Going to My First Dance Comp This Sat--What to Expect?

[TemptressToo]

I'm not competing...but I am going to my first dance comp this Saturday. I'm going to the Southern States Dancesport Competition in New Orleans, LA. I've already reserved a table for four for the evening and I'll get to watch the pros and Jean-Marc Genereaux & France Mousseau will be performing as the spotlight (whoever they are???).

A few questions...

What to wear?
What to look for (anything neat at comps?)?
What to expect?
What to bring? If anything?

Very excited,
April

[cl5814]

Temptress Too,

My first comp was totally overwhelming. I attended Capital Dancesport comp held in August in north VA area. You might find the same.

For me, the floor size, the ballroom, judges, dresses and music was all too much to process all at once. You will hear people yell their favourite competitor's number. You will also hear some nasty comments from spectators regarding dance and dresses and music etc. It is interesting to hear everyone's opinion regarding the dance, positive or negative.

Something fun to do would be to play a judge yourself and pick the top couples who you would place first through third and then compare your results with that of the judges.

The comps i have attended all tend to be more formal for the saturday evening. I think you only show respect towards the competitors with their colorful gowns by dressing up a bit. Cocktail type of dress. Beware though the air conditioning can be fairly cold in the ballroom so definitely take a jacket/scarf with you.

You will definitely leave with new dance inspiration.

[pygmalion]

Hmm.

What to wear? Could be all over the map, so I usually wear something classic that can be dressed up or down. Like a little black dress (nothing fancy, maybe a chemise) or a pant suit. Either one can look completely different if you add accessories (which you can carry in your purse LOL)


What to look for? I won't tell. I remember the first comp I went to, I sat with my teacher who kept telling me what I should be looking for and how I should interpret things. I found it really annoying. The next comp, I went by myself and shared my observations with him later. Worked out much better that way. Just my view, which may be wrong.

What to take? I always take a notebook and a camera for still photos. A lot of comps won't let you take video, but you can generally get a good shot or two with your hand held camera.

Any other suggestions, anyone?

[etchuck]

Definitely check the policy on bringing cameras or video cameras, but if you can bring them...

I'd also try to bring a small notebook and a pen/cil to try to pick out the couples you think would win, and see if your discerning eye is confirmed with the final results. With events coming in waves, you'll forget who you had pegged for a particular competitive dance by the time they announce awards.

Not to mention, if you happen to meet someone interesting (like a potential dance partner or colleague), you can jot his/her info and give him/her yours.

Of course, I never take my own advice... too busy last weekend assisting with the competition in my case. ;)

P.S. My dance partner asked what she should wear for the club competition on Friday night last week. My dance colleague responded, "Something slutty." :)

[Porfirio Landeros]

What to wear?

Wear your bond-girl dress :twisted:
(only half-joking)

Bring a (still) camera!

[TemptressToo]

My bond girl dress is super formal. I was thinking of the little red satin Chinese number or black velvet. Should I bring my dance shoes?

[Taita]

Hi April,

Hmmmm......Off the top of my head I'd say:

What to wear: I'm afraid I'm not familiar with this particular competition. If this competition is like most I've seen, I'll hazard a guess for the dress code. Dress nice. People do enjoy dressing for the occassion. Formal wear is probably not required, but flip flops and tshirts are probably innappropriate. You may see some folks in formalwear, but don't count on it.

What to look for: Professionals. Simply enjoy the artistry and enjoy the show. Enthusiasm. If you see something you really like, feel free to applaud (even in the middle of a dance!). You may see some folks actively rooting for their favorite dancers. Another neat thing to do is meet some of the pros!

Vendors. You may see vendors at this events. For me, these vendors are often a bit overpriced, however, you may get lucky and find something unique. For me, it's an opportunity to windowshop :wink:

What to expect: Overpriced hotel food combined with great dancing :wink:. Above all, A great evening out with your friends. You may want to wear 'danceable' shoes as you may get an opportunity to social dance. Get plenty of rest beforehand as sometimes these things can run well into the night.

What to bring: Some things in my 'kit' : Camera, Snacks, Water bottles. Sometimes, my partner will bring a camcorder depending on the venue(many places will not allow you to videotape inside the ballroom, so be prepared).

Anyways, I hope this helps

.....back to lurk mode

[LauraB]

I'll be there too, as will Larinda and her partner. Saturday night is formal. A cocktail dress will do. Jean-Marc and France are Canadian, and used to compete in 10-dance. I believe they were the Canadian Latin champs? They're great to watch. They put on a really energetic, fun show. You'll also see the pro Rhythm, Standard, and Theatre Arts Championships, then honor dances. If Stephen and Larinda win on Friday night, you'll get to see them do an honor dance on Saturday. :) Have fun, maybe we'll bump into each other.

[SDsalsaguy]

Most everything has been covered. Since this event has pros dancing I think it highly unlikely that video will be allowed (and violating this is one of the fastest ways to become a persona non grata in the beallroom circles).

As for Jean-Marc and France, yes, they did compete 10-dance for a little while, but they made their name as 10 times Canadian Latin champs. They put on a really great show and he's just a born comedian!

[TemptressToo]

Very cool. You already know what I look like. I'll root for you (PM me with your real name, maybe what you will be wearing, etc. so that I know who to look for).

I live in Pensacola, about 2 1/2 hours away...so it will be a day trip for me. Looking forward to getting some dancing in as I will be bringing my dance friend/partner-or-sorts (who is a former Fred Astaire instructor), another friend of mine...and perhaps her date of choice.

Planning on making a day of it. Quite excited because this is a spontaneous road trip.

[Genesius Redux]

Oh, yes, April, definitely bring your dance shoes. Most competitions I've gone to have general dancing in between the heats.

Expect hordes of vendors, shoes and gowns with lots of bling bling, videos and still photographers, massage therapists, art, you name it--if it has to do with dance, you'll find it.

People sitting around their tables cheering wildly for the dancing couples, bottles of Evian everywhere, here and there are spectators who have just wandered in from the hotel. The rhythm dancers have the wildest costumes and the most outlandish makeup--their faces painted with sparkling designs. Even the smooth dancers wear heavy theatrical makeup--so their eyes and lips are not simply reduced to a blur under the lights as they glide by.

The performances make everyone seem larger--taller, curvier, they fill up their dance space, and you're surprised when you see them off the floor at how small some of them actually are. After the competition, the show is stunning--the final number hangs in the air for a moment, and then the emcee says a few final words, the house lights come on once more, and the illusion dissolves as people gather their things, say their goodbyes, and head back to their normal lives.

I'm sure you'll have a blast. Wear something you would ordinarily wear for a night out of inclusive dancing, from swing and rumba to tango and waltz. You never know when you'll be dancing.

Have fun,

Genesius

[dancin_feet]

I am also going to watch a competition this weekend. Your replies here have given me some insight, thanks. Didn't think that cameras would be allowed in (distracting to the competitors and all) but will take mine now, just in case.

Also the comp I'm going to starts late morning and goes to almost midnight, so I was just going to wear my jeans to be comfortable for the day. Maybe I should take a change of clothes for the night session?

[Adwiz]

Most comps allow still cameras, but not video cameras. Keep in mind that it can be very tough to get good still photos unless you have a high quality digital camera and a telephoto or zoom lens, because the lighting is usually not strong enough for even the fastest film cameras.

Most daytime comp sessions are fine with jeans, but the evening sessions want you to dress up a little. Some comps have different days for Latin and Standard. I find on those evenings, most people dress in black or more skin-showing clothing on the Latin night and more formally on the Standard night. It usually is quite cool in the ballroom because they need to keep the temp down so the dancers don't get overheated.

Dance shoes are smart to bring because there is almost always general dancing between levels, but the evening sessions tend to be so crowded that you can barely move so keep that in mind because you won't be able to do high-level steps or International-style arm movements when the floor is that crowded.

Lots of people have mentioned pens/pencils already. One more thing that I haven't seen mentioned yet is that some comps are very strict about when you can enter or leave the ballroom, depending on the layout of the venue. So plan ahead for bathroom breaks.

[dancin_feet]

I didn't even think about general dancing. :shock:

Won't take my shoes as I'm going by myself, but will now be prepared in case someone approaches me! Thanks. Was looking more to pick up some styling tips the pros use for my exams and performances.

[SDsalsaguy]

Most comps allow still cameras, but not video cameras. Keep in mind that it can be very tough to get good still photos unless you have a high quality digital camera and a telephoto or zoom lens, because the lighting is usually not strong enough for even the fastest film cameras.

This really depends how close you are and what speed film you're using Adwiz. The digital angle takes care of color balance, but, as you say, only the better digital cameras will really do the job either.

[LauraB]

I believe in the general "rule" of "no jeans in the ballroom," even in a morning/afternoon session. I consider all ballroom comps to be "dressy-casual," except for the evening sessions, which usually run to "formal." You can go with dress pants, or even khaki's, but I don't suggest jeans.

[dancin_feet]

I believe in the general "rule" of "no jeans in the ballroom," even in a morning/afternoon session. I consider all ballroom comps to be "dressy-casual," except for the evening sessions, which usually run to "formal." You can go with dress pants, or even khaki's, but I don't suggest jeans.

Thanks for that. I'm a bit of a jeans girl. I tend to live in my jeans when the weather starts to cool down because they are just so comfortable. Will look at maybe a pair of pants. :wink:

[MagicFeet]

By the way I am not sure if you were serious or not about Jean-Marc and France, but all I can say is WOW! They have been my favorite dance couple for years. I have just seen them perform this weekend in Boston and took 3 lessons from them in Protland Maine this Sunday! You surely will be impressed with their dancing and will laugh at Jean-Marc "The King" Genereux ... (from one of his latest skit, you'll understand when you see the show!)

Have fun!

[SDsalsaguy]

Yup, Jean-Marc is a blast... and they're both very, very nice people.

[TemptressToo]

My dance competition weekend went well. I SO enjoyed the show. It was a bit more dressy than I anticipated. Apparently, the dressy-factor varies from organization to organization.

At any rate, Jean-Marc and France were fabulous. I was amazed at how much bigger she is than he...and still, he tosses her around. He's very much a performer...more so than she.

I loved watching the competitors. I'm always appreciative of good flexibility.

I also got to try on some pretty cool dresses. :) She said I could "play" so I did.

April

[Porfirio Landeros]

It was a bit more dressy than I anticipated. Apparently, the dressy-factor varies from organization to organization.

In my experience, you can't over-dress for a competition, even as a pure spectator. I was really looking forward to pictures of you in your Bond-girl dress between Jean-Marc and France ;););)

From a competitor standpoint, we like it when the audience dresses up because it adds to the atmosphere. We can look back at the photos and videos and see a glamorous environment. I have a few "cool" pictures with the occassional dude in jeans, so I have to bust out the photoshop and erase him.

Hope you had a good time.

[TemptressToo]

Well now I know. I do actually have several formal gowns that would have went well...I just had heard too many different opinions. I also wasn't thrilled with the idea of trotting around the streets of NOLA in a formal. ;)

Apparently that particular organization just likes to REALLY dress up. ;)

Next time...I'll fit the part in floor-length red satin.