Hey Geo,

When you’re judging a dance contest, do you look for technique or originality? Also, I’ve heard teachers say that you should add your own flare to a routine, but doesn’t that take away from the group? 

Whenever I judge, I always ask myself the same questions at the end of the performance... was I entertained? Did that performance WOW me? Was it ORIGINAL? If a dancer or a group of dancers spark emotion from me, I love it. If the concept is original, I love it even more. I want to feel something, whether excitement or sadness, I love when a performance grabs me and pulls me in. For me, originality is key. It’s important to be original if you want to stand out... you need to think "out of the box." That is what I did with ICONic for America's Best Dance Crew, I wanted to be different. I knew hundreds of dance crews would show up to the auditions doing typical hip hop routines. I needed something that would make ICONic stand out. So I went the hip hop route with a Broadway twist and had Chorus Line music remixed with hip hop, grabbed a Fosse style bowler cap and a track suit... it worked! Of course I added my own flare to the routine, why not! You are the creator, it’s your vision. Make it come alive! Why would that take away from the group? The group needs to translate your vision and your choreography to the best of their ability. That’s their role as dancers. Absolutely give it your flare, or as some in the dance world would say, "pizazz!"

I have a tremendous amount of respect for the technically trained dancer. It shows the dancer has discipline and dedicated work ethic. Whether a lyrical dancer with beautiful lines and extension, or a hip hop dancer with amazing isolations and popping skills, technique shows the dancer has respect for the art and the discipline to perfect it. When you combine a dance technician with amazing stage presence, on top of an original concept, you have an unbeatable package. That’s hard to come by, but it is possible and it is out there. 

At the end of the day, I simply want to be entertained, I want to see performers perform. Technique is a given... you should work at your craft and do your best to perfect it. Some of us can't always do certain things or reach certain levels no matter how hard we train. I know that first hand as a dancer. But what I can’t do technically, I always try to make up for on the performance end. When I am performing, I want to move people... when I am spectator, I want to be moved.

Putting aside technique and originality for a moment, I look for PASSION! A dancer or dancers that are passionate about what they are performing is key. Sell it! That's what I tell my dancers. Make me feel something. I always ask my students for ONE thing, INSPIRATION. If they inspire me, I will continue to inspire them back. Inspire your audience! If they entertain the audience, if they move them, they’ve done their job!

GEO
"BE ICONic"

GEO Hubela, Beth Hubela and the "ICONic DANCE COMPANY" perform the MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE live to two sold out concerts at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City this weekend. ICONic will perform alongside "ICONic" artists such as Gloria Gaynor, the Trammps, the Sugar Hill Gang, France Joli, Shannon and more! Don't miss ICONic pay tribute to the King of Pop! Head down to the shore if you're around.

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