Dressing for Competition Dancing

Dedicated ballroom dancers not only study regularly and participate in ballroom dancing on a regular basis, but often become interested and involved in competition dancing. Competition ballroom dancing is enormously popular among dancers in the US and abroad.
Dance studios often sponsor local or regional dance competitions, and there are major national and international competitions as well.

As a relative beginner in ballroom dancing, one might compete in the regional inter-studio competitions on a fairly regular basis. Gowns and men’s wear for these competitions are not usually elaborate, but are attractive and designed to move well during dancing. Traditionally, women’s dress skirts will reach to the knee and will be flared so as to swirl out a bit during turns and fast movements. Hairstyles vary, but traditionally it is best to have the hair pulled back or up, not long or flopping, so as to contribute to elegant body lines and not distract from the dancing, which is the center of attention of the audience and especially judges.

In smaller competition arenas, the male partners usually wear suits rather than sports attire.
In major competitions, many men wear tuxedos, or simple dark suits.

In major dancing competitions, such as the National Ballroom Dance Competition held annually, dancing attire for women is elaborate, beautiful and expensive.
Often the female competitors have spent years studying dancing at a large studio, have competed regularly, and don’t hesitate to make a large investment in dance costumes.

Usually elaborate dresses which women wear in major dancing events are quite bare in the top and have very full, flaring skirts which show off and enhance dramatic dance movements.
Such garments may be made of chiffon, silk and other materials which drape well. Skirts may be gored and inset with additional bias-cut material which extends the skirt to a full circle when dancers execute rapid turns.

Almost all dancing costumes worn during major competitions are heavily decorated with sequins or beads…sometimes even feathers. An entire bodice may be made of sequined cloth, with additional decoration extending onto the skirt. Others may prefer dancing apparel that is embellished with hundreds of tiny beads of crystal or colored glass.

The most elaborate dancing dresses are handsewn by skilled seamstresses, or equally skilled male designers. Sometimes a designer may present a sketch to the dancer for approval. On other occasions the dancer may design the dress entirely, or at least specify certain aspects.

Part of the exciting visual experience of watching a major dancing competition is the sight of the brilliant, beautiful swirling costumes of the women as their dancing achieves levels of near-perfection before the judges.

Recommended Reading

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