Head Judge
Mandy Chapman is a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of
Dancing, one of the three Heads of International Judging for Dance
World Cup and a Judge Team Leader. She has been connected to
DWC for over 15 years.
In addition to her judging and leadership roles, Mandy leads Teacher
Q&A sessions for DWC. Delivered at country qualifiers, guest visits
and at the Finals, these sessions draw on her extensive knowledge of
the event to offer clear, practical guidance for teachers and studios
entering the competition. A highly experienced multi-genre judge,
Mandy is the author and co-author of a number of DWC’s genre
descriptors, contributing to the clarity and consistency of adjudication
across the competition.
Mentoring and talent development sit at the heart of Mandy’s work.
Widely recognised for her ability to identify potential and shape
progression, she works with dancers as they move towards
professional careers, attracting aspiring artists from across the UK
and overseas at key stages of their progression. As former Principal
of Glendale Theatre Arts until its closure in 2022, she guided students
who now work professionally across stage and screen, including
smash-hit West End productions, major TV series and films, and is
widely sought after for the experienced insight she offers.
Mandy has choreographed extensively for professional and amateur
theatre, pantomime and UK summer seasons, and internationally,
including projects in the USA with performances at Disneyland,
California. Recent credits include consulting on a new
musical, Barista, choreographed by Pasha Kovalev, and directing a
full production of Come From Away. In 2025, drawing on her extensive
background and love of all things ‘triple threat’, she was instrumental
in the creation of Dance World Cup’s Musical Theatre
project, Showstoppers, introducing Stephen Mear and Ruthie
Henshall to the incredible event that is the DWC Finals and helping to
shape the musical theatre focus.