Getting ready for competition season? Whether it’s your first time on stage or you’ve been competing for years, it’s always worth taking a step back and thinking about what the judges actually see from their table.
We spoke with a U.S. dance judge with over 15 years of experience, who shared some simple but powerful tips to help your routines stand out for all the right reasons. These are the small adjustments that can make a big impact when you hit the stage.
Top Tips From A Dance Competition Judge
Connection – Make a genuine connection with the judges through confident eye contact—but keep it natural. You want to draw them in, not stare them down; that gets weird real quick. Let your energy, expression, and performance tell the story.
Preparation and Landing – The setup and recovery are just as important as the movement itself. Make your preparation and landing part of the choreography so that every extension, turn, or acro moment feels seamless and authentic. The best moments are the ones that surprise both the audience and the judges.
Choreography Variety – Once your routine is complete, watch it back and note how many times certain steps or technical elements repeat. Then go in and mix it up. Repetition can make a routine predictable. Variety adds excitement and shows off your dancers’ versatility.
Posture and Frame – Especially in ballroom and ballet styles, posture is everything. A strong, lifted frame instantly communicates elegance and control. Even in contemporary or jazz, awareness of body alignment can elevate your overall performance quality.
Team Balance – Every dancer on stage should be fully engaged. Don’t rely on one strong performer to carry the group. Judges can spot when energy levels or technique vary drastically across the team—and yes, they can see those dancers hiding behind props or at the back.
Costumes – Think appropriateness. Costumes should enhance the story, not distract from it. Make sure every dancer matches in colour, style, and footwear—one white shoe in a sea of black is the kind of detail that draws eyes for the wrong reason.
Tricks vs. Artistry – Tricks don’t win prizes—clean, expressive movement does. If a trick fits naturally within the choreography and adds to the story, fantastic. But if it’s there just for shock value, it can break the flow and weaken your overall impact. Judges value artistry, emotion, and storytelling over unnecessary flash.
Need More Info?
Want to dive deeper into what dance judges really look for?
Check out these blog posts:
Or, watch our full webinar with longtime dance judge Melanie Durham, where she shares insider insights to help you take your competition performance to the next level.
