Everyone wants to win! However, it is very important to enjoy the entire journey of competition dancing not just the moment of glory!
The benefits of competitive dancing are endless; it’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s healthy, it’s a goal system and the list goes on! To fully enjoy all of these benefits it is important to familiarize yourself with the UCWDC judging system.
Understanding what the judges are looking for is extremely helpful in achieving your goal(s). Once you are aware of the criteria each judge uses at each age and skill level you may begin to include these elements into your practice and overall awareness so they are visually apparent on the competition floor. This is a great way to bring your dancing to a new level!
So, where can you find such information? A good start is looking on the UCWDC website under Judge Certification on the UCWDC® website: https://www.ucwdc.org/judge-certification/ .Here you will find a document entitled “Fundamental Curriculum” which outlines the core of our system. You will find important elements such as timing, rhythm, motion and more. Look these over and be sure you understand in theory what needs to be present in your skill level. Your teacher/coach as well as yourself may already be developing these elements in your dancing, but it never hurts to refresh these in your mind every so often. You will also want to read the “Judge Methodology” and “Judge Standards” document listed on the website. These documents will shed more light on how a judge arrives at his or her final marks.
Since dance is subjective there is no such thing as perfection as we keep improving and evolving! I encourage you to take the time and understand what the judges are looking for. Enjoy the benefits of seeing you dancing improve and giving the judges what they are looking for!
Kind Regards,
UNITED COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE COUNCIL
Kathy St. Jean
UCWDC VP Judge Certification
w: www.ucwdc.org p: 401.474.3434 e: judgecertification@ucwdc.org