I remember sitting behind the judges’ table, watching a soloist glide across the stage with breathtaking turns and flawless technique. Her lines were clean, her feet were pointed, and her control was undeniable.

But her face?

A complete blank.

As a judge, it’s one of the most frustrating things to witness—because I want to give her a higher score. She’s obviously trained. She’s clearly committed. But in a category where stage presence and storytelling count for up to 25% of the score, I can’t reward a dancer who gives me nothing to feel. And I know I’m not the only one judging that way.

Welcome to the 75% Rule.

What Is the 75% Rule?

It’s a core principle of the FAME Method and one of the first things I teach dancers inside the Fame Academy. Here’s the gist:

✅ If you crush your technique,
✅ deliver solid musicality,
✅ and hit all your choreography and costuming marks,

…but give nothing in your face or storytelling,
you’re maxing out at 75% — at best.

And in the world of competitive dance, 75% doesn’t win.

You can’t afford to ignore performance expression. Judges don’t just want to see a beautiful dancer — they want to feel something. And without intentional facial expressions, emotion-driven movement, and a connection to the music, your score gets stuck in neutral, no matter how perfect your technique is.

The Real-World Example: Pageants, Nationals, and That One Dancer

When I judged the Miss North Dakota pageant, people would ask, “Do you already know who’s going to win?” But we don’t — because the performance tells us everything. The way a dancer walks into a room, the way she lights up the stage — those things matter just as much as polish and poise.

At Talent On Parade Nationals, I watched the same thing play out. Dancers with strong tricks didn’t always make the top cut. But dancers with stage presence, personality, and storytelling? They left a lasting impact and moved up in the rankings — fast.

I’ve seen technically strong dancers lose top placements simply because they refused to use their faces.

Why This Matters for You

If you’re a competitive dancer, here’s the tough truth:
No one gets a free pass on facials anymore.
Even if you’re the “studio star” or the “technician,” you’re still judged on presence and performance.

Think about it: You run your solo dozens of times to clean up your legs, your lines, and your transitions. But when’s the last time you ran it just to rehearse your storytelling? If the answer is never, you’re already starting at a disadvantage.

Try the 75% Rule on Yourself

Want to see where you might be losing points? I made a free self-coaching worksheet just for this episode. It breaks down the four scoring categories and helps you pinpoint exactly where you’re shining — and where you’re slipping.

👉 Download the worksheet here
It’s the same one we use inside the Fame Method. (And yes, I do the work for you when you’re a student.)

For My Technical Perfectionists…

If you’re a dancer who thrives on precision, I see you.
You’ve worked hard for those clean turns, those sharp lines, that incredible control. But don’t let your respectful classroom silence carry over to the stage. It’s holding you back.

Being expressive doesn’t mean being wild or over-the-top. It means understanding the story, reading the musical cues, and showing us who you are — without saying a word.

Want More Than a Worksheet?

Inside the Fame Academy, we work together for 6 weeks in the fall and come back in the spring for feedback. It’s the only time of year I open this coaching group, and it’s designed specifically for competitive dancers who want to stand out, not just blend in.

💥 If you’re ready to stop guessing and start winning —
🎭 If you want confident facials, clear storytelling, and performance power —
Now’s the time to join the waitlist.

👉 Join the Fame Academy Waitlist
Only opens once a year. Don’t miss it.

You’ve got the turns. Let’s fix the face.
Be brave. Tell your story. And own the stage.