Australian Dance Adjudicators

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.

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

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. 💙

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.

A great trick can lose its impact before it has even begun.

DANCER TIP

Give as much attention to the preparation as you do to the skill itself.

The preparation into a turn, leap, balance, or acrobatic skill is part of the technique. Placement, alignment, timing, and control in the moments leading into a skill can influence both its ex*****on and how polished it appears on stage.

When a preparation is rushed, overly adjusted, or disconnected from the choreography, the audience can often anticipate that a difficult skill is coming. This can interrupt the flow of the routine and draw attention away from the performance.

Work on making your preparation feel purposeful and integrated into the choreography. Consider where your weight is placed, how you use your arms, the clarity of your lines, and whether you are maintaining your performance quality as you set up the skill.

Strong technique includes the preparation, the ex*****on, and the recovery.

The preparation is part of the performance.

Charisse Graber has thoroughly enjoyed her recent adjudication appointment. To find out more about our dance adjudicators visit www.adadance.org.au 💫

Jane Pearson has recently returned from judging in the USA! 🇺🇸 How wonderful our adjudicators also work across the globe!
Well done Jane!

To find out more about our dance adjudicators visit www.adadance.org.au 💫

DANCER TIP

Trust the choreography. You do not need to perform at 100% intensity for the entire routine.

Many dancers believe they need to maintain maximum energy from beginning to end. While commitment is important, performances that remain at the same intensity throughout can feel one-dimensional.

Strong performances are built on contrast. They include moments of softness, stillness, suspension, and restraint alongside moments of power and attack. These shifts create texture and allow the audience to remain engaged.

Adjudicators often respond to dancers who understand dynamics and pacing. A quiet moment, performed with intention, can be just as impactful as a technically demanding sequence.

Dance is not only about how much energy you bring to the stage. It is also about understanding when to hold back and allowing the choreography room to breathe.