Level Structure

Each competition can structure their skill levels differently, and this is where much of the confusion regarding registration lies. Hopefully, this will clear it up!

Beach Ball at UCSB and other CDA competitions structure the skill levels consecutively from Newcomer through Open. That means that Newcomer level dancers may also compete in Bronze, Bronze level dancers may also compete in Silver, Silver level dancers may also compete in Gold, Gold level dancers may also compete in Novice, Novice level dancers may also compete in Pre-Championship, and Pre-Championship level dancers may also compete in Open. If you register for Newcomer and Novice, your registration will be adjusted. Similarly, if you register for 3 or more levels within the same style (American Smooth, International Ballroom/Standard, American Rhythm, or International Latin), your registration will be adjusted.

Summary

Newcomer

The Newcomer level is reserved for couples where both partners began Ballroom Dancing less than a year ago (after May 16th, 2025.) CDA Fair Level Certified competitions do so by screening past competition results. If you competed at the same competition during the previous year or any competitions earlier than that, then you no longer qualify as a Newcomer. If you or your partner register for Newcomer but one or both of you no longer qualify as Newcomer, your registration will be adjusted. Costumes are not permitted, and only Bronze syllabus choreography may be danced.

Bronze

Bronze events are for beginning dancers who have either 1+ years of experience or have placed out of Newcomer. Costumes are not permitted, and only Bronze syllabus choreography may be danced.

Silver

Silver events are for dancers with competitive experience. Bronze and Silver syllabus figures can be used and costumes are optional.

Gold

Gold events are for more experienced competitors. Costumes are permitted, and any syllabus choreography (Bronze, Silver, or Gold) may be used.

Novice, Pre-Champ, Championship

Novice, Pre-Champ, and Championship are advanced levels for experienced competitors and are equivalent to the corresponding level at USADance/NDCA competitions. Competitors who have placed out of Gold or Pre-Novice level are only eligible for Novice or higher. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and there are no restrictions on choreography.

We plan to make registration free for couples who register for Championship only. Couples who register for both Championship and Pre-Champ will not receive this discount. Additionally, we would like to invite the winning couple to perform a short showcase after awards, if they desire.

Rookie/Veteran

Think of this level (also called Mixed Proficiency) as being similar to a Pro/Am event, but with an experienced Amateur instead of a Pro. The rules are as follows:

• The Rookie partner must qualify as a Newcomer/Bronze or Bronze/Silver dancer.
• If the Rookie partner is also dancing in regular proficiency events in that style, it may only be at the newcomer, newcomer/bronze or bronze/silver level and cannot be with the same partner as Rookie/Veteran.
• The Veteran partner must be a Silver/Gold level dancer or higher in that style, meaning they cannot be competing at the Bronze level in that style.
• Both partners must be amateur dancers.
• Choreography is strictly restricted to Bronze syllabus only.
• Only the Rookie dancer will be judged.
• There are no costume restrictions.
• The events will be held after the Gold level events in each style.
• The events will be all single dance events (no multi-dance).
• The Rookie/Veteran dances will be:

Nightclub

Nightclub events are open to all competitors and carry no restrictions on costumes or choreography. However, lifts, drops, and aerials are not permitted in any event. The nightclub events have been separated into two-level categories:

You may only sign up for one level for all nightclub dances.