[GadgetGroov] Why Audio Quality Is Important For A Dancer

Music. Remember that thing we usually dance to? It may sound dumb, but the music that we dance to often takes a secondary role to performance or dance when really it should be on an equal level. A dance partner, if you will (ha!). And where is one of the more common injustices to music found? Audio quality.

Picture this. You’re at a showcase, competition, jam/battle, or class/workshop. The music cuts on. You’ve all of a sudden time-traveled into the past because what you hear sounds like a radio struggling to pump out all the beats and musical intricacies that a dancer would love to dance to. And now you’re zoning out not knowing what the dancers are actually hitting. That’s what a low quality audio file can do.

In case I’m being a bit harsh, I reached out to one of my homies for a second opinion. Dennis Infante (GroovMekanex/MuthaFunkers) is a well-known DJ and dancer, especially on the West Coast. You can find his dope mixes on his site. Here’s what he had to say on the matter:

Audio quality to me, is important. Essentially, what we hear musically brings out an emotional response. If the track really sounds like s*** (meaning obviously ripped from YouTube or really poor EQ levels), the experience just isn’t the same for both the dancers or the audience because the music can’t be felt as much.

-Dennis Infante

There have been many times where I’ve heard a DJ, a team at a competition, or a teacher play music ripped straight from YouTube, like Dennis said. Not only does it sound awful, but it just comes off as sloppy. Respect the music, its artist(s), the dancers, the audience, and students by getting a good quality audio file. If it means paying a buck or two to get it – good! Support for the artist is always appreciated, especially if we, as dancers, ask to be appreciated ourselves.

When it comes to a performance, jam/battle, class/workshop, or video production, a couple of bucks can’t hurt! Especially when compared to the $15-$30 dollar classes or hundreds spent on a videographer.

Agree or disagree? Keep the conversation going in the comments!