Ladies Competition Recommendations
General grooming is the most important aspect of physical appearance for competition, but expectations vary for different competitions and levels within competitions. Smaller comps have a looser dress code, while some others such as NDCA-affiliated ones have rules regulating costuming. Less formal costuming is preferred and sometimes required for novice, newcomer and social categories. The following information is for ladies dancing Pro-Am in ballroom competition. Amateur couples usually have a more natural, relaxed appearance.
Keep in mind that the quality of the dancing actually matters more than the presentation. Money spent on presentation is an inexpensive (compared to years of lessons) way to get a small edge, and if it makes you feel more secure to know that you’ve dressed the part, it can offer a mental advantage as well. The following are recommendations ONLY—except where rules dictate otherwise—so use them to your advantage, not to torture yourself!
Competition Dress
By far the most stressful aspect of competition presentation is the dress, but if overall grooming is excellent, it is the least important to judges. However, dresses can cost many thousands of dollars, so knowing what works can allow you to be on the lookout for a budget-friendly option. If you haven’t yet found a dress, or if you’re waiting on one to be made, Jim has several dresses available for rent. Nice, unstoned practicewear is always appropriate for smaller comps, and it is preferred for newcomers. (NDCA competitions prohibit stoned dresses in some categories.) Finally, an investment in good practicewear can be doubly valuable if you decide to stone it yourself at a later date. In sum, don’t stress about the dress!
If you decide to buy or rent a dress, you’ll need to be able to differentiate among the different styles. Also, ask your Pro partner for advice before making a large investment! Some but not all details are covered here.
Dresses can generally be categorized as either Latin/Rhythm or Smooth/Standard. We’ll get into the differences within the categories in a moment.
Latin or Rhythm dresses
Latin or Rhythm dresses, at their most basic, reveal leg lines, so they are knee-length or shorter. It’s also important that they show hip and body movement, so they should never be baggy or floaty. Stretchy fabrics are almost always used, and they are ideal for allowing movement, but sometimes large amounts of stoning can make a dress overly stiff. Fringe, ruffles, vivid colors and high-quality stones all enhance and amplify movement. Many of these dresses can seem almost naked, so look for cutouts lined with nude mesh. All of these dresses should have a built in bodysuit and bra cups.
Smooth and Standard dresses
Smooth and Standard dresses share two things in common: they are long, and they have very full skirts. They, too, are often stoned, but the emphasis is on the torso and collarbones. They often have open backs, but if they do not, the back should be interesting and decorative. Their overall design should accentuate the length of the back, and they should never flare out from the waist—only from the hips. It is less important that they be made of stretchy material, but, if not, they must have a built-in bodysuit to prevent them from riding up or bunching up at the waist. It is also important that they be the correct length to prevent tripping.
It’s worth noting that there is a difference in Smooth and Standard dresses. Standard dresses often have what look like scarves hanging from the arms. These are called floats, and they are best suited to Standard when the lady remains in closed hold for the entire dance. Standard dresses also tend to have poofier skirts with one or more underskirts included, while Smooth dresses have a single, lightweight skirt that can be slit up to the thigh, though the slit is not necessary.
The difference between Latin and Rhythm dresses is less pronounced, but Rhythm dresses often have a bouncier look, while Latin dresses are sleeker and more linear.
Shoes
Nude or flesh-colored shoes are expected for all competition categories except Social. Competitors wear open-toed sandals for Rhythm and Latin and closed-toed pumps for Smooth and Standard. Some heel is always preferred, but it does not have to be a high one.
Makeup
Facial features should be clearly visible from at least 10 feet away, and color should not disappear or wash out under bright lights. Eyes are the most important feature, so many choose to wear false eyelashes and match eye shadow colors to their dresses. Makeup should be waterproof. For color, choose highly pigmented shades. Bright lipstick can help judges ascertain that you are smiling. Excessive makeup, more like stage or theatrical makeup, is normal. Makeup does not need to look good up close. It’s a great idea to practice at home if you intend to do your own makeup.
Hair
Hair should not budge. While it is more acceptable to wear hair down (but off the face) for Rhythm and Latin, judges need to be able to see the neck’s line in Smooth and Standard, so updos are necessary for anyone with longer hair. Hair can be embellished with crystals, flowers and hairpieces. Gel and hairspray are important for creating a sleek, smooth, sometimes wet look without flyaways. Clarifying shampoo and deep conditioning are usually necessary to remove all the product after the comp is over. As with makeup, it’s a great idea to practice doing your hair at home first.
Competition Jewelry
Competition jewelry has no metal components to snag on clothing. It is overly large, sparkly, matched to the dress and is visible from at least 10 feet away.
Tan
Highly, highly recommended! Tans make muscles look more toned to improve the overall appearance of your dancing. They also help hide any blemishes or perceived flaws that may bother you in a revealing dress. Under bright lights they give important color to the skin for a more unified overall appearance. Spray tans are ideal, or you can self tan. Many people apply shimmer bronzing powder on top of the tan to further accentuate muscle tone. A darker tan is expected in Rhythm and Latin, but some color is still desirable in Smooth and Standard.
Fishnets
After tanning, some women choose to wear fishnets to blur out any remaining imperfections in the legs. Tights can also be worn, but they may cause your feet to slide around in your shoes. If you choose to wear tights, select ones that are more suntan-colored with some shimmer to them. Entirely flat ones can make it look like you have plastic legs. Also, leg color should match the rest of the visible body—arms, neck, décolleté, face—as closely as possible.
Nails
Judges spend a lot of time looking at feet, and a pedicure is absolutely necessary with open-toed shoes. Fingernails should also be done. Many competitors use Impress Nails in lieu of polish. For larger comps, unmanicured nails or even a clear coat are insufficient.
Eyeglasses
Go blind if you must, but forgo eyeglasses. Contacts are the best solution.
Extras in the Bag for Competition
High-protein snacks, bribes for judges (some smaller comps only—nothing of significant value), lipstick, ink pen, reading glasses, safety pins, extra pair of hose, shoe brush, pain reliever, warm coat or sweater, water, potassium-rich food or drink in case of muscle cramping, and prescribed medications.
