I am pretty new to ballroom dancing. It s been 2 months that I am taking dance classes and I will do my first competition in February. I am doing American Style and my teacher suggests me to do 10 dances (close) in the newcomer category and to do the same ones in the associate bronze as well with one open dance, which I agred. Is it usual for beginners to do so many dances for their first competition and all close and not open How many hours of practice do I need a week to ensure that I can win. Right now I have 2 hours of private class, 3 hours of group class and 2 hours of supervised practice. I practice 4 hours per week by myself. (Sorry, my english writing is not very good) Any opinion on my situation will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Don't get so hung up on winning or losing at your first competition. Are you a Pro/Am student dancing with your teacher? It sounds like it. If so, you're doing more practice than the majority of people at your level.

As far as how many dances to enter, you should let your pocketbook and your feelings about your dancing be your guide. If you can afford to do all that, and if you want to do all that, then go do it. If you don't, then only enter what you can afford to do/want to do. Don't be afraid to say "no" when you need to.

Thanks Friendly for your reply. Yes I am a Pro/Am student. Concerning the number of dances, I can afford it and I want to do it. I was just wondering if usually the students of my level are doing less or more. My goal is to eventually enter high level competition and maybe become a teacher. ( I know that it is going to take me a few years, I just hope that my bank account will support me till there!)