I went to Tulsa Spring Swing (TSS), an West Coast Swing (WCS) event, for a night (4/20/19 Saturday night) for watching contests and social dancing for fun.
As a dance event that gathers professionals and amateurs, contestants and fun-oriented dancers, event staff and participants, there were many different levels of WCS dancers.
Some were good. I thought one of them can dance on Broadway.
Watching these different kind of dancers, I was wondering what makes the difference among them.
Body? Sure. The body's appearance, the shape and the usage, have clear visual impact. Dance is an opportunity to demonstrate functionality of your body. Smooth, limber, precise, responsive, graceful, fast,....there are many positive attributes that you can refine. It shows.
Knowledge on WCS? Yup. There are familiar patterns and there are rare "killer moves". If you are Newcomer or Novice, executing them without a hitch alone can place you up in the contest.
Teamwork? Yes. It is one of judging criteria that judges use. Dancing with a familiar partner allows you to take it a little further.
Musicality? Of course. It is another one in judging criteria. WCS is supposed to be open to musical interpretation and "play". Stiffly dancing set patterns with a plastered smile won't get you anywhere.
Message? Right. When you dance, along with the music, your bodies are sending various messages to the audience, whether you are aware of them or not. May the messages be positive, fun, and entertaining ones.
......
Add anything you think what counts.
It had been a while since I was staying up late (like, 4am) and dance last time. It was fun.
[Event flyer 2019]
