Sanctioned vs. non-sanctioned comps
- Thread starter pygmalion
- Start date
superbimmer
Member
Perhaps ... depending on where you live, within the US, there is little difference, except the size of entry. Out here, on the left coast, there are plenty of NDCA comps (some large ... quite a few smaller, or barely making it). So ... USABDA (for example) only has a couple of comps each year (Northwest & Western Regionals) Not infrequently, some of the same judges appear.
From a competitive point of view, all the comps provide the same opportunity to get out and spin-your-stuff ... and often, against many of the same couples ('cause if you are into competing, then you'll take every chance) If you are a less experienced couple, then these smaller/"local" comps definitely provide a safer, less overwhelming way to get your feet wet.
One thing to consider ... if you are into those "national" pro/am series (like the "Super Bowl"), then you need to know which comps belong to which of these series. Also, if you want to compete for the US National Amateur title (USABDA) ... then going to a NDCA event won't qualitfy.
Basically, though ... my wife and I use every chance to compete, so we enter them all. Even the really small, non-USABDA and non-NDCA events. (e..i. University of California Riverside "Orange Blossom Ball") Again ... some of the same judges ... just much smaller entry! But WTH ... we look at these as a practice session, so we take much of the pressure off, and just have fun.
From a competitive point of view, all the comps provide the same opportunity to get out and spin-your-stuff ... and often, against many of the same couples ('cause if you are into competing, then you'll take every chance) If you are a less experienced couple, then these smaller/"local" comps definitely provide a safer, less overwhelming way to get your feet wet.
One thing to consider ... if you are into those "national" pro/am series (like the "Super Bowl"), then you need to know which comps belong to which of these series. Also, if you want to compete for the US National Amateur title (USABDA) ... then going to a NDCA event won't qualitfy.
Basically, though ... my wife and I use every chance to compete, so we enter them all. Even the really small, non-USABDA and non-NDCA events. (e..i. University of California Riverside "Orange Blossom Ball") Again ... some of the same judges ... just much smaller entry! But WTH ... we look at these as a practice session, so we take much of the pressure off, and just have fun.
DancingMommy
Active Member
pygmalion said:
Here's my take on it all:
If you want to compete in the "circuit", then sanctioned comps are the way to go. If you only want to "practice", then non-sanctioned is fine.
I've been to both (both as a teacher and a student) and I can honestly say that the level of competition is much stiffer at the sanctioned comps.
Bear in mind also, that if you are going Pro/Am, your coach may not even go to a non-sanctioned event due to his schedule.
As far as cost goes, you are better off piggy-backing onto your coach's schedule of events and going where you know he'll be rather than trying to catch every single event that comes to town.
My reccommendations if you want to stay local: Diamond DanceSport and Sunchine State. Those require ZERO travel. For a little drive, I'd go to Fla State (Sarasota) or Millenium (Tampa/Clearwater). I'm pretty sure your coach will be going to those events.
It's really no fun competing in an event where there is no one else entered. I have found that to be the case at smaller/non-sanctioned comps. Especially if you are dancing International Standard (which we do). It's like everyone is nuts about Latin or Rhythm, crazy about Smooth, but the Standard division (unless you are high-up in level or dancing AM) is devoid of competition. Case in point: in 2001 Hubb and I competed Pro/Am in International Standard. We danced *all* 5 dances in Int. Bronze & Full Bronze (our level at the time) and there was NOT ONE other male competitor in the division. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Women abounded, but men did not.
Thanks for the very good advice, DancingMommy. I was wondering about that. And if the pro has other students competing, that might help keep the costs down. ( Aside: I have a feeling there's a very expensive ballgown in my near future! Lyn Wallander does some combo dresses that are nice -- for about $3000, you get a costume that has a detachable skirt, so can be smooth, standard, or Latin. Not bad. :twisted: :lol: )
I met a really nice amateur couple the other day who have scheduled at least one comp every month this year. But then, they're competing amatuer, so they don't have to pay for the pro's time. That keeps the costs down, too.
And your comments about "the circuit" were what I was getting at, I think. I had a feeling there was an inner circle, so to speak, out there, and it would probably be at the sanctioned events. Hmm. At this point, that's probably not as important to me as it will be in the future, but it sure is something to think about (for MUCH later on, like after I learn to dance LOL)
I met a really nice amateur couple the other day who have scheduled at least one comp every month this year. But then, they're competing amatuer, so they don't have to pay for the pro's time. That keeps the costs down, too.
And your comments about "the circuit" were what I was getting at, I think. I had a feeling there was an inner circle, so to speak, out there, and it would probably be at the sanctioned events. Hmm. At this point, that's probably not as important to me as it will be in the future, but it sure is something to think about (for MUCH later on, like after I learn to dance LOL)
DancingMommy
Active Member
pygmalion said:
ACK!!!! I can't imagine spending three grand on a dress.... But I'm a cheapskate! I though $700 was bad.....
pygmalion said:
You're having this feeling too!? that's basically what hubbysaid the other day, LOL! I finally learned how to dance.....
$700 is bad. And you can bet I'm keeping my eye open for something cheaper than $3000. Actually, I just over the weekend got a referral to a guy who does custom designs, so I may contact him. Not a big name, so probably less than three grand, and actually custom. I've seen some of his work. Very imaginative.
DancingMommy
Active Member
Yeah no kidding! Considering I've never even had a chance to wear that sucker...... AH me..... Well, the good news is I'm counting down the days.......
What makes these dresses so darned expensive anyways????? I'm dying to know.
What makes these dresses so darned expensive anyways????? I'm dying to know.
I'll keep you posted on this guy's work. He's a dance pro, and has a costume business on the side.
And about what makes stuff expensive, do you want the stock answer or (IMHO) the real answer? Truth is, the fabrics, stones, etc, are expensive, and there's some real artistry (I think) in getting especially smooth gowns to hang and move correctly.
But I think there's a huge mark-up because the market will bear it -- just like adding the word "bridal" or "infant" in front of something doubles the price. Adding "ballroom" doubles the price, too. What can I say? I'm just cynical, I guess.
And about what makes stuff expensive, do you want the stock answer or (IMHO) the real answer? Truth is, the fabrics, stones, etc, are expensive, and there's some real artistry (I think) in getting especially smooth gowns to hang and move correctly.
But I think there's a huge mark-up because the market will bear it -- just like adding the word "bridal" or "infant" in front of something doubles the price. Adding "ballroom" doubles the price, too. What can I say? I'm just cynical, I guess.
DancingMommy
Active Member
pygmalion said:
I'm thinking that's the case, too. Like pageant dresses for babies (dripping with more stones than a competitive ballgown) costing upwards of $500?????? I say not..... Not on my kid..... But people pay it....