Golden Dance Awards Scotland — Judging Criteria

Judges will consider:

• Nomination information provided

• Video evidence submitted

• Public performance material where available

• Relevant social media platforms

If further clarification is needed, the Golden Dance Awards team will contact nominees directly.

Some additional awards are self-explanatory and may not require detailed published criteria.

Judges look for:

• Strong technical control suitable to the dance style

• Clear musical timing and rhythm

• Energy, commitment, and attack

• Clear understanding of style

• Performance confidence and stage presence

• Consistency across performances

A musical theatre performance where singing and storytelling are central. Movement or dance may be included, but character and vocal performance lead the piece.

Judges look for:

• Vocal technique and musical accuracy

• Clear storytelling and believable character

• Strong connection between voice, movement, and acting

• Stage presence and audience communication

• Confidence and performance clarity

• Appropriate song and character choice for the performer’s age and ability

For a dancer in any style showing strong promise and future potential.

Judges look for:

• Good technical foundations for their age

• Natural musicality

• Performance presence and personality

• Focus and confidence

• Signs of future development potential

(All group awards are judged with age and style suitability in mind with the possibility of performance on the awards evening.)

Any dance style performed by 5 or more dancers, focusing on teamwork and connection.

Judges look for:

• Synchronisation and teamwork

• Technical accuracy for the style

• Musical unity and shared timing

• Clear intention and performance quality

• Balanced contribution from dancers

• Overall cohesion as a group

• Visual impact and staging

Judges consider:

• Professional organisation and event delivery

• Fair and transparent judging processes

• Quality and usefulness of feedback given

• Safeguarding and duty of care standards

• Positive experience for dancers and teachers

• Accessibility and inclusive practice

• Support for dancer learning and growth

• Overall value to the dance community

Judges consider:

• Long-term contribution to dance

• Influence on dancers, teachers, or organisations

• Lasting legacy and impact

• Mentorship and support of others

• Professional integrity over time

• Respect within the dance community

• Why recognition is meaningful at this time

Judges consider:

• Clear achievements in the past year

• Positive impact on students and community

• Strong ethos and values

• Support for both recreational and career-focused students

• Student wellbeing and safeguarding practice

• Commitment to inclusion and fairness

• Leadership and professional standards

• Overall strength of the nomination case

Judges consider:

• Quality and clarity of teaching

• Ability to inspire and motivate students

• Support for different learning needs

• Commitment to safe practice and wellbeing

• Professional reliability and integrity

• Continued professional development

• Positive impact in the past year

• Inclusive and respectful teaching approach

Awarded to a choreographer who demonstrates creativity, originality, and effective movement design across their work.

Judges look for:

• Originality and creative vision

• Clear choreographic structure and flow

• Musical interpretation and phrasing

• Movement that suits the dancers’ strengths and level

• Storytelling or concept clarity where appropriate

• Innovation within or across styles

• Strong visual and performance impact

• Consistent quality across their choreography