About DanceSport
Competitive ballroom dancing, a variation on the more widely practiced form of social dancing, has existed for many years and dates as far back as the early 1920s. In order to better describe its sporting nature and following the precedent within other European countries, it is now referred to in the UK as DanceSport, the sport of competition dancing.
In common with many sports, DanceSport has a very highly organised international structure, with competitions throughout the world, ranging from local amateur competitions to World Championships on both Amateur and Professional circuits.
DanceSport in the United Kingdom is governed by the British Dance Council with amateur representation through The English Amateur DanceSport Association for England. Scotland and Wales have their own amateur bodies. Anyone competing at Novice level and above must be a member of this organisation. DanceSport is now fully recognised by Sport England, the government agency responsible for developing a world-class community sports system.
The rules for DanceSport can be complex however the DanceSport Academy ensures that it is fully conversant with the rules and will provide information as part of its training. As always we want all our dancers to comply fully with the rules of the sport. If you have any doubts you should speak to the Academy who will provide you with an explanation
The Dances
DanceSport consists of two distinct styles:
Modern (or 'Standard' as it is now known internationally), which includes five distinct yet complimentary dances. These are the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Viennese Waltz
Latin American (often shortened to just Latin), which also includes five distinct but also complimentary dances. These are the Cha-Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.
Age Groupings in UK Competitions
Juvenile up to and including 11 years
Junior 12 years and up to and including 15 years
Adult Age Groupings (sub divided as follows)
Youth 16 years to 19 years
Adult 16 years to 21 years
Adult 16 years to 35 years
Adult 35 years and over
Adult 50 years and over
Adult 60 years and over
When one partner reaches the age of the next level both dancers must move up if the partnership is to continue. In some cases it may not be possible without the permission of the Amateur body.