Written by: Lydia on TUESDAY, OCT 31, 2023
The question of whether to perform for judges or the audience is a thought-provoking one, especially when you’re about to step onto a stage surrounded by a diverse crowd. Some faces in the audience belong to judges, their expressions sometimes wearing that unmistakable “show me what you’ve got” look. Others already exhibit amusement, especially when junior competitors take the floor. And there are those with encouraging expressions, silently whispering, “It’s going to be okay.” As a performer, what you see stepping onto the dance floor mirrors how you feel inside. It’s your interpretation of the moment, aligning with what you hope to see.
But don’t forget, judges bring their own thoughts, feelings, and emotions. They are professionals, honored to have the glamorous opportunity to assess your performance. Internally, they are there to support you, select the best, find inspiration, learn about new trends, and discover emerging talents. The last thing on their minds is to “not like you” or penalize you for the inevitable missteps. Their focus is unwaveringly on the best. From the very moment you step onto the dance floor, they can’t help but “prejudge” the group or the couple performing.
And then, there’s the majority of eyes—the audience. These are passionate fellow dancers who have either just performed or are gearing up to take the stage. Some are dedicated to the craft without competing, while others are ardent admirers and staunch supporters of their loved ones. The crowd can be quite a mixed bag, but generally, they are positive, encouraging, and sympathetic. They can be quite interactive, free to move around, chat, eat, and even introduce their dog to a third of the audience while you pour your heart into your performance. The ballroom audience is different from the hushed opera houses around the world where patrons sit in rapt attention, their gazes fixed on the illuminated stage. They are known for their ever-changing level of engagement; at times, fully immersed in the competition, while on other occasions, they may seem distracted, and only casually observing the event. That’s the beauty of it and the golden opportunity for you to gauge your success in connecting with the audience. Can you stop their activities? Can you make them talk about you, focus on you, smile and move in harmony with your performance? If you can capture their hearts and get them to react, you’ve accomplished something remarkable for your world and for the world at large. Trust me; the judges will not remain oblivious to your profound success.
So, the question arises: Should you perform for the audience or the judges?
The approach to dancing for judges or the audience can vary significantly depending on the specific context, which includes factors such as whether you are in a Pro-Am, Professional, or Amateur setting, as well as your goals and the type of performance, whether it’s a local competition, world championship, showcase at the studio, or performance on stage. Let’s explore this further by delving into the unique dynamics and considerations within the world of Pro-Am and Amateur dancing.
Dancing for the Audience Approach:
- Emotional Connection: When dancing for the audience, the focus is on creating an emotional connection and entertaining the spectators. It’s about evoking feelings, telling a story, and engaging the audience on a personal level. This approach is recommended, particularly when preparing for showcase performances in the studio or theater. It’s also effective on a crowded competition floor, where capturing the audience’s attention and engaging them can bring your performance to the judges’ notice in a positive light. Watching professionals who are experts in utilizing this approach can provide valuable insights into mastering the art of emotional connection in dance.
- Artistic Expression: Dancers may prioritize artistic expression, stage presence, and charisma to captivate the audience. This approach often leads to more creative and free-flowing performances. It’s ideal for solo showdances, where every detail should be meticulously planned, rehearsed, and incorporated into the choreography before stepping onto the dance floor.
- Adaptability: Dancers tuned to the audience’s reactions can adjust their performance in real-time to ensure a positive and engaging experience. When the audience becomes part of your existence, it can be a powerful force that affects you positively. However, it can also have a negative impact, as anyone who has performed at Blackpool knows. Warming up and engaging the audience in that setting feels like a significant achievement in itself.
Dancing for the Judges Approach:
- Technical Precision: In a competitive context, dancers often need to emphasize technical precision and adhere to specific criteria set by judges. This may include executing steps correctly, maintaining proper timing, posture, and other technical aspects. The advantage here is that these criteria need to be known and considered well in advance. They must be learned, planned, practiced, and ingrained in your body. Technical precision isn’t something you can suddenly improve on the spot, nor should you forget it due to nervousness.
- Choreography and Routine: Judges assess the choreography, and dancers aim to execute it flawlessly, often paying close attention to the details. It’s important to distinguish between choreography and routines. Choreography is a well-thought-out story with a beginning, middle, and end, while routines consist of combinations of steps and figures grouped in familiar patterns. Great routines can sometimes overshadow poor choreography. But when choreography is carefully crafted with the essence of an idea in mind, your performance will stand out for its emotional depth as well as its technical execution.
- Objective Evaluation: The goal here is to meet established standards and expectations set by judges, aiming for favorable scores. The core objectives are to be noticed and appreciated by the judges. This often comes down to the visual aspect—how well you create a compelling silhouette, present a captivating picture, and maintain a visually pleasing performance. Movement quality, flexibility, projection, and fluidity are all significant components of success, closely followed by progression, frame, and smooth transitions in weight distribution and body control.
To answer this question more specifically, it’s crucial to understand the balance between the judges’ evaluation, which comprises 50% technical and 50% emotional aspects, and the audience’s emotional response. In essence, if you always keep the audience in mind while practicing and preparing for your performance, you are virtually guaranteed 75% success, compared to the 25% guarantee when focusing solely on technical skills.
However, it’s important to recognize that the ability to truly engage the audience is only possible when you have a high level of technical skill. Therefore, continue to work on your technical proficiency with the ultimate goal of staying connected and building a stronger rapport with the audience and your dance partner. It’s not merely about doing things right; it’s about creating a captivating experience that resonates emotionally with those watching.
In practice, successful dancers find a way to strike a balance between these two approaches. They aim to deliver technically sound performances while infusing them with emotion and artistry to connect with the audience. This balance can make a performance memorable and impactful.
So, go out there and experiment! Share your experiences, because in the end, it’s not just about whether you dance for the audience or the judges; it’s about dancing from the heart and leaving a lasting impression.
