Competition Dancing

By Francisco Cerecerez, Nuuanu.

We have accepted competitive dance as a popular, widespread activity in which competitors perform dances before a common group of judges. The International Style of Dance has covered this in Hawaii quite thoroughly in the last 40 years.

"Never lose a chance of saying a kind word - the soul of conversation is sympathy."

The competitive dance industry on the Mainland largely consists of competition production companies — also sometimes called dance competition companies — that conduct regional competitions at stops along their annual, nationwide tours. Dance Clubs and Dance schools, also referred to as dance studios, arrange for their classes to compete as groups.

Eventually some of the dance studios continually emerge as the best teachers of the dance. The results are there. On Oahu, two studios have been consistently dominant in teaching the best dancers of the International Style and have proven it in competitions.

By the same token two groups have been consistently at the bottom of the pile. But that is the name of their game. When the rootzi tootzis mention "junk dancers" they may not always be referring to American style. In competitive dances the proof is in the pudding.

"The best teachers are not always the best dancers, conversely,
the best dancers may not always be the best teachers."

Competitive dancers must be physically fit, because even short dances can be physically demanding. Dancers must continuously train to maintain and improve their technique, balance skills, strength and flexibility. International competition dancing requires dedication as it is typically a year round sport. When competition season is occurring and when not, dancers usually take weekly technique classes in all forms of the dance.

From the Dancer's Handbook


Dance Pavilion overlooking Nanakuli Beach

In England your teacher will suggest that you go for the Bronze Medal when he considers you sufficiently skilled. You will have to pay a small fee and your teacher will provide you with a partner that already has a Bronze medal.

You will then be expected to dance all the basic figures you have learned. You will not be asked any questions but will be judged solely on your ability to dance. You will be marked according to this ablility and as most examinations, you can gain a distinction, honors or merely a pass.

After the Bronze medal (level three) if you are good enough you can go to the Silver (level four) and then the Gold (level five.) These tests, of course, are progressively more difficult and when you have won a Gold medal, you can consider yourself reasonably skilled, but yet not anywhere near to the standard of most competition dances.