Our Definition or Terminology of The Following...

1. TIMING: The way the dance steps fit into the music is called the "step timing" or just "timing" for short.  So, stay consistent to the timing you choose to define your dance during your performance / competition.

2. TECHNIQUE: Your balance, styling, spinning, turning all falls into this category. The proper technique will show poise, grace, sharpness, etc. during your performance / competition. 

3. DIFFICULTY: To seperate yourself from the pack, the diffculty in your skills can help. Complicated combinations, aerials, tricks, dips, etc. will help you stand out and you will know it by the audience reaction and also, from the judges scorecard.

4. CONNECTION / PARTNERING: Salsa dancing is 75% partnering so, to please the judges you must have good skills when it comes to partnering. One of the main thing the judges are going to look for is great connection among the couples.

5. MUSICAL INTERPRETATION: In every dance is very important you display physical expression to the music. Musical Interpretation can either be rehearsed (PLEASE CHECK BELOW UNDER "CHOREOGRAPHY") or improvised. The judges will look how you interpret the music that was selected or that you chose to perform.

6. CHOREOGRAPHY:  It's an art of planning and arranging dance movements which makes up your rehearse musical interpretation be effective on the dance floor.

7. SHOWMANSHIP: The ability to present your dance or routine in an attractive manner. You must have a sense of and the ability to present yourself effectively to the audience. What I like to call "stage charisma".

8. APPEARENCE: Dancers are encouraged to look professional and wear costumes or matching outfits. We strongly suggest that jeans are not used as costumes and that ladies wearing dresses or skirts wear nylons or fishnets.