Syllabus events are those restricted to certain figures and sequences (see National site for syllabi). In USA Dance syllabus events, costumes are not allowed except for Seniors (35 & over). According to the rulebook, syllabus events can be any combination of dances. In practice, they are generally combined as follows:

International Style - Latin:
Bronze = Cha-cha & Rumba
Silver = Cha-cha, Samba, Rumba
Gold = Cha-cha, Samba, Rumba & Jive

International Style - Standard:
Bronze = Waltz & Quickstep
Silver = Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep
Gold = Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, & Quickstep

American Style - Rhythm:
Bronze = Cha-cha & Rumba
Silver = Cha-cha, Rumba, Swing
Gold = Cha-cha, Rumba, Swing & Bolero OR Mambo

American Style - Smooth:
Bronze = Waltz & Tango OR Foxtrot
Silver = Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot
Gold = Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot & Viennese Waltz

Open events are those in which choreography is unrestricted except that no lifts are allowed. Costumes are recommended and may become part of the judging criteria if couples are otherwise closely matched. It is perfectly "legal" to dance Syllabus routines in Open events, but not vice-versa. One need not proceed through Gold syllabus before entering a Novice event.

International Style - Latin:
Novice = Cha-cha, Samba, Rumba
Pre-Champ = Cha-cha, Samba, Rumba & Jive
Championship = Cha-cha, Samba, Rumba, Jive & Paso Doble

International Style - Standard:
Novice = Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep
Pre-Champ = Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep
Championship = Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep

American Style - Rhythm:
Novice = Cha-cha, Rumba, Swing
Pre-Champ = Cha-cha, Rumba, Swing & Bolero
Championship = Cha-cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero & Mambo

American Style - Smooth:
Novice = Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot
Pre-Champ = Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot & Viennese Waltz
Championship = Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot & Viennese Waltz

Note that in competitions organized by NDCA or in unsanctioned competitions, combinations of dances may be different. Always check the entry forms to see what you'll be expected to dance.

ENTERING SINGLE-DANCE EVENTS

NDCA and some unsanctioned competitions feature single-dance entries. Generally these are designed for pro-am competitors. However, most competitions permit amateur couples to enter single-dance events as well. Such couples are judged separately from the pro-am competitors.

USA Dance competitions also may feature some single-dance events. These are typically restricted to newcomers (first time on the competition floor) or to "nightclub" dances such as West Coast Swing, Hustle, Nightclub Two-Step, Country Two-Step, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Lindy, or Polka! There is no national syllabus for these dances, although there are competition circuits devoted exclusively to (for example) Lindy, West Coast Swing, Salsa, and Argentine Tango.

A final category of competition includes Cabaret and Theatre Arts. In these events, a particular piece of music may be pre-assigned, to which all competitors prepare their choreography; or the competitors may choose music of their own. There are no "forbidden" moves. Both events require numerous lifts and competitors may also use props. Professional coaching is a must for amateurs considering entry into this category.