In this lively chat, Jess speaks with Chris Donnelly – street dance judge, performer, and teacher – about what judges are really looking for in different competition sections. From solos and duos to full teams, Chris shares practical advice to help teachers prepare their dancers for the floor with confidence, clarity, and connection.
A central theme of the conversation is preparation beyond choreography. Chris explains how simple drills can help dancers stay calm under competition pressure, adapt to any music, and find the beat before diving into a freestyle. He emphasises the importance of cleanliness and connection in duos, reminding teachers that even small moments of interaction can make a big impact. For teams, he highlights performance, presentation, and cultural authenticity – from formation choices to costume decisions – and encourages teachers to play to their dancers’ strengths rather than ticking boxes. Above all, Chris reminds us that street dance was born in community and celebration: the floor should always feel like a party.
To help with freestyle training, Chris recommends using Dre’s Spotify playlists – a great resource for exposing dancers to a variety of tracks they may encounter in competition. You can find them here: Dre’s Street Dance Playlists on Spotify
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