Competitive dance

Competitive dance is a general classification of dance forms or dance styles where competition is the primary focus of the dancing, as opposed to social dance or performance dance.

While many people view this style of dance as a recreational activity, it should more likely by viewed as a sport. In common with other athletes, dancers must be in good physical condition. Dancing requires strength, stamina and flexibility. Competition requires these physical attributes to an even higher extent.

Dance schools often participate in dance competitions, by sponsoring teams that go to regional and national competitions. Competitive dancing requires dedication as there may be many months spent on developing and practicing routines. During the competition dancers perform in front of judges, who evaluate their efforts, and give them a score. The scores are added up, and a medal is rewarded.

A routine may get an honorable mention, a bronze, a high bronze, a silver, a high silver, a gold, or a high gold medal. These scores have nothing to do with how you related to other routines. Judges also put together the scores of all the routines, and give additional awards to routines that placed in the top five of their category. Routines are placed in categories based on the average age of the dancers, the type of dance they are doing and how many people are in the dance.

See also articles on Ballroom dance and Country/western dance.