Competition dance trends become popular for a reason, but even the most exciting fads eventually run their course. Four competition judges discuss the dance trends they believe it’s time to leave behind, and offer suggestions on how to refocus routines on clarity, safety, and individual artistry.
Nonstop Gymnastics
While a well-executed tumbling or gymnastic element can add excitement to a routine, according to 24 Seven Dance Convention judge Madi Hicks, choreography sometimes overindulges in them. “The dance community is trending in the direction of rhythmic gymnastics,” she says. “I love and respect rhythmic gymnastics, but it’s its own sport.” The fewer gymnastic elements there are in a piece, the more impact each one can have.
Tricks That Disrupt the Flow
In tap routines, Radix Dance Convention judge Kelsey McCowan has noticed an overuse of flashy steps “that are well executed, but there are so many of them that there’s a huge lack of phrasing and musicality,” she says. Matthew Rich, a judge for Spotlight Dance Cup, is similarly concerned about impressive but tossed-off steps that disrupt a routine’s movement quality and phrasing. “Don’t just stop, drop everything, do something demonstrative, and then continue dancing,” he advises. “Find continuity. Make it musical, so the whole picture matches up visually and audibly.”
Kelsey McCowan. Courtesy McCowan.
Dangerous Transitions
The 2010s called, and they want their knee slams back. “There has been a resurgence of high-impact transitions to the floor, which can negatively affect the health and wellness of dancers,” says New York City Dance Alliance judge Grace Buckley. “Anything that feels intentionally dangerous, like dropping straight down to your knees or running and landing on one bent knee while the other leg is out in à la seconde, works against your longevity as a dancer.” A dramatic drop to the floor isn’t a bad thing—just find ways to do it that don’t stress the joints.
Grace Buckley. Photo by Evolve Photo, Courtesy NYCDA.
Extreme Flexibility
While many young dancers are naturally hypermobile, Hicks is concerned that current competition dance trends are pushing things too far. She warns that one particularly concerning trend is spinal hyper-flexion during headstands. “I’m really worried about their spines,” she says. “You may think it’s impressive, but every single judge feels scared when they watch it happen.” Instead, showcase well-supported flexibility that doesn’t overtax the spine or the hips.
Swayed Backs
Attend most any competition this year and you’re sure to see dancers with intentionally swayed backs. “It seems to be the newest trend, which makes me very nervous,” McCowan says. Hicks agrees. “It’s a problematic fad on social media that has trickled down into studios,” she says. “It’s not helping their score, and can only hurt their hips and backs down the line.” Hicks recommends dancers take modern classes to understand the head–tail connection of the spine and that all movement comes from the back. “It changes everything,” she says.
Small, Intricate Movements
For years now, tiny, complex movements that are close to the body have been all over competitive routines. While they look great on strong fast-twitch movers, that’s not every dancer’s gift—which means the trend frequently ends up looking messy and superficial, like “a lot of white noise,” Rich says.
“I often see the same movements come up in multiple solos and pieces throughout the competition weekend, and as someone who prides himself in knowing that all skill sets are unique, I find it problematic,” he says. Instead, Rich wants to see who each dancer really is: “Show me your best work—what you feel most confident in; what you feel you have that other dancers don’t have. Regardless of trends, I want you to bring yourself into the mix, to make each step even more spectacular.”
Matthew Rich. Photo by BAKi, Courtesy Rich.
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