Competitive ballroom hair is the polish on top of gorgeous dancing and a great costume. Messy hair on the competition floor tends to draw attention in the worst way possible. In comparison to other couples on the floor, it can come off as sloppy and unfinished. On the comp floor, you want to present the judges with the full package: technique … Continue reading Competition Presentation: Hair
We've all done it. We've been halfway out the door or at the actual event, and realize that we managed to leave behind something crucial. At a ballroom competition, the solution can range from a quick trip to the convenience store or a full-out catastrophe. Here is a handy checklist to help you pack for your … Continue reading The Ultimate Competition Suitcase
Entering a ballroom competition is like entering another world. The floor is awash in a sea of color and sparkle and everything is designed to catch the eye. Other than the face, a person's apparel is probably one of the first things that is noticed. This goes especially for a ballroom competition where the judges … Continue reading Competition Presentation: Costumes
Presentation is defined as "the manner of style in which something is displayed" (Oxford Dictionary). In competitive ballroom, you are that thing on display. By entering a ballroom competition, you have agreed to be put on display and judged. While what you wear is not as important as how you dance, visual presentation is a … Continue reading An Introduction to Competition Presentation
We've all experienced those dance practices that end and it seems as if nothing has been accomplished or, equally awful, those practices where you leave more frustrated than when you entered. Here are some tips to guide your dance practice and hopefully leave you with a sense of satisfaction. Do set goals. While this may seem obvious, … Continue reading The Keys to a Productive Practice
Everyone has that song (or ten) that comes on and you think, “That’s my jam.” And, just a guess, there’s a good chance that song isn’t Sting’s Ocean Waltz. Fortunately, in a practice space, you have the power of choice; you are your own D.J. As they say, with great power comes great responsibility. The … Continue reading Identifying Ballroom Music: Practice
The characteristics of ballroom music are closely tied to the characteristics of the ballroom dance. It wouldn't fit to dance a romantic rumba to a heavy metal song or a classy foxtrot to a country tune. Following are some general musical characteristics that go with particular competitive dances. Smooth and Ballroom Waltz: instrumental, often a slow ballad … Continue reading Identifying Ballroom Music: Characteristics
We've all heard that song on the radio that makes us tap our feet and think, "I could dance to this." And, generally, that's true. However, competitive ballroom dancers are tied to the tempo of the music. Dance organizations such as the NDCA, USA Dance, WDSF, and others use music within particular tempo ranges for … Continue reading Identifying Ballroom Music: Tempo
Do you love DaVinci’s garlic knots and sparkling cider? Want to learn how to dance Rumba? Or love meeting new people? Well grab a date, your commons crush, or even your best friend and join us this Thursday, May 21st from 8-11 PM for DATE NIGHT at the Skelton Lounge in Chase Hall! From 8-9pm, we will be teaching the basics of Rumba, … Continue reading Date Night: May 21
Congratulations everyone on all of your effort at MIT. Check out photos from MIT by Jon Hersh on the Bates Ballroom Facebook page! Videos have been posted to the Bates Ballroom youtube channel.
Bates Ballroom Team 