The Ultimate Guide: 7 Secrets to the Judging System in Ballroom Dance Competitions

 

• The Structure of Ballroom Dance Competitions
• How Rounds Are Organized
• The Role of Judges and Recall Scoring
• The Skating System: Judging the Final Round
• Why the Judging System Matters in Pro-Am Dancing
• Advantages of the Skating System
• Challenges and Critiques
• Final Thoughts: The Beauty Behind the Scores

The Structure of Ballroom Dance Competitions

Ballroom dance competitions are built on a system designed to give everyone a fair shot, whether you’re dancing in your first event or competing at a world championship. Let me break it down for you. The number of rounds depends on how many couples enter:

• Final: 6 couples
• Semifinal: 12 couples
• Quarterfinal: 24 couples
• Second Round: 48 couples
• First Round: 96 couples

Now, if more than 96 couples show up—which happens often in major competitions like Blackpool Dance Festival or the German Open—the first round accommodates everyone, and the field gets narrowed with each subsequent round. I remember my first big international competition. More than 200 couples were in my category. By the time who got to the final, they had danced through 7 rounds! It’s exhausting but exhilarating, and every couple is hoping the judges notice their best moments.

How Rounds Are Organized

Here’s a little secret: the competition floor isn’t always big enough for all the couples to dance at once. That’s when heats come into play. Let’s say there are 96 couples in the first round. The organizers will divide them into smaller groups, or “heats,” so everyone gets a chance to shine. The size of these heats depends on the floor space and the competition rules.

Sometimes, ties in the recall process lead to unexpected numbers in later rounds. For example, I’ve seen semifinals with 14 couples or finals with 8 couples instead of the usual 6. It can feel chaotic, but it’s all part of the system. And trust me, as a dancer, you just have to roll with it.

The Role of Judges and Recall Scoring

Let me tell you about the judges. These folks have a tough job. In the early rounds, they’re working quickly, marking which couples they want to see again. Here’s how it works:

1. Start Numbers: Each male dancer wears a number on his back. That’s how the judges identify us. You’d be surprised how many dancers obsess over making sure their number is straight and visible. (Pro tip: Double-check it before you step onto the floor!)
2. Marking Recall: During the round, judges either put an “X” next to the couples they want to recall or write their numbers on a score sheet. They’re not ranking us yet; they’re just deciding who makes it to the next round. As a dancer, you’re always wondering, “Did I make a strong enough impression?”
3. Dance-by-Dance Judging: Each category includes multiple dances, like the waltz, tango, and quickstep. Judges score us individually for each dance, so it’s possible to excel in one and struggle in another. I’ve had rounds where my waltz was on fire, but my foxtrot… well, let’s just say it needed work. The total recalls determine whether you advance.

The Skating System: Judging the Final Round

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Once you make it to the final, the judging shifts to the Skating System. If you’ve never heard of it, let me break it down. It’s a ranking system that focuses on majority rule to determine placements.

How the Skating System Works

1. Ranking Instead of Points: In the final, judges rank each couple from 1st to 6th place for each dance. For example, Couple A might get a “1” for their breathtaking waltz, while Couple B gets a “2.” It’s all about relative performance.
2. Majority Rule: To secure a placement, a couple must earn that rank (or better) from a majority of the judges. With 7 judges, you’d need at least 4 first-place rankings to win.
3. Breaking Ties: If no couple has a majority for a placement, the system looks at lower rankings to break the tie. It’s a fair way to ensure consistency across the judges.

An Example of the Skating System

Let’s say 3 couples are in the final, judged by 7 judges. Here’s how the results might look:

Couple B wins because they have the majority of 1st-place votes. Couple A takes 2nd because they have the most 1st and 2nd place votes and Couple C gets 3rd based on their lower rankings.

If you are interested in What Does the Judge Look for When Judging in Ballroom Dance Competitions?, click here and read our article about it.

Why the Judging System in Ballroom Matters in Pro-Am Dancing

Pro-am dancing—where amateurs partner with professionals—adds another layer to the judging process. The system balances subjective artistry with technical precision, giving everyone a chance to shine. I’ve often heard amateurs ask, “Do the judges care more about my technique or my connection with my partner?” The answer is both. Judges look for a combination of technical skill, artistic expression, and partnership chemistry.

Advantages of the Skating System

1. Fair Majority Rule: The majority rule ensures fairness and reflects the overall consensus of the judges.
2. Objective Ranking: By considering lower rankings in ties, the system provides a balanced evaluation.
3. Flexibility in Judging: The system allows judges to account for subjective differences without undermining fairness.

Challenges and Critiques

Of course, no system is perfect. The Skating System has its flaws:

• Subjectivity Remains: Judges’ preferences can still influence outcomes.
• Complexity: The process can be confusing for newcomers.
• Reliance on Experience: The system works best with seasoned judges. Inexperience can lead to inconsistencies.

Final Thoughts: The Beauty Behind the Scores

So, why is the judging system so important? Because it’s the backbone of every competition. From recalls to the Skating System, understanding how it all works can give you a deeper appreciation for the sport. And for dancers like me, knowing the system helps us focus on what really matters: delivering our best performance. Next time you watch a competition, you’ll know exactly why that couple took home the trophy.