So I've been taking lessons for about half a year now, and I'm currently in the Bronze program (about 1/3 of the way trough) at the FA studios (Fred Astaire)

My instructor introduced me to the idea of competitions a while ago. However, it seems that these competitions are FA competitions and are more "fun" oriented. And are also extremely expensive.

I was just wondering if I'll ever be able to do competitions elsewhere that are more "competition" oriented. Does anyone know if the program I'm in is recognized elsewhere? And how can I start competing? And how much do competitions usually cost?

Any help would be appreciated.
Sort of confused...

The simple answer is that you can generally go to any competition which your teacher or your partner is willing to take you to.

If entering with your teacher, your teacher will have to be registered with the organization that runs the competition. Some of the more serious Fred's teachers are, though many of their everday staff probably are not. It's not big deal to do so, but a mainstream competition might be a bit overwhelming for a teacher who hadn't taken students to one before.

If entering with a partner, both you and your partner will need to sign the forms and pay the fees to join the sponsoring organization.

Depending on what you enter, you will have different fee structures and rules ot contend with, and different competition. Of course there are a wide range of divisions at competitions, but attendance in some divisions will be better at some competitions than others.

Keep asking questions, and hope you have fun with it!

Okay, thanks so much for the response, I understand better now.

I actually don't have a partner. But I hope I'll be able to do competitions in the near future. The only problem is the price factor. I'm a university student, so already, paying for the lessons was very pricy to me. I just don't want to go to a competition in which all the money will be put towards glam and food and hotel and such. I'm not saying that I won't devote more money to dancing, I definitely will, but I rather have the money go to dance lessons than busting it on a three-day competition.
I just want to do a straight up competition with no frills (or at least minimal frills). Are there any of those?

Thanks for listening! Any imput would be highly appreciated :)

"I just want to do a straight up competition with no frills (or at least minimal frills). Are there any of those?"

Yes, held on the basketball courts of universities. And if you are in university, you are in the best place in the world to look for a dance partner.

Are you serious?

I've never heard of those. Would that have to do with the fact that I live in Canada? Maybe ballroom dancing is not as big here in university as it is in the states.

Am I right? Anyways, I'll try looking into it.

Thanks again and keep the advice coming!

Which part of Canada are you in?

I live in Ottawa, Ontario

Not familiar with Ottawa area, I know there are few high level professionals in Toronto and Montreal and you don't need to go to FA studio. They are business oriented and more expensive. Go to www.dancesport.ca and check it out.

I will check with my conatcts and post after new year.

thanks a lot for the info, I really appreciate it. I will definitely check out this website.

Happy new year to all