What Judges Look For
The 3 T’s. What are the 3 T’s. If you are a competitor, see what Judges are looking for. There are certain major criteria judges are looking for to have winning performance. The 3 T’s are the first among many other criteria; that would include such things as Timing, Technique and Teamwork. The other criteria would include Showmanship, Content and/or Choreography, Musicality and Degree of difficulty. Though there are many ingredients, it is agreed among judges if you don’t have timing the rest doesn’t count.
In a previous “Tip Of the month” I covered timing that is enhanced by rhythm which is the most important criteria for dancing at a high level. Technique is the grooming of the dance such as execution, posture, frame and footwork. Teamwork, where 2 people dancing help compliment one another. Showmanship can be produce by displaying your personality and enjoyment of the dance you are having which is difficult on it’s own; either the song and/or the partner is not the one you’d prefer in a Jack & Jill contest or your nervousness gets the better of you in any kind of contest or situation. This is when the winning dance has over come these objectives.
Content/choreography is where the dance offers contrast displaying a good basic foundation diversified with innovative patterns and styling. With this in mind, judges like to see the content relate to the nuances in the music, not just being on time and showing how many patterns or styling/syncopations you can execute unrelated to the music. Last but not least “Degree of difficulty” can add points to your performance; but not replace the rest of the criteria.
I hope you enjoyed reading this tip of the month and found it beneficial.
Tip of the moth by Martin Parker.