How do you tell if someone dances "well"?

[KevinL]

When you see someone dancing, and you think that they are dancing well (or even great), what makes you think they are doing “well”? Is it one thing specifically, or an overall image?

Related to that, when you watch people dance, what do you watch?

(I imagine the answer will vary between competative dancers and social dancers, so both groups please reply!)

[Sagitta]

I'm a social dancer. So...

1. Partners are in synch with each other and are dancing to an appropriate level for the partnership.

2. Dancers are moving in time to the music.

3. And most importantly...musicality. That is not just executing figures but dancing with the music.

[Sabor]

Related to that, when you watch people dance, what do you watch?

in brief..

how they respond to the music, timing
how connected they are to the music and each other
if i can see/sense their soul dance
Technicalities
Frame, body line/outline, posture, grace, flexibility
smoothness and fluidity of motion..lead and follow
creativity and ability to control and separate body movement
how much they are enjoying the music and each other (fun)
how well they feed each others passion, hidden energy
how much they want the other to look better than him/herself
the smile in their eyes

[volleybgrl]

I'm easily dazzled, but I look at:

-number of spins at one time
-personal style
-stiffness v.s. strong frame
-comfort with the music
-how the person/s respond during a "mistake"
-body movement and fluidity
-(most importantly) whether or not they are into their partner and enjoying the dance.

[tsb]

this is not comprehensive but hits the high points.

as individuals:
- frame;
- footwork (heel lead vs. toe leads, rise & fall, if they are doing syllabus moves, proper foot placement/location, etc.);
- balance;
- gracefulness;
- leaders choosing steps & figures that complement the music/phrase;
- styling appropriate;

as a couple:
- good floorcraft (and the follower can & should influence this);
- leader not taking visual attention away from partner (you know the type, gets onto the floor, starts shining and doesn't even notice his partner went and sat back down in her seat!);
- clear & obvious interplay in terms of lead & follow (you CAN tell even when a couple is doing rehearsed choreography);
- facial expression & countenance appropriate for the dance;

[Seini]

simple... the combined size of their smiles. The rest is just technical level :)

[delamusica]

CONFIDENCE!! Not ego mind you, but someone who is really comfortable and having a good time will always catch my eye as someone I want to dance with. :)

[Genesius Redux]

Beyond the technique?

Definitely relationship! Makes so much of a difference when people are "listening" to each other. Nothing leaves me colder than two technically proficient dancers who are focusing wholly on technique--and you can tell even from the far corner.

Awareness of each other comes not only from mucho work in partnering but from a willingness to listen to each other. Without that, to me, it's just movement, not dance. :)