Tag: judges

Top Dance Competition Judges Answer Your Biggest Questions

We asked judges Lisa White (of Starpower) and Chris Pederson (of Leap!) to answer reader-submitted questions. Survey says that you might be more than a little surprised by what they had to say. What Do You Look for in Dancers? “I’m huge on polished technique and proper placement. I also look for performance quality. If […]

How to Lose Gracefully at Dance Competitions

Competition award ceremonies represent the culmination of months of preparation. It’s no wonder dancers feel the pressure! But the truth is, most of us won’t come away with the grand prize. How do you prepare yourself for the results, whatever they may be? DS spoke with teachers and comp judges on how to cope at […]

"SYTYCD" Season 9: The Top 8 Perform

My first thought while watching last night’s episode was that there are so few dancers left! How did this happen? My second thought: Cat looks smoking. The hostess with the mostest could wear a feather duster on her head and be beautiful, but her simple, lacey black number was elegant and perfect. The judges were […]

Lasting Impressions

Canadian Dance Company performs a memorable routine at Showstopper’s East Coast Finals. (Photo Courtesy Canadian Dance Company) Think fouettés are the key to a judge’s heart? Think again. While judges love strong technique, tricks aren’t what they remember in the long run. Instead, creativity, performance quality and moving storylines reign supreme. Here, seven competition judges […]