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When people hear good/bad things about you, they will either go with it, or reply with “Are you sure? That doesn’t sound like them”…

It has happened a lot recently when someone hears some news about someone and their reaction will completely depend on their perceptions of that person whether they actually know them or not! It then hit me how powerful a picture you paint for yourself through your actions and inactions, the promises you keep, the ones you dont, the things you stand for, and the things you will let slide! It would be a test of character and an eye opener if we could hear how people describe us to others based on what they know of us, what they dont, and what they just assume!

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Who battles, anymore?

What is given the title of a battle, to me, is a contest, these days! Or better yet, an important exam which, in order to pass it, you need to answer certain questions correctly.

The questions and the keywords that marks are attributed to, however, are dependant on the examining board and the examiner marking your paper. For example, in a science exam, you may know how everything works in a car, in the sky, or in the ground, but if the question is about the sea, you may not get that mark. It can be like a fish being judged on its ability to climb a tree, leaving it feeling inadequate!

The first things is to acknowledge the difference between a battle and a contest/competition.

To me, a battle is when there is something personal to resolve between individuals. In the past, it may have been to decide who gets to keep a name if two people have accidentally chosen the same alias for example, but today it could be anything! Who is better? Who can last the longest? Who gets to keep their shoes? Anything where the content is between the two of you, and that requires no judge. You keep going until deep inside you, you both know who won, and you honour that by fulfilling whatever stakes were set!

In a contest, however, there is no personal reason to be dancing against an individual - your names are effectively picked from a hat! And being better sometimes doesnt mean you win, as the “examining body” has an opinion thats based on preference. One judge may prefer the dynamic difficult movements of a dance, while another may prefer to see someone’s actual dance, and their ability to stay beat! Then they simply point in the direction they prefer. Even with a point system, the mark they give for each category will be given according to their opinion!

Therefore, just like in life in general, to do well is not just about your ability, but how you ‘anser the questions’! Find out if there is any criteria for the battle you are entering, and keep to it by spending time training on that! If it’s a toprock contest, power moves are useless and can even have you marked down! If it’s a popping battle, make sure you’re popping and covering styles that fall under that umbrella etc! Find out who the judges are to make sure you dance the way they like to see people dance. This one may seem strange but theyre human and are more likely to mark higher for things THEY like, especially for two people are of similar levels, but even if not!

With all this in mind, dont take a contest too seriously. Its like the education system. There has to be a way to monitor progress and tests are one of them, but not necessarily accurate. You get a zero if you remember the answer after you’re asked to put your pen down but doesn’t mean you don’t know it! In real life, there is often no time limit and you can use internet, books, or even ask people for the answer!

Therefore, losing a battle doesnt mean you’re not good or have no future in it (as some may feel if their name isnt called again), but just that the other person ticked more of the judges’ boxes than you on this occasion! That’s it!

Dont let the arena take away from the enjoyment of this thing we call dance!

Good luck, much love, and God bless

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