I was wondering if someone could shed some light onto what judges look for especially in the lower sylabus levels. Should one attempt things such as picture lines and developing light and shade in refrence to musicality and movement as a Bronze level dancer or are these techniques to advanced, and it would be better to dance more conservatively? I know this is a very broad question but any advice would be helpful. Specifically in regards to Latin any thoughts on using overturns, and delayed weight transfer to create that contrast of slowness and speed.

Hi cp
I can give you my experiences and what i've been told on this subject. In recent times i've come up through the lower levels in International Ballroom.
At the lower levels (beginner, novice, to some extent intermediate)judges look for good basic technique - immaculate footwork, good leg work, posture, poise, balance, timing, good linkage with your partner. Essentially, you need to demonstrate you have the fundamentals right.
Good timing is essential. I have a friend who has a problem with timing and rhythm. He and his partner look great on the floor excpet he keeps losing his timing, and he's penalised heavily.
Picture lines and musicality: - picture lines aren't expected at the lower levels. Make sure the syllabus includes them. In europe, the restricted syllabus for beginner and novice precludes any 'fancy' steps. Even a double back lock or a travelling check in a slow waltz is banned! Clearly musicality is going to help you and make your dancing more attractive.
I once won an intermediate event dancing beginner steps (for waltz and quickstep) very well, against others doing oversways and checks. It taught me something.
Of course, in your social dancing, you can just enjoy yourself, and if you can dance more advanced material well, you can look forward to great things higher up the ladder.

A well-known judge in the US once told me that on the lower levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Novice) he looks for three things:

1. Is the couple dancing on time?
2. Are they standing up straight (good posture)?
3. Do the look good? (Meaning, are they dressed neatly and appropriately, do they look like they are enjoying themselves, do they look like they are dancing rather than just stepping through the motions?)

As far as picture lines go, there aren't any in the ISTD syllabus, which is the syllabus used for International Standard and Latin. I don't know what the American Rhythm syllabus has in it, and I don't recall that the DVIDA American Smooth syllabus has more than perhaps an oversway in it. Don't worry about picture lines now: instead think about posture, timing, footwork, and lead-and-follow.