ProAm Dancing
ronshepard@mac.com


Students of all levels ~ Have you ever had the desire to compete in a dance competition, but you have not had the opportunity because you did not have a dance partner?  You can still compete in a division that is called ProAm.  You compete in the competition with your Pro Am Dance Instructor and with other students of the same age, gender, and level of dance ability ~ You will then be judged on your individual dance ability.  This allows you to enter competition, like you may have always wanted to do and still not have a regular dance partner.  As long as you have the desire to dance, We are willing to work with you.

Questions and Answeres

How Does Someone Compete? Beginning students can compete at the novice level and then progressively compete in the bronze, silver, gold and open levels. Students compete with similar age levels allowing each age to demonstrate their skills in the best manner. Students compete with their instructor against other instructor/student couples for pro/am events and amateur couples likewise compete against other amateur couples. Competition is held by dance (for example, a two minute waltz or swing), and by multi-dance events (for example, five Latin dances of cha cha, samba, rhumba, paso doble and jive).
Any Age or Gender Restrictions? The exciting part of ballroom dancing is that all ages compete, from 5 years old to 95 years old. There are age classifications that help segment the young from the mature, to make the competition more equitable. Both men and women compete with their instructors, sometimes against only the same sex (lady pros and their amateur gentlemen only) and sometimes against each other.
How Does One Learn? instruction is taught by the latest certified dance syllabi for each style and level. Each student learns their respective footwork and technique and dances it with their instructor. As proficiency develops, progressively harder footwork and technique is developed.
When Can Someone Start Competing? The Novice level of competition is open to beginning students (less than 25 hours of instruction). It is recognized that very little instruction has been accomplished, but that early performance experience is valuable and very exciting.
How Can We Compete as an Amateur Couple? We train amateur couples in all four styles and helps them enter amateur competitions. Many times these couples dance pro/am and am/am events at the same competition, making it fun and exciting for all.

What Do the Dancers Wear? The pro/am couples have suggested dress for each style from formal tails and ballgowns to Latin shirts/pants and sassy dresses. Costumes are worn by the more experienced dancers and are usually purchased secondhand from other dancers. Novice dancers wear cocktail attire in their first competitions. Amateur couples sometimes wear cocktail attire or costumes, depending on the rules of the competition.
Is It Expensive to Compete? The price of each competition depends on the location, number of dances, and days to compete with your instructor. Instructor costs are usually shared with other students. Local events are generally more reasonable than out-of-state events.
What Comprises a Good Competitor? Common traits found in all competitive dancers include: desire to build level of technique not just choreography, good discipline to practice, enjoyment of performance, desire to mingle and mix with other amateur dancers around the country, willingness to travel.


    ProAm Dancing is fastest way to become an experienced and versatile dancer in the shortest amount of time.  It is also an opportunity to travel and meet other dancers that share your interest in ballroom dance.


    If you are interested in further details for ProAm Dancing ~ Please call me, or e-mail the studio at WCswing@aol.com.