Competitive Team

General Information

Who are we?

The Texas Ballroom Competitive Team is a group of ballroom dancers who travel to compete in ballroom dances. Most of our competitions are in the spring, when we travel to Boston to attend the Harvard Invitational. We also attend competitions around Texas, including the Austin Open hosted by Texas Ballroom on the UT campus. We do compete in the fall at a competition hosted by Rice.
We do not have set “team practices,” as most couples practice on their own schedules. We do have practice time available on Friday nights from 8-10PM in AHG 136. You will find many competitors at that practice, as well as at the Friday night technique classes.

What Happens at a Ballroom Competition?

All ballroom couples go out on the floor and dance with other couples for a minute and a half. Couples wear numbers, and judges “recall” or bring back certain couples by number to compete in semi-final or final rounds. The number of couples determines the number of rounds in a competition. This means at smaller competitions you may only dance one round of your dance, say the Waltz, while at larger competitions you may dance the Waltz 6 or more times!
You can compete in International Standard, which includes Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Viennese Watlz, or International Latin, which includes Rumba, Jive, Samba, Paso Doble and Cha Cha. You can also compete in American-style categories, which are called Smooth and Rhythm. Officers at the Friday night class can help you decide which dance to compete in. Please note that Texas Ballroom does not compete in Swing or Salsa circuits, although many of competitions may include swing or salsa events.

How do I join?

First, you should join Texas Ballroom, if you have not already done so. Becoming a member will get you access to all our classes and practices. Next, you should send an email to our competition director at compdirector@texasballroom.org to get added to our mailing list for competitors. Check your email for updates about upcoming events and competitions. Finally, find a partner and start dancing!

How do I find a partner?

The best way to find a partner is through our classes. The Friday night class is an excellent way to meet other dancers interested in taking their dancing to the next level. You can also try using our partner search feature on our website here. Establishing face-to-face contact with your partner and a regular practice schedule is integral.
We recommend letting the officers in our classes know you are looking for a partner as we may also know of others who are interested. However, ultimately, you are responsibly for finding a partner. Girls, it can be difficult to find experienced male partners, so please be flexible and patient, as well as relentless and bold, in your partner search. Don’t be afraid to approach other members to ask!

Do I have to be really good?

NO! We get this question a lot! You will compete against people who dance at roughly the same level as you. In fact, there are special categories for couples who have only been dancing for short periods of time. You do not need any special abilities to compete and you will not be competing against others who have been dancing significantly longer than you.

Do I need to go to any special meetings?

Generally no, but we do have information meetings and rehearsal meetings throughout the semester. The info meetings simply spread the word to new members about competitive dancing.
Before every competition, we generally have a competitor’s meeting. This meeting is devoted to going over travel and hotel arrangements, paperwork, and other itinerary details for the upcoming trip. Generally, travel and other accommodation is self-funded although we do give out small merit scholarships for our Harvard trip.

Do I need any special equipment?

Not initially. You should plan on purchasing dance shoes if you plan on competing, but they are not required. You do not need a costume for beginner competitions, and officers and competitors can guide you as you advance through the levels.

How big is the time commitment?

The time commitment is as big or as small as you want it to be! The only time you need to spend is attending Texas Ballroom classes and practicing. We recommend at least one hour of practice per week – at least to make regular contact with your partner. Practice pays off – you will improve with practice.
Generally, couples practice more in the weeks leading up to a competition, although this is not necessarily true.