Tricks in competitive dancing

JoepiE

JoepiE

New Member
In competitive dancing (mainly (Int.) Latin) you often see couples doing all sorts of tricks, like a split (sitting down or even standing upright) or other, even acrobatic, actions.

It probably is possible to be musical doing it, but does it make a difference? What do you think of these actions on the competition dancefloor, do they add to your dancing or not?

Let the discussion begin (at least that's what I'm hoping)
 
Tricks can be so exciting to watch. As a spectator, I really don't care if they show dance ability or just have a ton of the "wow" factor. But, I also am very turned off by tricks that are poorly executed or routines that are nothing but tricks.

It occurred to me this past weekend that tricks can be a clever way of getting the judges to notice you. If a couple does a trick and the crowd goes nuts, well, judges are only human and want to see what all the fuss is about (although the trick is already done and the judge will miss it). So, if the trick is followed by good solid dancing, that is what the judge will see.
 
I was watching some world superstars videos recently, and noticed that that world champs (Allan & Serena, Brian & Carmen) don't really have those kinds of tricks in their routines - various types of splits, that is, whereas the lower-ranked couples do. On the other hand, I find the champs much more exciting to watch bc of the actual dancing that they do (rhythm, speed, interaction, etc). The same applies on the amateur circuit. I find Eugene and Maria far more exciting to watch than anyone else, and they don't do any tricks (well, except for Eugene's crazy foot slide in jive, but that's not a split or anything). So I think wyllo's right - the couples that aren't as great and know it, may be relying on tricks to get attention that they otherwise may not get...
 
alemana said:
i wouldn't consider that shot of carolina and felipe a trick, really.
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It's pretty showy and has some acro touch to it, the way she went under his legs and almost did the splits. I don't think "trick" is the word for showy stuff. But "showy stuff" is no better. :lol:

Twilight Elena
 
alemana said:
i wouldn't consider that shot of carolina and felipe a trick, really.
Click to expand...
It's pretty showy and has some acro touch to it, the way she went under his legs and almost did the splits. I don't think "trick" is the word for showy stuff. But "showy stuff" is no better. :lol:

Twilight Elena
 
Twilight_Elena said:
It's pretty showy and has some acro touch to it, the way she went under his legs and almost did the splits. I don't think "trick" is the word for showy stuff. But "showy stuff" is no better. :lol:

Twilight Elena
Click to expand...

I will call it a trick, because you don't have to be a great dancer to do that move ex. splits, dips, some jumps. Someone that is not a ballroom train person could do it. Don't you think? and is not related to any particular dance..
 
I like to watch a few trick in the routines, but don't like it when it's overdone or it's taking over the dancing. I want to remember the couple for their dancing, not their tricks. I beleive that the routines, should match what you like. If you like tricks, then do them. If you don't, then don't.

At the end of the day, it's not about the placement but about liking what you see yourself doing in a tape.
 
I think Dancing with the Stars makes pretty clear the value that tricks really have. Most of the stars seem to find it much easier to do tricks than to do basic choreography correctly. Wouldn't be surprised if some competitors find the same thing.
 
waltzgirl said:
I think Dancing with the Stars makes pretty clear the value that tricks really have. Most of the stars seem to find it much easier to do tricks than to do basic choreography correctly. Wouldn't be surprised if some competitors find the same thing.
Click to expand...

It's probly easier to hide a lack of technique in some of those "tricks" than it is in basic steps. Hence the term used...."trick"
 
Very true, if you are brave enought to make all of your routines very basic, you better do them really well
 
I've found that if a move is done really, really well, it's as impressive (if not more so) than a trick. Some of the most basic bronze I or II moves can look amazing when done well, which is why the professionals can get through an entire routine without doing a single trick and still mesmerize the audience. Easier said than done, though! :) (Especially by a newbie like me!)
 
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