With the US Dance Competition season kicking off soon, dance studios—are you ready? From creating choreography to auditions and the endless hours of rehearsal, it's a whirlwind of preparation.
But here's the big question: are you focusing on the elements of your routine that actually help you stand out to the judges?
Melanie Durham, a dance industry veteran who has been judging competitions for over 15 years and has been part of the industry for more than 30 years, hosted a Webinar where she shared her insider perspective on what judges really look for.
So, what exactly do judges look for when they score your routine? Melanie broke it down into three key areas that can make or break your performance. See a breakdown of her advice below…
Area 1: Technique in Dance Competitions
We all know there's a huge difference between performing in a safe studio environment and performing on stage in front of an audience and a panel of judges.
That's why the studio is the place where dancers practice for the stage, building confidence at the right ability level, but when it comes to the stage, judges want to see movements executed well and, most importantly, consistently.
There's nothing more disheartening than seeing a dancer misstep on a move that we know they can hit perfectly in the studio. Stage pressure can lead to mistakes, and even small fumbles can impact a score.
Top tip: Showcase your dancers' strengths. If that means swapping a complex move for one your dancers can execute perfectly every time—do it. Judges would rather see clean lines and a confident performance than a harder skill that looks inconsistent.
What judges are looking for:
Precision and Accuracy – Every movement from every dancer matters. Judges look for perfect steps from everyone.
Timing and Rhythm – Dancers must stay perfectly in sync with the music.
Footwork – Technique is all about the clarity of steps, smooth transitions, and how the body finishes and carries each movement.
Remember, you don't have much time on stage, and mistakes can make the difference between a gold medal and going home empty-handed. Focus on executing what your dancers do best, consistently.
Bonus:
Doing a big leap? Make part of the preparation and the landing part of the dance, so the leap or acro is a surprise for all who are watching. Use tricks as highlights, not the whole routine.
Area 2: Performance Quality
The second area judges focus on is performance. Let's face it, you're entering a competition because you love to perform, so make sure you show it!
From the moment you step onto the stage, yes, even from the wings—until the moment you step off, perform. Ensure there is passion in every movement—whatever your piece demands, give it fully.
Judges aren't just evaluating the choreography; we're looking at the energy and projection, the storytelling, how clearly the routine's style reads on stage, and the overall performance quality.
Top tip: Within the first few seconds of the dance, judges are looking to make a connection with the performance. Whether it's a solo dancer or a full company production, the energy and confidence need to reach the audience, and eye contact plays a huge role in building that connection.
What judges are looking for:
Emotion and Storytelling – Telling a story and helping the audience convey emotion through movement and facial expressions.
Musicality – Interpreting and embodying the music, not just moving on the beat, with a clear understanding of what the piece is trying to communicate.
Connection – Engaging the audience and creating a sense of presence on stage.
Area 3: Stage Presence and Presentation
The third area judges evaluate is presentation within the judging criteria, including appearance and staging—because when you're on stage, there's nowhere to hide. Judges are watching everything (and we mean everything) from the moment your dancers step into the spotlight to the moment they walk off.
Your entrance and exit are part of the performance. Just because the music stops doesn't mean the judging does. A clean, confident entrance sets the tone, and a polished exit leaves a lasting impression.
Every detail matters. Costume, makeup, and accessories should be age-appropriate, cohesive, and uniform, and the costume should suit the genre and the dancer's age. Something as small as one dancer wearing different shoes can distract from the entire piece. These inconsistencies can take away from an otherwise strong performance.
Props and placement also fall under presentation. A well rehearsed routine includes smooth prop handling, clean spacing, and clearing the floor cleanly. Don't assume messy footwork or less confident dancers can be hidden in the back or behind props—judges are trained to see everything happening on that stage.
What judges are looking for:
Overall Appearance – Every element contributes to the visual impact. A clean entry is powerful; a sloppy shuffle is noticeable.
Stage Presence – Charisma, posture, and the ability to connect with the audience throughout the performance.
Attention to Detail – Precision in group dynamics, from identical stylized hands in a jazz number to a perfectly timed group exhale in contemporary work. These details should support the choreographers’ concepts without overpowering the dancers, and they elevate a routine from good to great by showing mastery of performance unity.
Final Thoughts on Judging Criteria
Understanding the judging criteria can help dancers develop their routines and know what to expect at dance competitions, and while there aren't exactly secrets to the dance competition world, keeping these insights in mind as you choreograph and rehearse can make all the difference.
Remember, judges aren't there to intimidate—they're there to celebrate your love of dance. They want to see each performer have fun, showcase their skills, and bring their passion for this art form to life on the big stage while showing creativity.
For more information, or to learn additional ways to impress the judges at your next competition, watch the full webinar with Melanie Durham here. Book a demo with our team, or create your free account here.
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