Training for Amateur Ballroom Competition requires several things. One must be learning the required steps for each level of the ballroom or latin syllabus i.e.; Bronze, Silver or Gold . For the Syllabus, click on the links provided:  USISTD  and  USABDA . All Amateur competitions adhere to STRICT syllabus figures when dancing in the NOVICE events. It is imperative that you learn the figrues correctly. One must work on his or her dancing with a Professional. And one must devote several hours a week to practicing all the he or she is learning.

Then one must find a suitable partner; a dancer that falls within his or her's own skill level. Initially the new partnership should proceed with taking classes until they reach a level where the class invironment is no longer effective. ( This usually happens as the couple moves into Silver and works towards Gold level). If you need help in this regard, please see  SUPERVISED TRY- OUTS.
 Zaya Haynes/Maria Rigopoulos
 Joel Gomes/Jennifer Fyall



FINDING A STUDIO

There are many studios that one can go to for group classes and privates. There are usually  reduced packages for taking multiple classes and then combining them with private lessons. To find the best place for you, you must visit each studio and observe! Usually a person is allowed to watch part of a class....and a practice session if they such a thing. Initially, a combined studio package is the way to go. However, for the seriously minded dancers, a studio commitment is not really advantageous.  There should be freedom to go where one wants in order to further their training.

The ACT (tm) Program

The ACT (tm) program incorporates Technique classes, Private Instruction and a Supervised Practice Session. I also set up workshop with our local JUDGES, so that dancers can get a perspective from a judge's point of view. I make sure that my competitors are kept up-to-date on all upcoming competitions and events. I developed a form of this program while teaching at a studio, utilizing all the same aspects of training which proved to be quite successful for me. Now on my own, I am continuing the program that I began but now opening it up to more Amateurs interested in competition., both YOUTH and ADULTS.

To find out about my classes ( where and when)....and practice sessions....Please visit my RATES page.

WHAT AN AMATEUR TEAM NEEDS TO KNOW

Once you have found a partner and have begun working on your dancing via a studio or MY PROGRAM......you must then register with several organizations.

The governing amateur organization is the United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association ( USABDA). Before you can compete you MUST join the USABDA. Click on the link provided in order to REGISTER online.  www.usabda.org

The local chapter of USABDA is  the New York Chapter which givew you some of the same information as the parent website, but gives you much more on what's happening around town in the amateur ballroom world. This website is where you should always go for up-to-date info on Competition, Social Events, Results, etc.   
Kevin Broadie &                                           
Jessica Carpenter DiMartino                       
                                                                        

Get your self on the Email list to recieve weekly email newsletters with the week's events. President: Yang Chen. www.nyusabda.org

If you plan on competing in other than Amateur-Only competitions, then you must also register with the National Dance Council Of America ( NDCA ).  In this way  you will be able to enter any NDCA-sponsored competition. You might want to have this ablility to compete at NDCA comps when there are not enought local USABDA competitions available and still wish to get some more copmetition floor experience. You may register online ...just click on the link. www.ndca.org

It is not necessary to join the NDCA but again it provides you with the ability to enter an NDCA competition when no other UABDA events are on the horizon.

SUPERVISED TRY-OUTS

Sometimes when two people get together as a new partnership for competition, they find they need opinions and look to a professional for that evaluation.

As a long standing coach of Adult Amateur Competitors, I have been able to cultivate a strong intuitive sense about people. I find I am able to match up dancers that work well together;  who seem to be of the same dance &/or personality types.

I offer myself to any dancers looking for that SUPERVISED TRY-OUT. Whether you are looking for a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or even 5th opinion about what you look like as a couple and what your potential might be.  You need only book a single private lesson time at the reduced AMATEUR competitor pricing.  I will be happy to see you as a couple and give you my evaluation of the partnership. Please CONTACT ME with any questions you may have regarding this process.