2026 World Finals Judge
Cris Penfold
Cris Penfold is an internationally respected performer, choreographer, and educator, recognised for his dynamic artistry and commitment to developing the next generation of performers. Cris is a jazz and tap teacher at London Studio Centre, where Cris also runs the LSC Associates programme for gifted and talented young performers. In addition, Cris teaches jazz at Elmhurst Ballet School and is an established faculty member for bbodance. Cris also teaches masterclass for young performers and professionals across the globe.
With an extensive career spanning the West End, touring, film, and television, Cris’s performance credits include leading roles and featured work in productions such as Oliver!, West Side Story, On the Town, Guys and Dolls, We Will Rock You, Kiss Me, Kate, Top Hat, 42nd Street, and Singin’ in the Rain. Cris worked as a contemporary dancer with choreographer Kim Brandstrup in English National Opera’s production of Death in Venice. Further theatre highlights include playing the lead role of Toad in the Royal Ballet’s production of The Wind in the Willows, which became the first Royal Ballet production to transfer to the West End and went on to win the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family Show.
Cris’s screen credits include Rush, Black Mirror, Emma (2020), Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Muppets Most Wanted, Great Expectations, Doctor Thorne, and Hugo. Cris also appeared as a guest tap dance soloist for The Puppini Sisters: Christmas at Home livestream.
Mentored by jazz pioneers Dollie Henry and Paul Jenkins, through their jazz dance company Body of People, Cris appeared as a guest soloist for the company in A Journey of Jazz at Sadler’s Wells.
Throughout his career, Cris has worked across a wide range of styles with internationally renowned choreographers and directors including Stephen Mear, Will Tuckett, Ashley Wallen, Kim Brandstrup, Drew McOnie, Arlene Phillips, Ben Elton, Ron Howard, and Martin Scorsese.
Alongside performing, Cris choreographs and assists on major productions, working closely with professional entertainment agencies, touring shows, and youth companies.
A passionate advocate for jazz dance, Cris is dedicated to nurturing young performers and encouraging artistry, musicality, and performance excellence. Cris has been an adjudicator for the Dance World Cup for over ten years and remains a key contributor to the promotion and development of jazz dance worldwide.
With an extensive career spanning the West End, touring, film, and television, Cris’s performance credits include leading roles and featured work in productions such as Oliver!, West Side Story, On the Town, Guys and Dolls, We Will Rock You, Kiss Me, Kate, Top Hat, 42nd Street, and Singin’ in the Rain. Cris worked as a contemporary dancer with choreographer Kim Brandstrup in English National Opera’s production of Death in Venice. Further theatre highlights include playing the lead role of Toad in the Royal Ballet’s production of The Wind in the Willows, which became the first Royal Ballet production to transfer to the West End and went on to win the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family Show.
Cris’s screen credits include Rush, Black Mirror, Emma (2020), Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Muppets Most Wanted, Great Expectations, Doctor Thorne, and Hugo. Cris also appeared as a guest tap dance soloist for The Puppini Sisters: Christmas at Home livestream.
Mentored by jazz pioneers Dollie Henry and Paul Jenkins, through their jazz dance company Body of People, Cris appeared as a guest soloist for the company in A Journey of Jazz at Sadler’s Wells.
Throughout his career, Cris has worked across a wide range of styles with internationally renowned choreographers and directors including Stephen Mear, Will Tuckett, Ashley Wallen, Kim Brandstrup, Drew McOnie, Arlene Phillips, Ben Elton, Ron Howard, and Martin Scorsese.
Alongside performing, Cris choreographs and assists on major productions, working closely with professional entertainment agencies, touring shows, and youth companies.
A passionate advocate for jazz dance, Cris is dedicated to nurturing young performers and encouraging artistry, musicality, and performance excellence. Cris has been an adjudicator for the Dance World Cup for over ten years and remains a key contributor to the promotion and development of jazz dance worldwide.