SHOWCASE vs. DOR is there a difference?

Showcase gives you the experience of a DOR and allows you to prepare for a DOR, all without the need to compete and all for a fraction of the cost.

A showcase is a 1 day event, held either locally by one studio, or combined with more studios in the same district. It is a less formal event, usually held at a function centre, which allows costs to be kept to a minimum. It’s non-competitive and every student receives individual critique from the judges, all designed to prepare them for the competitive nature of DOR.

DOR is designed to be a 2 to 3 day event at a luxurious hotel, with multiple categories, renowned judges, floor shows and always involves studios from around Australia and even from around the world. It is designed to be the ultimate experience for every dancer, to take their dancing to the furthest level and partake in an experience that will last a lifetime.

The Area Chairperson and not the studio is responsible for running and organising DORs. The Area Chairperson is the middleman between the franchisees and head office in the US. They run training classes, promotions and dance camps for the growth and advancement of the Arthur Murray staff. Currently, there are 12 Area Chairpersons in the world, each with the responsibility of looking after a particular area.

But wait, there’s more!

Beyond the National DOR, Arthur Murray regularly holds World DORs and Superamas in various locations overseas. These can run for up to five days, and are a once in a lifetime unforgettable experience for those that want to take their dancing to the furthest level

How do you choose your first routine?

1. Choose a dance that means something to you
Choose a dance that gives you that “bubbly” feeling inside every time you dance it. 

2. Choose a dance that you feel comfortable dancing
Your first routine should be the dance you feel you dance the best. You'll have nerves on the day of the performance, and having a dance that you're confident in, makes it all the more easier to have fun and enjoy yourself. 

3. Allow your teacher to guide you
You may have a dance in mind, or a particular song, but your teacher knows what you can handle and what music will best suit that performance. Definitely have music choices available, but be open to compromise and remember your teacher has to choreograph steps to that music, so not everything will be suitable.

So you’re ready to start your routine...

Once you’re ready to begin, there are a couple of points to remember. 

1. Be prepared for more time in the studio
A solo is not a part of your curriculum, but merely an extension of it. It involves additional lessons to be had alongside your regular lessons. 3 to 4 months is a good time-frame for a confident and enjoyable solo performance. Don’t cram it all in at the end!!

2. Practice, practice, practice!! 
Let’s face it, you’re going to be learning advance movements, patterns and techniques, which may take you out of your comfort zone. Practice is the key here. Ask your teacher what you can do in-between lessons to make this process easier, and make you confident in what you’re doing. Styling lessons with same sex teachers is an invaluable way of learning those finer styling points to add the finishing touches.

And finally...

Remember that a solo is not just the minute and a half on the day of the competition; it’s from the very first lesson to the last and everything in-between. Have fun, smile, challenge yourself, push yourself and remember to laugh if it gets a bit too overwhelming at times!