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

I doubt that it was disaster from the audience's perspective. My partner and I have muffed up routines so badly that we started laughing. As long as you don't show panic and no one falls, nobody will know that you made a mistake.

It isn't unusual to see newcomers have trouble hearing the music due to a case of nerves. Don't rush when the music starts, wait until you find the beat. Relax, have fun and try to think of this dance as no different than dancing at a studio party or a practice.

Blair

What I suggest doing is pick one dance grouping and do the dances you feel comfortable in. But do two levels, if you can afford it.

For my second competition, I did smooth and rhythm, and 2 levels in each. Newcomer and Int. Bronze (no pre-bronze was offered.)

For a ladies dress, what I wore for the first one was horrible. But for the second one, I went to a store that sold formals, found one on the clearance rack that had a full skirt. And had it shortened, added some long matching gloves, and DANCE PANTS! Cost about $120. Still wear it when I've gained a few too many pounds for my competition gown. Make sure that you can raise your arms above your head. For Smooth and standard, spread your legs out sideways as far as you can, bend over and stick your arm through between your knees. That'll let you know if it's full enough (watch out for the slip, why they stick straight slips under full skirts??). For rhythm and latin, just about anything off the rack will do (try to avoid black, you won't stick out), just make sure it's sexy and won't ride up on you. If it has a little flounce in the skirt, even better. Dress rehersals are a good thing.

But if you can get to a competition and watch beforehand, especially with if you shadow a competing dancer, that is the best prep of all.

And Lastly, the one thing that nobody tells you about until it happens, if you feel depressed or moody afterwards (extreme PMS??), that's okay. It's just the low that happens after the adrenline high. Been there, done that, I've heard it called "Performer's orgasm."

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TheDitz:

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. [QUOTE]

Well, interesting observation. What is the general feeling, how many dances should you compete in for a first comp ? Give all the dances that you feel confident in a try, or work on your favourites ? Did you practice a specific routine for the first comp or did you just follow the leader (more social/relaxed) and you agreed on what patterns he should/could lead ?