TIPS FOR COMPETITION
Mar 12, 2010 COMPETITION Tips & Advice
TIPS FOR DANCE COMPETITION
In my experience as a director of a successful amateur dance competition, I have found that dancers and teachers alike are looking for the inside edge on what the judges are looking for. As such, I have interviewed one of my VIP judges, from New York City, to get the scoop on how to succeed in these events.
Below are 5 tips to help amateur dancers thrive in the ever-growing circuit of dance competitions as told by Mr. Tom Richardson.
1. Performance
As a Choreographer, Dancer and Judge, I find dancers and dance teachers alike spend too much time practicing routines and perfecting the technique and not enough time on showmanship. I always tell my dancers that they have to dance with “Passion, Love and Devotion” and perform every single time in the rehearsal studio. You must be completely aware of your full presentation before entering the stage. The old saying “I will perform once on stage” is never true, and you won’t perform to your full potential. Professional dancers in rehearsal for a show must perform completely so the directors, choreographers and producers know exactly what will be on stage and you, as the dancer, are completely comfortable with your facial presentation.
QUESTION: Do you dance you fullest potential every time you rehearse or most time, or sometimes, or rarely? After reading this article, are you going to attempt to dance as if you’re at competition all the time?
2. Musicality
I find when judging, dancers and even the choreographers don’t really listen to the music and the full potential music has for them. We dancers and choreographers are music lovers and we are enriched by music that has so much depth and character and we must be able to bring that music to life with the movement, breathe and choreography. Be careful of anticipating steps because it loses its gusto and element of surprise. Sometimes the smallest movement with such an incredible accent in the music can be breathtaking. I always tell my dancers to close their eyes and listen to the music while doing choreography in their heads, and every time they always say, they hear something that they never heard before. Remember music choice is just as important as the dancer and the choreography.
QUESTION: Is the routines your practicing for choreography just a bunch of steps put together or does your routine express and represent the music you are dancing to?
3. Choreography
It is imperative as judges to not only assess the technique, showmanship and presentation of the dancer but also the choreography. Too often than not, routines are over-choreographed. Throwing in as many tricks as possible does not make an amazing piece of choreography. Transitions are often overlooked and the choreographer does not think of how and why the dancers get from A to B. Even the smallest of movements of a hand or head have to be just as important as a turn sequence. It’s always a partnership with the choreographer and the dancers.
QUESTION: The choreography of your routines do they have nice transitions, do they display techniques within your level, does it all come together nicely?
4. Story
Not only do dancers have to be amazing technicians but they must also be great actors. Telling a story is extremely important in all genres of dance. It motivates the movement and gives it a reason to move. When I am judging or simply watching a performance for enjoyment, I want the performer to entertain me and take me on an emotional journey.
Dancers who are able to do 8 pirouettes and demonstrate sheer ability in strength and flexibility are great, however, if there is no emotion and/or story, the performance gets lost. An audience member will watch the face first and then the movement but a judge will watch the face, the body and the movement together.
QUESTION: Do you exercise or practice your drama skills? Do you allow yourself to emotionally express the music you are dancing?
5. Enjoyment
Remember why you dance, it is because you have love for the art. We spend 98% of our dance lives in the rehearsal studio and only 2% on stage. We drill and work vigorously to perfect our craft and we forget about the sheer enjoyment that we get to “Dance”.
So “Live” every time you dance, spread the love of your enjoyment. It is always and honor and a pleasure to watch and judge dancers who just “live” on stage and in the studio.
FOOD FOR THOUGHTS: Think about the last line in the article “enjoyment” and think about your dedication and passion to the program and dance itself. What is it about dance that makes you attracted, what is it that you enjoy, and what makes you feel passionate about it?
