Judging the Magic: Kings Ball DanceSport 2023 – A Holiday Extravaganza

Wednesday night unfolds with a theme of nightclub dancing, radiating a glamorous, extravagant, and expressive vibe.

Thursday morning, panel duty commences at 8 am. My respect for dancers and their teachers deepens as, by 7:45 am, they already exude fabulousness, ready to embark on their day. It’s a testament to the incredible demands and rewards of this sport, passion, or hobby—whatever label you choose. Dancing consistently calls forth the best in individuals, fostering a continuous journey of self-improvement and self-expression.

As I transition into my role as an adjudicator, I find myself at the intersection of two distinct mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. No longer merely a judge passing verdicts, I become the observer, absorbing every moment of the event. In this space, my conscious presence is deliberate, and my focus is on keenly observing the dynamics. I question myself: What am I seeing? What unfolds within me as I assess the performance? What captures my attention, inspires, and brings a smile to my face?

Rejecting a fixed mindset that seeks predetermined outcomes, I step onto the dance floor with an open mind, embracing what I term a growth mindset. Here, the intention is not to seek specific elements but to foster an attitude of continuous learning. Every step becomes an opportunity to glean insights—from dancers, teachers, music, the audience, and the amalgamation of all these elements. This mindset allows me to remain receptive, always evolving and expanding my understanding of the dance experience.

One notable aspect is the perceptiveness inherent in judging. Judges unavoidably witness every nuance — smiles, expressions of disappointment or excitement, sparks in the eyes, bursts of energy, nervousness, and joy. It’s a shared experience; judges stand not to pass judgment but to encourage dancers to showcase their best, providing a positive pressure that nurtures growth. The attention directed at participants serves to make them feel seen, appreciated, valued, and rewarded.

In the act of judging, I consciously engage my mind. While some may question whether judging extends beyond evaluating dance, I believe I assess the entire experience, the essence of the whole performance. I don’t evaluate isolated elements like arms, legs, choreography, or body movement; I perceive the individual and the holistic experience they bring to the stage. This includes the space they occupy and the atmosphere they create within it.

As the competition advances to higher levels, the number of judges tends to increase, contributing to a richer diversity of perspectives on dancers’ performances. This diversity ensures that no single opinion defines a dancer’s presentation; instead, a plethora of valuable and unique viewpoints emerges. When offering insights into what judges appreciate, how performers can make a positive impact, and common pitfalls to avoid, it’s crucial to recognize that not only might other judges hold different views, but I, too, can adapt my criteria from round to round. Why? My commitment lies in embracing a growth mindset rather than a fixed one, allowing for changeable experiences and continually evolving circumstances.

Here are some of my tips on how to create positive impact and avoid and avoid common pitfalls:

Maximise and Excel in Your Control: The Appearance

• Ensure professional hair and makeup; it’s a must.
• Choose a stylish, unique costume that complements your body; aim to look like a champion.
• Presentation dominates when you step onto the dance floor. Win by creating a unique image that inspires everyone, including judges.
• “Win” means not outshining others but creating your style and attracting positive attention.
• Be the dancer introducing new styles and brilliant ideas.
• Utilize your team to enhance your look; it matters and is entirely within your control.

Come with Energy

• Shine, give, and share your passion on the dance floor.
• Leave problems and worries behind; they are irrelevant.
• Connect with the music, your partner, and celebrate your presence among fantastic dancers.
• Remember, energy is the true winner!

Technical Skills for Newcomer/Bronze Dancers

• Check position: Ensure a 45-degree turnout in your front and back foot.
• Close feet neatly by brushing legs through each step.
• Pay attention to foot placement with a toe lead and maintain four basic positions for your spine and arms (Vertical, horizontal, and two diagonals).
• When extending arms, do so fully.
• Stand out in syllabus levels by focusing on completing each move and holding positions or shapes for a bit longer.
• Demonstrate control, confidence, musicality, balance, and rhythm through the completion of each action.

General Advice

• Instead of striving to be the best overall dancer, focus on diligently implementing the three aspects mentioned above. They will infuse your dance with style, control, confidence, musicality, partnership, balance, and rhythm.
• Seek guidance to enhance these skills, understand your goals, and identify areas for improvement between performances or before the next competition.

Silver and Above

For dancers reaching the silver and above levels, there’s a notable shift in evaluation criteria. Merely focusing on doing things right might not necessarily enhance their performance. While dancers should maintain a focus on doing the right things, the evaluation now spans a broader spectrum. It encompasses the dancer’s overall proficiency, including natural body coordination synced with music, an understanding of flow, the ability to generate power, and elevating their performance from a visually appealing dance to a fitness-level display, incorporating muscle use, increased tone, and seamless transitions from one action to the next. The selection of the best dancer is a dynamic moment in time. The silver and above levels introduce a challenging new category but also offer immense enjoyment, representing a phase where genuine dancer development occurs. It’s exhilarating both as a participant and as a judge.

Upon stepping away from the ballroom and returning for the next panel, one immediately notices an elevated energy and dynamics in the atmosphere. The costumes become more elaborate and extravagant, creating a sensation akin to a fitness sports event, all masterfully orchestrated by the dancers themselves.

Kings Ball DanceSport stands out as a truly incredible competition. Day 1, Rhythm Pro-Am day, is undeniably a resounding success for all participants, offering numerous learning experiences!

Grateful for the honor to serve as the adjudicator and witness the marvelous transformation unfolding before me.