Social or Competitive Dancing?

There has been some confusion about the difference between social dancing and competitive dancing. While both are considered “ballroom” dancing, there are differences between the two, and today we are going to clear up some of that confusion by comparing both dances.

Let’s begin with social dancing. What exactly is it? Social dancing is co-operative, rather than competitive. It’s for the majority of people who want to be able to dance at clubs, weddings, or any social occasion. It involves being sociable and the ability to dance with a variety of partners. Social dancing can include a variety of dances, such as Latin, swing, tango, and Country. 

On a social dance floor, there are usually quite a few more people than on the competitive floor, so you need to be more compact in your moves. The leader is responsible for guiding their partner in the appropriate steps. They need to be aware of the people and space around them, in order to be able to maneuver around the dance floor. So, ladies, relax and let him lead the way! For followers, they also must be aware of who is around at all times and ensure that they are moving enough to get a good connection with their partner.

At Dance FX Studios, we teach our students how to be great leaders and followers, so that they can have a great connection with anyone on the dance floor. One of the most important things on the dance floor is eye contact- you must always be looking at your partner.  Yes, leaders may need to quickly look to check for space when performing moves, but as much as possible this dance is about you and your partner – not who’s watching you.  What a great way to be able to shut out the rest of the world and just focus on each other!

Social dancing is extremely beneficial and includes the body, mind, spirit, and emotion. It is personal, intimate, and communicative. It includes multiple generations and dancers with various degrees of skill and experience, unlike competitive dancing which is restricted to professionals and performers, and performed before avid spectators. So, as you can see, social dancing is definitely the way to go for the majority of us. Let Dance FX Studios turn you into confident and competent social dancers!

Competitive dancing, while still a partnership, involves participants performing dances of several, approved dance styles before a group of judges and an audience. They are judged on their speed, elegance, body action, and dramatic movements. It really does require a lot of dedication since they may spend many months practicing dances and developing dance routines.

In a dance competition, participants display and compare their skills with other dancers of the same level. It’s fascinating to watch the various couples competing, but where’s the fun for you? And, not too sure where or when someone would actually be doing this at a local club, an upcoming wedding, or any other social occasion. Wouldn’t you and your partner rather be the ones doing the dancing, instead of watching it? 

Competitive dancers must also be extremely fit because this can be very physically demanding. They must continuously train to maintain and improve their technique, balance, strength and flexibility. It’s an excellent way to stay in shape, but certainly not everyone’s cup of tea!

Now that you have a better idea of what social dancing can offer, why not try it for yourself? Dance FX Studios is available for private dance lessons Monday-Friday, from 12-8 pm and Saturdays, 11 am-4 pm. We also offer group classes in the evenings throughout the week and Zumba®fitness classes 3 times a week.  Any questions? Give us a call at 480.968.6177 or email us at info@dancefxstudios.com.

Dance FX Studios is just minutes away from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert. You can find us at 1859 W. Guadalupe Rd, in Mesa, AZ, on the SE corner of Guadalupe and Dobson.  We would love the opportunity to show you how we can make a positive difference in the lives of our students. Come and see how we can turn people who were previously sitting on the sidelines watching others dance into dancers themselves!

To touch, to move, to inspire. This is the true gift of dance. - Aubrey Lynch