Australian Dance Adjudicators

06/09/2026

DANCER TIP

Your eyes can be the difference between performing at an audience and connecting with them.

Eye engagement is an important part of stage presence. Where you look, when you connect with the audience, and how intentionally you use your focus can change the way a performance is experienced.

Looking out towards your audience can create connection and confidence. At other moments, the choreography may call for an inward, directional, or character-driven focus. The key is for your eyes to have intention rather than simply looking straight ahead or following your body through the movement.

Remember that the audience extends beyond the adjudicator sitting in front of you. Allow your focus to reach different areas of the theatre and include the whole room in your performance.

Your face, eyes, and body should communicate together. When your eye engagement supports the choreography, your performance becomes clearer, more engaging, and more believable.

Let the audience feel that you are dancing with them in the room.

03/09/2026

Lisa Bartley Murphy thoroughly enjoyed her recent Adjudication appointment.

To find out more about our Dance Adjudicators visit www.adadance.org.au ✨

02/09/2026

DANCER TIP

More difficulty does not always make a stronger routine.

Choose steps you can perform with technical clarity, control, and consistency.

In competition, it can be tempting to include the most difficult turns, leaps, tricks, and technical elements a dancer can achieve. Difficulty has greater impact when those steps can be executed confidently and integrated naturally into the choreography.

A slightly less difficult step performed with clean technique, strong alignment, musicality, and control can contribute more to the overall performance than a higher-level step that appears uncertain or interrupts the flow of the routine.

Adjudicators consider the complete performance. Technical difficulty is one part of that picture, alongside ex*****on, artistry, musicality, choreography, and presentation.

Choose choreography that allows you to show your best dancing.

29/08/2026

25/08/2026

ANNOUNCING A NEW DIRECTION

Australian Dance Adjudicators is entering a new chapter, and we would like to acknowledge the leadership and contribution of the Advisory Committee who have helped shape the organisation over many years.

Lisa Maloney joined as a Full Member in 2005, served as Secretary from 2009 to 2017, and has led the association as President for the past nine years.

Julie England, a Founding Member of ADA since 1993, has served as Vice President for an extraordinary 33 years.

Rowena Sanderson joined as a Full Member in 2017 and has served as Secretary for the past nine years.

During their leadership, and with the contribution of the wider ADA team, the association has continued to develop and strengthen its professional standing within the dance community.

This has included the introduction of an online training and assessment program for new members across all genres; the development of a Members Only resource area; an updated professional identity and online presence; ongoing face-to-face and Zoom meetings; and continued major sponsorship of eisteddfods and competitions nationwide.

ADA has also developed international relationships with the British International Federation of Festivals, the Dance Academy at Inner Mongolia Arts University in China, and Le Chang (Kiki), Chairman of the Australian Dance & Cultural Association.

During this time, ADA membership has more than doubled and continues to grow across Australia.

These achievements represent many years of commitment, collaboration and shared work. It takes a strong team to build and sustain an organisation, and we are incredibly grateful for the contribution Lisa, Julie and Rowena have made to ADA.

As we acknowledge this significant chapter in ADA’s history, we look forward to introducing our new committee and sharing the direction ahead.

24/08/2026

Lisa Evans has thoroughly enjoyed her recent Adjudication Appointment.
To find out more about our Dance Adjudicators visit www.adadance.org.au ✨

09/08/2026

Adjudicator Kate Histon thoroughly enjoyed her time last month at the Kempsey Eisteddfod.
Read feedback below.
To find out more about our dance adjudicator visit www.adadance.org.au 💫

✨ Thank You, Kate Histon✨

The Kempsey Eisteddfod Society extends heartfelt thanks to our wonderful 2026 Dance Adjudicator, Kate Histon-Behrend.

Over the past seven days, Kate has shared her wealth of knowledge & experience through workshops and thoughtful critiques.

Her kind, positive and encouraging feedback has inspired our young performers, helping them grow in both confidence and artistry.

We are grateful Kate for your professionalism, dedication and genuine commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers.

It has been a privilege to have you as part of the 2026 Kempsey Dance Eisteddfod, and we thank you for the lasting impact you have made on our competitors and the wider community. We hope to welcome you back again in the future. 💙

06/08/2026

DANCER TIP

A talented child should never have to perform beyond their age.

Age-appropriate dance extends beyond choreography. It also includes music, costuming, movement vocabulary, performance themes, and emotional content.

A child’s technical ability does not automatically mean they are developmentally ready to portray mature concepts or perform material intended for older dancers. Thoughtful choices consider the whole child, not just their talent.

Age-appropriate performances support healthy physical, emotional, and artistic development while allowing dancers to build confidence, authenticity, and technical excellence over time.

As dancers mature, their choreography, music, costuming, and performance themes can mature with them.

Supporting development at every stage helps dancers build the skills, confidence, and artistry to thrive throughout their training.