Our judging panel for ARCC 2024 comprises accomplished individuals carefully chosen based on their extensive experience, exposure to, and profound knowledge of Cuban dancing.
Judges are giving marks from 0 to 10 in each criterion, whereas 10 is the highest score.
All the judges are to remain neutral and not be affiliated with any of the teams involved in the competition, be it in a coaching, consulting, or choreographing role. Where a judge is undertaking such a role for a team, they will be removed from the judging panel for this competitor to avoid any bias. Judges maintain neutrality and professionalism, and a head judge oversees any discrepancies in scoring.
1. Timing (20% of Total Score):
– Definition: Judges assess whether the correct rhythm is maintained throughout the routine. They evaluate if syncopations are deliberate and within acceptable deviations of timing for the dance.
– Scoring: Every judge will decide individually on the percentage to be deducted from the score based on the number of timing infractions.
2. Musicality (20% of Total Score):
– Definition: Teams showcase their ability to creatively work with the timing of their individual music. This can include Rueda patterns, footwork, hits, tricks, etc.
– Scoring: Judges evaluate the level of interpretation of the chosen music, considering nuances, breaks, and accents. Synchronisation of dancers with the music is crucial. Teams are assessed on how effectively they utilise breaks and nuances in their chosen piece.
3. Technique (10% of Total Score):
– Definition: Teams must reflect adequate Rueda de Casino motion and body movement as designated by the dance style. Movements should appear effortless, reflecting good dance techniques.
– Scoring: Points may be deducted for minor infractions like balance errors, and major errors are determined by each judge.
4. Difficulty (10% of Total Score):
– Definition: Judges assess the level of Rueda de Casino patterns, turns, intricacy of movements, level of tricks, dips, drops, and flares attempted and successfully executed.
– Scoring: Credit is given only for successfully executed movements.
5. Partnering/Connection (10% of Total Score):
– Definition: Reflects the lead/follow aspect of the dance. Judges evaluate if partners are truly connected or merely executing choreography while holding hands.
– Scoring: Points may be deducted for minor, and major misconnects, determined by each judge.
6. Choreography/Originality (10% of Total Score):
– Definition: Judges assess the team’s interpretation of the music, flow from one movement to the next, clever Rueda de Casino patterns, and shines.
– Scoring: Emphasises musicality, creativity, and originality. Routines should reflect good choreographic structure and clever transitions.
7. Appearance & Presentation /Costumes & Dance Etiquette (10% of Total Score):
– Definition: Evaluates how professional and polished the team appears, their projection to the audience, and adherence to dance etiquette.
– Scoring: Judges consider professionalism, audience engagement, and adherence to etiquette during the competition.
8. Synchronisation (10% of Total Score):
– Definition: Teams must be synchronised during choreographed parts. Judges evaluate synchronisation during side-by-side movements, shines, combinations, lines, hands & feet, and body movement.
– Scoring: Points may be deducted for loss of synchronicity, determined by each judge.
For Rueda de Casino Competitions:
The teams will be judged for artistic and technical merit. Examples of what the judges will reward:
- good coordination between the team members,
- rhythm and breaks
- how the team uses the floor available
- whether the team keeps the formation in good order with clear and even distance between the team members
- creative figures
- partner changes
- choreography
The impact of each team member’s technique is important, but the teams will be judged as a whole.
Understanding these criteria is essential for competitors to showcase their skills effectively and ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation by the judging panel.
Buena Vista Dance Cuban Academy 