First steps in dancesport

What is dancesport?

Dancesport is ballroom and Latin dancing as a sport. There are two main programmes:

• Standard — Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep;
• Latin American — Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.
• You can dance solo, as a couple or in a team (synchro groups and formations).
• It combines sport, music and art — it builds coordination, posture, stamina and self-confidence, and teaches teamwork.

From what age?

Many clubs take children from the age of 4–5 in groups for the youngest. Children are grouped by age, so a child always trains with others of the same age.

It is never too late: there are groups for juniors, adults and recreational dancers — including parents who would like to dance too.

How to choose a club

• Close to home or school — children usually train 2–3 times a week, so the journey matters.
• Ask for a trial class — many clubs offer one free of charge.
• A group for your child's age and level — ask how the groups are divided.
• The coaches — their experience and qualifications, and how they work with children.
• Schedule and atmosphere — whether the times suit you and whether your child is happy to go back.

Every club in the network has a profile with contacts; many also show where and when they train and whether they are taking new students. See the clubs →

What to bring

• Comfortable clothes your child can move freely in.
• Soft-soled trainers or other light shoes — special dance shoes come later, on the coach's advice.
• A bottle of water.
• Long hair tied back.
• Arrive 10 minutes early so there is time to meet the coach.

How much does it cost?

The main cost is a monthly fee, which differs from club to club and from city to city. Later on there may be dance shoes, competition costumes, entry fees for competitions and training camps.

Ask the club in advance what the fee includes and what comes later — a good club will tell you openly.

Levels and competitions

Competing is not compulsory — many children dance for the joy of it. Those who want to compete usually start at festivals: most are open to everyone, whatever club or federation they belong to. Beginners start at the entry levels (named “First Steps”, “Debut” or similar), move on to the Basic levels and then to Open — the names differ from organiser to organiser.

At federation competitions couples are registered through their club and compete in classes, starting from the lowest and moving up with their results.

Your child's coach will tell you which competitions suit them and when they are ready.

How to help your child

• Regular attendance matters more than talent — progress comes with time.
• Be patient and praise effort, not only results.
• Don't compare your child with others — every dancer has their own pace.
• Go and watch a festival together — seeing other children dance is a great motivation.