Competing on the Open Circuit.



If you are reading this article, the possibility is that you are thinking about having a go on the open circuit. We came into competition dancing from the medalist route rather than University, but it was still a bit of a daunting prospect. All I can say is, have a go! Why not? What do you have to lose?

The first thing you need to know is that everyone else on the open circuit is as nervous as you are. We spoke to Hazel Newberry, the three times undefeated World Ballroom Champion. One of the first questions we asked her was “ Do you get nervous?” “Oh Yes, all the time” she said, “it’s just a matter of trying to channel those nerves into a positive rather than it destroying you on the day.” So if nerves are OK for her, I guess we will have to learn to live with them too!

Let me do this as a series of questions and answers; if I miss anything, let me know and I’ll endeavour to find an answer for you and add it to this article.

Where do I find competitions to enter?
In my experience, most competitors subscribe to Dance News, a newspaper that has a long list of forthcoming competitions. If you don’t want to buy a copy, most dance schools that teach competitors will have a copy hanging around somewhere.
You will see in the charts section a list of National Selection events, they will have a number of supporting competitions and it would be worth contacting them to see if there is anything you can enter.

Do I need to join EADA if I’m not doing National Selection Events?
The simple answer is yes. If you want to compete at any level above Beginner, you need to be a member of EADA. There is the University membership, that entitles you to compete up to Intermediate level, but after that you will need to take out full EADA membership. At the moment that will cost you £12 for the year (Academic Year). On leaving University, you will need to go up to full EADA membership that costs £18. As every EADA member will tell you, that is very good value for money, and they would all willingly pay double. (I’m going to be lynched at the next comp I go to!)

What are the levels, and how do I know which level to compete at?
OK, it starts suprisingly enough at Beginner level, we entered this level when we were about silver medalists. If you’ve not done comps before, start here. If you romp home clear winners, I’d suggest you move up to the next level, which is Novice, after that comes Intermediate, then Pre Champ - (sometimes known as Pre-Amateur, it’s the same thing), then Open Amateur.

You have a number of ‘lives’ at each level. If you win four comps at one level, you go up to the next level. If you win one of the really big competitions, like Stars of the Future, or Champions of Tomorrow, it is seen as ‘good form’ to shift up to the next level.

Am I going to be outclassed and look stupid?
Because there are so many different levels, you should be competing against people of a similar standard to you - thats what makes it a competition. Remember, every single dancer out there was a total beginner once,

How will this differ from Uni comps?
Well, you’re on your own more. You won’t have a Team Captain sorting out numbers and so on for you. It sounds daft, but remember to take saftey pins with you to the comp so that you can attach your number. If you get stuck, just ask someone for help. Most people on the Sunday circuit are really quite friendly and will help out a fellow competitor.

You also won't have a team cheering you on, but you will find that others in the audience will shout your number, even if they don't know you simply because they admire your dancing, and thats a great feeling! (And it WILL happen to you!)

So what do I do when I get to the venue?
The first thing to do is pay to enter, remember to take your EADA membership card with you, organsers are checking membership more these days. The cost is usually around £10 each. Then you need to enter the event and get your number, if in doubt ask the people on the door what to do next, they’ll sort you out.

Usually you will find a list of competitions pinned to a wall somewhere and you will be given a entry form. Note the number of the comps that you want to enter, and fill in the form. You then need to hand that in to the officials. If in doubt, just ask them if you’ve got it right, they should be helpful.

You will then be given your number. (Remember those safety pins!)

Now all you need to do is listen out for your comp to be called, then its up to you to dazzle us all with your footwork.

We have only just started this section, and the chances are that we have missed some important questions that you would like to see answered, if they are important to you, then it is important to other University dancers too, so please let us know and we’ll help if we can.

(By the way, its very VERY bad form to beat the EADA webmaster in competition).