Part 2: Questions with Q Interview
After reading Qiana “Q” Wilson’s Facebook posts about judging for the World’s Largest Steppers Contest, it only made sense to get her perspective on the contest. This was a great opportunity to hear and share from the perspective of a WLSC New Skool judge. Every contestant for the WLSC this year should read this part 2 interview.
- I saw that you were a judge for WLSC in 2017. How many times have you been a judge and for what categories?
Twice, always New Skool.
- What are you looking for in a couple’s performance for them to stand out and earn your 10’s?
Dress. Synchronization of the dance. Originality, meaning something that I wouldn’t ordinarily see during a typical set. Creativity, and Nerve.
- What in general disappoints you about performances that you see now in contests?
The lack of enthusiasm and the adventurism of old. Today’s contests are not designed to hold the viewer’s interest. Contestants like Drew, Tyk, Ann, and Sebrina, to name a few, brought something to the dance that made it exciting to watch. We don’t see much of that anymore.
- How would you explain the difference between social dancing and contest dancing?
Social dancing is relaxed and laid back. When dancing in a contest, it should be more structured and/or choreographed so that the partners complement each other. This is where synchronization comes into play.
- What would be your key advice to New Skool category contestants for 2021?
Please incorporate a WOW move into your performance.
The Walking Category in WLSC
- Why did you mention that you think the Walking category should be canceled?
It’s a bedroom dance that can be erotic, and though I’m sure it’s fulfilling to the participants, peeping into someone’s bedroom is not what I wanna do. LOL. No, seriously, don’t misunderstand me, I know the dance is very popular and has been around for a long time, and means a great deal to a lot of people, but I find it boring to watch. This is not to say that it is not entertaining to others, it’s just not my personal preference.
- In 2017 you said, “if u dance an old style in the new school category, u don’t get points for it.” In a post a couple of weeks ago I mentioned that New Skool contestants this year are learning Old Skool moves to perform in the New Skool category because to some old is new. How would you respond to that?
I don’t remember saying that, but it’s true so I won’t debate it. LOL. You don’t lose or gain points when you incorporate the different styles of dance. In my opinion, anything that makes the contest more exciting is a plus.
Thank you, Q for the time to answering so many questions and for sharing your thoughts candidly on some things that we don’t talk about enough. This was a delightful conversation. I wish you all the best in your studies and see you on da wood. In conclusion, I think it would be beneficial for all contestants to read it straight no chaser from Q on judging for the WLSC. I’ll end here on this note and leave Q’s full Facebook post from 2017 that leaves great advice for all the contestants in the World’s Largest Steppers Contest.
Q’s Facebook Post As a New Skool Judge
Here is Q’s Facebook post after being a New Skool Judge for the WLSC in 2017. Although these comments are specific to responding to criticism of the 2017 WLSC judges, the advice, to me, is timeless.
Part 1 of the Interview: An Introduction to Qiana “Q” Wilson
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