There are two main groups of competitive ballroom dancing levels:

Syllabus levels: Also known as "closed" levels, they are restricted to a specific list of steps and patterns.

Open levels: Dancers are allowed to choreograph their own steps and patterns, though some dangerous movements like lifts are still prohibited.

Newcomer (E, D class)

Description: This is the lowest level, also known as "Student-Teacher."

Characteristics: It has very few steps and is designed to help new students get started in competitive dancing.

Rules: Dancers are only allowed to compete at this level twice before they must advance.

Bronze (C class)

Description: The second level, also called "Associate."

Characteristics: Students often spend a lot of time at this level to develop fundamental skills. In Standard, dancers begin using body contact. In Latin, focus is on developing straight-legged actions and foot articulation.

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Silver (B, A class)

Description: The third level, or "Licentiate."
Characteristics: It introduces more complex figures and faster, more complicated steps. Standard dancing involves a greater range of body positions and turns, requiring a solid understanding of Bronze-level foundations. In American-style smooth and Rhythm, the number of allowable figures increases significantly.

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Gold (S class)

Description: The final syllabus level, also known as "Fellow."
Characteristics: This level introduces landmark figures that dancers continue to use at higher levels. The text suggests that skipping this level to go directly to Open is a mistake, as Gold provides a crucial opportunity to develop advanced figures like the "Overturned Spin Turn and Turning Lock to the Right" in Standard or "Sliding Doors" in Rumba without the additional complexities of higher levels.

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Advanced Classification Systems

Major governing bodies, such as the IDSF (Dancesport Heritage) and national organizations like FIDS,HDSU, utilize a class-based system (N, E, D, C, B, A, S) that often overlaps with the traditional Bronze/Silver/Gold names to standardize levels internationally.

Class (e.g., IDSF)	Traditional Level Equivalent	Description
N / E Class	Newcomer / Bronze	Entry-level syllabus dancers.
D / C Class	Silver / Gold / Novice	Mid-level syllabus and early open-level dancers.
B / A / S Class	Pre-Champ / Championship	Highest-tier amateur competitors.