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DanceSport

syllabus events

Dancesport syllabus events are competitive dance events that restrict the figures, elements, and sometimes the costumes to a specific, pre-approved list of techniques, or "syllabus". This creates a structured environment for dancers, especially beginners, to focus on fundamental skills and technique within a particular style, like American or International Ballroom. The syllabus rules ensure a consistent and fair playing field for participants.

DanceSport Heritage

Purpose of syllabus events

Focus on fundamentals:

 Syllabus events are designed to build a strong foundation in basic technique, a core component of dance. 

Progressive learning

They allow dancers to progress through different levels (e.g., from 'D Class' to 'A Class') as they master more complex figures. 

Level playing field

Level playing field: By standardizing allowable figures and sometimes attire, the syllabus ensures a fair competition for all participants.

Skill development

Skill development: They encourage dancers to develop the precision, style, and technical ability required for more advanced routines later on.

Why compete in Syllabus

Most dancers start here because it allows them to be judged on quality of movement rather than who has the flashiest choreography. It’s the "formative" stage of a DanceSport athlete's career.

The Proficiency Levels

Syllabus events are almost always divided into three main "medal" levels. As you progress, the number of allowed figures increases:These events are designed to ensure a level playing field and to encourage developing dancers to master fundamental technique before moving on to complex, "open" choreography.

Defined rules:

 Each competition clearly outlines its specific syllabus rules for the figures and elements allowed

Approved figures:

The competition is limited to a set of approved figures, which can be found in technique books and are often color-coded in official documents.

Syllabus progression

Dancers typically move through different syllabus levels, such as elementary, junior high, and high school, based on their skill and age. 

Attire restrictions

 Syllabus events often have specific, strict rules for attire to prevent advanced or showy elements, such as limiting embellishments, hemline types, and heel height for certain age groups. 

Syllabus types

 Different organizations, such as the International Dancesport Foundation  (IDSF), have their own approved syllabi, which can be further divided into categories like "Closed Syllabus" or "School Syllabus". 

Advancement and Point Systems 📈

Earning Points

Fashion

Dancers earn points by placing well (usually 1st, 2nd, or 3rd) in a competition for their current level. The number of points awarded may also depend on the number of couples competing (larger events offer more points).

Styles are Separate:

Progretion

A dancer's level is tracked independently for each style (e.g., International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth, American Rhythm). A dancer might be Gold in one style but only Bronze in another.

Dancing Up:

Rules

Competitors are generally allowed to compete at one or two levels higher than their established level, but they are not allowed to compete down once they have pointed out of a lower level.