There were some occasions to watch dance performances last week. Following are the points I pay attention when watching someone else's dance choreograph.
Same kind of thinking can be used to dance a social dance with an emphasis on "on-spot" improvisational choreography, including West Coast Swing and Argentine Tango.
In contrast, salsa songs are too often used like metronome. In the case, the dance becomes more pattern-oriented. How unfortunate.
Knowledge
Does the choreography demonstrate that the dancers are knowledgeable in the dance? Do they know what they are doing?
Beauty of motion
How well do they present the basics as well as advanced moves?
Uniqueness
Every body is unique, and has strengths and weaknesses. How well do they present (or work with) uniqueness, or idiosyncrasies, of the body?
Music appreciation
Do they dance with the music? How well do the dancers translate the song to the dance?
Emotion
Music comes with, or provokes, an emotion or emotions. Does the dance demonstrate the dancers' (as well as viewers') emotions?
Story
There are two major choreography schools; one "pure dance" school relies more on dance and motion itself, another school believes that dance should tell viewers a story. You can tell which school the choreographer belongs by watching his dance.
Viewer-friendliness
Related to the Story segment, some choreographs are more considerate for the viewers. Other choreographs choose viewers instead.
Purposefulness/intent
If you check the points above, it may help you to appreciate the design of the dance, and the background purpose and intent of the choreographer. When a choreography reaches this level, I'd like to call the dance an art.
Interesting
As in previous point, a dance comes with an intent of the choreographer. Let's say you got the message from the choreographer and dancers. But, is the dance interesting? Will it add something new to the art, like intending to incorporate a "novel" element? Does it emphasize a unique aspect of the performer's motion, or musical interpretation, or storytelling? Is there anything that makes the dance interesting?
Thoughtless dances tend to be uninteresting. Piling up moves after moves can be sporty, but such dance can turn boring quickly after 30 seconds, unless they have something (like, very athletic moves few can do, or easy-on-the-eyes dancers, or both).
Dancers and choreographers got only 15 seconds window to get people's/viewers'/audiences' attention. After the 15 seconds, you have to keep providing something to maintain their attention. That "something" is what you got.
