There is a well-known phrase in the art world called "Less Is More".
The idea is this: look at an object, and then pull away all the unnecessary
"noise" around it, get closer, tip it, turn it -whatever it takes to make a
more pleasing design.

So it is with gymnastics. Get rid of the unwanted deduction producing "stuff".
As judges, we often times see routines overly packed with elements that just
cry out, "take execution deductions on me!"

Shorter, cleaner, to-the-point routines that have just the needed elements done with
good amplitude and execution - and still retain artistry and originality - usually score
higher than routines that have so many unnecessary elements in them.

One other problem: length of music choices for floor routines. One judge, who is a music
teacher notes that commercially produced music seems to be arranged for higher level
optional gymnasts and is too long for the lower levels. "The coaches buy the music and
then have to fill it up with junk because they don't have the music background to know
how to shorten it and still make it sound right for the lower level optionals.
Suggestion -shorten the music for floor routines if necessary instead of filling it up with stuff !
If you don't know how to do it and make it sound right ask a local music teacher or musician
for help in making an appropriate cut."

(Thanks to coach James Thompson from Metro Gymnastics in Portland for the photo of Jessie.)