How is a ballroom dance competition judged?

[pygmalion]

Still web surfing, I found this interesting article on how a ballroom competition is judged. (I won't copy the whole article, to avoid copyright problems.)
The link is at http://www.dancesport.uk.com/articles/index.htm
click on the article title on the toolbar to the left of the page to read the article.

At any rate, the person who wrote the article, a certified adjudicator, thinks that the following are the most important elements in judging the quality of a ballroom performance. Does anyone have insight on the process, or on the elements that are judged?

POSTURE
TIMING
LINE
HOLD
POISE
TOGETHERNESS
MUSICALITY AND EXPRESSION
PRESENTATION
POWER
FOOT AND LEG ACTION
SHAPE
LEAD AND FOLLOW
FLOOR CRAFT
INTANGIBLES

[SDsalsaguy]

Here is the original posting of this information: Judging Competitions (http://www.ballroomusa.com/radham/howjudged.htm)

[Vince A]

To add: all of this starts the moment you step foot on the floor and walk to the center to be introduced.

Additional: There is such a thing as a dance walk, and all women should learn this - not as important to me - but it can be! My wife (Carolyn) was taught this by her dance coach - Yvonne Benevidies.

If I can find the article, I'll pass it along.

[SDsalsaguy]

To add: all of this starts the moment you step foot on the floor and walk to the center to be introduced.
I'll do you one better Vince... this can honestly start the moment the judges first notice you. If you're standing on deck, for instance, don't slouch or argue with your partner. The judges may happen to glance around and, even if not deliberately, may already begin to form an opinion...

[Vince A]

To add: all of this starts the moment you step foot on the floor and walk to the center to be introduced.
I'll do you one better Vince... this can honestly start the moment the judges first notice you. If you're standing on deck, for instance, don't slouch or argue with your partner. The judges may happen to glance around and, even if not deliberately, may already begin to form an opinion...
I agree. I stand chest and head up and in third position always while waiting to perform. I won't be caught slouching if in line to go out, nor be in any foot position other than 3rd. And always a huge smile!

[pygmalion]

Hmm. How about practicing last minute? Or should you just stand there, look composed, and smile?

[SDsalsaguy]

Depends entirely on what you need and feel, I think.

Practicing on the side is fine... as long as its quality action and not just some sloppy marking or a tiff with your partner, etc. The point is that you need to look composed and like a champion (of whatever level).

[pygmalion]

Another interesting article, from dancesportcomps.com, on what judges want and DON'T want to see in ballroom competitors.

http://www.dancesportcomps.com/NewsLetter/#JudgesSoapbox

[mamboqueen]

bump....

given some of the people that are new to competition, I thought this was worth revival. reviving. bringing back.

[dTas]

To add: all of this starts the moment you step foot on the floor and walk to the center to be introduced.
I'll do you one better Vince... this can honestly start the moment the judges first notice you. If you're standing on deck, for instance, don't slouch or argue with your partner. The judges may happen to glance around and, even if not deliberately, may already begin to form an opinion...

depending on what level you are competing and how many competitions you go to this may extend to whenever you are in the hotel. if a judge recognizes you as that person during dinner who pitched a fit and threw the tomato then you're in for it on the floor.

or even further... if you're the one who stole the judges taxi at the airport or cut in line to get your ticket.

they're always watching!!! :shock:

[Standard Dancer]

Read the first article about what judges look for in a comp ... very interesting and definitely a helpful read. Always good to remind myself of what's important!

[SDsalsaguy]

they're always watching!!! :shock:
Good point dTas, and quite true.

[Merrylegs]

or even further... if you're the one who stole the judges taxi at the airport or cut in line to get your ticket.



Oh gosh! Has that happened to you?!?! What a disaster that would be.

[SDsalsaguy]

Actually, one of the funnier such "happenings" that I'm aware of concerns a couple who, this year, accidently mailed their Embassy registration to the USDSC and their USDSC registration to Embassy. Given the current political climate, you *know* that that didn't make them any new friends! :lol:

[Katarzyna]

Actually, one of the funnier such "happenings" that I'm aware of concerns a couple who, this year, accidently mailed their Embassy registration to the USDSC and their USDSC registration to Embassy. Given the current political climate, you *know* that that didn't make them any new friends! :lol:aw...