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I often hear people say that they had entered a dance competition where someone else, who was not ‘as good’ as they were, had unfairly won. Or that they had witnessed a dance competition, which was judged incorrectly, and the ‘better dancers’ had not won.

As all dance competitions have predetermined rules & regulations designed to maintain an equal playing field for all competitors, it really comes down to which couple danced the best within the confines of the established rules & regulations of that particular competition.

Some competitions, for example, restrict elaborate entrances & exits as well as lifts & drops which are the staple for many LA-based Salseros and Ballroom-style dancers, while others are less restrictive. This can encourage participants to go for a ‘free for all’ whereby the flashiest couple will most likely excite the crowd and gain the judges' favor.

Are the most ‘flashy’ dancers really the best dancers? The answer to this question will vary based upon who you talk to. It is my most humble opinion that the best dancers may not always be the ones wearing the matching sequined costumes prancing around the dance floor in an exaggerated fashion, but rather the dancers whom have demonstrated an innate ability to effectively interpret the music utilizing an extraordinary degree of dance skill, styling and expression.

Dancing is an art form in and of itself, and the appreciation for any piece of art is purely subjective. Hence the phrase, ‘beauty is in the eyes of the beholder’.

One thing, however, is crystal clear: there are some undeniable qualities which we dancers are quick to recognize when judging the skill of a Salsa dancer. Here are some of the most prevalent observations:

1) The dancers' ability to follow the music and mark the beat.

2) The dancers' ability to execute intricate turn sequences in a smooth manner.

3) The dancers' facial expression and body language reflecting their emotional response to the music.

4) The dancers' ability to maintain proper footwork & hand placement.

5) The dancers' overall compatibility as a couple (in terms of skill level & size proportionality).

These are just a few fundamental observations. I’m sure you can think of a few more variables.