DanceSport Development

The development of DanceSport within USA Dance, in collaboration with the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), will focus on expanding and enhancing competitive dance in the United States. This partnership aims to elevate the status of DanceSport by aligning with international standards, promoting greater athlete development, and fostering a stronger connection between national and global dance communities. The first step involves strengthening the relationship with WDSF to ensure that USA Dance's competitive framework is fully aligned with international regulations. By adopting WDSF's rules, judging criteria, and competition formats, USA Dance will create a seamless pathway for American athletes to compete internationally. This alignment will not only enhance the credibility of national competitions but also provide a clear trajectory for dancers aiming to represent the U.S. in global events, including the World Championships and other title events. USA Dance will also invest in the development of its athlete base by implementing structured training programs that mirror WDSF’s athlete development models. This includes the introduction of coaching certifications, workshops, and seminars led by top international coaches and judges. By providing American dancers with access to world-class training, USA Dance aims to raise the overall standard of DanceSport in the country, ensuring that its athletes are competitive on the world stage. Competitions will be a central focus, with USA Dance working closely with WDSF to host and promote events that attract top talent from across the country and beyond. These events will serve as qualifiers for international competitions, giving American dancers more opportunities to compete at the highest levels. Additionally, USA Dance will explore the possibility of hosting major WDSF-sanctioned events, such as GrandSlams and World Championships, in the U.S. This will not only bring international attention to American DanceSport but also inspire a new generation of dancers. To support this growth, USA Dance will expand its youth programs, focusing on introducing DanceSport to schools and community centers nationwide. By fostering an early interest in competitive dance, USA Dance hopes to build a strong pipeline of young talent that will sustain the sport’s growth for years to come. These programs will be designed to align with WDSF’s youth initiatives, ensuring that young American dancers are prepared to compete internationally from an early age. Marketing and promotion will play a key role in the development strategy. USA Dance will collaborate with WDSF to leverage media coverage and digital platforms to increase the visibility of DanceSport in the U.S. This includes live streaming of competitions, social media campaigns, and partnerships with brands that resonate with the dance community. By raising the profile of DanceSport, USA Dance aims to attract more participants, sponsors, and spectators, thereby increasing its financial stability and ability to reinvest in the sport. In the long term, the collaboration between USA Dance and WDSF will be centered on sustainability and continuous improvement. USA Dance will regularly review and update its programs, competitions, and training initiatives to reflect the latest developments in the global DanceSport community. This ongoing alignment with WDSF will ensure that American DanceSport remains at the forefront of the international scene, providing opportunities for athletes to achieve their full potential and for the sport to thrive in the U.S. Through this partnership with WDSF, USA Dance will not only elevate the standard of DanceSport in the U.S. but also solidify its position as a key player in the global dance community. The focus will be on building a strong, sustainable foundation that supports the growth and success of American dancers on the world stage, while also promoting the sport to new audiences nationwide.


Creating Sport Programs for Kids

Creating sport programs for kids that can compete with other popular sports in the USA, like football, basketball, or soccer, requires a strategic approach. USA Dance can leverage the growing interest in dance, the benefits of physical activity, and the appeal of competition to attract young participants. Here’s a detailed plan:

Develop Age-Specific Programs

  • Early Childhood Programs: Introduce dance to children as young as 3-5 years old with fun, music-based movement classes that build basic motor skills, rhythm, and coordination.
  • Youth Dance Leagues: Establish leagues for different age groups (e.g., 6-8, 9-12, 13-18) where children can participate in regular dance practices, drills, and team activities, similar to youth sports leagues.

Focus on Competitive DanceSport

  • DanceSport as a Sport: Position DanceSport as a competitive sport similar to gymnastics or figure skating, emphasizing the athleticism, discipline, and skill required. This includes offering structured competitive tracks with clear progression from local to national levels.
  • Tournaments and Championships: Organize regular regional and national dance competitions for children, offering age-appropriate categories. Promote these events as major youth sporting events with medals, trophies, and recognition.

Partner with Schools

  • School Dance Teams: Collaborate with schools to establish dance teams that compete in inter-school dance competitions. These can be integrated into the school’s sports programs, similar to cheerleading or track teams.
  • Curriculum Integration: Advocate for the inclusion of dance in physical education curriculums. Provide schools with resources and training to implement dance programs that culminate in competitive events.

Promote the Health and Fitness Benefits

  • Fitness Campaigns: Highlight the physical benefits of dance, such as cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, and coordination, in promotional campaigns targeting parents and schools.
  • Cross-Training: Position dance as an excellent cross-training option for athletes in other sports, which can enhance balance, agility, and endurance.

Make Dance Accessible and Inclusive

  • Community-Based Programs: Establish dance programs in community centers, YMCAs, and local gyms to make it easy for kids to participate. Offer scholarships or low-cost options to ensure accessibility for all children, regardless of socioeconomic status.
  • Adaptive Dance Programs: Create programs for children with disabilities, ensuring that dance is inclusive and available to all children. This can differentiate USA Dance from other sports that may not have as many adaptive options.

Use Technology to Engage Kids

  • Dance Apps and Online Challenges: Develop apps or online platforms where kids can learn dance moves, compete in virtual challenges, and track their progress. Gamification of dance can make it more appealing to tech-savvy children.
  • Social Media Campaigns: Use social media platforms popular with kids and teens (like TikTok or Instagram) to create dance challenges, share success stories, and promote dance as a cool, fun, and social activity.

Create Role Models and Heroes

  • Ambassadors: Recruit young, relatable dance ambassadors or influencers who can inspire children to take up dance. These role models can come from competitive dance, entertainment, or social media.
  • Highlight Success Stories: Showcase young dancers who have achieved success in DanceSport, emphasizing their journey, discipline, and achievements. This can create aspirational figures for kids.

Emphasize Fun and Social Aspects

  • Dance Camps: Organize dance camps during summer or school breaks where kids can immerse themselves in dance, make friends, and enjoy a variety of dance styles. These camps can include fun competitions, themed days, and performances.
  • Social Events: Host regular dance parties or social events for kids, where they can practice their skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. These events can also include other activities like games and team-building exercises.

Develop a Supportive Infrastructure

  • Training for Coaches: Provide specialized training and certification for dance coaches who will work with children. Emphasize not only dance technique but also child development, motivation, and safety.
  • Parent Involvement: Engage parents by offering opportunities for them to get involved, such as parent-dancer classes, volunteer opportunities, and parent advisory boards.

Competitive Pathways and Recognition

  • Rankings and Awards: Establish a ranking system for young dancers and provide awards and recognitions at the end of the season. Create a pathway for dancers to progress from local competitions to state, regional, and national levels.
  • Scholarships and Future Opportunities: Offer scholarships and highlight future opportunities in dance (e.g., college dance teams, professional dancing careers) to give kids and their parents a long-term goal to work toward.

Engage with Broader Sports Networks

  • National Sports Partnerships: Collaborate with national sports organizations to promote dance as part of broader sports and physical activity initiatives. For example, partner with the U.S. Olympic Committee or youth sports organizations to include dance in multi-sport events.
  • Media Coverage: Work to get media coverage for DanceSport competitions, showcasing them alongside more traditional youth sports. This can help legitimize dance as a sport in the eyes of the public.

Build a Strong Community and Alumni Network

  • Dance Clubs: Encourage the formation of local dance clubs that provide a supportive environment for kids to practice, learn, and socialize. These clubs can act as feeder systems for competitive teams.
  • Alumni Programs: Create programs that keep former youth dancers connected to USA Dance, offering opportunities for mentoring, coaching, or volunteering. A strong alumni network can help sustain and grow the youth programs over time.

Making DanceSport an Attractive Lifelong Career

To make DanceSport an attractive lifelong career for current athletes, USA Dance can develop several key opportunities that support athletes not only during their competitive years but also throughout their entire professional lives. Here are strategies USA Dance can implement:

Professional Development and Education

  • Certification Programs: Develop and offer certification programs for athletes to become licensed dance instructors, judges, or choreographers. These certifications should be recognized nationally and internationally, providing a clear career pathway after competitive dancing.
  • Workshops and Seminars: Provide regular workshops and seminars on topics such as dance pedagogy, business management, choreography, injury prevention, and sports psychology. This education can help athletes transition into roles as coaches, studio owners, or wellness experts.

Coaching and Mentorship Opportunities

  • Coaching Roles: Create pathways for former DanceSport athletes to become coaches or trainers within USA Dance programs. These roles could be at the local, regional, or national levels, helping to train the next generation of dancers.
  • Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs where seasoned DanceSport athletes mentor younger or less experienced dancers. This can foster community and help veterans stay connected to the sport.

Expanded Competitive Pathways

  • Pro-Am and Senior Divisions: Expand and promote Pro-Am (Professional-Amateur) and Senior competitive divisions, allowing older dancers or those transitioning from full-time competition to continue participating at high levels.
  • National and International Competitions: Increase the number of high-profile national and international competitions, including invitational events, to keep athletes engaged in the sport throughout their careers.

Media and Sponsorship Opportunities

  • Media Exposure: Work with media outlets to increase the visibility of DanceSport through televised events, live streams, and online content. Highlighting star athletes can attract sponsorship deals and public speaking opportunities, creating new revenue streams for dancers.
  • Sponsorship Programs: Develop a robust sponsorship program where DanceSport athletes can receive financial support from brands, dancewear companies, and other businesses. This can include brand ambassador roles, paid appearances, and product endorsements.

Career Transition Support

  • Career Counseling: Offer career counseling services to help athletes transition from competitive dancing to other careers, whether within the dance industry or beyond. This could include resume building, interview preparation, and job placement services.
  • Scholarships for Further Education: Provide scholarships for athletes who wish to pursue further education, whether in dance-related fields like physical therapy, sports management, or unrelated areas where they might want to transition their careers.

Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities

  • Support for Studio Ownership: Offer guidance, resources, and possibly even financial grants or loans for DanceSport athletes interested in opening their own dance studios or dance-related businesses.
  • Business Incubators: Create a business incubator program specifically for dance-related start-ups, helping athletes with ideas for dancewear lines, choreography software, or dance apps to bring their products to market.

Health and Wellness Initiatives

  • Athlete Health Programs: Develop health and wellness programs focused on the unique needs of dancers, including access to sports medicine, physical therapy, and mental health services. These programs can help athletes maintain their health and prolong their careers.
  • Injury Prevention and Management: Provide resources and training in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and nutrition, ensuring that athletes can maintain peak performance longer.

Performance and Entertainment Careers

  • Performance Troupes: Establish professional dance troupes composed of former DanceSport athletes. These troupes could perform at events, on cruise ships, in theatrical productions, or on television, offering dancers a way to continue performing without the rigors of competition.
  • Choreography and Creative Roles: Create opportunities for athletes to work as choreographers or creative directors in the entertainment industry, including TV shows, movies, and live performances.

Advocacy and Leadership Roles

  • Leadership Training: Provide leadership training programs that prepare athletes for roles in sports governance, such as positions on USA Dance committees or boards, or even in international dance sport organizations.
  • Advocacy and Ambassadorship: Encourage experienced athletes to become ambassadors for DanceSport, advocating for the sport in educational institutions, government bodies, and international forums.

Long-Term Financial Planning

  • Pension Plans: Explore the possibility of establishing a pension plan or retirement savings programs for professional dancers, funded through competition fees, sponsorships, or donations.
  • Financial Education: Offer financial planning workshops and services to help athletes manage their earnings, save for retirement, and invest in their futures, ensuring long-term financial security.

Global Networking and Collaborations

  • International Exchange Programs: Create exchange programs with dance organizations in other countries, allowing athletes to gain global experience, teach, and perform abroad, expanding their career horizons.
  • Global Conferences and Summits: Host or participate in international dance conferences and summits where athletes can network, share knowledge, and collaborate on global projects.

Awards and Recognition

  • Lifetime Achievement Awards: Establish awards recognizing the contributions of long-term DanceSport athletes, including lifetime achievement awards, which can add prestige and encourage continued involvement in the sport.
  • Hall of Fame: Create a DanceSport Hall of Fame to honor those who have made significant contributions to the sport, offering a platform for long-term recognition and legacy building.

By developing these opportunities, USA Dance can offer DanceSport athletes a range of career options that make the sport more attractive as a lifelong pursuit, ensuring that their skills, experience, and passion for dance continue to be valued long after their competitive careers have ended.