“The Truth from the Judge’s Table: What Dancers Do That Drives Them Crazy”

Let’s cut right to the chase — standing and dancing in front of a panel of judges is no easy feat. After all, they’re called judges for a reason... they’re there to evaluate and analyze everything you do. And they’re experts at it.

Yes, it takes real skill to stand there with a clipboard, make assessments, and compare dancers — all in under two minutes. And don’t forget they’re watching you from the moment you step onto the floor until the moment you walk off.

So, to help you avoid that dreaded “nails on a chalkboard” moment, we asked some of our World’s Finest judges and coaches one important question:

“What is your biggest pet peeve when judging dancers?”

We are going to start with an article on this subject from 2 of our Diamonds in the Dance Industry!  Special Thank you to Riccardo and Yulia for your great advice!...

"Judging dance competitions—whether at the amateur, pro-am, or professional level—comes with its own set of pet peeves. What makes a judge cringe or deduct points? The answer changes depending on the competitor’s level, but one thing remains constant: attention to detail separates the good from the great".

Let’s break it down by skill level, highlighting what judges notice (and what drives them crazy). 

 For Beginners & Pro-Am Dancers: The Big Three

 Judges understand that newcomers are still learning, but some fundamental mistakes can hurt scores unnecessarily. The three most critical elements for this group are: 

1. Posture (The Foundation of All Movement)

Why Judges Notice:

- Collapsed shoulders, hunched backs, or stiff necks ruin lines and fluidity. 

- Poor posture affects balance, making even simple steps look awkward. 

How to Fix It:

- Engage your core and lengthen your spine. 

- Imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head. 

- Practice in front of a mirror or film yourself to self-correct. 

2. Placement on the Floor (Spatial Awareness Matters)

Why Judges Notice:

- Running into other couples, crowding corners, or dancing "small" when space is available. 

- Lack of control in movement, making the dance look chaotic. 

 How to Fix It:

- Plan your path before stepping on the floor. 

- Use peripheral vision to avoid collisions. 

- Dance big when space allows—fill the room! 

3. Timing (The Difference Between Dancing & Walking to Music) 

Why Judges Notice: 

- Off-beat dancing is glaringly obvious and disrupts the flow. 

- Rushing or dragging steps shows lack of control. 

 How to Fix It: 

- Count out loud during practice. 

- Train with a metronome or music with a strong beat. 

- Listen to the music’s phrasing, not just the "1-2-3." 

For Professionals: The Tiny Details That Make or Break a Performance

 At the elite level, judges expect near-perfection—and the smallest things stand out. Here’s what drives them crazy when missing: 

1. Awareness of Space & Floorcraft

- Bad: Keep stopping your own routine and loosing directions of leading  and/or  time

- Good: Smooth transitions, adapting to traffic like a skilled driver. 

2. Finishing Movements (Feet, Hands, & Body Lines) 

- Bad: Sloppy foot placements, limp hands, or unfinished poses. 

- Good: Every movement has a clear beginning, middle, and end. 

 3. Musicality (Beyond Just Counting)

- Bad: Dancing on the music but not with it. 

- Good: Dynamic shifts, playing with syncopation, matching energy to the song’s emotion. 

4. Cleanliness of Tanning & Presentation (Especially for Ladies)

- Bad: Streaky tan, smudged makeup, or costume malfunctions. 

- Good: Flawless grooming—judges notice when effort is put into appearance. 

5. Delivering the Message (It’s Not Just Steps—It’s Storytelling)

- Bad: Technical precision with zero emotion. 

- Good: Facial expressions, chemistry with partner, and selling the character of the dance. 

6. The Most Forgotten Detail: It Should Look FUN!

- Bad: Tense faces, robotic movements, or visible stress. 

- Good: Smiling, enjoying the moment—because if you’re not having fun, why should the audience? 

Final Advice for All Levels

Judges want to reward dancers who improve, adapt, and perform with passion. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, avoiding these pet peeves will make you stand out—and maybe even make judging a little more enjoyable for those holding the scorecards.