In my last article I talked about the different levels of Pro/Am competing in the social level, and in the more advanced level. Now, I would like to talk about the grooming for the level you would like to compete in. After you put a lot of time, effort, energy, and money into your training, now is not the time to skimp! Your appearance, (the look) is extremely important. You want to be noticed and looked at in a favorable way. That doesn't mean you have to break the bank. For the new lady competitor, you can get away with some nice practice wear. This would consist of a bodysuit and one long skirt for the Smooth dances, and one short skirt for the Rhythm or Latin dances. A great place to purchase these items would be from the vendors at dance competitions. Dress up with some elegant evening wear jewelry. Invest in a great pair of Smooth and Latin shoes from Showtime Dance Shoes right here in Atlanta (lucky for us they are right here in our own backyard), and a pair of fishnet stockings, and you're good to go. Try the outfit on first and then dance at the studio for your instructor. That way you can determine if there are any wardrobe malfunctions or not. Wear more makeup than usual and make sure your hair is out of your face and your dance partners face as well. Hair and makeup is an entirely different article in itself, but I will try to give you the short version today.

For the new gentleman competitor, a nice pair of flat front black trousers and a black dress shirt will do. And don't forget to wear black underwear in case of a costume rip or tear. (Eddie will kill me for this, but one time at a dance competition his nice tight Latin pants got a split in them without his or my knowledge. We were a big hit on the dance floor. Everyone was watching. The more people who watched, the bigger hams we became on the dance floor. Then, we later found out that everyone saw his bright white "undees".) Wear black, guys!

After the competition bug bites you, (and it will), you will want to get more advanced in your attire. Ladies, invest in a costume. Once again, to not break the bank, a second hand dress is usually half price and as long as it is still in style it will look great. A custom made dress is wonderful but will cost a bit more. Consult with your instructor. A costume is very different than your every day clothes. The look is different from an elegant evening out on the town. For Rhythm dance, a dress needs to fit like a glove and have a skirt that has movement when you swing your hips. For Smooth dance, a flowery skirt is nice. When it comes to color, there is no such thing as "I'm a summer", or "I'm a winter", or any season for that matter. I am a blue-eyed blond with fair skin, and the most compliments I have received were when I was wearing orange yellow or bright green. Then again, I do use self tanners. Speaking of self tanners, that is a whole new article, like hair and makeup. If your costume is showing bare skin and you're not looking like the Coppertone Girl, spray on a tan. Or, if you have a natural tan, then good for you. But, I'll hate you for it.

Remember, when choosing a costume, we all have our own taste. But, unfortunately, only the top pros can really start a new trend. In other words, if an amateur comes out with feathers stuck in her hair a foot high, she may be looked on as weird. However, a pro might be looked at as, "Wow, that's really cool." On the other hand, maybe she won't. But, my point is that the pro has a better chance of setting a new look. That being said, we all don't have to look like clones of each other either. But we do need to look like we're from the same planet, in style, and up to date. The same goes for hair and makeup. Make sure your hair is secure and doesn't fall out or off. Yes, that's right, fall off. I've seen hair pieces fly and land on the dance floor, where everyone went to stomp on the dead animal laying there. The same goes for jewelry. Put a dab of eyelash glue on clip earrings to hold them in place, and eraser tops for backs of pierced earrings.

For the more advanced male competitor, yes, you will need a costume tight Latin black pants and a bodysuit shirt. Use tails for Standard and a suit or vest for American Smooth. Guys can get away with no makeup, but, get a haircut and get introduced to gel and hairspray. Separate the eyebrows (there should be two) and dye the gray hair wherever it is that shows.

Now that you have the dance training, the "look", and the competition bug in you, there is one last thing. From the second you step on the competition dance floor and dance, until the second you step off the floor, you must be in perfect form. Posture, Posture, POSTURE, confidence, nice feet when posing, and a great smile, are all very important. in competition dancing. Remember, there is always someone, somewhere, watching you, whether you're dancing, walking between dances to get in position, or bowing for applause. You are constantly on display.

By Nancy Senner: for THE NIGHTY PLANET