I participated in the Indiana Challenge this weekend in the Newcomer Bronze division. I had participated in one Fred Astaire comp before I moved to an independant studio....I've been dancing about 9 months.

Overall I had a very good time and I was please to place with seconds and thirds in 5of 7 dances that I participated in. I was confused however to see that there were a few dancers that have been competing in open bronze for some time (I knew them from the other studio)that were also competing in the newcomer division. This seems somehow unfair or unethical. Does anyone know if this i a common practice?

Also, I was shocked when I placed 2nd in foxtrot (out of 7 participants) when I made a number of mistakes with following my partner. I felt that my basic frame and footwork were pretty decent, but it's not a dance that I'm at all good at and I did stumble with it at one point. I guess I'm wondering how much placing is worth when I know I really messed that one up! I placed 2nd in Tango as well, but I knew I performed my tango well. So I'm confused and wondering if placing at this level has any real meaning.

Hi Lisamarie
Just a reply to your question about 'are placings worth it?'
If you placed 2nd, you must have impressed the judges. Even though you stumbled, your placing will reflect your overall presentation which includes your shaping, footwork, timing, and a host of other subjective things. You say your basic frame was pretty decent- that's really important and will help you greatly in the future.

Thank You for the insight!

What you might not realize is that EVERYONE messes up - in your foxtrot heat, perhaps others made just as many mistakes as you did, but didn't recover as well; or the judges were looking at someone else when you made your mistakes. Mistakes aren't necessarily deal-breakers in a competition.

As to upper-level bronze students competing in Newcomer - well, there are sandbaggers out there, at every level. Sometimes rules are liberal enough to allow it. My personal view is that, even if the rules allow it, I see sandbagging as not in keeping with the spirit of good sportsmanship. And, I've never had an instructor who encouraged sandbagging. But there are others who see things differently.

Take a deep breath, acknowledge that, for better or worse, this is all part of competition - and keep dancing!