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.
