National Competition Body
USA Dance
America's amateur DanceSport organization
Best For
Amateur competitive dancers seeking non-professional competition
Overview
Governs amateur ballroom, Latin, swing, and smooth competitions nationwide. Parallel to NDCA; emphasizes amateur status and affordability.
History
USA Dance (formerly United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association — USABDA) was founded in 1965 to promote amateur DanceSport.
The organization became the official US member body of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF).
USA Dance provides a competition pathway for amateur dancers who do not wish to compete in the professional (NDCA) circuit.
The organization also runs social dance chapters across the country, hosting weekly dances and community events.
USA Dance selects and sends the US team to WDSF World Championships.
Governance & Structure
USA Dance is a nonprofit governed by a national board of directors.
Local chapters organize social dances and regional competitions.
The national organization maintains rules, rankings, and team selection for international representation.
As the WDSF member body for the US, USA Dance follows WDSF rules for international competition eligibility.
Competition Structure
Divisions: Youth, Junior, Adult, Senior (age-based).
Styles: International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth, American Rhythm.
National DanceSport Championships held annually as the qualifying event for WDSF World Championships.
Regional qualifying events across the country.
Dancers maintain amateur status — no professional teaching partnerships are allowed in competition.
Notable Champions
US National Amateur Champions
AnnualTop amateur partnerships representing the US at WDSF Worlds
Key Programs
Social Dance Chapters
Local chapters hosting weekly dances open to all levels.
National Championships
Annual competition selecting US representatives for WDSF events.
Youth & Collegiate
Programs supporting young dancers and university teams.
Membership & Access
Individual membership provides competition eligibility, social chapter access, and WDSF representation eligibility. Membership fees are modest compared to professional circuit costs.
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