Ohio vs USDC: If you could only do one which is best?

[bry_dancer]

I'm starting to get to late bronze and we are placing reasonably well in multis so looking for a big finish to the year and considering Ohio or USDC. What are the pros and cons of each and is one considered better or more prestigious than the other? Are the fields of competitors larger in one or the other? Any other variables to consider? My pro is also peaking in her professional career and will be taking a shot at the Rising Star Smooth title at USDC if that's relevant.

I am a male pro-am lead dancing smooth and rhythm competitively for about 2.5 years and have never done either comp. We were set for Ohio last year until it got cancelled. Thoughts?

 

[RiseNFall]

I would choose Ohio, though it's based on my previous teacher's experience and I'm going to be a little vague on details. After taking students to both, his conclusion was that USDC was more expensive than Ohio without delivering a better experience. He didn't didn't feel he could justify the extra expense. He did continue to take advanced Open level students to USDC, but not Bronze or Silver.

 

[scullystwin42]

I'm starting to get to late bronze and we are placing reasonably well in multis so looking for a big finish to the year and considering Ohio or USDC. What are the pros and cons of each and is one considered better or more prestigious than the other? Are the fields of competitors larger in one or the other? Any other variables to consider? My pro is also peaking in her professional career and will be taking a shot at the Rising Star Smooth title at USDC if that's relevant.

I am a male pro-am lead dancing smooth and rhythm competitively for about 2.5 years and have never done either comp. We were set for Ohio last year until it got cancelled. Thoughts?

Ohio has been one of the most prestigious events of the year, but I have heard that its star is fading slightly recently. USDC has been picking up in prestige and attendance. I will say that Ohio is a fantastic competition to compete and spectate at, great atmosphere, great attendance. I love it, and wish i could compete there every year.

I am thinking of doing USDC instead only because i have a family obligation during Ohio. I wouldn't be surprised if USDC is more expensive, most of the Wayne Eng ones are, and i know the hotel they usually hold it at is expensive as well. And it is during hurricane season :/

I'd vote for Ohio before USDC as well- for prestige and atmosphere. but in the next few years... it may switch.

 

[raindance]

In the past, Ohio was known for good sized fields for male leads (pro/am). I'm not sure if that's still the case, or how exactly that broke out for the various styles and age groups. But ask around about that specifically for both comps.

 

[Warren J. Dew]

The international style amateur and professional fields are much stronger at USDC, so if you like to watch them, USDC may be the way to go. Both are quite prestigious for American style. I personally respect the USDC more, but that's based on 1990s experience that may no longer be relevant.

OSB particularly caters to pro-am, so the pro-am fields, especially at syllabus levels, may be larger there. In addition, as a pro-am student, they may make you feel more comfortable. USDC particularly caters to national and open championship events, so I'm not sure how it would feel for someone dancing in a syllabus level.

USDC is by default more expensive; there are ways to cut costs, such as staying in a different hotel, but you have to do some research. On the other hand, at the moment, air fare to Florida may be cheaper; again, research may be in order.

Unless your instructor has a preference for USDC, for syllabus level pro-am, I would go for whichever event is less expensive taking into account travel from your location.

Disclaimer: this is based on rather dated experience.

 

[Warren J. Dew]

USDC also hosts one of the largest collegiate am-am competitions in the country, as well as this year also hosting the titling events from Provo NDCA Amateur Nationals (that could not be held in March). And this is the 50th anniversary for USDC... so the production value will be over the top.

Speaking of which, registration for amateur events was publicized to be available mid April but isn't up yet? The link at the USDC site is to this page:

U.S. National Amateur DanceSport Championships • March 10 - 14, 2026

It would be good at least to get a listing of the events that will be offered.

 

[classydancer]

Speaking of which, registration for amateur events was publicized to be available mid April but isn't up yet? The link at the USDC site is to this page:

U.S. National Amateur DanceSport Championships • March 10 - 14, 2026

It would be good at least to get a listing of the events that will be offered.

A link was posted on the BYU nationals homepage last week for the amateur championships: https://www.unitedstatesclosedamateurchampionships.com/
There is a schedule for events, but you still can’t register.

 

[Warren J. Dew]

Thanks so much! The listing of events and dances included in each event has the information I'm looking for at the moment.

Interesting that preteen I and II are combined for American style but not for International. I guess the kids get steered toward International by coaches, or coaching availability, or something.

 

[rels77]

Ohio hands down. Better competition, less expensive, great way to end the year. USDC tends to be a bit more political /hit or miss, in my experience.

 

[joy]

I've my eye on OSB this year, but we'll see how we progress the next several months.

 

[Misspendragon]

The international style amateur and professional fields are much stronger at USDC, so if you like to watch them, USDC may be the way to go. Both are quite prestigious for American style. I personally respect the USDC more, but that's based on 1990s experience that may no longer be relevant.

OSB particularly caters to pro-am, so the pro-am fields, especially at syllabus levels, may be larger there. In addition, as a pro-am student, they may make you feel more comfortable. USDC particularly caters to national and open championship events, so I'm not sure how it would feel for someone dancing in a syllabus level.

USDC is by default more expensive; there are ways to cut costs, such as staying in a different hotel, but you have to do some research. On the other hand, at the moment, air fare to Florida may be cheaper; again, research may be in order.

Unless your instructor has a preference for USDC, for syllabus level pro-am, I would go for whichever event is less expensive taking into account travel from your location.

Disclaimer: this is based on rather dated experience.

I find that with two kids (therefore three airplane tickets), and with a studio that charges a flat fee for comps, Ohio isn't any cheaper than USDC. USDC hotel is 240 a night, Ohio's Hyatt cost about a hundred less, but then I got my airplane ticket for all of us for 400 to USDC, to Ohio I would have paid over a 1000. So, it really depends on where you are flying from, how many people are going, how many days you want to stay, and how your studio charges for fees.