Reposting this video as I have related so much to this on my own principles in teaching and judging. 

This is a lecture at the BDF International Dance Congress in London by one of my teachers - Espen Salberg. This explains so much the guiding principle I use in my own teaching: 'Function over Form'. I am not against artistic interpretation and in fact enjoy unique choreography. I am amazed at creative minds that can come up with the most unusual combination of variations from BASIC STEPS. I believe there should be a good base of understanding the Latin Dances in order to create amazing choreography. Choreography that is well thought of and stems from the most basic roots of the Latin Dance.