The organization of events at a competition can be extremely complex, especially if there are large numbers of competitors. In theory, you can simply listen for the Master of Ceremonies' instructions and do as you are told, but in reality you'll have a much easier time if you know what to expect.
Rounds
An event with more couples registered than will fit in a final will have multiple rounds. In each round, approximately half of the couples will be eliminated, until there are at last only the required number for a final.
In order to give competitor a chance to prepare, and the competition officials a chance to keep up, events are not run all at once. Instead, rounds for each event are run one after another, so that for example all quarter-final rounds for all events happen in sequence, before returning to the beginning of the list to start semi-final rounds.
Because different events have different numbers of competitors registered, some will be skipped in earlier rounds, so that they will remain in step with the rounds for the other events. This guarantees that all final rounds will happen in sequence at the very end of the style section.
Heats
While most competitions place no upper limit on the number of couples who can register for an event, the floor the event will be danced on is always limited in size. For group events, this can result in a round being broken up into several sub-groups of appropriate size for the floor. Each of these groups is called a heat. The heats for a round will always be held one after another, and will always be danced to the same piece of music, to ensure fairness.
Step-by-Step
On-Deck
To begin an event, the Master of Ceremonies will announce the name and number of the event. He will then give the competitors instructions on where to go to prepare to enter the floor. Usually, a competition will have an "on-deck" area, where couples are are asked to wait in line to enter the floor. It is usually on this line that competitors will be split into heats by a "deck-captain", if required.
Entering the Floor
Once the heats are sorted out (not necessary for solo events), the MC will ask the dancers to "take", or enter, the floor. Dancers walk onto the competition space arm in arm, and take places on the floor. It is preferred to take places such that the partners are separated by at least six feet (2 meters).
For group events, floor placement is important! If you are dancing a smooth or standard dance, you must begin on the line of dance, with sufficient space between you and the end of the floor to do the choreography you plan. If you are dancing a Rhythm or Latin dance, you have to pick a placement that allows the judges to see you. Right in the middle of the floor, or on the far side of the floor from any judge, is a bad idea. If they can't see you, they can't call you back.
It is important to note that judges are already judging couples before the music starts, so the entry you make is important. Your entry should be confident, connected to your partner, and in character for the dance you are about to perform.
Once all the couples are placed and still, the MC will request the music!
The Dance
As the music begins, the leader should beckon the follower, who closes the space between them, and initiates taking frame. The couple then dances until the music is stopped, usually at about ninety seconds. It is important to stay alert for what is going on around you, and to try to avoid collisions and interference with other dancers. The judges will be watching floorcraft as well as dancing.
As the music ends, the MC will ask dancers to exit the floor.
Exiting the Floor
Once asked to exit, the couple must gracefully return to an arm-in-arm position, and walk off the floor still in character. At higher proficiency levels, it is acceptable to take a moment to bow to the audience before leaving the floor, but only if doing so does not impede the other dancers from exiting. Remember that judging is still going on until you are completely off the floor!
While exiting, listen carefully for the announcements for your next event. They come up fast.
