Best comps for pro-am
- Thread starter pygmalion
- Start date
Laura
Well-Known Member
I'm very fond of the Emerald Ball. Why? Because it attracts enough dancers that there were quarter-finals in my Pro/Am scholarship event, because the floor is nice and big and well-lit, and because several US Rising Star titles are decided there so it draws a decent pro crowd for my spectating pleasure. It's one of the biggest comps on the west coast, too. These are the things that make it good to me.
Then there's the Ohio Star Ball. It has all the qualities of Emerald raised to a higher power. Personally, though, I don't like it as much as Emerald. Why? Well, it's really just logistical. Getting to Columbus from where I live takes all day, plus there's the issue of three hours of jet lag so when I get up at 8am to be ready to dance by 10am it's really like 5am back home. But that's not the organizer's fault! If you dance Pro/Am you really have to go to Ohio at least once.
I don't know how this one has been in recent years, but I also enjoyed Nevada Star Ball. It's in Vegas in August, which is supremely hot, but it's always cool inside
The year I went it was about the same side as Emerald Ball in my Pro/Am events. And since pros are gearing up for Miami, it pulled a lot of good pros that year too. I don't know many amateurs who go since it's just after USABDA Nationals, though.
As far as "exposure in the dance world," it all depends on what you mean by "exposure." If it means being seen by a variety of judges, then hitting these will definitely help with that -- especially if you're an east coaster heading to Emerald, or a west coaster heading to Ohio. But if you mean exposure to other dancers...well, it's still Pro/Am so it's not like gaggles of random amateurs or even spectators will be standing around watching your events. These comps are good for the competition, though. The year I went to Ohio my scholarship event had four rounds. The two years I went to Emerald it had three rounds. It's nice to be in that kind of mix.
Then there's the Ohio Star Ball. It has all the qualities of Emerald raised to a higher power. Personally, though, I don't like it as much as Emerald. Why? Well, it's really just logistical. Getting to Columbus from where I live takes all day, plus there's the issue of three hours of jet lag so when I get up at 8am to be ready to dance by 10am it's really like 5am back home. But that's not the organizer's fault! If you dance Pro/Am you really have to go to Ohio at least once.
I don't know how this one has been in recent years, but I also enjoyed Nevada Star Ball. It's in Vegas in August, which is supremely hot, but it's always cool inside
The year I went it was about the same side as Emerald Ball in my Pro/Am events. And since pros are gearing up for Miami, it pulled a lot of good pros that year too. I don't know many amateurs who go since it's just after USABDA Nationals, though.As far as "exposure in the dance world," it all depends on what you mean by "exposure." If it means being seen by a variety of judges, then hitting these will definitely help with that -- especially if you're an east coaster heading to Emerald, or a west coaster heading to Ohio. But if you mean exposure to other dancers...well, it's still Pro/Am so it's not like gaggles of random amateurs or even spectators will be standing around watching your events. These comps are good for the competition, though. The year I went to Ohio my scholarship event had four rounds. The two years I went to Emerald it had three rounds. It's nice to be in that kind of mix.
standardgirl
New Member
I would say Ohio Star Ball, and Hotlanta.
standardgirl
New Member
Hotlanta claim itself to be the blackpool of pro/am competition.
I don't know if this is actually a good claim, but there is one thing that I like a lot about Hotlanta. The "east vs west coast challenge." The pro/am couples for this event are nominated by judges, and then the couple either represent the east or the west coast at the competition. There is NO entry fee if you are selected to participate in this event. This is just great!
Hotlanta is huge, with quarterfinals ran for single dances. There is even a round 1 before QF for pro/am scholarhsip events! Those are just not thing you would normally see for pro/am. A lot of time, you would have like a single digit number of pro/am couples competing in any event.
I don't know if this is actually a good claim, but there is one thing that I like a lot about Hotlanta. The "east vs west coast challenge." The pro/am couples for this event are nominated by judges, and then the couple either represent the east or the west coast at the competition. There is NO entry fee if you are selected to participate in this event. This is just great!
Hotlanta is huge, with quarterfinals ran for single dances. There is even a round 1 before QF for pro/am scholarhsip events! Those are just not thing you would normally see for pro/am. A lot of time, you would have like a single digit number of pro/am couples competing in any event.
DancingMommy
Active Member
I was at the 3rd Annual Hotlanta Dance Challenge and I have to say it was HUGE. It gets bigger every year. And Eddie and Nancy are the NICEST people EVER.
If you are even remotely near Atlanta in October, you MUST go to Hotlanta.
Which reminds me.... I wonder if we can make it to Hotlanta AND SE Regionals for USA Dance?
Another good one is the Atlanta Open (don't know if it is still running or if it has pro/am, though).
If you are even remotely near Atlanta in October, you MUST go to Hotlanta.
Which reminds me.... I wonder if we can make it to Hotlanta AND SE Regionals for USA Dance?
Another good one is the Atlanta Open (don't know if it is still running or if it has pro/am, though).
DancingJools
Member
In the northeast I'd say the Manhattan DanceSport (Gary and Diana McDonald's comp) around the July 4th holiday. It's big, and draws a very good mix of pro-ams, amateurs (the usual NYC crowd), and pros.
standardgirl
New Member
Just want to make this thread alive again inspired by another thread.
I am trying to decide between USDC and Hotlanta, any advices?
We will most likely be dancig closed standard scholarships in A division in addition to some single dances and perhaps closed championships.
Anyone has been to both in the past, and knows which one generally has a bigger turnout?
I have the feeling that Hotlanta is bigger than USDC, but I am not 100% sure......
I am trying to decide between USDC and Hotlanta, any advices?
We will most likely be dancig closed standard scholarships in A division in addition to some single dances and perhaps closed championships.
Anyone has been to both in the past, and knows which one generally has a bigger turnout?
I have the feeling that Hotlanta is bigger than USDC, but I am not 100% sure......
ratherbdancing
New Member
Ohio Star Ball is one of my favorites. It definelty offers a ton of exposure to top pros and judges. It is my understanding it is the largest comp in the country.
mamboqueen
Well-Known Member
Coming to Hotlanta, DM! Hope to meet you!
Laura
Well-Known Member
standardgirl said:
You should check to see if the USDSC even offers Closed scholarships and/or championships. The year I went there were no such things -- I danced Gold single-dance events and then in the Open scholarship. There were no additional multi-dance Pro/Am "championship" events at the time, either. Of course this may have changed, check out www . usdsc . com to find more information.
standardgirl
New Member
Laura said:
Thanks Laura.
just checked the site and it looks like USDSC is offerring a new division this year - the All American Closed Bronze and Closed Silver Championship. No, there is no closed scholarships though. Same situation for Embassy, only bronze and silver championships, but no closed scholarships.I guess maybe I should pass on Embassy and USDSC this year?
Hotlanta should be a lot of fun especially considering that MQ is going!
Ohio Star doesn't offer closed scholarships or championships for international styles! hum.....maybe I should reconsider......
But I am going to be there for sure dancing amateur and collegiate.
It makes sense to do pro/am since I don't have to pay extra for my own expenses......