Written by: Lydia on TUESDAY, OCT 24, 2023
The journey of a Pro-Am ballroom dancer is a magnificent voyage filled with passion, dedication, and countless hours of practice. Yet, as you progress, you face a pivotal decision: Should you transition from closed routines to open ones? This blog is specially crafted to provide clarity for Pro-Am dancers at this crossroads, eager to embrace the challenge.
Pro-Am 101:
But before we dive into the heart of the matter, let’s clarify the term “Pro-Am.” It stands for “professional-amateur,” representing a partnership between a professional dance instructor and an amateur student. The Pro-Am journey features different levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each progressively demanding and rewarding.
Closed vs. Open: Exploring the Difference:
Now, let’s unveil the essential concept – what do we mean by “open vs. closed” routines in the world of Pro-Am ballroom dancing?
Closed Routines:
Closed routines are designed for Pro-Am dancers at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
Each level has its set of figures, progressing in complexity and technical challenge.
These routines follow a predefined syllabus with specific steps and choreography.
In Bronze, the focus is on mastering fundamental moves and building a strong dance foundation.
Silver introduces elements like individuality, higher-level coordination, and a sense of styling.
In Gold, dancers are required to master the syllabus and execute complex skills with an excellent sense of music, organic body movement, and distinct physical skills.
Closed routines are ideal for those who want to build a robust dance foundation, making them suitable for newer dancers as well.
In competitions, all dancers perform the same steps or patterns, though arranged differently from one couple to another, making it easier for judges to evaluate technical skills.
Open Routines:
Open routines are designed for more experienced dancers, typically at the Silver and Gold levels.
They provide dancers with creative freedom, allowing the incorporation of intricate moves, unique style, and musical interpretation.
Dancers can showcase their individuality, unique skills, and signature moves.
Open routines often feature unique choreography, adding an element of surprise for both dancers and judges.
Advantages of Closed Routines:
Structured Learning: Closed routines provide a systematic path for dancers to learn fundamental elements, principles of movement, rhythmical interpretations, various body positions, and connections with their partners, allowing them to grow.
Foundation Building: They help in establishing a strong foundation and a profound understanding of the technical requirements for each dance style.
Easier to Judge: In competitions, closed routines simplify the evaluation process, as everyone dances the same steps, emphasizing the quality and execution of dances.
Mastery of Fundamentals: Dancers focus on perfecting the basic steps, which forms a strong base for future dance development.
Confidence Building: Mastering closed routines instills a sense of accomplishment and builds confidence in dancers.
Advantages of Open Routines:
Artistic Freedom: Open routines offer creative freedom, enabling dancers to express their individuality and style.
Higher Level of Skill: More experienced dancers can showcase their advanced skills through open routines, and newer dancers can explore new pathways to movement and knowledge.
Excitement and Challenge: Crafting unique choreography keeps dancing exciting and challenging, pushing dancers to test their limits.
Preparation for Higher Levels: For Bronze-level dancers looking to transition to the Silver category, exploring open Bronze routines can serve as an ideal bridge, allowing them to prepare for the higher level while still competing in the Bronze category.
Camouflaging Weaknesses, Showcasing Strengths: Open routines offer a remarkable feature – the ability to mask your weaknesses while accentuating your strengths or unique skills through thoughtful and creative choreography. This allows you to present an impressive and knowledgeable performance, even if you haven’t mastered the fundamental basics. Skilled dancers can create stunning routines by leveraging their strengths. In contrast, closed routines leave little room to conceal a lack of expertise.
The Decision-Making Process:
The transition from closed to open routines depends on your dance journey, goals, and aspirations. The process need not be rushed; you can choose the path that resonates most with you, even experimenting with open routines in the form of a showcase routine. This allows you to immerse yourself in the experience before potentially converting it into a competition performance.
In the captivating world of Pro-Am ballroom dancing, the decision between closed and open routines is a defining moment in your dance journey. Each path has its unique advantages, and your choice should reflect your goals. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is to relish every step, whether it’s the structured elegance of closed routines or the artistic freedom of open routines. Embrace the challenge, savor the artistry, and continue to dance with your heart and soul.
