Kate Histon

Kate Histon is an inspiring and motivating adjudicator across all genres of dance. With experience judging in Europe, the UK, South Africa, and Australia, she brings a global perspective to her evaluations. Kate is adept in both solo and panel judging, well-versed in using voice critics and working with scribes to deliver clear, constructive, and encouraging feedback. She is passionate about helping dancers cultivate intrinsic motivation and lead from the heart.

Kate’s journey in dance began at the Tessa Maunder Ballet School in Newcastle. By six, she was performing regularly in competitions. At fourteen, she entered full-time training at the Marie Walton Academy of Dance (now the National College of Dance). As a teenager, she performed as an extra in Swan Lake with the Australian Ballet Company and later secured a two-year contract with ‘The World's Biggest Disco’ as a Jazz Dancer. Kate has also appeared in TV commercials and film for dance, acting, and modelling.

Kate’s love of teaching led her to earn her qualifications through the Royal Academy of Dance with distinction. She went on to own and operate her school, Dance Dynamics Byron Bay, for 23 years—establishing it as the largest in the Northern Rivers region. Several of her students have gone on to successful careers in performance and education.

After experiencing a mental health breakdown at seventeen due to the toxic culture in dance, Kate began a personal journey of healing. She immersed herself in both Eastern and Western philosophies to understand the mind–body connection and support her recovery. Along the way, she became certified in multiple holistic and mainstream modalities and later went on to teach meditation to pre-professional dancers, helping them develop emotional resilience, self-regulation, and mental clarity.

Kate expanded her study into human behaviour, leadership, and performance. Her work integrates applied mindset and performance science, helping dancers and creatives grow not only in skill but in self-awareness and emotional strength.

She consults internationally and is the host of Dance Real Podcast, where she shares honest conversations about the personal growth behind performance and challenges facing the dance world today. Her article on Communication Excellence has been incorporated into the curriculum at Bristol College, Massachusetts, USA.