OK - so as we are approaching the critical time I've been going through the marking criteria to see what we could lose marks on, and therefore the bits we need to watch out for. The good thing is that mainly I think we're in really good shape and just had lots of lovely ticks next to points I think we fulfill. I'm aware this looks like a lot but it's all really small points. If you could have a glance over I think it's all stuff we know, and there all tiny details to add in over the next couple of weeks.

Stepping:

Clean, crisp stepping, in time with the music- I don't think we can magically improve doubles but they're sounding SO much better than before, just a case of remaining calm and not rushing so that they sound steady.
Starting and stopping stepping at the same time, unless intended - not always consistent at when we stop before going into a movement - Hannah before sweeps sometimes, a variety of us before popcorn, there may be more. If it's something we've picked up on just really try and remember!
Good, consistent stepping in spins- the spin sounds good but I want to go over how much flick we're putting in and remembering the slide rather than stamp in the middle
Ensure dancers do not step or move out of time with the music - again, we just need to not rush. Square display probably a focus point! Try not to pre-empt getting into display positions with any of the locks.

Sword Handling:

Swords kept high, above all heads (where necessary)
Hands together wherever possible/ necessary
All swords moving together where appropriate - All three of these are probably a weak point in needles/ getting the swords up and down in a line. Just remembering to do it all.
Good sword shapes, including display figures and locks - As long as Laura and Hannah remember to put a bit of brute force in the 5 person locks these now seem a lot better. 6 sword lock is better since we went over it but only if we can get there without rushing. We'll go over this.

Dance technique:

Set is always controlled, tight and balanced - careful at the end of the spin forming the line and tits (especially in small spaces)

Buzz factor:

Buzz continues after dance, with audience talking about perfomance, interacting with performers etc. In particular I was interested with the last bit - audience interacting with performers?? I mean this happens all the time in pubs on normal crawls but not sure about DERT. Maybe worth getting back in pubs after we've run off in case this happens? Rather than the out of breath joy we normally share!

Presentation:

Very smart, clean and tidy kit, including hair shoes etc. - Hair is probably the biggy as I think out kit is awesome. My plan is to straighten, I think everyone else has a better chance. Maybe just remember to point out on each other if it's falling out? I haven't managed to get feathers yet...not quite sure where to get them from but I will look!
All performers appear confident and positive throughout the dance
Consistent approach e.g. all smiling/enjoying dance or all serious - The main thing from this is to smile sometimes and look up. I don't want a manic forced smile but if we can think about it the points where we're displaying then we should smile!
Dancers should not scowl, frown or look nervous etc - again I think this will naturally occur a little but counter with smiles when appropriate.
No fidgeting at start or end of dance when people should be standing still - careful at the start when we're in an open ring as well as line before we walk on

Music:

Don't play at the wond speed e.g. too fast or too slow for dancers - just being careful to be fast enough at the very start - otherwise we push, which i think is obvious, and then the whole thing whizzes along uncontrolled because we've gone crazy speed.

Characters:

Actions skilfully tailored to the performance, audience and venue
Not obstructing or interfering with dancers and/or musicians
Good involvement in dance - I think all three of these are fine although we proved that we struggled in small spaces with the 6 sword lock entrance. We'll go over this but is definitely something to have in your head that you need to speed round, especially at the point of getting in the set. Careful not to worry so much about what you're saying that you're then in the way of the movement of the set, again in small spaces.

Have a lovely weekend all.

Becky xx