大象传媒

The judging of a couple begins from the moment the couple enter the dance floor and ends only when the music stops. The judging criteria consist of the following principles: harmony; music; movement; choreography, presentation and charisma.

1. Harmony

   The key aim is to reach harmony or 鈥渃ouple unity鈥�. The couple must dance in harmony and contribute equally to the performance. The movements of the couple must be co-ordinated with neither partner being dominant.

2. Music

   Couples will be judged on rhythm, timing and musicality. Each dance鈥檚 basic rhythm must be recognisable. Rhythmical performance is mainly realised by the head, body, arms and hands. The couple has to dance in time to the music. The wheelchair dancer demonstrates the exact time mainly by push and pull actions as well as exact stops of the wheels. The couple both need to show musicality, ie, an interpretation of the music鈥檚 qualities and finesses, not just beats, bars and rhythm.

3. Movement

   Although the dancers move in different ways, their movements should be adapted to convey harmony in their dance. The quality of movements is very important. The movements of the wheelchair dancer are shown in the rhythmical control of the wheelchair and appropriate rhythmical movements of the head, arms, shoulders and upper body. The movements of the standing dancer are the usual movements from international dance sport.

   Character

   Each dance has its own character and this must be visible in movements, position and hold as well as use of space and direction.

   All positions and holds are permitted. The wheelchair dancer should have an upright sitting position, a straight neckline and an upright head. The standing dancer should have the basic upright position of international dance sport.

   Technique

   The judges must decide whether the movement is in keeping with the character of the dance.

   Each dancer must be in balance. In other words, the upright basic position must be kept independently of the partner. This balance must be visible throughout stationary and moving passages.

   There should be an equal and harmonious participation between both partners. Long periods danced with the partners dancing alone should be marked lower. There should be a connection between the partners throughout the dance.

   Judges must look for attractive bodylines, precise footwork and wheelwork. Lifts are permitted.

4. Choreography, Presentation and Charisma

   The judges must assess the interpretation of the dance. They should assess the choreography and the couple鈥檚 musical involvement in the dance. They should look for a variation of figures, the use of space, originality and expression. In particular the judges should assess the couple鈥檚 ability to translate the emotional content of the music and the pleasure of dancing by their use of natural expression and body language. The judges will also look for dancers to inject their own personal interpretation and individuality using their creativity, spontaneity and charisma to enhance their dance performance and entertain the audience.

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