All You Need
To Know
Interested in competitive dancing but don't have a partner? Like Dancing With the Stars, Pro-Am lets men and women train and compete with an experienced professional — designed for motivated dancers who want real results.
What Is Pro-Am Dancing?
Pro-Am (Professional-Amateur) is a competitive dance format where an amateur dancer competes alongside a professional partner — exactly like you've seen on Dancing With the Stars. At RU Dancing Academy, Richard Tymko is your professional partner, guiding you every step of the way from your very first lesson to the competition floor.
From Beginner to Championship level, you can compete against amateur dancers from across North America and around the world. Competitions run year-round, and we work closely with you to create a personalized training and competition plan. Together, we set challenging but achievable goals so every Pro-Am experience is a success.
Age is no barrier — whether you are 9 or 90, if you can dance and have the desire to improve, Pro-Am is an exciting option.
Why Pro-Am Is the Best Way to Improve
Whether your goals are social or competitive, Pro-Am training is the single fastest path to becoming a better dancer:
- Work on technique, style and showmanship with a champion-level coach
- Set a personal goal for the year — and actually reach it
- Receive undivided attention in every private lesson, focused entirely on your needs
- Experience the thrill of performing on a real competition floor
Nothing will improve your dance skills more than working with highly qualified dance instructors in private lessons. The combination of consistent coaching, structured practice, and competitive goals produces transformation that social dancing alone simply cannot match.
Is It Time?
Ask yourself honestly — is it time:
- For something new and exciting in your life?
- To push yourself a little more and become the dancer you've always dreamed of being?
So, what are your goals for your dance journey — new or returning? Are you ready to become a better dancer?
What to Expect from Pro-Am Training
- A free initial consultation to discuss your goals, experience level, and timeline
- A personalized training plan built around your strengths and your schedule
- Technique, musicality, performance quality, and choreography — all developed together
- Competition guidance: costuming, floor etiquette, nerves, and presentation
- Access to year-round provincial, national, and international competition calendars
- Ongoing support and adjustments as you grow and your goals evolve
A Pro-Am Success Story
"I was 58 years old when I entered my first competition. Richard had coached me for 18 months and believed in me completely. I placed top 3. Standing on that competition floor changed something fundamental in how I see myself."
— Margaret S., Pro-Am Student, Calgary
Pro-Am FAQ
None at all. Many of our most successful Pro-Am students started with zero experience. Richard will meet you exactly where you are and build from there. The only requirements are enthusiasm and commitment.
Most dedicated students are ready for their first competition within 6–12 months of consistent training. That said, some students prefer to train for longer before competing — and some enter their first event within just a few months. We work to your timeline and your comfort level.
We offer Pro-Am training and competition in Ballroom (International Standard and American Smooth), Latin (International and American Rhythm), Country, and Swing. Richard will help you identify which styles suit your personality and movement best.
Not at all — Pro-Am is open to both men and women of all ages. Whether you're looking to compete as a follower or a leader, we have a program that works for you.