Finding Value in Judge Critiques

We’re deep into competition season, and by now, most studios have attended at least one event—if not more. You’ve spent the Fall and Winter perfecting your routines, your dancers have taken the stage, accepted their awards, and now it’s time to head back to the studio. The critiques are in, and you’re ready to dive into the feedback.

But wait—before you press play, let’s take a moment to manage expectations.

In my experience, most people claim to appreciate feedback, but what they really mean is they enjoy compliments on a job well done. Constructive feedback? That’s tougher to swallow. It often points out things you weren’t focused on and can feel unexpectedly critical. However, when it comes to judges’ critiques, we have a unique opportunity to prepare ourselves—and our dancers—to embrace feedback for its intended purpose: improvement.

A Fresh Perspective

Every choreographer pours their heart and soul into their work, crafting routines with the tools and dancers they have. Dancers strive to bring that choreography to life, showcasing their hard-earned technique. Parents, meanwhile, take immense pride in their child’s progress and trust in their teacher’s vision.

Judges, on the other hand, have one role: to provide an unbiased assessment of what they see in that moment. They’re not here to dismantle your hard work but to offer an outside perspective. Let’s respect that.

Listening Without Filtering

As a teacher, I never listen to critiques from a competition without my dancers present. Many do, often out of fear of shielding their dancers from potentially damaging comments. But I encourage you to break that habit.

One of the most valuable aspects of judges’ critiques is allowing your dancers to hear feedback from a fresh voice—not just yours. If you filter everything and deliver it in your own words, you’ve missed the opportunity for your dancers to connect with an outside perspective.

Before playing a critique, I prepare my dancers for what they’re about to hear. I tell them I may not agree with everything the judge says, and I’ll pause to discuss those moments as they arise. I also remind them not to argue with the recording or explain anything—just listen.

As teachers, this can be challenging. It’s easy to feel defensive when your choreography or teaching is critiqued. But instead of making excuses, embrace the feedback. If a judge says a section feels muddled or unfocused, resist the urge to audibly defend it in front of your dancers. Consider their perspective—it might be valid. If you ultimately decide to keep that section as is, explain your reasoning to your dancers. The judge doesn’t have to be “wrong”; they’re simply offering a different opinion. And isn’t that the point of a critique?

Adjusting Expectations

Judges see the performance in one moment of time—they don’t know the journey, just the snapshot. Their critiques highlight what stood out to them most in that moment, offering valuable insight.

For instance, if you know a dancer is working on a challenging skill included in their routine, prepare them for potential commentary. Don’t be upset when the judge mentions it. Instead, view it as confirmation that the skill is still a work in progress.

Also, not everyone will love your style, aesthetic, or choices—and that’s okay. As a tap teacher, I enjoy incorporating silence into routines, often with a pirouette. Once, a judge commented that pirouettes don’t belong in tap dances. I paused the critique and told my dancer I disagreed. While the judge is entitled to their opinion, I hold a different perspective. In that moment, I upheld my creative choices while teaching my dancer to respect the judge’s view.

Embracing Growth

Feedback doesn’t always feel good, but it’s a necessary part of growth. By taking the time to prepare yourself and your dancers, you can shift your mindset from defending to learning.

Not every critique will align with your expectations, but every critique holds value—if you’re open to finding it. Remember, judges’ feedback reflects what stood out to them in that moment. Use it as a tool to refine and grow, rather than an obstacle to overcome.

So take a breath, hit play, and embrace the opportunity to grow. There’s always something to learn!

Chris Suchan

Executive Director

Platinum National Dance Competition

Chris Suchan is very proud to be the owner and Executive Director of Platinum National Dance Competition.  He has been dancing for over 25 years and teaching since the age of 16.  As a performer, he has most recently been on the National Tour of The Pajama Game where he performed in the ensemble and served as Dance Captain and Associate Choreographer for the show.  He also performed in the Broadway National Tours of The Producers and Crazy for You, and the International production of 42nd Street in Moscow.  Chris hails from Washington, DC where he grew up competing in all forms of dance.  He has also been a member of several dance companies including Dancin’ Unlimited, Stage Crew, and Jazz Danz DC based in Washington DC.  He has taken master classes from some of the greatest stage performers of all time including Gwen Verdon, Ann Reinking and Ben Vereen.  Chris has performed as a member of the Jean Ann Ryan Company on Norwegian Cruise Lines as a dancer and singer.  He has choreographed numerous musicals and productions, as well as award winning routines at competitions. Chris’s passion for dance and all things dance has led to a wonderful career in the dance industry and he is so excited to share that passion with you!

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Podcast: The Great Dance Debate