2026 World Finals Judge
Lorcia Cooper
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Lorcia Cooper is a multi-talented performer, award-winning actress, dancer, choreographer, yoga instructor, presenter, motivational speaker and mentor, Lorcia has followed and now leads an inspirational path.
Lorcia began her formal dance training at Debbie Turner’s Academy of Dance and joined the Cape Youth Dance Company at just 15 years old. By 18, she had stepped into her first professional role with the North West Dance Company. At age 20, Lorcia was nominated for the FNB Dancer of the Year Award, a pivotal moment that launched her international career. She went on to perform across Europe and the United States in theatre and corporate productions, establishing herself as a dynamic and versatile performer on the global stage.
Her transition into acting saw her land her first major television role as ‘Charmaine’ on the hit ETV series Backstage, where she held the position of Dance director and choreographer. Lorcia continued to build an impressive screen career, appearing in multiple prime-time productions. In 2019 and 2020, Lorcia was nominated for a SAFTA award for Best Supporting Actress in the drama series Lockdown, winning the award in 2019. In 2021, she earned another SAFTA nomination for Housekeepers S2, and in 2025, she was honoured with a National Film and Television Award for her role in Red Ink. Lorcia has also recently debuted on Netflix. Indeed, she currently stars the lead in prime-time telenovela Paradys.
Lorcia has also appeared as a judge on various dance platforms, featured on So You Think You Can Dance SA as choreographer, hosted Cartoon Network Dance Club and choreographed the McDonald’s Fan Dancers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the stage and screen, Lorcia is deeply committed to youth empowerment. As a passionate change facilitator, she founded Life Skills Through Dance, a development programme that has impacted over 3,000 young people. Lorcia describes her work as purpose-driven: “My art is God-gifted. I hope that through it, I create space for transformative change.” Inspiring words and DWC welcomes Lorcia to their team of international judges.
Lorcia began her formal dance training at Debbie Turner’s Academy of Dance and joined the Cape Youth Dance Company at just 15 years old. By 18, she had stepped into her first professional role with the North West Dance Company. At age 20, Lorcia was nominated for the FNB Dancer of the Year Award, a pivotal moment that launched her international career. She went on to perform across Europe and the United States in theatre and corporate productions, establishing herself as a dynamic and versatile performer on the global stage.
Her transition into acting saw her land her first major television role as ‘Charmaine’ on the hit ETV series Backstage, where she held the position of Dance director and choreographer. Lorcia continued to build an impressive screen career, appearing in multiple prime-time productions. In 2019 and 2020, Lorcia was nominated for a SAFTA award for Best Supporting Actress in the drama series Lockdown, winning the award in 2019. In 2021, she earned another SAFTA nomination for Housekeepers S2, and in 2025, she was honoured with a National Film and Television Award for her role in Red Ink. Lorcia has also recently debuted on Netflix. Indeed, she currently stars the lead in prime-time telenovela Paradys.
Lorcia has also appeared as a judge on various dance platforms, featured on So You Think You Can Dance SA as choreographer, hosted Cartoon Network Dance Club and choreographed the McDonald’s Fan Dancers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the stage and screen, Lorcia is deeply committed to youth empowerment. As a passionate change facilitator, she founded Life Skills Through Dance, a development programme that has impacted over 3,000 young people. Lorcia describes her work as purpose-driven: “My art is God-gifted. I hope that through it, I create space for transformative change.” Inspiring words and DWC welcomes Lorcia to their team of international judges.