Competition Tips:  From a Judge’s Perspective!

by Heidi Jarrett

Your students step on the stage.  Immediately their eyes are transfixed on those 4 (hopefully) smiling faces in front of them.  As much as you tell them not to focus on the judges, it’s inevitable….there THEY are!   One thing that might help take the punch out of it, is to enlighten your students to the fact that the judges truly are there to offer a helpful opinion, cheer for them, & encourage them to do the best they can every time they step on that stage!

Speaking from my own perspective, one of my first dance teachers, Sue Rice, introduced me to the competition circuit back in Idaho. (Yes, it’s true… I’m Heidi-Ho from Idaho! - go ahead & giggle.  I’ve made a great living off of  it!) Our dance company was not a competition based one; however, she recognized the desire I had to perform, and allowed me the opportunity to compete a few solos.  Let’s just put  it this way, I had a lot to learn—and she knew that.  The competition stage provided invaluable lessons which still apply to my dancing/life today.

As a matter of fact, I’ll never forget the correction I got from my mentor Darryl Retter, “Place passe’ in pique turn.”  Up until that point, I didn’t realize that when I got nervous, my pique turn morphed into an entirely scary attitude turn.  Even now, as I am privileged to work with my mentor Darryl Retter on a sometimes daily basis, I still here that voice in my head…..”place passe’ in pique turn!”  Thank you Mr. Retter!

My point is this, sometimes judges are  looked at as the “bad guys.”  This is especially true if the number doesn’t score as well as everyone would like it to.  But, in all honesty, that’s one thing that competition does for dancers, is allow them the opportunity to grow, on a great stage, in a safe venue. They’re not competing for a job so that they can pay rent this month, (that comes later…then we talk about REAL STRESS!!!) They are competing against themselves…to do the best, and be the best that they can.  Some days that happens, and some days it doesn’t.  C’est la vie!

An honest judge’s opinion (and that’s all it is) can help you grow, as long as you are open to their ideas.  This is true of both student and teacher, parents & grandparents alike J.  I have been blessed with two beautiful children who are the lights of our lives, and I know how every parent out there feels when they see their babies on that stage.  I also realize that if the outcome is not exactly what they’d hoped, they can be crushed.  It’s normal to feel that way.

It’s also normal for the adults to feel angered, much like a “mama bear”, if you will.  But, truly in the long run, healthy constructive criticism is what helps us all grow, right?

Although I am a judge, and love doing it, I do a moderate amount during a year…just enough to keep it fresh and see the amazing talent that is out there.  I also have been taught by my teachers to “give it back”…and had it not been for the things I learned on those stages,  things could have been different for me.  Fortunately my experiences were healthy and fun, as myself & all of my fellow judges  hope others are for every dancer that steps on that stage.  So, that’s what we try to bring to the table when we sit there—a fun opportunity to LEARN & GROW.

I’m definitely more of a “Paula Abdul” type of  judge.  I try to use Love, Love, Love to help our young dancers grow.  However, there are judges out there who lean a little “Simon-esque”…not always in a bad way; but, sometimes they can cross the line.  When that happens, most organizations truly care about what is being said…that judge will be worked with or released.  Having said that, teachers, please listen to your tapes first in private…then decide what is appropriate, and or necessary for your dancers to hear.  I know that Darryl & Linda Retter have a system that works very well.  After they listen to them, they have the critiques that they share with their students typed up & then they go over them with them. Nothing like seeing it in writing to help it sink in!  If you feel something you heard is truly inappropriate, mention it to the company; it will help everyone learn & grow, and if there’s truly a problem, they’ll get to the bottom of it.   But, try to be honest with yourself before you call.  Sometimes when we’re in that “but, that’s the best piece of work I’ve ever done…” stage, we’re a bit more sensitive to what is being said! J (Don’t forget, most judges choreograph for Competition too, so, they’ve been there as well!)

Now, after all that, I am fully aware that judges(myself included) may still be looked at as referees in an NBA finals game; whenever that whistle blows…..somebody’s going to be ticked!.  Example:  .”Aww..that wasn’t a foul…open your eyes, REF”…vs… “Great call REF it’s about time!” It’s somewhat the nature of the business, and if you’re going to compete you want to keep a few things in perspective.

One of my favorite companies to work for is IDC,(International Dance Challenge), and that is because every competition, BEFORE they hand out those beautiful trophies, they remind everyone of one very important fact.

I’m paraphrasing, but it goes something like this….”We here at IDC want to remind everyone here that the scores today reflect how a CERTAIN SET OF JUDGES, ON A CERTAIN DAY SCORED A CERTAIN GROUP OF DANCERS.  IF ONE OF THESE ELEMENTS HAD BEEN DIFFERENT, THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN TOTALLY DIFFERENT.”

For example, if 2 of the judges specialty is Musical Theatre & the other one is a Clogger…they may appreciate your slammin’ Hip Hop number; but, it may not beat out the full stage re-creation of “Hairspray.”  Then there are days where you’ve got a Hip-Hop teacher on staff, (guilty as charged!) and they really appreciate what it takes to get an entire stage completely tight & locked in to the Hip Hop style---then, you may win!  Quality always speaks for itself; but variety is the spice of life! Teach your dancers well….It’s almost a  guarantee that they will not get every job interview or audition they head out to. It’s not meant to be that way.  But, there is something out there for everyone!   Help them learn that  a score DOES NOT mean they are worthy or not worthy…it is simply that…a score.  

Every time those amazing dancers step foot upon that stage, I look at them & think…”wow, what courage it takes to get up there…I hope they have fun!”  Let’s keep it all in perspective &  use these wonderful performance venues to our advantage. Remember, our goal is to raise amazing HUMANS who happen to dance too!

***Please stay tuned for the Helpful Hints to come from our Dancers***