2026 World Finals Judge
Mandy Chapman
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 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.
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 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.