The Competition

Three manequins wearing pink ball gowns.

Costumes anxiously await their turn on the dance floor

One of the attractions to ballroom dancing is the grace of the dancers' movements and the glamour of the swirling, sparkling costumes — and how effortless they make it all seem. But that illusion of effortlessness takes a lot of work.

Most of the couples have been dancing their whole lives, literally since they were kids. On the night of the professional division finals, 24 couples competed from 7pm until well after midnight — including three changes of their elaborate, matching costumes. A long day to be sure, especially when you consider they have been dancing and competing all week to reach this point! And just when they are most tired is when they have to perform their best.

Black and gold dance shoes displayed on top of white shoe boxes.

A shoe lover's paradise.

During the finals, groups of six couples each perform four to five dances (depending on the division) for the judges and assembled audience together for about nine minutes. Each couple also receives one minute and 45 seconds for their show dance — a solo routine designed to highlight each couple's strengths and impress the judges. Years of training come down to just a little over ten minutes of performing to choose a winner.

Be sure to tune in to "The Trials" Wednesday, February 1 at 8pm ET to see who makes it into the final round, and then come back to this page for more detailed information on each finalist couple.

More Features

America's Ballroom Challenge program creator and producer.

Interview with Show's Creator

Couples preparing to dance, waiting for music | © Jeffrey Dunn for WGBH

When to Watch

America's Ballroom Challenge fourth season premieres on:
February 25, 2009
Check your local listings

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