National Ballroom Dance Competitions

A: There are so many reasons to attend! Our National Competitions are held at elegant venues in exciting destinations across the country. These Events are top-tier… the lights, music, and ambiance are electric! These Events are also where our National (NDC) & World Champions (FAWC) are crowned. The dance floor action is non-stop, and exciting activities are always part of the mix (such as Night Club Division, Pro Show, Dance Camps, and Dinner Galas). At our National Dance Competitions, you have the opportunity to show off all the technique you’ve been practicing during dance lessons, and to compete against dancers at your level from across the country. You’ll be adjudicated by some of the most prestigious Judges in the ballroom dance industry. Their scores, plus observing other Pro/Am dancers, will help you progress even further with your dancing. And you’ll make new friends and be part of your studio’s national team! Not interested in competing? These events are great vacation getaways, too! Spectator tickets allow you to catch all the action on the dance floor, and some studios offer special excursion tours and shows.

A: No! Competing is absolutely not required in order to dance with us. Our Dance Competitions (regional, inter-regional and national) are optional tools to help you improve your dancing, gain confidence, meet new friends, travel, and have FUN!

A: Fred Astaire Dance Studios Dance Competitions are open to all Fred Astaire Dance Studios Students and Professionals who are interested in competing. The competition ballroom is open to members of the public who purchase Spectator tickets for specific Day or Evening sessions (available in advance at your local studio, or at the competition registration desk once the competition begins).

A: Yes! We encourage our Students to share their competition experience with friends and family. They can book rooms at the venue using our discounted link, and guests may purchase Spectator tickets to view Day & Evening sessions on specific dates, too. For admission and family dinner tickets, please talk to your instructor or studio manager. Spectator tickets are also available from the FADS Registration Desk at the event.

A: Right here! Look on this page for links to each National Dance Competition, where you’ll find details on the location, hotel (including a booking link), Event schedule, attending vendors, and much more. And check out the Events tab on the top nav of this website too, for details on all of our exciting Events – National, Regional & Inter-Regional Dance Competitions, and local studio Events!

A: At each competition, the FADS Registration Desk will be positioned near the Ballroom, this is where check-in / registration are handled. After you arrive at the hotel and have checked into your room, you and your instructors should head to the FADS Registration Desk to check in. You’ll receive your tickets, number, heat sheet, and a welcome gift (if pre-ordered). The Registration desk is staffed with knowledgeable & friendly team members who can answer all of your competition-related questions, during check-in and for the duration of the Event.

A: For National Competitions, it is suggested that students enroll in the food package for convenient access to quality meals & snacks, at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in the hotel eateries. Your studio can help you with these arrangements. For National Competitions, we recommend using our booking link which provides access to discounted rooms and sometimes discounted resort fees or upgrades. VIP Packages are available to those who don’t want to worry about long lines at restaurants or where to eat. There are also a la carte options if you are only coming for a few days!

A: In addition to “the usual” items you would pack for a getaway, you’ll also want to ensure you’re well-prepared with Dance Competition basics. Click here for a suggested packing list, and be sure to talk with your Dance Instructor about any other items they suggest you bring along.

A: For spectators, business casual attire is fine for Day sessions, Business, Semi Formal or Formal attire is requested for Evening sessions. Pool wear is not appropriate for the ballroom. The Final evening Dinner, Show, & Professional Divisions dress attire changes for each Competition (depending on the theme or competition), ask your instructor for details! The Ballroom is kept rather cool for the entire Event, so bring a light sweater, robe or jacket if you get cold easily.

A: Personal photography is allowed, but professional photography and photography tools are not allowed. We do hire a professional photographer for these Events, so you can purchase high-res, high quality shots of your dance performances.

A: Personal video is prohibited inside of the ballroom. We hire a professional videographer who is available to videotape your dances, and transfer them to DVD on-site before you even leave the Event.

A: We always recommend scheduling some additional dance lessons prior to the Competition, so you can prepare. Book your flights / round-trip transportation as early as possible, for the best rates, and talk with your FADS Instructor about the best airport to fly into. Book your hotel by the room deadline to ensure availability and to take advantage of our discounted room rate. One week prior, Reserve your hair & makeup appointment times as soon as you know the Event schedule.

A: Yes. Snacks and To-Go food sold by the hotel are allowed in the ballroom if you are not taking advantage of the food package for the Competition. However, depending on the schedule, you might find it difficult to obtain food given the short breaks in schedules. We suggest Students be on the lunch and dinner packages, for easy access to meals, and light nutritious snacks. Water is provided throughout the ballroom.

A: Typically, yes! Please talk with your Dance Instructor about special trips and activities they’ve planned during the Event, as well as whether area attractions are making discounted admission tickets available to our group.

A: Please visit our Celebration Station to receive a scoresheet and placements. Any Championships or Scholarship Award winners will be announced at the end of that Division in the session they are danced.