Jerry
and Jazmin: (1rst place) This was
a very energized routine with some "Holy smoke"
tricks. I could see their energy in their faces
and their interaction with the audience. This continous,
non-stop choreography had the audience wowing during
their entire performance. The only criticism I have
of these two is to work on cleaner lines when doing
the tricks, specially on the ones in the middle
of the routine. Congratulations.
Oscar
and Virginia: (2nd place) What I
love about this couple is the clean lines, specially
with their tricks. They had some really difficult
tricks which were exectured flawlessly, making them
look easier then they actually are. The routine
was spectacular, however, if they had used the floor/stage
more they would have given the first place winners
a run for their money.
Ricky
and Vicky (L.A.): (3rd place) Again
I really enjoyed watching this couple. Not only
where they having fun but they looked relaxed with
great stage presence. Althought key elements that
comprise a great routine were present: footwork,
costumes, stage presence, great use of the floor,
tricks, timing, and musicality. They would have
needed to step it up a notch to have a chance against
the first and second place couple.
SUMMER COMPETITION, AUGUST 21, 2008: FINALS
Ricky
and Vicky (L.A.): (1rst place) I
really enjoyed watching this couple. Not only where
they having fun but they looked relaxed with great
stage presence. Of all the couples they were without
a doubt the best giving the audience many key elements
that comprise a great routine: footwork, costumes,
stage presence, great use of the floor, tricks,
timing, and musicality. Congratulations on winning
first place and good luck this Thursday as you meet
face to face with Jerry and Jazmin, and Oscar and
Virginia, two great couples.
Jago
and Erica (Utah): (2nd place) Definitely
a much better routine than the previous week. These
two went all out with some unique tricks. However,
they would have done much better if they had used
the floor a little better through footwork and/or
partnering. Great job on the improvement.
Dee
and Natalia: (3rd place) I saw a
lot more energy from these two this time which I
could feel as a spectator. A great routine but just
a few words of advice to give this routine a little
more umph. One thing I have a learned as a performer
is that one must always keep timing with the feet.
I noticed Dee's feet not moving at all many times,
specially when giving his partner multiple turns.
Otherwise great job.
Antonio
and Kim: I think this time the routine
didn't have the preciseness that I saw the previous
week. Perhaps they were a little more nervous or
maybe it was the fact that Antonio decided to wear
a white suit (inhibiting their connection due to
the sleeves)
, which in my opinion, degraded the essence of what
they had before. Kim looked really nice in her costume
and thus Antonio should have worn the same outfit
from the previous week to compliment each other.
What were you thinking!!! Overall not a bad routine.
Gustavo,
Tony, and Oscar: This was just too
funny. I gave them all first place.
Jerry
and Jazmin, First Place: They did
great at the semi-finals but this time it was a
double wow from these two. I loved how they buit
up the routine through the use of different songs
(5 total) and special effect sounds which made their
transitions from slow to fast effortless and smooth.
This is what gave them the edge. It was nice to
see from them a certain ellegance from in the beginning,
something not seen before in their routines, and
ending in the typical energetic LA style for what
they are known for. Congratulations!!
Randy
and Jahnin, Second Place (to be posted soon):
Again, these two outdid themselves by doing a completely
different routine. I bet this caught the audience
by surprise. As before, flavor or sabor governed.
I loved the musicality of the routine. This time,
major tricks were incorporated, hitting major breaks
in the music. Nicely done. Congratulations!
Ricardo
and Tere, Third Place: I noticed
a few things different from this performance which
I think hurt their routine a tad. They seemed a
bit more nervous and the energy, sharpness, and
confidence projected at the semefinals was somewhat
lacking. The routine should have been kept the same
with the footwork, and instead of main trick shown
here, the original back flip should have been kept
as it was more elegan. Overall, it was a nicely
done routine and am glad they participated. Congratulations!
Ishmael and Eva,
Special Performance: I'm glad this two
finally got to perform their routine. Now, if I
had critiqued their routine at the semi-finals I
would have told them to work on two things: continuity
and to avoid "lazy" feet, as one spectator
put it. I think the lack of continuity was due to
too many poses and other times due to "not-so"
smooth transitions, specially in the tricks. I used
to suffer from "lazy" feet which basically
means, not moving your feet. What this does, in
many instances, it gives a perception of a routine
being slower than it actually is and at times can
also affect the audience's interest. Nonetheless,
they made up for it in other parts. Overall a nicely
done routine. I loved the aerial.
APRIL 17, 2008: SEMI-FINALS
Josh and Diana,
Semi-finalists: This was a nice routine
emphasizing many of the music breaks with dips,
poses, and spins. I didn't see much interaction
between them nor with the audience which would have
helped them greatly. Also a more varied facial expression,
specially from Diana. They seemed to be a bit off
time towards the end but overall a very nice routine.
Lui and Cecilia,
Semi-finalists: Entertaining routine and
fun to watch. This is what dancing should be all
about, having fun. I wish I had seen more partnering
like they showed in the qualifying rounds.
Randy
and Jahnin, Semi-finalists: Of all
the routines, this was by far one of the most flavorful
ones. They were having a lot of fun out there and
interaction with the audience was superb. But just
these elements will not carry them to the top in
the finals if they don't step it up a notch with
at least one or two tricks. I didn't see any here
so this should be paramount for the finals. Congratulations
and good luck at the finals.
Ricardo
and Tere, Semi-finalists: Excellent
routine from these two. I loved the variation, specially
when hitting breaks in the music with the footwork,
and interaction with audience was excellent. I just
want to see better lines on the tricks, specially
that back flip. Last thing, Ricardito, don't count
outloud. Otherwise a great job!! Ricardito, for
this being your first time performing you did great.
Congratulations and good luck
at the finals.
Ishmael and Eva,
Semi-finalists: This is something you never
want to do at a competition or any kind of performance,
quitting. I can't believe Ishmael left Eva on the
dance floor. There's no excuse for what you did.
I have seen things 10 times worse then this and
the dancers, including myself, have always kept
going no matter what. You do not have my simpathy
on this one Ishmael. You should not even compete
if you are going to have this kind of attitude.
I call this being very unprofessional. You're fired!!
Jerry
and Jazmin, Semi-finalists: Wow!
This is the first time I have seen these two perform
this well (flawless). I know for a fact they had
been practicing very hard and it showed out there
on the dance floor. Lots of intensity from this
pure L.A. style couple, with poses hitting major
breaks in the music, nice footwork and tricks. Just
land that last trick at the end. Congratulations
and good luck at the finals.
OPEN LEVEL COMPETITION
This competition is for those who dare to compete
and have fun. Nevada State residency is not required.
The following standards apply.
REQUIREMENTS:
• There is no requirement to compete here, if you
dare to, you can.
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Open for everyone who desires and dares to compete.
• You may compete at this level as many times as you
want, as long as you want.
GENERAL STANDARDS
• All contestants must be provided with the list of
standards.
• All contestants must understand and obey the outlined
standards.
• All couples must consist of a male and female partner,
no exceptions.
• Competitors must show proper etiquette during the
contest causing no distraction as others are dancing/competing.
• Contestants must sign-up in person at pre-elimination
location on the dates required.
• There is no requirement of state residency, everyone
is welcome to compete.
QUALIFYING ROUNDS COMPETITION STANDARDS
• All couples will be presented to the audience and/or
judges if applicable.
• All couples will warm up for a total of 30 seconds
to 1 minute maximum.
• Each couple will dance for a total amount of 2 minutes
in front of everyone.
• The music chosen for each couple must carry the
same amount of speed and quality (Music to be pre-selected
by DJ).
• The venue can select to play the same song for all
couples or have a different song for each couple.
• To ensure fairness of the contest, couples will
qualify to future rounds by one of the following:
NOTE: The Organizers must choose one the following:
a. Each couple will be chosen by audience applause.
b. Each couple will be chosen by a set of judges.
c. Half amount of couples will be chosen by audience
applause, the other by a set of judges.
• All qualifying couples must provide all necessary
information to the organizers.
• Couples may dance on any beat desired but must be
maintained throughout the song (on1, on2, etc)
• Lifts and tricks are allowed.
• Once the pre-elimination rounds are over, no new
contestants may enter.
• No one may change partners after the preliminary
rounds are over.
• If you want to participate with a new partner after
you qualified already, then you must reenter and qualify
again with the new partner.
• Contestants may enter the contest as many times
as desired with the same or different partner until
they qualify.
SEMI-FINAL (TOP 5 TO BE SELECTED TO GO TO
FINALS) AND FINAL COMPETITION STANDARDS
• If qualified for Semi-finals and Finals, make sure
to give a very good show to the audience.
• All qualifiers must be present at the venue at set
time, or they may get disqualified.
• All contestants must be there for the hearing of
rules, if applicable, for finals before the competition
starts.
• All qualifers will be presented to the audience
and judges.
• The dance order of contestants will be determined
the night of finals by lottery.
• Couples may dance on any beat desired but must be
maintained throughout the song (on1, on2, etc)
• Tricks and lifts are allowed, but remember that
your dancing skills are paramount.
• All finalists will warm up for a total of 30 seconds
to 1 minute maximum.
• All finalists will be judged by a panel of judges.
• Each couple will dance no more than a total amount
of two minutes and a half.
• Contestants should bring their own music to dance
a routine.
a. Music must be provided in CD format only.
b. Music must be at least 80% Salsa
• Proper attire must be worn, costumes are encouraged.
• All decisions are final.
• Always have fun, remember it's Salsa!
JUDGING CRITERIA (Judged on a scale
of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best)
TIMING: ( Hitting the beats | On count with music
| Keep the same count throughout )
Musical tempo or timing is the most important aspect
of the dance. Make sure that the couple does everything
to it.
PARTNERING: ( Leading and Following | Unity as a
couple | Same in shines / freestyle )
The chemical balance between man and woman must be
there. Partnering is essential for the sharpness and
the clean look of the routine and as a whole.
CHOREOGRAPHY: ( Including shines / freestyle | Including
combinations / steps | Does it belong together )
Choreography is a very important issue, making sure
that the whole presentation flows and goes together
is an essential part of the routine.
APPEARANCE: ( Costume and projection | Exposure and
Attitude | Acting and Energy )
Appearance is good, make sure the confidence and show
as a whole is expressed very well on both sides of
the partnership.
TRICKS: ( Including tricks | Sharp and Clean tricks
| All tricks on timing )
Tricks are good but not everything. Only give points
if at least one is performed. Examine it on how sharp
and clean it is, and most of all if it is done in
timing.
AUDIENCE APPLAUSE: up to 20 points measured by meter.
