Preliminary Dance Tests

It's Test Day!!!! My goal was to not only pass all three Preliminary Dance Tests but to pass them at the Standard Level rather than the Adult level. Guys...I PASSED! I still let nerves get to me a bit and when I watch the video, I can see areas where our unison isn't perfect like it has been in practice but hey, I didn't fall on my face. I stayed upright and there were moments were I looked sort of elegant, lol. 

Rhythm Blues - This was the first dance to be tested. For the "Technique" portion of the test, I met all of the requirements for Accuracy, Placement, Skating Skills, and Unison but she did not put a check mark next to Style. I'm not sure why. Maybe we needed to add more flourish with the arms instead of just staying in Killian hold? Her comment in the "Technique" box was "Point toe of free leg for clearer extension and better edge." For the "Timing" portion, she commented "Crisp end pattern." This was nice to see since those cross behind steps are scary. For the "Expression" portion, she simply put a question mark. I guess it's hard to determine one's expression when they are wearing a mask. Passed!

Dutch Waltz - Boy am I glad I never have to skate this again! I am not the biggest fan of the Dutch Waltz so I was especially pleased to have passed this one today. No comments in the "Technique" box but she put check marks next to Accuracy, Placement, and Skating Skills. She left Style and Unison unchecked. I understand why Style was unchecked but if our Accuracy and Placement were good then why wasn't our Unison also good? Oh well, no biggie I guess. No comments in the "Timing" box but in the "Expression" box she said "Use upper body to express lilt of Waltz." She's right. I could be a little less stiff in the upper body. I'll work on it. Passed!

Canasta Tango - This was my final test and the one I have the most fun skating to so I'm glad they saved the best for last! In the "Technique" box she didn't checkmark anything but commented "Nice depth of edge." Yay! In the "Timing" box she simply put a big checkmark. In the "Expression" box she said "Work on expression of Latin Rhythm." Yeah, I mean I did the steps and all but I could have incorporated some Latin-y kinds of arms to express the character of the music. I'll work on that for the next set of dances, especially for the Cha Cha and the Fiesta Tango. Anyway, Passed!

So YAY, it's over! I still have to work on the Canasta and the Rhythm Blues since I'm competing them at the competition in Cody next month so now I can use the judge's feedback to make these sparkle more with expression. I did the things!!!!! YAYYY!