Dancesport NZ

Dancesport or competitive ballroom dancing is a minority sport in New Zealand but those that do particpate have a regular schedule of competitions to choose from. New Zealand registered dancers are free to compete anywhere in the world – but there are a few local variations as to how competitions are run so here is the main outline.

At a dancesport competition dancers particpate in any of all of the following dance styles: standard (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep), latin (Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive) and New Vogue (Parma Waltz, Swing Waltz, Tracey-Leigh Watlz, Twilight Waltz, Lucille Waltz, Merrilyn, Charmaine, Carousel, Barclay Blues, Excelsior Scottisch, Tangoette, Tango Terrific, La Bomba, Gypsy Tap, Evening Three Step).  Far less commonly there may also be rock and roll or English Old Time events.

Who Can Dance at a Dancesport Competition?

To dance most events (excluding premiliminary events and novelty) competitors must be registered with the New Zealand Dancesport Council. National events are “open to the world” which means that overseas competitors can compete using their own country’s registgration cards.  Becoming a registered dancer costs around $50/year.

At a competition dancers are graded by both their ability and their age group.

Dancesport Age Divisions

Age groups are:

Juvenile: 12 and under

Junior over 13 and 15 or under

Adult: over 15

In these three divisions couples dance in the age division as determined by the older partner. In addition there are two extra age divisions:

Youth: over 15 and 19 or under

Senior: over 35

For these divisions both partnters must qualify to dance these divisions i.e. both partners must be over 35 for a couple to dance Senior division. Couples who qualify for either of these two grades may also dance Adult division.

Dancesport Grading System

New dancers often begin by competing in “Preliminary” events where they are alone are judged and they can be partnered by any other dancer (excluding professionals).  Preliminary events don’t require any special costum and dancers don’t have to registereed.

There are five levels of dance grades in New Zealand.  E Grade is the lowest grade that dancers start in and they progress to A Grade. In E  and D grade competition dress is optional. As dancers win their events they will elevate up the grades, in the respective style of dance (Standard, Latin,New Vogue) and age group (Junior, Adult etc).

Information for Australians Dancesport Competitors in New Zealand

Information for New Zealand Dancesport Competitors in Australia