Mr 4 styles
Forum Master
Top 65 percent in heat to qualify for nationals
Uncontested heats - how to be sure there will be competition at the competition
- Thread starter flying_backwards
- Start date
flying_backwards
Well-Known Member
And also the bottom 35% in some cases... According to the '2016 DanceSport Rulebook Final 5-13-16.pdf' page 44, rule 4.3.6.3.3.1 "Events with only 3 USA Dance Athlete Couples or fewer - all couples qualify." So even an uncontested couple would qualify. So there is a valid reason to dance an uncontested heat at an NQE, to qualify to dance at the bigger national event. Well this brings the thread full circle.
Mr 4 styles
Forum Master
Yep that is true. I've benefited from that rule before lol
dlliba10
Forum Master
My mindset at NQEs may completely change depending on whether my heat has 3 or 4 couples in it.
Bailamosdance
Forum Master
Which is why the groundswell of anti NQE voices are being heard, since all that really happens in these events is money spent to show up. Many folks simply look for light competition and go there. Or just walk away...
snapdancer
Forum Master
Hmm. Wondering if a couple could be awarded 4th place in a 3-couple event denying them a qualification to Nationals.
I get so confused when there are messages on am am USA dance versus Pro Am NDCA dances- it would seem to me that the two are totally different animals.
As far as Pro Am, I too hate uncontested heats. But I also don't like the comps that allow a silver dancer or higher,to dance at the bronze level for example- because then it's impossible for me to have a fair chance. But of course, nothing in life is fair.
As far as Pro Am, I too hate uncontested heats. But I also don't like the comps that allow a silver dancer or higher,to dance at the bronze level for example- because then it's impossible for me to have a fair chance. But of course, nothing in life is fair.
s2k
Well-Known Member
As a former pro-am dancer, and a am-am dancer for several years... I think they are indeed totally different animals. One is a very, very expensive animal. Not everyone can afford to get into that zoo.
There are several local pro-am comps in my area (a few on the National-level) and the only reason we'd spend the money to dance there (package fee, travel, food) is if we need the floor time before a "real" comp (like an NQE). The expense, the expense! And there's just no competition in our events. Last year, at USDC, they do Amateur Champ Rhythm on the first day of events. We went to spectate. There was ONE couple on the floor for Champ Rhythm. What's the point of traveling to Orlando to dance for 15 minutes against... no one? However, at an all-am comp (USA Dance events, NQEs or locals), you're way more likely to dance against several other couples.Say it with me: What is the #1 goal of a pro-am competition organizer? To make money. How does an organizer make money? By allowing dancers to enter as many heats as they like and pay X for each heat. Whenever you feel a pro-am sandbagging rant coming on, just repeat: What is the #1 goal of a competition organizer? It will not make you feel any better, but it does keep things in perspective. At least, it did for me.
Joe
Forum Master
Nor were you the one constantly being e-mailed for info by competitors who should have been e-mailing organizers.
s2k
Well-Known Member
Mr 4 styles
Forum Master
S2k......BTDT also
Not as bad as seeing someone get a third place in an uncontested heat. I've seen that happen...
Loki
Forum Master
FUBAB
MaggieMoves
Forum Master
I've had that actually happen to me. Do an open routine in a closed bronze heat of Cha Cha. We danced for the crowd... and it was not well received by the judges... at least score wise.
Totally worth it! Rarely do you get to dance in a competition to one of your favorite songs.
