Results
Do we get feedback from the judges?
After your dancer has performed, you may be wondering if you will receive feedback from the judges. The answer is yes, but the process and timing may vary depending on the competition.
Typically, after a dancer has performed, reports will be generated and made available to them. However, it is important to note that these reports may take some time to come through on the competition's app and will only be available after the results have been announced on stage.
Some competitions may use report sheets, which dancers can collect from a designated desk after the results have been announced.
If the reports are uploaded to the competition's app, you can download and save them on your computer or phone for future reference. Similarly, if the reports are in the form of audio, you can download them and save them for future reference.
It is important to keep in mind that reports are not usually discussed amongst dancers. It is essential to remind your dancer about good sportsmanship and how to handle results. Parents also need to guide their dancers on appropriate behavior around the results and not criticise the adjudicator.
Lastly, it is important to remember that the adjudicator's decision is final and that each competition is unique. So, while the result may not have gone your way this time, the next competition could have very different results.
Understanding the scoring system:
Understanding how dance scores work can be a confusing process for new dancers and parents. It can be perplexing to go to different competitions and see a particular dance score a 71 at one competition and an 89 at the next competition. The reason for this lies in the fact that dance does not have a standardised scoring system that all adjudicators use. Each adjudicator has their own system that they utilise, and it can vary wildly from one adjudicator to the next.
Some competitions use a scoring system where scores are broken down into sections such as technicality, choreography, costuming, and more. Other competitions may simply use a score out of 100.
It is important to keep in mind that the score itself is not important. The score is simply a tool for the adjudicator to determine placings. The most significant aspect of the competition is what is written on the report. Therefore, it is crucial to teach your dancer and yourself not to worry about the score, as it can cause undue stress for both parents and dancers.
It is important to remember that dance is an art form, and as with any art form, it is subjective. Therefore, scores will always vary depending on the adjudicator's personal taste and preference. As a result, it is more important to focus on the feedback provided in the report and use it constructively to improve your dancer's performance for future competitions.
Results and placings:
Competitions are an exciting time for dancers and parents alike. However, understanding the results system can be confusing. At most competitions, dancers will be awarded one of the following placings: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, VHC (Very Highly Commended), HC (Highly Commended), C (Commended), or NP (No Placing).
Results are usually announced throughout the competition, typically before a break. You can find the results listed in the event's program or mobile app. However, keep in mind that there may be a wait for results.
Typically, only the first place dancer will go up on stage to receive their award , while the other placings will be announced but won't go up. However, some competitions, may invite all dancers up on stage for results so listen out and follow suit. Most of the dancers will wear their studio jackets the are representing on stage to receive their results.
Trophies are a common award given to the winner of a competition. These trophies are usually perpetual, meaning that the dancer will take responsibility for the trophy until it's recalled the following year. You will be responsible for getting the trophy professionally engraved with the year and your dancer's name and returning it to the address provided by the competition by the return date. Other competitions may award medals, sashes, or rosettes, which the dancer can keep forever. In the event that there isn't a trophy donated for the class your dancer has won, they may be invited on stage for a curtsy or bow.
If the reports are loaded to the mobile app, dancers may need to collect a ribbon to correspond with their result. Alternatively, if the reports are written, the ribbon or certificate will be attached to the report, and dancers can collect it after the results are announced. Be sure to collect your report/ribbon at the event because they usually won't send them out afterward.