studio- make sure that you ask or get a copy of that competition's dress code. You can also find out on the competition website. As a spectator, or when not competing- For men- I suggest a dressy casual to a shirt/tie/jacket or combination, thereof. Banquet/Black Tie evenings- wear a tux or a nice suit. For ladies- a dressy pair of slacks and top/skirt combination. For Banquet evenings- wear a nice cocktail/ evening gown or a nice suit set. It is air conditioned in the ballroom, and gets very cold at times- bring a (studio) jacket, sweater, scarf, etc. to help stay warm. I highly do not recommend T-shirts, jeans, or sneakers in the ballroom at any time. Have respect for yourself and/or studio by dressing nicely.
3) When (day(s)/time(s))do I dance? This information can be found beforehand on the competition website under schedule. You won't get an exact time, but a good estimate. This is helpful when packing for the comp, looking to sightsee, take a nap, go for a swim, get breakfast/lunch/dinner, etc. A more definite time schedule/entry times can be found in the competion program.
4) Why am I paying a certain amount to dance/compete/spectate when others at different studios are paying more/less? Answer: Ask your studio owner/director and/or instructor. You have a right to know what you are paying for and why.
Other helpful tidbits:
1) When you arrive at the competition and pick up, make sure that you go through the program and mark/highlight when you are dancing and that all of your entries are listed and in the correct age level and dance level- if not, let your instructor know which ones are incorrect. If not with a studio- go to the competition registrar. Do this as soon as possible, as changes need to be made well in advance of event(s).
2) Be in the ballroom at least 1/2 hour before your event and ready to dance. Some comps run early, and can run an event up to 1/2 hour before scheduled time. Also event times/changes sometimes change. These changes are posted in and around the ballroom areas and are noted by the MC.
3) Scores/placements are usually posted in the ballroom areas shortly after awards have been given out. Scoresheets can be copied by hand if posted on wall, or copy machine- for a small fee.

My first competition was not too long ago, but the things I wish I had known up front:

1. how to dress (what is appropriate, what's in the rules concerning clothes, what's "in", what's "out")
2. how things worked (the different rounds, the seperated disciplines, the divisions etc.)
3. what to bring (extra pins, extra panty, something do drink/eat etc.)
4. time table

That's just on the top of my head

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." - Horace

quote:
What dances did you compete in ? Those that you felt comfortable with, or did you try to compete in as many dances as possible ? What about competing at different levels (newcomer/bronze etc) of the dances... would it be a good idea to give say,4 dances a try, all at newcomer level, to just get the experience of a first time competition ? I would assume that the first dance will be full of butterflies but by the third one, one would be more comfortable ?

I was entering my first competition as a beginner, so i was only entitled to dance slow waltz and quickstep. I could also have competed at novice level, allowing me to dance foxtrot as well, but i didn't do that.
i was a nervous wreck and forgot lots of things that we'd worked on for months.
But after 3 or 4 comps i was flying, and these days i enjoy them a lot. I do all 5 dances now (ballroom only)
It's essential that you have a lot of fun. Without that, practising and competing will become a chore

Thanks for all the informative responses.
Well, so let's take this "what does the judges look for? " discussion further. Sounds like timing is quite important.
I have been to 2 comps as spectator, but only saw the professional heats. Thinking of attending a comp and this time watching the newcomer/bronze heats.
Anybody willing to give more information on the female dress code - what did you wear for your first comp and did you feel " in" or "out " ? The sort of "whats in" and "whats out" advice... or even share some makeup experiences for the first comp.

Newcomers shouldn't worry about what the judges are looking for--just stay on time. Timing is the #1 issue for judges at the newcomer level.
Dress code- no costumes- suit or tux for men, cocktail gowns without stones/accessories for the ladies.
Try to be in the ballroom as much as you can to watch the different levels-for inspiration.
Bring healthy munchies to snack on during the comp, and drink plenty of water.
Bring spending money. Stroll the vendor area.
Have a great time! don't worry about your placement, just go out there and do your best, and have fun at the same time.
My first comp was August 1989, in Greenwich, CT (FADS comp). I don't know what questions I would have wanted to know back then, but I sure would have plenty now (as a newcomer).

it's only 2 years since my first comp. So i can remember.
No matter how practised you are...being on that competition floor with all the other couples is a completely different situation... there will be someone in your way just when you want to do that special move... Only experience will help you perform to your full potential in a comp.
Top priorities are:
1)Enjoy it and have a good time
2)Look good with good posture and try to look calm and in control - smile (i used to whisper rude jokes to my partner to make her smile - - it worked, but i soon ran out of jokes)
2)Keep good rhythm - going out of time is fatal.

Judges are much more interested in how you look and in your potential to imporve than they are in fancy steps