New Zealand registered dancers are allowed to compete in Australia using their New Zealand registration. Competitions run generally along the same lines as in New Zealand but there are some differences that are worth being aware of.
Age Divisions in Australian Dancesport
New Zealand Seniors become Masters1 in Australia – optionally larger compettiions will also run Masters 2 events: both partners over 50. Master’s age competitors may chose to enter either Adult or Masters events in a competition – but not both. Both Masters 1 and Masters 2 division wins in Australia count as a Senior win in New Zealand.
Australian Dancesport Grades
Australia has five levels of dance grades; level 1 is the equivalent of E grade in New Zealand, level 5 is A grade. There is no eqiuvalent to Premlinary events in Australian competitons. In larger compettions its unlikely that you will be permitted to dance up a grade. Open events are restricted to level 3 and above dancers in larger competitions as well.
Level 1 Dress Restrictions
All age ranges except Juveniles must wear “street dress” for level 1 events; Juveniles wear the same restricted outfits as used in New Zealand.
It is unacceptable to put a cover over competition dress or for a man to dance in a ballroom shirt without jacket. For men acceptable dress comes down to a business shirt with an optional, but common, tie for a Ballroom or New Vogue and either no tie or bow tie for Latin. Waistcoats are popular.
For women the outfit must have no sequines, diamantes or similar even if they are part of the garment. I’ve never seen a women wear trousers either. Practice skirts with a plain top are common. A plain dress is common as well. Hair styles are not usually varied from competition i.e. hair should be up and neat. Excessive diamantes are probably unacceptable in the hair as well.
Disqualification in New Vogue
You can very easily be disqualified in New Vogue – if you get two disqualifications from two different judges you are disqualified. Not just illegal arm lines but also incorrect foot work e.g. a heel instead of a toe lead will disqualify you. The only events where arm lines can be “relaxed” are open events and level 5.