The BDC Summer DanceSport Showcase is a supportive, in-studio event designed for dancers who want to try out performing or competing in a welcoming, new-to competitions, environment.

The event includes a mix of performances, feedback rounds, and judged heats, creating an atmosphere similar to a competition while keeping the experience fun, welcoming and perfect for newer dancers.

You do not need to be a member or current student of Ballroom Dance Chicago to participate. However, dancers joining from outside studios must participate as Am-Am (student with student) partnerships only.

If you’re interested, we can help pair you with an instructor for a Pro-Am opportunity or with one of our students for an Am-Am opportunity.

To start, all you need to do is book your base entry which includes 5 heats in the dances of your choice. Once you book that, we’ll reach out to solidify everything you’re looking to participate in and talk about pairing you with someone if that is what you are looking for.

You can learn more about Ballroom competitions in general (and why we’re offering a beginner-friendly event), in the “How Ballroom Competitions Work” blog series.

Dance Categories:

1. Performances (Non-Ranked)

A great starting point for dancers who want to perform with structure and receive feedback, without the pressure of scoring.

• Level: Am-Am and Pro-Am

• Dance Styles: Any

• Dance Duration: Up to 1.5 minutes

• Feedback: Written feedback from judges

• Participation Requirements: At least 1 private lesson with BDC required to participate

• Entry: $200
  

2. Heats (Non-Ranked)

Short, structured rounds designed to give dancers time on the floor and build confidence in a lower-pressure setting.

• Level: Pro-Am and Am-Am

• Dance Styles:

  • Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz

  • Rhythm: Rumba, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Mambo, Bolero

  • Specialty: West Coast Swing, Merengue, Hustle, Salsa, Bachata, Samba, Argentine Tango

• Dance Duration: ~1 minute

• Feedback: No formal feedback or scoring

• Participation Requirements: Open to all dancers

• Entry: $40 for additional am-am heats, the cost can be split between you and your dance partner. $50 for pro-am heats.. 5 am-am heats are included with your base ticket. 
  

3. Ranked Heats (Scored)

• Level: Am-Am & Pro-Am

• Dance Duration: Up to 1.5 minutes

• Feedback: Scoring and awards

• Participation Requirements:

  • At least 1 private lesson with BDC required to participate

  • Dancers from other studios must compete as Am-Am only

• Entry:

  • Am-Am: $80 total, $40 per competitor

  • Pro-Am: $100 total

  • Entry includes all Waltz and Tango heats

• Dances: 

  • Waltz

  • Tango

  • Expect about 1-2 heats of each dance

How to Get Started:

Book Your Entry

Book your default entry which includes 5 Am-Am heats. After that, we will reach out to you with detailed information and a form for you to sign up for the performances and heats you are participating in.

Join Open Practice

Open practices are available leading up to the event so you can get comfortable in the space, run your rounds, and build confidence with your partner. We recommend attending a few sessions so your dancing feels natural and prepared on event day.

When: Fridays: 7:30 PM and Saturdays: 1:15 PM

• Drop-In: $25

• 5-Pack: $105

• 10-Pack: $160

Round Up Your Cheering Squad

A select number of tickets will be available for spectators. All purchases include participation for the full event, so spectators are welcome to pop in and out.

• $15 standing room only

• $30 seated ticket

• $50 tabled ticket