Judges must have a basis on which to judge competitors within a limited amount of time. There can be numerous couples on the dance floor at one time. Judges are individuals and each person has a different view in what they want to see and how they weigh these factors. One Judge may be especially interested in moves danced cleanly while another may be interested in togetherness or musicality and expression. No Judge will mark a competitor for any reason other than his or her honest evaluation of your performance.
So, what are the Judges looking for? An experienced judge can quickly assess these factors collectively:
Timing – If a couple is not dancing on time with the music, no amount of proficiency in any other aspect can overcome this. The music is boss.
Posture – One of the most important aspects. Good posture makes you look elegant and exude confidence. It improves balance and control.
Togetherness – The melding of two peoples’ body weights into one, so that leading and following appear effortless and the dancers are totally in synchronization with each other.
Musicality and Expression – The basic characterization of the dance to the particular music being played and the choreographic adherence to the musical phrasing and accents.
Presentation – Does the couple sell their dancing to the audience? Do they dance outwardly, with enthusiasm, exuding their joy of dancing and confidence in their performance? Or do they show strain or introversion?
Power – Energy is exciting to watch, but it must be controlled, not wild.
Shape – The combination of turn and sway to create a look or position.
Lead and Follow – Does the man lead with his whole body instead of just his arms? Does the lady follow effortlessly or does the man have to assist her?
Intangibles – How a couple “look” together, whether they “fit” emotionally, their neatness of appearance, costuming, the flow of their choreography and basically whether they look like “dancers”.
Ceroc Freestyle – Judges are looking for non choreographed dancing. Obvious use of repeated sequences of moves (ie choreographed routines) in these events result in lower marks.
Aerials – Judges are looking for couples that dance into and out of aerials, staying in time and not showing any external strain.