In this insightful video, Jess sits down with Natasha Gooden, a seasoned street dance competition judge with over 10 years of experience and a performer in renowned hip hop theatre productions. Together, they delve into key aspects of street dance competitions and what judges like Natasha look for when scoring performances. Natasha shares her expertise on the importance of musicality, execution, and personality in both set routines and freestyle performances.
A central theme of the discussion is the value of listening to the beat. Natasha explains that while students may master complex choreography, they often miss the rhythm, which can cost them points in competition. She stresses the importance of teachers encouraging students to really feel the music and play with different tempos to sharpen their timing.
They also talk about the misconception that “more is better” in terms of intricate moves, highlighting that judges often value quality over quantity. Simple routines that are in sync with the music can rank higher than flashy moves that miss the beat.
Natasha touches on the essence of hip hop culture, including community, freedom of expression, and the importance of creating a supportive atmosphere in both rehearsals and competitions. For teachers, she advises focusing on every student, especially those who may not naturally shine, and helping them build confidence to express themselves on the floor.
