As in any other sport, in dances there is a classification not only by age, but also by the abilities of the participants. This is created in order to balance the competitive moment, to create balance. Of course, classes in ballroom dancing are divided mainly by age, but this category is also divided into several variations.
Separation system
The dancer’s level of preparedness for the competition is the main criterion for the distribution of classifications. Moreover, classes in ballroom dancing do not differ depending on the country, this allows you to conduct the most honest international events.
In order to participate in their first competition, the dancers do not need to confirm any titles, since everyone is automatically awarded the lowest class. Even if a person attends a ballroom dancing class as a hobby, he is still qualified. To raise your position, you need to attend events more often and take prizes, thereby accumulating points.
To get into the upper class in ballroom dancing means not only receiving a reward - it is also the right to perform more complex elements. And this makes it possible to improve their professional skills.
Category difference
Classes in ballroom dancing, as noted above, have a difference in age and skill level. Thus, a child under 6 years old will not fall into the competition with adults. In the class that is at the very bottom, you cannot execute most of the elements. This is designed so that the dancer first learns and demonstrates the basics. They are the basis for all complex variations.
The higher the dancer's category, the more compositions are available to him. Therefore, with each group and increases the difficulty of participating in competitions.
How many classes in ballroom dancing? This question worries many parents when they bring their child to school. In fact, it depends on how old the student is now. For example, if at the moment the child is 11 years old, then only 2 classes are available to him, which are in the children's category.
Classification of ballroom dancing by class
Most often, parents and students themselves are interested in the distribution not by age, but by level of training. Everyone wants to learn new facets of dance, rather than pore over the basics. But still, do not forget that age restrictions are basic, since a child of 7 years old, simply physically and from a lack of experience, will not be able to show a better result than a 20-year-old athlete. Although, of course, there are exceptions.
First of all, the athlete's coach should answer the question what classes in ballroom dancing are. But most often, parents try to figure it out themselves. Consider the categories by which dancers are distributed.
E-class
This is the first level of the athlete. In this class, the dancer can already take part in competitions with free choreography. But in order to score points for passing to this level, it is necessary to master class H or, as it is called in another way, “Beginner”. In this category there is no competition as such, but there is an inspection. That is, the participants show the basic elements by which it is determined whether they will be admitted further or not.
Also next to the letter is always a number that indicates the number of dances that must be mastered. For example, N-3 is the first step, which includes a waltz, a polka, and, of course, cha-cha-cha. Before the E class, the student must master, in addition to the above dances, quickstep, samba and jive.
European and Latin American programs
In addition, class E has another feature. It is divided into European and Latin American styles. The child can choose the program in which he wants to succeed, and you can participate in competitions related to both one and the other style.
The first option includes dances such as quickstep, slow and Viennese waltz. The second, Latin American program includes jive, samba and cha-cha-cha. At the beginning of his sports career, it is best to carefully study all the proposed dances. But when the student learns the basics and goes into the category of professionals, it is worth choosing one thing and not spraying on two programs.
D class
This is the second step in the categories of skill. As with the E-class, there is a division into the Latin American program and the European one. But a distinctive feature is that the dances required for mastering become not 6, but 8. In the first category, rumba is added, and tango is added to the European program. The rest of the choreography is also becoming more complicated - new elements are added to it.
This class is extreme for beginners. If before athletes could jump from H to D in one year, now it will become more difficult. Since not only technology, but also creativity begins to be appreciated from the next level.
C class
Starting from this category, the participants of the competition have the opportunity to add choreographic innovations to their performances that are not in the basic set. Thus, the judges begin to give points also for how beautiful and elegant the room looks.
Of course, the dance classes in ballroom dancing are different, but it is to this category that all beginners aspire. Since category C turns ordinary physical culture with its standards into real art with arbitrary movements.
New obligatory dances appear in this category: foxtrot in the European program and paso doble in the Latin American. There are no beginners or amateurs in the C-class. All those who received this rank become masters and professionals. And all the dance numbers that the athletes show must demonstrate not only excellent technique, but also creative integrity.
B-class
Due to the fact that already trained dancers perform in this category, there are more free movements. Now the participant in the competition can finally decide on his style, will it be Latin American or European.
And now, paired numbers can contain a variety of supports and poses. Of course, athletes before this class learned all kinds of complex ligaments with the coach. But, nevertheless, it is this category that allows you to officially carry out support at competitions and other various competitions.
A, S and M-classes
The first category is intermediate between the above and already international classes. S is assigned only according to the results of Championships and Championships of a national scale. It is also worth noting that only the Presidium of the national federation can raise the class at this stage.
Basically, the highest skill can be obtained by participating in various Olympiads and world competitions. As in any other sport, constant practice is important here. The more competitions, the faster the participant will succeed.
Well, the extreme - M-class - is the highest in dance sport. This category is the most desirable for any dancer. Of course, to get it, you need to devote your whole life to sports, but the result is worth any effort.
Hobby class
This category is not official, and all judges accept it at sporting events. This class is designed for adults who have just started dancing. Moreover, athletes have no restrictions on costumes and elements. The only thing that remains of the H-class is the ability to perform only 4 dances - cha-cha-cha, quickstep, jive and waltz.
This category was created only for an adult dancer to move to the highest level of mastery. And also this class was created for people who do not want to play sports professionally. If older people learn tango just to be in good shape, then their class is also called "Hobby."
Classification Rules for Sports Ballroom Dancing
First of all, in order to get any of the categories, the student must attend contests at least once a year. It is the number of successful events that affects the assigned class. So, dancers for each medal receive a certain number of points, which are summed up among themselves. According to the results for a certain period of time, the athlete gets his rank.
Starting from class B, the points are divided according to the Latin American direction and the European one. And before that, all points received are added up regardless of style.
When the student’s mastery grows to the S-class, then the assignment of a category occurs not only in the number of points. Of great importance are the very performances of the athlete. In any case, only the Presidium of the Federation can assign this or that degree.
Doubles Rules
Of course, very rarely ballroom dancing can be performed alone. That is why in this sport there are rules that relate to duets. The definition of a class lies mainly in the male half. That is, if the partner takes only E, then the partner will dance in this classification. Moreover, the direction in which the pair protrudes does not matter.
Of course, there are exceptions. If a girl has a class higher than that of a partner 2 levels or more, such a couple can be allowed to compete, a class above one position of a man. Unfortunately, these rules are official and cannot be canceled, despite any classes in ballroom dancing. At the same time, the partner’s performance standards are also omitted - she cannot perform movements of her own level.