Behind the Dance Adjudicators Desk
Season 4 Ep:10
Behind the Adjudicator’s Desk: What I Look For in Dance Competitions
In this solo episode of The Dance Real Podcast, international adjudicator and mindset coach Kate Histon offers an honest and educational look behind the judging desk. Drawing from her experience adjudicating across Australia, Europe, and South Africa, Kate explains what truly matters on stage and how dancers, teachers, and parents can create healthier experiences in the competition space.
Through grounded insights and gentle storytelling, she shares what she observes in strong performances: presence, artistry, musicality, and emotional connection. Kate also explores the often-overlooked factors that shape a dancer’s stage experience, such as recovery, stamina, and mindset and how each performance becomes an opportunity for growth rather than perfection.
Parents and teachers will gain guidance on supporting children through both success and disappointment, learning how to foster resilience and self-worth beyond medals or rankings.
This episode invites reflection on what competitions can teach us about presence, growth, and the art of truly being seen.
Key Topics
What adjudicators actually value during performances.
The importance of presence, balance, and emotional connection.
Choreography choices that support rather than overwhelm.
How dancers can recover after mistakes and build resilience.
The role of parents in helping children process disappointment.
Why perfectionism undermines artistry and joy in dance.
Competitions as a vehicle for growth, not validation.
🩰 Stay Connected with Kate
Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world:
🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com
📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset
🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome and introduction
00:28 – Why competitions are about more than placings
01:10 – What judges really notice first: presence and grounding
02:05 – Choreography balance: artistry over acrobatics
03:00 – Stage use, musicality, and connection with the audience
03:45 – Coordination and body awareness
04:25 – Entrances, exits, and first impressions
05:00 – When mistakes happen: recovery and resilience
05:45 – Energy, stamina, and mindset during performance
06:30 – How parents can best support their children
07:30 – Handling disappointment and modelling calm presence
07:30 – Handling disappointment and modelling calm presence
09:00 – Shifting from perfectionism to growth
09:40 – Closing reflections: competitions as part of the dancer’s journey
Disclaimer:
The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional.
The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent.
By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.