Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQ's will walk you through your first country competition step by step. From understanding what to enter, interpreting the rules, costumes and what to expect when you arrive at your first event. We've got you covered!
What is country dancing?
Enter my first compeition
Country dance competitions aren't just an American thing! Country Dance events take place all over the US and in many parts of Europe and Asia, all year round. Some organizations even host a Worlds competition for dancers from across the globe. See the event list here
Video walk through. Divisions explained.
To compete in country dancing you need an UCWDC Associate number.
This is how the organization tracks qualification towards the world championships, top student and top teacher awards.
SEE HOW TO REGISTER IN THIS VIDEO
What do I wear?
Newcomer ladies have very few costume requirements. UCWDC is committed to removing significant barriers to competing for new dancers. What that means is all that's required for your first competition is a nice dress that allows ease of movement, hose (tights), dance pants (shorts) and a pair of low (cuban) heel dance shoes. PS-Newcomers are not allowed to wear rhinestones on their clothing, but may wear rhinestone jewelry and hair accessories. For basic entry level costumes for guys and gals theses websites will help get you started. Dance America & DanceShopper.
UCWDC is committed to removing significant barriers to competing for new dancers. What that means is all that's required for your first competition is a pair of boot-cut slacks, a belt and a country/western style shirt. Cowboy boots and hat are encouraged, but not required for syllabus or newcomer competitors. If you do well during your first year and choose to compete at the UCWDC Worlds Event, you will need to purchase a hat and boots. PS-Newcomers are not allowed to wear rhinestones on their clothing.For basic entry level costumes for guys and gals theses websites will help get you started. Dance America & DanceShopper.
For the Syllabus and Newcomer dancer, because you will not need a costume with rhinestones, you can purchase a dress almost anywhere, as long as the fabric has freedom of movement in the skirt. We especially like the practicewear offered by Dance America & DanceShopper. You can buy matching tops and skirts separately. You'll need a longer, fuller skirt for waltz and a shorter skirt for all the other dances. Except West Coast Swing where you'll need a pair of black dance pants to wear with a fun top of your choice.
If you plan to compete at the UCWDC Worlds event, don't wait until the last minute to buy your hat. Dancing with a hat on takes some time getting used to, so check out one of these sites early to order yours. You'll want to buy wool or felt rather than straw. Try it out before you have to dance in it. PS-You want it tight so it can't be knocked off during competition.
Cowboy boots and hat are encouraged, but not required for syllabus or newcomer competitors. If you do well during your first year and choose to compete at the UCWDC Worlds Event, you will need to purchase a hat and boots for that end-of-year competition. Dance boots take time to break in so buy in advance of when you'll need them. Try either of these dealers:
Event Weeked competition questions
Heat sheets, hung on the wall in the ballroom, specify in what order you will dance. Time frames for competing are approximate and can sometimes run either ahead or behind. It is a good idea to stay in the ballroom and keep track of the heats as they enter the floor. Prepare to line up 2-3 heats prior to yours.
Event weekend social dance questions?
What's different than ballroom?
There are no minute by minute programs at country comps.
Heat sheets are posted in the on deck area and they will tell you which heats you are in.
Students/Teachers should write down the heat numbers before the start of the comp from the posted heat sheets.