Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series. Readers who are unfamiliar with the new USA Dance Proficiency Points System may find it beneficial to read the first article and frequently asked questions, “Proficiency Points System – What’s it all about?”
The recent rollout of USA Dance’s updated Proficiency Points System (PPS) has drawn some questions from dancers regarding how it works and how it affects their placements in different “classes.” This system, designed to ensure fairness and prevent competitors from “dancing down,” is rooted in tracking the achievements and points earned at national and sanctioned competitions. By leveraging these data points, USA Dance aims to provide a more accurate and equitable method of class placement, benefiting both Amateur and reinstated Professional dancers.
In this article, we will address some of the most common questions surrounding the new system, including how seeding was initially determined and why age is not a factor in class assignments. We will also direct you in case of additional questions and feedback. Our goal is to ensure a transparent understanding of the new system. We’re excited to see how it evolves to meet the needs of our dance community.
Background of the USA Dance Proficiency Points System
A USA Dance task force spent the last two years developing an easy-to-use approach to take USA Dance events to the next level. Known as the USA Dance Proficiency Points System, the project has reached the point where we are sharing it with dancers and beginning the adoption process.
How far back did administrators go to determine the initial seeding?
The task force did the initial seeding based on the lowest levels you danced at the 2024 Nationals. From there, we made some conservative adjustments “downward,” as our initial goal was to prevent under-dancing. We have since tracked the points from Nationals and every competition forward.
This means that when Nationals 2025 concludes, two complete Nationals and all 2024 – 2025 sanctioned events will be factored into your proficiency class.
I’m dancing Championship level and my class is only B, why?!
It’s important to remember our initial goal with this system was to ensure couples weren’t dancing down, not to perfectly sort them. So, in the “old nomenclature,” think that we wanted to prevent a Championship-level dancer from dancing gold, not prevent a gold dancer from dancing Pre-Champ. The proficiency points system was intentionally seeded “conservatively.”
The classes in this system also align with the classes of the same name overseas.
How were those who have S class determined?
Some were already awarded S class by other countries. Some have been reinstated from Professional to Amateur dancers and, by the rule, assigned to the highest class, so they were not permitted to compete against couples at lower proficiency levels. Some of them were originally seeded to A-class but have since collected more points and were leveled up automatically by the system.
How is age factored into the system?
“In order to properly account for age, age is not a factor in your class”. Wait, what?
If age were a factor in your class, administrators would have to assign a class for each age level or provide a handicap. They also would have to speculate where Senior dancers should be rated when dancing in lower age categories. We think those considerations would be inappropriate – there are just as many Seniors who dance several age categories lower and win as those who dance their ‘natural’ age categories. The simpler solution is to let the results speak for themselves. If you can beat a dancer who is class A, why should it matter what your age is or what their age is?
PPS is not an award system and is not intended to substitute for placements/titles at competitions. It tracks athletes’ progress and reflects each athlete’s measurable state at a particular moment in time.
Here are some useful links to familiarize yourself with the system and your Proficiency Points:
- Proficiency Points System – American Dancer – You should read this first. This will explain the key terminology, such as which class belongs to which letter.
- Here are two links to the proficiency point documents:
- The details can be found in the full rule set.
I have more questions or feedback, what is the best way to ask them?
Email any questions or feedback to proficiency@usadance.org. In addition, the PPS administrators will host two open forums in November and January for competitors to ask their questions and receive answers in real-time.
Keep the feedback coming, we’re excited to incorporate it. We are striving for a fair-play system we’re all proud of!
