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Ballroom Dance Competition Types

Cabaret

A special single-dance division of Dancesport in which couples dance an exhibition-style piece to their own selection of music. The dance may incorporate lifts and/or drops, and is not limited to the pre-defined dance styles such as Smooth or Latin.

Closed division

A division of competition which involves the dancing of figures specific to a syllabus, to the exclusion of variations and choreography.

Dancesport

The official name given to the sport of competitive Ballroom Dancing.

Exhibition ballroom dancing

The performing of ballroom dances in a stylized, theatrical presentation.

Formation team

A group of three or more dancers who perform ballroom-style routines.

Freestyle division

A division of competition whereby the man leads the lady through an improvised set of figures, without relying on pre-determined choreography or dance routines.

Open division

A division of competition which can involve the dancing of variations and/or choreography.

Theatre Arts

A category of ballroom competition which includes lifts and drops. Also known as Adagio.