WHAT IS BALLROOM?

Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, composed of nineteen competitive dances and numerous social dances. The competitive dances are divided between the International and American styles, which are further divided into International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth, and American Rhythm.​

 

At competitions, each of these four styles is further divided into levels, and competitors compete at the level best fitting of their past experience. The levels are as follows:

• Newcomer or Pre-Bronze

• Beginner or Bronze

• Intermediate or Silver

• Advanced or Gold

• Master of Syllabus (not frequently offered at collegiate competitions)

• Novice (not frequently offered at collegiate competitions)

• Pre-Championship

• Championship

 

The Pre-Bronze through Gold levels have syllabi indicating which steps are allowed to be used in a competitive setting; Pre-Champ and Champ levels do not (but may have certain restrictions, such as "no lifts"). The syllabi for each dance in the international style is below.

 

Note that Columbia does not offer classes in the American style.