Judging

[elisedance]

In a way that makes sense, because they would look at people they know first, sort them out, then fit everyone else in into whatever is left.

...... The ones whom I know, I know how they dance.

but what if they have worked really hard and have changed?  Is it possible that you would miss that...

sometimes I get that feeling

[ttd]

Correct me if I'm wrong ttd, but I think the question is more about 'becoming familiar with' and I think its part of the pro-am culture.  Pro-am competitors tend to range earlier and further afield to competitions - partly due to where their particular pro wants/needs to go.  Thus, there is a sentiment that top couples get seen by a wide range of judges and, hence, when these come together for a major competition - such as OSB - they will already have a feel for the top couples.

I don't know if this is actually the case or whether the status of the pro is actually more important (something we've discussed before).  But the general issue is: will judges score you better if they have seen you before?  its possible that the answer is different for AM and pro-AM.

I can still pick and choose which competitions of the ones that he does, that I will go to. So far I have followed the approach to minimize travel expenses and tried to go to the ones I could drive to so that I don't pay for a 2nd airfare for my son. Based on where I live, this approach confines me to competitions in Midwest. I've done 2 comps in Florida in 2007, but it took a major planning effort (one was timed with school break, so I took him along and stayed a couple of extra days, my husband stayed with him for USDC, but he complained so much about it, you'd think I left him with a newborn infant, not a 12 year old) and I decided to postpone doing them again until I am no longer confined by having a dependent minor around the house. Out of the ones I've done, excluding the two in Florida, Colorado is the most western one and OSB is the most eastern one.

[elisedance]

I suspect, but do not know, that the status of your pro is a bigger factor than your face recognition.  The slightly cynical side of me suspect the judges hardly remember the AMs at all - at the top level pro-am seems to be becoming a bragging rights for the pros.  IN a way thats good since its giving it a legitimacy of sorts - how well can you dance with an AM? Rather than the old one of 'how much money can you make/bring in to the comp'.

[MusicChica]

I suspect, but do not know, that the status of your pro is a bigger factor than your face recognition.  The slightly cynical side of me suspect the judges hardly remember the AMs at all - at the top level pro-am seems to be becoming a bragging rights for the pros.

I've definitely felt that way in the past.  I think it's a caveat of being part of the studio with the top Pro-Am teachers in the country.  I've both competed in and watched heats where the "top pro"'s student did not dance the best in the field, but they were placed higher than a student with better technique but a lesser-known pro.

[elisedance]

Its hard to call though - since in multidances they are judging the couple and if the judge only looks at the guy (some do) they might always rank national champion over regional one....

But I admit, thats being overly generous..

[ttd]

I suspect, but do not know, that the status of your pro is a bigger factor than your face recognition.  The slightly cynical side of me suspect the judges hardly remember the AMs at all - at the top level pro-am seems to be becoming a bragging rights for the pros.  IN a way thats good since its giving it a legitimacy of sorts - how well can you dance with an AM? Rather than the old one of 'how much money can you make/bring in to the comp'.

I don't think that's necessarily the case. I have placed above a lady dancing with a very famous pro, but it was a competition within driving distance for both of us, and one we keep coming back to.

[elisedance]

I suspect, but do not know, that the status of your pro is a bigger factor than your face recognition.  The slightly cynical side of me suspect the judges hardly remember the AMs at all - at the top level pro-am seems to be becoming a bragging rights for the pros.  IN a way thats good since its giving it a legitimacy of sorts - how well can you dance with an AM? Rather than the old one of 'how much money can you make/bring in to the comp'.

I don't think that's necessarily the case. I have placed above a lady dancing with a very famous pro, but it was a competition within driving distance for both of us, and one we keep coming back to.

glad to hear it - else there would not really be much point competing.

I think the rules should be better spelled out though - that pro-Am judging should still be mostly about the am and only partially about the pro...