Don’t blink…2022 is halfway through! The Summer Solstice is past, and July is here. Pretty soon we will be in 2023 and you know what that means…dancers will be flocking to the 2023 USA Dance Nationals, March 24-26, in Cleveland, Ohio. The site of this event is the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
So why is American Dancer bringing this up now? It is important to know that, unlike the past two years, 2020 and 2021, DanceSport athletes who plan to dance in the 2023 Nationals will have to qualify by attending and dancing in at least one National Qualifying Event (NQE).
Here are the current DanceSport Council-approved National Qualifying Events:
KANSAS CITY DANCE CLASSIC — Registration is currently open for this event!!!!!
When: September 10-11
Where: Overland Park Marriott, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
Contact: Matt and Ellen Pansing at kansascitydanceclassic@gmail.com
https://kansascitydanceclassic.com/
AMERICAN DANCESPORT FESTIVAL — Registration is currently open for this event!!!!!
When: October 8-9, 2022
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Contact: Lisa Spencer at americandsf@gmail.com
https://www.americandsf.org/
CHICAGO DANCESPORT CHALLENGE — Registration will open soon for this event!!!!!
When: October 28-30, 2022
Where: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Contact: Kelly Batchelor at kbatchelor@burnsbatchelor.com
http://chicagodancesportchallenge.org/
GUMBO DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS
HOST COMPETITION – WDSF SENIOR II TEN DANCE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: November 25-27, 2022
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Contact: Ann Durocher at info@louisianadancesport.org
https://www.louisianadancesport.org/
The MAC
When: January 14-15, 2023
Where: Newark, NJ, USA
Contact: Daphna Locker
SOUTHEASTERN DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS – Registration is open
When: February 17-19, 2023
Where: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Contact: Daniel Bowman and Tiffany Bouquet
https://dancesportgames.com/
For a full list of all upcoming USA Dance events, all are invited to check out: https://usadance.org/events/event_list.asp?show=&group=&start=6%252F5%252F2019&end=&view=&cid=19949
Some of the above competitions will also host World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) events, and ALL dancers are invited to participate. So, let’s answer a few questions about WDSF events.
What is WDSF?
WDSF is the world governing body for DanceSport. USA Dance is the Recognized Sport Organization for DanceSport in the United States.
Who can dance in a WDSF event hosted in the United States?
WDSF events are open to all WDSF members who are in good standing of WDSF, and who meet the age requirements to compete in a particular event. These events are not limited to Championship-level dancers, but all dancers compete at the Open level; they are not limited to the Syllabus. As an example, in 2020, the first WDSF World Smooth Championships were held in Atlanta, Georgia. It was one Open event in the Adult age-category. As a result, well over 60 United States Smooth couples, ages Adult to Senior IV, participated in this event, dancing their best Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Open routines. It was an exciting time to be on the floor, and to see how many rounds each couple made it through. In the end the first WDSF World Smooth Adult Championship title went to Kristers Smits & Elizabeth Shlimovich (USA).
As a USA Dance Member, am I automatically a WDSF Member?
No, USA Dance couples wishing to compete in WDSF events must sign up as WDSF members. They can start that process at: https://www.worlddancesport.org/News/WDSF/Start_Applying_Now-914. Any questions about the process should be referred to the USA Dance International Advisor to the President, Katusha Wilder, at international-advisor@usadance.org.
Is there a separate fee for WDSF?
Yes, there is a separate fee for being a WDSF member. There is not, however, usually a separate cost to dance WDSF events within a competition.
Are there age categories in WDSF?
Yes, the age categories are very similar to those used by USA Dance — Jr II, Youth, Adult, Under-21, and Senior I-IV. Some events might also be labeled as Open – for all age categories, or specify ages like 35 and up or 50 and up.
How many WDSF events may I dance at a competition in the United States?
You may dance as many WDSF events as you wish, as long as you meet the age requirements. If you are a Sr III Standard couple, for example, you may compete in Adult, Sr I, Sr II, and Sr III Standard. Of course, you will likely do better in the Sr II and Sr III categories, but you are not limited to those two age categories. Just make sure you plan for dancing extra rounds.
Which USA Dance NQEs currently are carrying WDSF events?
Currently Gumbo is scheduled to have WDSF events and is also hosting the Sr II World 10-Dance Championship. It should be very exciting. Sadly, many WDSF events were temporarily halted during the pandemic. However, as our organizers are finalizing their schedules, you may see more WDSF events incorporated in our upcoming NQEs.
Does this mean that I may also enter WDSF events overseas?
Once you are a member of WDSF, you may indeed register for and participate in WDSF events overseas. For more information on WDSF events overseas, check out a great primer written by Yanina Kisler: https://americandancer.org/so-you-want-to-compete-in-a-european-ballroom-dance-competition/
How do WDSF Rankings work?
For a great explanation on WDSF Rankings and Stars, check out Senior IV World Finalist David Getchell’s piece at: https://4q21.americandancer.org/rankingsandstars/
Does this mean that I may enter the World Championships?
Those participating in the World Championships require approval/endorsement from the USA Dance International Advisor to the President, Katusha Wilder, at international-advisor@usadance.org or the USA Dance Vice President of DanceSport, Katrina Volgina, at dancesport-vp@usadance.org. This is to ensure appropriate representation from the United States at World-level events.
So, what do I do to get ready for WDSF events?
Start by applying for your WDSF membership, take advantage of the great USA Dance competitions listed above, and Practice Practice, Practice!
Dancers are reminded that USA Dance encourages the freedom to dance in all types of events and competitions. Go out and have fun. But don’t forget to take advantage of the upcoming NQEs, register early, and qualify for the 2023 Nationals!!!
