Anthony LoCascio’s Blog

Props, Wigs, & Notes

Most recently I judged the NADAA convention in CT. at the Sheraton Hotel in Bradly International Airport. i ALWAYS take notes during competition so I can answer the large amount of questions I get after any time I judge. I don’t want to repeat myself in this blog BUT I do want to expand on past posts to help teachers and students grow, improve themselves, and learn how to think more like judges do when viewing a competition.

Props - I love when a dance has props. Chairs, umbrellas, mirrors, coat racks, photos in a frame, benches, and plenty more. Props are fantastic BUT don’t forget about them. I see too many situations where a prop is introduced, used for 1 maybe 2 8 counts and then forgotten about entirely. Many dancers forget they even had a prop by the end of their performance and leave stage as if the prop never existed. If you introduce a prop be sure it is included in the performance more than once and not just sitting there to “set a mood”. When used properly a prop will enhance a dancer’s performance and not be a distraction from that performance. If you introduce a prop, use it!

Wigs - I have always said I LOVE the use of wigs. It really gets students/performers into a different mind set when performing. It typically enhances the performance and drastically helps dancers become the Character. “Perform as the Character would perform, do not perform as yourself”. The wigs help get that desired performance.

Hair - along with wigs is hair style. How many professional dancers, when performing, wear a Ballerina Bun all the time. Your hair needs to be right for each performance you give. Hair could be out and flying around when you do hip-hop or straighten when performing stylized jazz, etc…..Your hair can also be a prop when performing….So let down and let it out….No more Buns for every dance your perform in one competition.

Quick Changes - simple. If you have many numbers to perform in one day, this is the perfect time to practices “Quick Changes”. It should never take you more than 3 dances to change from one costume to the next. Don’t panic! If you rush and panic it takes longer to change costumes. Be sure costumes are pre-set. Breath. concentrate, and focus. Changing up to the last second before hitting the stage isn’t professional and doesn’t put you in the right mind-set just before you are about to dance. Take your time and you will become a master of the “Quick Change”. Oh, and it never hurts to ask a friend to help - BUT ask before you need the help NOT in a mound of sweat and craziness at the exact moment their help is required….

Hope that info is helpful….

Tw/uS, A.

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