The Victoria Clubs Closed Competition is an informal dance competition for VBDS members and others from the Victoria area.  It is held at one of the regular VBDS dances, usually a couple of times each year.  The evening consists of general ballroom dancing with usually under an hour of competition in the middle.

Is this just for Dancers, or can ordinary people compete?
Competitions begin at the "Newcomer" level so even if you've only taken a couple of classes so far you can try your hand at competing; you may find it fun to have a goal to work toward.  You will be competing in front of a supportive audience of friends and classmates.

This competition is different than formal competitions, such as Dance Pacifica, in which the level of the competition corresponds to the steps you're allowed to dance. Rather, the level is determined by the classes you've taken - so you will be competing against classmates and others with similar dance class backgrounds.

The Events

The events offered may vary from year to year and events with insufficient entries may be cancelled.  The events for the April 19, 2008 competition will be:

Note that each dance is a separate competition: you don't need to do all the dances at your level - you can pick and choose which dances to compete in.

Rules

You must be a member of the VBDS or the UVic Ballroom Dance Club, or be taking syllabus classes in Victoria.

If you are not a member of the VBDS you must take out a one-day membership, which costs $1.

You must dance figures appropriate to the level in which you are competing. For the Newcomer, Intermediate and Pre-Bronze levels you may refer to the guide to classes for the figures taught in those classes. For the other categories, other than Open, you can obtain a list of the international syllabus figures from the Dancesport BC website.

In fairness to all competitors, you are expected to dance at the highest level (or higher) for which you have taken classes.

If you and your partner are at different levels, you must dance at the higher level. For example, don't compete at Pre-Bronze if either of you have taken Bronze lessons in the dance in which you're competing.

Special Notefor the April 19, 2008 competition relevant to VBDS Newcomer I, Newcomer II, Intermediate and Pre-Bronze I students: Our new term of classes will have begun the week prior to the competition. Some VBDS participants will therefore have had only one class at their new level. It will not be counted toward competition qualifications. Students in these classes may compete at the level below the class they have just commenced. So, students who have just started Pre-Bronze I may enter the competition at the Intermediate level, Intermediate students may enter Newcomer II, and Newcomer II students may enter Newcomer I. This applies ONLY to those participants who have had just the ONE class at the higher level.

Certificates are awarded to the top 3 couples in each event.

Registration

A registration form with the current events, rules, and registration instructions is issued one or two months before the competition.  You can pick up a copy of the form at class, practice or dances, or download a copy from this website.

You can wait and register at the door, but if you register at least one week ahead you get into the dance free.

To download a copy of the registration form (.doc format), click here.
To download a copy of the registration form (.pdf format), right click here.
  Check the date on the form to be sure you are not using last year's form.

For the First Time Competitor - Some Notes

There is a single judge - usually a VBDS instructor.

Men have an identification number pinned to the back of their shirt. Spectators cheer you on by shouting out the number while you dance(!).

The dances only last 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

Dress Regulations

The intent of the regulations is to have a level playing field for all.  No one should feel obliged to buy a costume in order to be competitive.

LEADS, Standard: leads to wear a long-sleeved shirt, preferably with a tie, and dress pants. NO: jeans, vest, jacket and/or tail coats are to be worn.

LEADS, Latin: leads to wear a shirt (a T shirt is acceptable) and dress pants. NO: tank tops or jeans to be worn.

FOLLOWS, Standard: follows to wear a blouse and skirt or, dress. No formal, ballroom, or other dance style gowns or costume outfits.

FOLLOWS, Latin: follows to wear a blouse and skirt, dress, or pants. However, NO formal Latin styled costumes for ballroom or, other dance styles.

NOTE: wearing the same Standard outfit for both dance styles (Standard and Latin) is quite acceptable.

West Coast Swing: No jeans or tank tops