Competition Tips:  From a Judges Perspective

by Heidi Jarrett

 “The ABC’s of Music”

When it comes to picking music for your competition number, there are so many things to think of.  Personal Preference is huge in selecting a song. The choreographer needs to be “moved” by the music in order to correctly convey their story.  However, that is sometimes where we run into a small glitch.  The story has to work for the dancers who will be telling it.  For example,   a six year old shouldn’t attempt their first lyrical routine to the theme from Titanic or Dream Girls.  Great songs that they are, I really hope those young dancers don’t understand the pain & strife associated with the passion in those songs.  There are a few easy tricks when it comes to impressing the judges.  Let’s bust out a few of them now.

(Please keep in mind, these ideas are merely opinions….shared by almost every judge I’ve ever been on panel with J  Please feel free to take them or leave them!)

 A) AGE APPROPRIATE MUSIC:   This is a fundamental in the competition circuit.  If a judge looks down and sees “Buttons” by the Pussycat Dolls in a 10-12 yr. old age division, we know we’ve got a problem.  Often, students want to pick their own music….not always a good idea.  They can offer suggestions; but, then the teacher must ok the final mix before the choreography is set.  If your dancers are in an older category, you can get away with a bit more; however, it still has to be within reason.  It must be appropriate for the venue.  Please keep in mind that there are young, young children in the audience.  We have “Parental Blocks” on our internet, cable, and just about everything else…let’s be aware so that parents don’t have to run screaming through the aisles with their 5 year olds to try to miss a crazy number!  Now, having said that, parents… if you see an older category & notice a song that might not be totally appropriate for your younger children; but is okay for older ones….take the younger ones for a walk….chances are, they need a little break anyway!

B) EDITS:  A good edit means the difference between looking polished & professional & coming across as a bit more amateur. We do realize that not everyone has easy access to good editing equipment…however, there are many easy to use programs for your computer such as peak, cakewalk, and many others.  Go online & google “free downloadable music editing programs”…then, if they’re not actually “free” they’ll at least send you in the right direction! (Ask your students, they may actually know how!)  Another option, if you don’t want to get involved with all of that, you can find a local recording studio that can help you edit your music & even put in some “fancy pants” stuff!  Most studios will just charge you a reasonable rate, (by the hour…& it shouldn’t take too long) for you to have a perfectly professional sounding track!  My husband Brandon has done this for many teachers. If you’re interested, please contact me at heidi@OnlineDanceAcademy.com & I’ll turn you on to this info.   You can be anywhere in the world & we can edit the music & send it to you over the internet!  See, it really is easy to do!

I’m definitely not trying to “harp” on this point, but, after you’ve worked so hard on a number….why not finish it off right, right?!

AND NOW, FOR ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT POINT J

IF THERE IS A WORD/PHRASE/SONG THAT IS QUESTIONABLE….DO NOT USE IT!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been watching a number where the dancing is amazing, the choreography is tight, the costume is beautiful, and then out busts a ”big bad ugly”!  Sadly, I have to immediately deduct points from what could have been a near perfect score.  Especially in these times when editing is so easy…take the time to make sure the WHOLE SONG is appropriate.—Don’t fall prey to the “oh, maybe they won’t notice” excuse.  We may or we may not…but, if we do, it will cost you dearly. Take the time, your students, parents & the judges will thank you!  I’ll also say this, when I know a song, and I know what it says…then, I notice a great edit…I will actually award a point or two for being aware & making the good edit.

C)  LENGTH OF MUSIC:  The competition companies give you guidelines for “length of music” for a good reason!  Here’s just a few of them.

When a number comes on, rocks the house for just the right amount of time, then finishes on a huge note...we, & the audiences, are left not only excited, but WANTING MORE!!!!!

When a number comes on, does a really good job; but, just keeps on going….a few things start to happen.  The judges & audience are thinking…isn’t this longer than they’re allowed?  The dancers begin to get tired & start to fall out of turns, lose some of that crispness, and can not finish quite as big as they could have.   I say many times…

”IF YOU DON’T GIVE USE ANYTHING TO DEDUCT, THEN WE DON’T HAVE TO DEDUCT.”

For example, if your dancer/s hit their first 5 turn combinations flawlessly, then let it be, finish it up & get them moving on.  When they begin to get tired, they may fall out of a turn, and then we must deduct.  Let them come out, show us their very best & then head off to get ready for their next number!

Lastly, please remember how lengthy these competitions can be.  It is so exciting to have a venue to showcase your work, and allow your dancers a great performance opportunity; however, the best numbers give the judges just enough, without “going too far.”   Do what you need to create a brilliant number; but, be realistic with your venue…don’t make it too long, even if it’s the most amazing thing you’ve done…ever.  Use the “long” version in your concert…bring the “abridged” version to the competition.

JUDGES LOVE BEING THERE & WATCHING YOUR BEAUTIFUL DANCERS; HOWEVER, THEY ARE WATCHING CLOSE TO 500 NUMBERS ON SOME WEEKENDS….KEEP THAT FACT IN MIND, AND DON’T MAKE IT TOO LONG.  YOU WILL BE REWARDED FOR IT!

So, to sum it up!  Bring your very best to the stage, know your music so that you can make wise choices, make great edits, keep length in mind & have fun!  It’s not always the case in our careers that we get to “choose” the music we get to choreograph to.  When you do get that opportunity, make sure it represents you, your studio, and dancers well!