Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help clarify the difference between some of the major professional competitions and titles.
For example, what is the difference between World Masters and the World Championships and why do the top couples not compete in the masters? (or at least this is what I have observed)
I'm new on here by the way, I've been dancing Ballroom and Latin American for over 3 years and I attend the major comps in Britain as a spectator, but I've only just discovered these message boards and they are fab - full of useful information!

A great deal depends on who is the sponsor/organiser .

Championship events have to be sanctioned and abide by a very strict set of rules .

Heres a classic e.g. currently being offered-- " World " salsa champ.-- at last count I believe there were 3 or 4 contenders , only 1 being recog. by the WDC

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, I kind of knew that had something to do with it. But with regards to Ballroom & Latin, for example the Latin Worlds I seem to remember were in April in Moscow (WDC), the World Masters were on Saturday (WDC). It's the difference between those two competitions in particular I don't understand. And I don't understand why the top few couples don't compete at the Masters...

Several reasons-- sometimes prior committments -- no advantages to them .

Could also be a courtesy thing-- not wanting to compete against lowly ranked pro,s

Right ok, thanks. I thought there was some sort of general rule I was totally unaware of because the top few couples didn't tend to compete at the Masters!
Thanks for clearing that up.