Yes, this is the same Ghostdancer from the other forum. I think you're the first one I've seen that's on both of them.

See ya in August.

Tom

"Wherever you go, you represent the team. You will talk like, you will look like and you will act like the most dignified professional in your hometown" - Vince Lombardi to his players.

Is go see a competition. Better yet, if you're thinking of doing Pro/Am and your teacher has another competing student. Tag-along to a competition, and shadow that student. Ask questions. If your heart is still pattering over competing, then you're ready.

If you're doing an amateur/amateur or student/student competition. It's whenever you both are ready.

IMHO, doing your first competition is like jumping off the high diving board into the pool for the first time. It may be scary up there, it may be an ugly dive, but once you step off the board, you'll want to do it again and again. And hey eventually, you may want to try it head first, instead of always feet first.

I'd say go for it soon. Figure the first comp
you are mostly going to be getting a feel for things - walking on and off together, showing
what you can do in 105 to 120 seconds to judges spaced around the floor, etc. It's a total rush, and totally unlike lesson or social dancing or even a mock comp in your studio. I did my first a week ago (with 2 months experience) and loved every minute of it - and we actually placed in both of our newcomer dances. But even if we hadn't, I think it would have still been the right thing to do - as long as you can do the basic dance and (for the travelling dances) follow line of dance convention, go for it.