Well, polishing technique seems like more of a thing to get from your coaches. That "something special," needs to come from you. Not a coach here, but I will say the talons/claws/severe wrist bends that seemed to be being taught by some gyms as "dance technique" appear to be on the decline except for a few gyms that seem to consider it a signature style or something. That makes me very happy. The "something special" really needs to come from you in terms of dance, for lack of a better work you have to "feel" it. Posey posey isn't dance. But you can get by with it in gymnastics it seems. I LOVE a routine that shows personality and interpretation of music, but it is still the exception rather than the rule. Do you live in an area that has a professional contemporary dance company? Go watch some professional dance.... What style clicks with you (ballet/lyrical-contemporary/jazz/hip hop/broadway)? Whatever it is, watch some dancers who are really good at it. Pick a few moves that you want to learn and fit your music, maybe you can talk your coach into incorporating them. If you aren't near some good professional companies, you can find dance online. Also, some of the dance competition companies (such as Hall of Fame) post their regional and national award winners on their websites, you might find some inspiration there. Heck, even watch some old episodes of "So You Think You Can Dance" and see if there is something there you love and can be inspired by....
