Even the most intense practice can’t match what happens on an actual competition floor. Wendy and I performed at our very best last year after doing five competitions in as many weeks. Our technique wasn’t what it is now, but the quality of our performance and our ability to relax, let go and focus on the show was the best it ever was because we had done so many real competitions in such a short time frame. This is what the top couples do all the time. I don’t think enough BC couples understand this.

In Europe and on the east coast of the USA, competitors routinely travel for 3-4 hours on weekends to get to a competition. Our competitors tend to avoid driving even 2 hours to Seattle, thinking it isn’t important enough. It matters. A lot. And if you can’t do enough comps because there aren’t enough happening, at least get to the most intense substitute you can find, like Peak.

Thanks for bringing this issue to light, Clara. Great blog!

Many of your comments are exactly what several of us have been arguing for years: Move the date & lower the cost for competitors. I know from experience just how disastrous June can be for events the rely on people who are in school. Unfortunately, every time someone looks into the calendar they find we are competing against other competitions. Many of us feel late October/early November would be better. As you are the competitors I’ll ask, “What period would you think is most appealing for us?”

I have also note many of your other comments that I entirely agree with and will bring them to committee.

On one final item. Personally we made known to several teachers we had access to 7 rooms that would cost from $14 - $22 per night with 2 beds in each. No one took advantage this year. This is a very unique situation that can only be offered through teachers. I’ll alert Joel & Clara.

It does seem that under-35 competitors seem to get shortchanged on opportunities at many comps. The idea of block A and B events is a very good one, though I have no idea how that could work given the realities of a ratings system. If you won blocks A and B, would you get twice the ratings points? Or would you take the highest one only? Or would they average out? That kind of dialog would need to take place between DSBC membership and the board (if members were interested enough to want this).

I’ve found that when organizers limit age ranges, dancers get upset or draw unfair conclusions about intent. This is unfortunate. It’s not a lack of interest, but a lack of time in the schedule which generally dictates these limitations. For example, Pro-Am Fiesta only holds Juvenile, Junior and Senior events because it would be impossible to add Adult events without going to 3AM. Likewise, other competitions will avoid Senior II or other age groups for the same reason.

When competitors get upset over these things, it actually reduces the number of competitions. Organizers hear the cries of distress and try to put on less frequent but bigger, more elaborate comps rather then more frequent, smaller ones in order to please everyone. Sometimes, this pressure leads to competitions being cancelled altogether because the organizers don’t feel they can satisfy enough folks, or because the costs skyrocket.

Again, I think it comes down to having all of us working together to find a solution. Competitors need to share their thoughts, and they also need to be understanding of the pressures organizers are under. Organizers need to show that they are listening, and also to explain some of the challenges they have, to create dialog.

Personally, I feel there is lots of room for frequent, very specialized competitions. Why not a comp that’s only for competitors under 19 years of age? Why not one that’s only for adults, taking place in a single evening? Why not a comp only for Senior 1, 2 and 3 dancers to celebrate the vitality they have at their age? Why not a Latin-only or Standard-only comp, again held entirely within a few short hours? Each of these offers unique marketing opportunities for the organizers to promote ballroom dancing to different groups.

The idea that we can add value is great. I’m interested to see how people respond.

From the vancouver island side of things, it doesn’t help that the UVic Ballroom Dance Club isn’t as dedicated a “ballroom” club anymore as compared to when I was there. not seeing that many young competitors coming out of Victoria anymore.

I was always lucky that when I went to compete at Dance Pacifica, after moving to Vancouver, I could always stay with friends so my only cost was ferry, food, and the competition itself.

I know some competitors here considered Victoria a bit too minor a competition to be bothered with. It is a shame but financial realities more often dictate priority of what competitions to attend.

Mind you, even UBC Gala Ball has a noticeably smaller turn out of competitors now, compared to when I was regularly competing. So it is not a surprise that Victoria’s turnout is also smaller now.

I’m fond of the competing against yourself concept and all, but I believe Dancers should be SMART about their money, as our sport is a PIT. Before we go all idealistic about supporting dance competitions, and go on small mini-vacations where we must raid the breakfast buffet, please consider, would you still feel the same way if you have to pay for your partner’s dance lessons AND ballgown/tailsuit?