The Top Critiques I Give as a Dance Competition Adjudicator
As a dance competition adjudicator (shoutout Étoile Dance Comp!), I've seen some truly incredible talent hit the stage. Yet, amidst all the glitter and glam, there are a few key critiques that just keep popping up.
No, it's not because I'm running out of things to say (trust me, I've got plenty!), but because these tips are absolute game-changers. So, let's dive into these golden nuggets of advice that could take your performance from 'good' to 'jaw-dropping amazing' in no time!
“Show us more dynamics”
Dynamics refer to how a dancer moves. How fast or slow the movements are, if they’re sudden or sustained, strong or light, flowing or abrupt. Sure, different dance styles will inherently trend toward specific dynamics (a classic jazz number will likely have sharper movements than a ballet variation from the romantic era). However, every single piece should have a range of dynamics within it.
It’s what keeps the movement interesting and keeps our attention as audience members. If every single step looks the same, we start to zone out. Think about the difference between a fondu and a frappé - two ballet steps with completely different dynamics. Yet both are important depending on not only the step you’re performing but the story you’re trying to tell. Play with your dynamics and figure out what works best for every moment to take your work to a whole new level.
“Use your levels”
Speaking of levels…when you dance, I want to see your highest highs and your lowest lows. So many dancers tend to live somewhere in the middle - but just like with your dynamics, this can start to become stagnant.
If you’re doing a plié, really commit to it and get down into the ground! On the flip side, when you’re jumping, we need to see you truly commit from the tips of your toes to the focus of your eyeballs! Not only is it also more interesting to the audience, but using your levels makes your movements more explosive!
“Keep your eyes on the audience when you walk upstage”
Imagine this: you’ve just finished a difficult set of diagonal turns from the corner. You nail the last step and find a gorgeous sous-sus. You’ve completely drawn the audience in and have us hanging on your every movement - and then you turn to walk upstage for your next phrase and just like that the magic is lost.
I see this constantly - especially in ballet variations, dancers are so focused on each of the phrases that they forget about the in-between moments. Variations weren’t truly meant to be performed independently - they are part of an entire story ballet and as a dancer, it’s your job to keep telling the story. As you transition from one pass to the next, keep your eyes lingering on the audience and invite us along for the ride!
“Clean up your transitions”
While I just gave a very specific example of a transitional moment you need to pay attention to - the truth is, it’s all important. Transitions are the glue that holds everything together - without it, your dancing starts to fall apart. Sure, it’s nice to see huge leaps and lots of turns - but what truly matters is how you transition into it. Simple technique such as pointing your feet on a chassé, turning out the supporting leg in your piqué, and bringing the arms cleanly through a gateway can get lost among all the bravura.
Transitions tend to be the first thing I see fly out the window in a high-stress moment (such as a competition). Instead, let them be what grounds you back to your solid technique - never underestimate the power of the basics like a good plié and a strong standing leg to kick the jitters to the curb and remind yourself that your body knows what to do!
“Move your arms from your back”
It’s amazing the power a simple arm movement can have when done properly. And it all starts in the back. When you engage your back muscles, it's like tapping into a well of fluidity, making everything you do look effortless and mesmerizing.
Plus, utilizing the arms from the back enables you to convey emotion, creating a captivating visual language that speaks volumes on stage. No matter what style of dance you’re performing, a strong port de bras is integral to a dynamic performance.
“Commit fully to your movement”
Whatever you’re doing - do it fully! We can tell when you’re holding back. And in those moments I always say: “What are you waiting for?!”.
I know how much courage it takes to get out on stage in front of an entire audience and be judged for your art, and I get the urge to shrink into yourself as a means of self-preservation. But we can tell when you’re playing it safe, and honestly, life is too short for that. So go for it - you’ll be amazed at how good it feels to walk into the wings knowing you left everything on the stage.
It is a true honor getting to bear witness to the next generation of talented dancers and share a few nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned along the way. These are the notes that are going to take your dancing from good to great. So, go on—embrace the dynamics, levels, transitions, but most of all - just get out there and DANCE!
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
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