What to expect from a good ProAm Dance competition

Hello Dear ProAmNews users,

Our main purpose with ProAmNews website is to promote ProAm dance competitions to dancers around the world. Now, that being said, it is important for the ProAm organisers and Pro/Am dancers to have the right mentality and understand what Pro Am is all about. In this post we would like to provide a few important things which all dancers should expect from a good Pro Am Ballroom Dance Competition

The Venue

ProAm competition venue is an extremely important aspect. Not just for the organisers, but for the dancers  , too. With the recent rise of ProAm industry and amount of events around the globe, some organisers still think with their “dancesport” old-fashioned ways, that it is “OK” to organise and invite ProAm dancers to some sport halls, or venues which are in a middle of nowhere. Now that does not sound right. There is a very simple reason why that is wrong. Convenience. A good ProAm dance competition will always be organised in a Hotel which either has a ballroom inside or is connected to it for easy access. At the very least, it will be right next to the hotel or hotels around it. It is comfortable for dancers to access, to quickly go to the room to get ready or relax between rounds.

Package Service

Everyone in the ProAm industry should be aware of this term. A Package is something commonly used in the ProAm events and usually includes accommodation in the Hotel, entrance tickets (if applicable), any dinners/parties which organiser will organise, airport transfers or something extra organisers want to include to help the participants. For some reason, some dancers think that the packages are used as a way to trick them. In 99% cases, it is wrong. Packages are there to help both dancers and organisers. Here is why:

• It is easy – get one get it all – deals. By purchasing a package, you do not have to worry about booking your hotel, getting tickets to parties etc. Simply purchase it and all you have to worry is your travel arrangements and working on Samba walks in practice:)
• Most of the time, packages are either cheaper or at the same cost as an option where you would book everything yourself, just without the hassle.
• By purchasing the package you also help the organisers to know all there is to know about your visit: Where you will stay, when you are arriving, departing, if you are going to the parties etc. etc. This helps the organisers provide the best possible service to you. If you haven’t purchased the package, you will most likely get a worse experience from the event. Not because organisers will now put you in the black list of some sort (we hope, as Packages should not be forced on you), but because you will have all the extra worries and will need to find organisers yourself to arrange all the bits and pieces. Why worry if you can just enjoy and relax?
• Usually, booking the Hotel via organisers (by purchasing the package) will be cheaper, as organisers can have better prices from the hotel for the duration of the event.

The Ballroom and scrutineering

This is the big one. It is all about the ballroom set up and how the event will be run on “paper”. The ballroom part might be easier to grasp: Is the floor big enough, safe to dance on (we would recommend a minimum of 10×14 meters floor)? Are the changing rooms for both Ladies and Gentlemen available? Is there a food/drink buffet/restaurant close by for convenient breaks? Are the seats available to rest between rounds? Any vendors? Hair and Make up services available? Any and all of these can be important. Not all of them “have” to be included but most good events would have them.

The Scrutineering – meaning the system on which the event is being run on.

This one is a little harder for the dancers to understand, but is probably the most important one. The system which is used to run the event – create schedule, judging system, result calculating, Heat list generation, number allocation. To keep it simple: Make sure the event is using Comp Manager system from US (or similar). Ask about it before going to the event. If it is not, or the organisers are evading – You are in for a horrible experience.

We are not going to sugar cote it – this is the most important part of any ProAm event. As you know ProAm started in the US, and they have developed a system which makes ProAm events run smooth and great. All organisers should be using it or should not be organising ProAm dance events. Believe us –  you will thank us for this! Without this it would be like flying in a plane from London to Sydney without a pilot. Would you do it? We bet the answer is a big fat NO.

ProAm as an “extra”

Some events in the industry have historically become large professional “dance sport” events where professional dancers from kids to Professional dancers go to. That is great! However, simply to make more money, organisers have slapped ProAm on their flyers without much attention or knowledge what ProAm is. The best ProAm competitions will always be either “only” ProAm or ProAm mainly with the rest as an extra. Not the other way around. In some events, ProAm couples dance in “second” rate, empty ballroom while the main event takes place in the main venue. Would that be something you would like? We do not think so.

Last Comments

We cannot stress it more – only by sharing experiences will the industry improve. Hence why we created ProAmNews as it is – a one global calendar of events, with ProAm dancers experiences and reviews of events. We encourage all of you to register and leave comments about the events where you have been to. Not only will it help the organisers to improve their events by having constructive criticism(or praise), but it will also provide valuable information for your fellow ProAm dancers. Obviously, nothing can be as certain as traveling and experiencing events by yourself. By all means, we hope you all can take part in many many events around the globe. However, be vocal and share your experiences to help others. The time has come for ProAm industry to become strong and have a voice. We simply hope that ProAmNews will help You speak up!

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