Ballroom competitions are a fun goal once you have a few dances under your belt, and the Pacific Northwest has several within a few hours of Vancouver, WA. Here are the amateur-friendly ones for the coming year, from Vancouver, BC down to Corvallis.
| Dates | Competition | Who can enter | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 7 to 8, 2026 Confirmed | SnowBall Classic Vancouver, BC Croatian Cultural Centre | Amateur couples from newcomer to championship. DanceSport BC; Canada DanceSport sanctioned | Canada DanceSport events require membership in a Canadian association, so US dancers should check eligibility first. |
| Jan 16, 2027 Confirmed | Pacific Ballroom DanceSport Challenge Auburn, WA Pacific Ballroom Dance studio | Amateur solo and couples, children to adult, Newcomer and Bronze up to Open Championship, plus formation teams. Pacific Ballroom Dance (nonprofit) | Very beginner friendly, with events for social dancers. |
| Feb 6 to 7, 2027 Confirmed | Vancouver Challenge Cup Vancouver, BC Beth Israel, W 28th Ave | Pro-am and amateur in Standard, Latin, Smooth and Rhythm, plus children's events. Vancouver Challenge Cup | Has a page for first-time guests. |
| February 2027 (last held Feb 21, 2026) Expected | Dancesport Cascadian Classic Corvallis, OR Women's Building, Oregon State University | Collegiate competition. Oregon State University DanceSport team | Ask the club whether non-students can enter. |
| May 6 to 9, 2027 Confirmed | Pacific Grand Ball Renton, WA Hyatt Regency Lake Washington | Youth and adult; see the organizer's site for divisions. Stephan and Denise Krauel; NDCA | Scholarships and a dance camp on the Thursday. |
| Mid-May 2027 (last held May 16 to 17, 2026) Expected | Island Fantasy Ball Nanaimo, BC Beban Park Social Centre | Newcomer to championship Standard and Latin, pro-am and solo, juvenile to senior. Nanaimo Ballroom Dance Society; DanceSport BC | Newcomer levels offered. |
| Aug 29, 2027 Confirmed | Washington State Senior Games: Ballroom Dance Olympia, WA The Olympia Center | Ages 50 and up; Bronze, Silver and Gold; amateur couples and pro-am. Washington State Senior Games | A gentle first competition for adult dancers 50+. |
| Late September 2027 (last held Sept 24 to 27, 2026) Expected | Summit DanceSport (formerly Seattle Star Ball) Seattle, WA DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport (2026) | Pro-am and amateur in all four styles. Richard and Jennifer Booth, Dan Messenger; NDCA |
Confirmed means the organizer has published the date. Expected means the event usually runs at that time of year; we show the last date it was held. Dates and details change, so always check the organizer's website before you plan. Last checked October 8, 2026.
What is an amateur ballroom competition?
At an amateur competition, couples who are not professional dancers compete against other couples at the same level. Many events also run pro-am divisions, where a student dances with their professional teacher. Dancers are grouped by age and by level, so a first-timer dances against other first-timers.
Levels you will see
- Newcomer and Bronze: the first levels, using the basic figures you learn in class. Most dancers start here.
- Silver and Gold: more figures and more technique.
- Open or Championship: no restrictions on choreography.
Events are run under different bodies: NDCA and USA Dance in the United States, and Canada DanceSport and DanceSport BC in Canada. Each has its own entry rules, so read the event's rules page first.
Where to check for more events
- USA Dance competition calendar (American Dancer)
- NDCA competition calendar
- Canada DanceSport recognized competitions
- DanceSport BC events
Thinking about your first competition?
Learning the International Standard and Latin figures in our dance styles is the first step. Ask Jim and Michele after class: they have competed at the highest level and are happy to talk about where to start.
Dance with us on Sundays
Friendly group classes in north Vancouver, an easy drive from Salmon Creek and Ridgefield.
- Start here: Beginning / Beyond Beginning, Sundays 4–5 PM
- Keep growing: Intermediate / Advanced, Sundays 5–6 PM
$15 per person, per class. Ages 12+. Bring a partner or come on your own.
Dance Fusion/Northwest Classical Ballet, 14511 NE 10th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98685