Senior Dance Development


To develop Senior dancing within USA Dance, the approach will focus on creating a structured pathway that guides senior dancers from social dancing to competitive levels while providing engaging and inclusive opportunities tailored to their interests. This plan includes building a strong community around senior dancing, offering specialized events, and establishing a competitive pipeline that culminates in the formation of a national Senior team.

The first step is to create a clear and welcoming entry point for seniors who are interested in dance, starting with social dancing. USA Dance will partner with local chapters and dance studios to organize social dance events specifically designed for seniors. These events will feature age-appropriate music, comfortable venues, and a supportive environment that encourages participation. To ensure inclusivity, the events will cater to various experience levels, from beginners to those with previous dance experience.

As interest grows, USA Dance will introduce programs that help senior dancers transition from social dancing to competitive dancing. These programs will include workshops, classes, and practice sessions focused on competitive dance styles such as ballroom, Latin, and rhythm. Instruction will be tailored to address the specific needs of senior dancers, such as maintaining physical health, adapting to different tempos, and understanding competition etiquette.

To further support this transition, USA Dance will establish a mentorship program where experienced senior competitors can guide newcomers through the process. This mentorship will cover everything from choosing dance partners to preparing for competitions, helping to build confidence and skills among senior dancers.

Special events will play a significant role in the development of Senior dancing. USA Dance will organize national and regional Senior DanceSport competitions that are exclusive to dancers in senior age categories. These events will offer a range of competitive levels, from beginner to advanced, ensuring that dancers of all skill levels can participate. To increase the appeal of these events, USA Dance will also include social dancing segments, workshops, and exhibitions, creating a well-rounded experience that blends competition with community building.

On an international level, USA Dance will work with the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) to create opportunities for American senior dancers to compete in international Senior DanceSport events. This collaboration could include organizing international championships in the U.S. or sending a Senior team to represent the country at global competitions. The formation of a national Senior DanceSport team will be a key milestone, with team members selected based on their performance in national competitions.

In addition to competition-focused initiatives, USA Dance will explore other activities that might interest senior dancers, such as dance travel programs. These programs could include organized trips to dance festivals, cruises with dance workshops, and cultural exchanges with dancers from other countries. Such initiatives will not only enhance the experience of senior dancers but also foster a sense of community and belonging.

Health and wellness will be an essential aspect of the Senior dancing program. USA Dance will collaborate with health professionals to offer workshops and resources on topics such as injury prevention, maintaining flexibility, and the mental health benefits of dance. By emphasizing the health benefits, the program will appeal to seniors looking for a fun way to stay active and healthy.

Finally, USA Dance will implement a targeted marketing campaign to raise awareness of its Senior dancing initiatives. This campaign will utilize social media, newsletters, and partnerships with senior-focused organizations to reach potential participants. Testimonials from current senior dancers and success stories from competitions will be highlighted to inspire others to join.

Through this comprehensive plan, USA Dance aims to create a vibrant and supportive environment for senior dancers, offering a pathway from social dancing to competitive success while providing opportunities for connection, health, and enjoyment.

Here's a detailed 4-year plan for developing Senior dancing within USA Dance, outlining specific initiatives and their implementation timeline.

Year 1: Foundation and Community Building

Objective: Establish the foundation for Senior dancing within USA Dance by building awareness, creating initial programs, and fostering community engagement.

  • Q1-Q2:
    • Social Dance Events: Launch a series of social dance events specifically designed for seniors across multiple regions. Partner with local chapters and dance studios to host these events, focusing on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
    • Awareness Campaign: Roll out a targeted marketing campaign aimed at seniors, using social media, newsletters, and partnerships with senior organizations. Highlight the health benefits of dancing and testimonials from current senior dancers.
  • Q3-Q4:
    • Transition Programs: Introduce beginner-friendly workshops and classes that guide senior dancers from social to competitive dancing. These programs will cover basic competition styles and provide a gradual introduction to competitive dance.
    • Mentorship Program: Establish a mentorship program where experienced senior competitors support and guide new dancers. This will include pairing mentors with mentees and providing resources for successful mentorship.

Year 2: Expansion and Competitive Pathway Development

Objective: Expand the reach of the program, develop the competitive pathway, and introduce special events tailored to senior dancers.

  • Q1-Q2:
    • Regional Senior Competitions: Organize the first regional Senior DanceSport competitions, offering multiple levels of competition to cater to various skill levels. Include social dance segments and workshops as part of the event to create a comprehensive experience.
    • Health and Wellness Workshops: Collaborate with health professionals to introduce workshops focusing on injury prevention, flexibility, and the overall health benefits of dancing for seniors.
  • Q3-Q4:
    • National Senior Competition: Host the inaugural National Senior DanceSport Competition, attracting senior dancers from across the country. This event will also serve as a qualifier for the future national Senior DanceSport team.
    • Dance Travel Programs: Launch dance travel programs, such as organized trips to dance festivals or cruises that include workshops and social dancing, to appeal to seniors interested in combining travel with dance.

Year 3: National Presence and International Opportunities

Objective: Strengthen the national presence of Senior DanceSport and create opportunities for international competition and recognition.

  • Q1-Q2:
    • National Senior Team Selection: Based on performances at the national competition, select members for the first USA Dance Senior DanceSport team. Provide specialized training and preparation for international competitions.
    • International Competition Collaboration: Work with WDSF to organize international Senior DanceSport events in the U.S. or facilitate the participation of the national team in international competitions.
  • Q3-Q4:
    • Expanded Regional Competitions: Increase the number of regional Senior DanceSport competitions, ensuring more accessible opportunities for seniors nationwide. Include workshops on advanced techniques and competition strategies.
    • Media and Branding: Enhance the visibility of Senior DanceSport through increased media coverage, including live streaming of competitions and feature stories on senior dancers. Develop merchandise and promotional materials specifically for senior events.

Year 4: Optimization, Growth, and Sustainability

Objective: Optimize existing programs, expand participation, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Senior DanceSport within USA Dance.

  • Q1-Q2:
    • Program Optimization: Review and refine all senior programs based on feedback and participation data. Improve event logistics, mentorship programs, and educational resources to better meet the needs of senior dancers.
    • Youth and Senior Collaboration: Introduce intergenerational dance events that bring together youth and senior dancers. These events can foster community and mentorship across age groups, promoting mutual learning and respect.
  • Q3-Q4:
    • Sustainable Growth Initiatives: Launch initiatives to ensure the long-term growth of Senior DanceSport, such as fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and grant applications. Use profits to reinvest in program expansion and development.
    • International Senior Championships: Host or participate in international Senior DanceSport championships, solidifying USA Dance's role as a leader in the global senior dance community.

This 4-year plan is designed to create a robust Senior DanceSport program within USA Dance, gradually building from local community events to national and international competitions. The plan emphasizes inclusivity, health, and community while providing a clear pathway from social dancing to competitive success for senior dancers.