Level Descriptions

Collegiate ballroom dance competitions are structured around clearly defined skill levels, allowing dancers to compete in divisions that match their current experience and ability. This system ensures a fair and supportive environment, where beginners can dance alongside others who are just starting their journey, while more advanced competitors are challenged by peers at a similar level. By grouping dancers this way, competitions create meaningful opportunities for growth, confidence-building, and progression within the sport. 

Newcomer

Newcomers are dancers who are new to ballroom and have little to no prior experience, typically within their first year in the club. Each quarter, we welcome new members who are interested in learning ballroom dance, offering beginner-friendly classes in both International Latin and International Standard styles. These classes focus on building a strong foundation through basic steps, patterns, and technique.

Competing is an important part of our team culture, and newcomers are encouraged to attend collegiate ballroom competitions alongside their teammates. These events provide a fun and supportive environment to apply what they’ve learned, gain experience, and become part of the larger Dancesport community.

Bronze

Bronze-level dancers are typically in their first one to two years of competitive ballroom and are beginning to gain experience on the competition floor. While newcomer routines are shorter and limited to a small set of foundational figures, Bronze dancers perform longer routines that incorporate a broader range of syllabus steps. At this stage, dancers focus on expanding their repertoire, refining technique, and developing greater confidence in both practice and competition. 

Silver/Gold

These dancers have typically been competing with the team for two or more years and bring a solid foundation of experience to the floor. At this stage, each level introduces more advanced figures and greater technical complexity. Dancers continue to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and build the strength and versatility needed to transition successfully into the Open level. 

Open (Pre-Novice, Novice, Pre-Champ, Champ)

Open-level dancers are the most advanced competitors in collegiate ballroom, typically with several years of training and experience. At this stage, dancers move beyond learning steps alone and focus on higher-level elements such as performance quality, partnering skills, musicality, and dynamic expression. This is often the level at which club mentors and team leaders compete, setting the standard for excellence within the team. Costuming is also required for both leads and follows, reflecting the elevated level of presentation expected in Open competition.