From poised and graceful to sassy and rhythmic, the third-annual Cyclone Ballroom Classic showcased it all.

Hosted by the ISU Ballroom Dance Company, the Cyclone Ballroom Classic, held Saturday in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union, is the only collegiate-sponsored ballroom dance competition in Iowa.

The competition featured a highly decorated panel of judges from New York, Minnesota and Illinois and competitors from across the Midwest.

Even with high profile judges, the competition was still comfortable for the novice dancer.

“We focus this as a beginner-friendly competition,” said Keith Dahlby, the dance company’s business manager.

“It’s small enough you don’t get overwhelmed with 100 people on the dance floor, but you can still get some great instruction that isn’t always available at collegiate competitions.”

The competition began with the American Smooth category, which includes the waltz, tango, foxtrot and Viennese waltz.

Competitors in elegant gowns and chic vests made the steps look easy with their heads high and feet flowing in time with the music.

Judges slowly circled the perimeter of the dance floor, marking their choices on clipboards.

What the judges were looking for depended on the type of dance and level of skill.

“If it’s a beginner group, they’re looking for form, not necessarily having the coolest moves out there,” said Samantha Olson, ISU Dance Company president.

“For the more advanced people, they are looking for technique, attitude and style.”

There were four categories for competitors to enter: newcomer, bronze, silver and gold. Bronze dance steps are the only steps to be used in the bronze level, but silver-level dancers can use both bronze and silver steps.

“You move up when you’re ready and feel you know the steps,” said member Mikel Bezdek.

Bezdek and his partner, Sarah Humke, senior in chemical engineering, placed third in the silver-level foxtrot.

Dahlby said “good posture, how you hold yourself and your partner, relationship of what you’re doing to the music, and if it looks like you’re having a good time and you want to be there,” will help make a dance couple successful in a competition.

Olson and Dahlby won the waltz, tango and foxtrot in the gold category and placed third in the swing, cha-cha and samba in the silver category.

The International Standard followed, consisting of the waltz, quickstep, tango, foxtrot and Viennese waltz.

“The difference between American and International depends on the group of dances,” said Olson. “With International Smooth, you never break frame or do anything outside of the frame. As far as rhythm and Latin, it’s more about how you use your legs.”

The atmosphere quickly changed when the American Rhythm category began.

Couples showed their moves wearing more casual, flirty costumes in the cha-cha, swing, rumba, bolero and mambo.

Upcoming events for the Ballroom Dance Company include a regional qualifying competition in Louisville, Ky., in April and the Funky Formal, a fundraiser for the company in late April.

Couples can qualify for nationals at regional qualifying competitions like the one in Kentucky.

Last year, the company sent about six couples to nationals, but the number of couples that go this year will depend on how much practice time they can get in.