The pairing of professionals and amateurs, from which "pro-am" gets its name, affords a valuable opportunity for student and teacher to apply their classroom studies in a competitive setting. In the field of competitive dancing, or dancesport, pro-am competitions are staged throughout the year and around the country, providing up-and-coming dancers with frequent opportunities to hone their craft in front of a live and appreciative audience-as well as world-renowned judges.

Pro-am ballroom competitions can be hosted by local or national dancesport organizations, including many in the Newton and Boston area. Although each competition may vary, there are a set of generally accepted rules and standards that apply to pro-am dance competitions. These include the classification of dancers into competitive groups, the criteria by which they'll be judged and, of course, the dances themselves.

Pro-Am dancing competition focuses on the international style of ballroom dancing, which includes the waltz, tango, cha-cha-cha and many other dances. The pro-am couples are often divided into groups based on skill level, style and age. Some competitions will feature a variety of pairings, including paired professionals and paired amateurs. Especially in larger competitions, it's not uncommon for up to half a dozen couples from the same group to dance simultaneously, with judges selecting the best from each group until only a core set of finalists remain to compete against one another. In addition to providing a lively pace for the competition, group dancing allows judges to assess the couples comparatively.

While judging can sometimes seem like a subjective science, it is based on a set of well-defined criteria that includes poise, posture, the line of the body and, perhaps most importantly, the couple's timing with the music. Although it might appear daunting at first, participating in pro-am competitions is a fun and rewarding way to supplement ballroom dance lessons with live performance. Competition entrance fees vary depending on the competition, and costume fees vary as well (these can be purchased or rented, depending on personal preference). Regardless, the thrill of hearing the audience's applause and winning a medal are priceless memories that provide ample reward for the investment in resources, energy, and time. Call Dance Fever Studio today to learn more about Pro-Am dancesport opportunities in the Boston area.

Read about other dance opportunities for adults at Dance Fever Studio.