Beginning Moves

Quality over Quantity

By Eric Dahlman

First of all, I have to say how proud I am of the University of Minnesota Ballroom Dance Team for our performance at Dance Fest. During every final round, at least one of our couples represented the team. Overall, every attendee grew as a dancer. A special thank you should once again be given to Dancers Studio for hosting the event. Dance Fest ran very smoothly, which never could have happened without their efforts.

While watching the competition, and speaking with couples, I began to notice a trend in the newcomer and bronze categories. Most dancers strategize by focusing on either quality or quantity in dance steps. A pair focusing predominantly on quality of dance emphasized fundamentals such as timing, frame, and floorcraft. However, these couples tended to utilize a narrower variation of steps which led to a performance, that although sound, was less flashy, and may have blended into the background compared to other dancers.

On the other hand, competitors using the quantity strategy emphasized a wider showcase of moves and tricks. Their performance was often dynamic, and drew the attention of the audience, but more importantly the judges. However, it often showed that the dancers sacrificed time otherwise used to improve posture, in order to learn more moves.

Personally, I am very biased toward the quality option as the better choice. Although dancing mainly basics with an occasional promenade may feel less satisfying, I believe that method will carry dancers further through their rounds. In crowded first rounds, judges give marks to those who display the least amount of flaws. Dancers with simply a good frame, and a smile are most likely to pass on to the next round. The advantage goes to quality.

Having said that, many couples still fear going unnoticed by judges, and resort to the wider array of moves, with less technique. While it feels comforting to the dancers, the plan becomes counterintuitive. Judges see the uncrafted steps, and take a mental note not to mark that pair. Instead, the dancers could have shown their perfected technique under a spotlight simply by dancing closer to the judge, and making sure their competition number was visible. Additionally, as much as we love to joke otherwise, judges are truly trying to look for the best in competitors. Leaving them with nothing to criticize beats risking them seeing an unpolished trick.

As more competitions are coming up, I encourage dancers to emphasize quality over quantity. In ballroom, it is easier to gradually add knowledge rather than to fix previous mistakes. Keep a strong foundation and enjoy the time you have at competitions. Judges will always appreciate your efforts toward dancing with substance, over hastily prepared style.