There are a few pathways in DanceSport. Most people begin at the social dancing level, which is great fun! Many then move into the Medallist stream, where they undertake training to achieve technical levels in a range of styles. It is then quite common for people to move on to competitive dancing – DanceSport.

Many see dancing as being an artistic expression of oneself, not just a physical sport. However, whatever the case may be, there is an appropriate division of competition for all ages and skill levels right from small children right through to Masters aged adults.

Dancesport in Australia focuses on three main disciplines - Latin (Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive & Paso Doble), Standard (Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz & Tango) and New Vogue which is found almost exclusively in Australia and is a sequence style of dancing.

Dancesport caters for all ages;
- Juvenile (under 13 years)
- Junior (13-15 years)
- Youth (16-19 years)
- Adult (16-34 years)
- Masters 1 (35-49 years)
- Masters 2 (50+ years)
- Professional (16 years and over)

Each age group is further broken down into graded levels and also a recreational division.

RECREATIONAL COMPETITION

The Recreational Division of competition is designed to provide an entry level to Dancesport competition. With recreational events at every competition, dancers can compete in Couples, Individuals & Teacher/Student events. Dancers must compete with a limited set of steps (figures) and there are limitations on what they can wear (Street or practice wear only - no costumes).

AMATEUR COMPETITION

The Amateur Division of Dancesport competition is what most people think of when they think of ballroom and latin dancing. With gorgeous costumes, individual routines and movement, dancers develop physical strength, agility, co-ordination, stamina, discipline, teamwork & grace. At each competition individual events are held across age groups and grades.

FINDING A PARTNER

Your dance studio is generally the first place you should start your search for a dance partner.  Let your coach/teacher know your dancing goals and ask if they have anyone in mind for you. While they might not know of anyone suitable straight away - someone might cross their radar when you least expect it. Go to social events and group classes regularly, not only is it great for your own dancing, you might just run across the perfect partner.

Let your dancing friends also know you a searching for a partner. Often they might know someone to refer you to. Partner searching is a numbers game, the more people that know you are looking the better.

There are a number of Facebook Groups and websites around to look for a partner and advertise you are looking.  Make sure you have up to date information and recent photos of yourself to stand out.