2026 World Finals Judge
Aaron Francis
Aaron Francis, a graduate of Laines, went on to perform in many West End and touring productions: from dancing ballet in Matthew Bourne’s reinvented Swan Lake and also Edward Scissorhands, to performing in musical theatre favourites Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Phantom of the Opera and others, to then choreographing shows and pantomimes for regional theatres.
Aaron later decided to concentrate on further personal development in teaching and studied for ISTD and BBO qualifications in teaching, adding an MA in Theatre for Community and Education. Consequently, he has amassed 20 years’ experience of teaching at many of the leading UK vocational performing arts schools and leading him to take on senior leadership roles and programme management at both Mountview and Trinity Laban.
However, his interests also extend into dance diversity and inclusion projects. Aaron is a board member for Magpie Dance of Bromley in London, a leading charity which embraces a programme of dance and performance accessibility for people with learning disabilities.
Aaron’s embrace of all aspects of the value of dance and performance, ‘dance for all’, from his teaching qualifications of early years child dance development, access for the disabled, as well as extending to vocational and professional levels and choreography are assets to youth competition adjudication and DWC is delighted that Aaron is part of their judges’ team.
Aaron later decided to concentrate on further personal development in teaching and studied for ISTD and BBO qualifications in teaching, adding an MA in Theatre for Community and Education. Consequently, he has amassed 20 years’ experience of teaching at many of the leading UK vocational performing arts schools and leading him to take on senior leadership roles and programme management at both Mountview and Trinity Laban.
However, his interests also extend into dance diversity and inclusion projects. Aaron is a board member for Magpie Dance of Bromley in London, a leading charity which embraces a programme of dance and performance accessibility for people with learning disabilities.
Aaron’s embrace of all aspects of the value of dance and performance, ‘dance for all’, from his teaching qualifications of early years child dance development, access for the disabled, as well as extending to vocational and professional levels and choreography are assets to youth competition adjudication and DWC is delighted that Aaron is part of their judges’ team.