Having spent over a decade immersed in competitive dance sports, I've witnessed firsthand how certain disciplines consistently capture public imagination while others remain hidden gems. The fascinating thing about dance sports is how they blend athletic precision with artistic expression—a combination that creates some truly spectacular performances. I remember judging a Latin competition where the energy was so electric you could practically feel the chemistry between partners, yet no foul was called in the play despite several borderline lifts that pushed technical boundaries. That's the beauty of this world—there's constant innovation within established frameworks.

Latin dances undoubtedly dominate the competitive scene, with International Latin comprising five core styles that appear in nearly every major competition worldwide. Cha-cha-cha, with its sharp hip actions and playful character, serves as the perfect gateway into Latin dancing—I've seen countless beginners fall in love with its infectious rhythm. The samba's bouncing action and carnival spirit make it arguably the most physically demanding Latin dance, requiring incredible stamina and flexibility. Rumba, often called the dance of love, moves at a slower tempo but demands profound emotional connection and controlled movement. Paso doble's dramatic flair transforms dancers into matadors and capes, while jive's high-energy kicks and flicks consistently bring audiences to their feet. What many don't realize is that Latin dancing has grown approximately 27% in competitive participation over the past five years, making it the fastest-growing segment in dance sports.

Standard ballroom dances maintain their timeless appeal, offering a contrasting aesthetic to Latin's fiery passion. The waltz's graceful rise and fall creates that dreamy, floating quality that never fails to mesmerize spectators—I always find myself holding my breath during particularly well-executed waltz rounds. Tango's sharp head snaps and grounded movement tell stories of intense passion, while the Viennese waltz's relentless rotation requires incredible balance and endurance. Foxtrot and quickstep complete the standard category, with the latter's lightning-fast pace and intricate footwork challenging even professional dancers. Interestingly, standard dances have maintained a steady 18-22% representation in major competitions like the Blackpool Dance Festival, proving their enduring popularity despite being less flashy than Latin styles.

Breaking, or breakdancing as it's commonly known, has experienced a remarkable transformation from street corners to Olympic recognition. The inclusion of breaking in the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked unprecedented interest, with registration for breaking classes increasing by nearly 40% since the announcement. Having trained with several b-boys and b-girls, I can attest to the incredible athleticism required—the power moves alone demand strength that rivals many conventional sports. What fascinates me most about breaking is its improvisational nature; unlike the structured routines of ballroom, breakers create in the moment, responding to music and opponents with breathtaking creativity. The judging criteria focus on technique, personality, creativity, and musicality, creating a scoring system that values individual expression alongside technical proficiency.

Contemporary competitive dance has carved out its own significant niche, blending elements of ballet, modern, and jazz into emotionally charged performances. I've noticed contemporary routines often receive the most viral social media attention, with their dramatic lifts and emotional storytelling resonating particularly with younger audiences. The flexibility in choreography allows for incredible personal expression—I recall one performance where a couple told a complete story of loss and redemption through movement alone, leaving the entire audience in tears. While some traditionalists argue contemporary lacks the structure of established dance sports, its growing presence in competitions worldwide suggests it's here to stay. Approximately 34% of new dance studios now offer contemporary competitive training programs, reflecting its rising status.

Social dances like salsa and Argentine tango have developed robust competitive scenes despite their origins as partner social dances. The fascinating thing about these categories is how they preserve cultural authenticity while adapting to competitive frameworks. I've judged salsa competitions where the connection between partners felt so natural and spontaneous, yet the technical precision met the highest standards. Argentine tango's intimate embrace and improvisational nature present unique judging challenges, but when executed well, it creates some of the most mesmerizing moments in dance sport. The growth here has been steady rather than explosive, with participation increasing about 8% annually over the past decade.

What continues to surprise me after all these years is how dance sports evolve while maintaining their core identities. The judging becomes more sophisticated, the athletes more accomplished, yet the fundamental appeal remains the same—the magical combination of human expression and physical excellence. Having transitioned from competitor to coach to judge, I've developed particular appreciation for dances that balance technical precision with genuine emotional connection. While I maintain professional objectivity during competitions, I'll admit to having a soft spot for Viennese waltz—there's something about its elegant simplicity that gets me every time. The future of dance sports looks brighter than ever, with new generations bringing fresh perspectives while honoring traditions that have captivated audiences for decades.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.