This only applies to the visual aspect to the competition. Judges can only make an assessment on what they see and can't feel what is going on at the time. What looks good is not always something that feels that good. It is easier to fake it and not work on truly being a good leader or follower. There are some great men and women on the social floor who feel amazing and alot of fun but do not give the dynamic in a competition that would take them more successful. Competition is a natural part of the human condition which makes competitions here to stay. The overwhelming winner is the dance itself because we are brought together for our love of doing something we enjoy so much.
Having competed in the states I would rather trust the level of follower that I social dance with before and after the competition. Yes it feels great to do well in a competition and I value that but do not base my dance on that.
I have been to many competitors' meetings where they remind people not to judge themselves too harshly if they do not do well in a competition. You may get what you want and then again you may not. A judge may only watch you for a very small amount of the time that you spend in your heat. It could be the worst 30 seconds or less of what you dance. So don't let months or years of dancing be judged in 30 seconds. In both WCS and MJ competitions I have seen dancers upset about not meeting their own expectations. Organisers remind us to go out there and have fun. That's by far the best advice I think anyone can ever give.
That journey home after an event can be as long or short as you make it inside. The forthcoming championships look like being the best one to date. To see so many people getting involved and to see in a short space of time dancers fulfilling a dream by bringing a routine to the floor in new categories is amazing. The effort that people are putting in to present teams is breath-taking. Well done to Jon and Wes even before the event doors open.
Anyone going to the event have a great time. Remember truly why we attend...
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