MEET INFERNO'S JUDGES

Amber Evelyn

Amber Evelyn is a professional dancer from Barbados. She obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and a minor in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University. During her years at MSU she performed in works by Maxine Stienman, Martha Graham, Nancy Lushington, and Jessica DiMauro. Her dance studies began at The Dance Place with training in Royal Academy of Dance ballet technique where she obtained Distinctions in vocational examinations and won several awards. Upon moving to the United States she completed the International Independent Study Program at Steps on Broadway. While there she trained with many greats including; Al Blackstone, Lonne Moretton, Karen Gayle and Mindy Jackson. Her teaching career began in 2012 and she has shared her expertise with many students since then as a guest choreographer, resident choreographer, and an instructor in many genres. Besides teaching and choreography, performance has always been a great passion of hers and she continues to do so as a Team Nickelodeon dancer at Nickelodeon Universe.

Andrea Lesnick

Andrea has been dancing for over 35 years and has been sharing her talents as an educator for over 20 years. She was the proud co-owner and dance company director of the Bucks County School of the Performing Arts for the past 14 years. She received her formal training at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia as a student of Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Tap, and Modern. She has performed throughout the Tri-State Area in landmark venues such as The Merriam and Painted Bride Theatres, and was a regular at the historic Bucks County Playhouse for several years. Among her numerous Regional Theatre Performances, some favorites include A Chorus Line, Cabaret, 42nd Street, The Wedding Singer, Footloose, Oklahoma!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jesus Christ Superstar. As a choreographer, her work has earned her great praise from Main Stage Credits across New Jersey Regional Theatres and with other Performance Based Dance Programs in The Greater Philadelphia Area. Her work with the BCPA Dance Company has been the recipient of Technical Excellence, Choreography, and Creativity Awards. Most recently, Andrea led her team to many victories, which included several nominations for the Industry Dance Awards. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Andrea finds fulfillment in adjudicating dance competitions, where she imparts wisdom and guidance to the next generation of dancers.

Brittany Peterson

Brittney has been in the dance world for over 30 years, and has studied in jazz, musical theatre, tap,  lyrical, contemporary, ballet, pointe, and hiphop. She is currently the head instructor at Company C Academy of Dance, located in Columbus, GA, where she trains recreational, intermediate, and elite level dancers. Brittney has a strong passion for good mental health in the studio, and that starts with qualified instructors who encourage and create safe spaces for learning. She is a proud member of the National Dance Education Organization, Dance Educators of Georgia Society, and Americans for the Arts. Since 2021, Brittney has been a part of the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition production team. She loves being a part of this organization, creating strong women who advocate for topics like the performing arts, literacy, equality, and disability representation. She currently resides in Phenix City, AL with her husband and 2 dogs.

Crystal Burton

Crystal A. Burton, was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and has been dancing and performing since the age of four.  She attended the University of California, Irvine, where she obtained her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc..  She recently made her Off-Broadway debut, as an ensemble performer for the Tony Award nominated Broadway Musical, “The Tap Dance Kid”. Crystal currently dances for Disneyland Resorts award winning, “Tale of The Lion King”, WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and the amazingly talented, Syncopated Ladies.  She has been a featured performer in the Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical “After Midnight” on the Norwegian Escape.  And has also performed on the 2021 BET Awards, the Late Late Show with James Corden, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, America's Best Dance Crew's “Kaba Modern”, BET's Celebration of Gospel, and performing on Broadway in the New York City Tap Festival, to name a few of her credits.  She gives ALL glory to God and hopes to continue to inspire others using her gift of dance. Hence her favorite self-quote, "Love, Inspire, Dream, Dance!"- Crystal A. Burton

Danielle Mullan

Dani Mullan (she/her) is a contemporary/commercial artist and choreographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her BFA in Dance Performance and BA in Educational Studies from
Chapman University in Orange, CA. She has worked with choreographers/artists such as Azuki Umeda, Will Johnston, Mo Goodfellow, Julianne O’Brien, Michael Getman, etc. She has also
worked within the dance collective, Au.thenticity Dance Co, founded by Azuki Umeda. She has performed at events such as Palm Desert Choreography Festival, Somatics Dance Conference
and Performance Festival, Reconstruct Exhibition, Mashup  International Women’s Day Festival, IAF Choreography Exhibition, Voices Showcase: Stomping Ground LA, and more. She also
studied under the Launch Program in Brea, CA, with the mentorship of Krista Miller. Her education/training has consisted of dance performance, techniques of various genres (contemporary, jazz, ballet, modern, heels, etc.), concept creation, choreography, and more. She has choreographed in concert, commercial, and competition settings. She finds much joy and growth throughout every artistic experience, whether on screen, on stage, or within the process. Dani values artistic expression as well as cultivating strong and inspiring connections. As an educator, she is passionate about the mental health of her students and aims to create positive learning environments for young artists.

DeeDee Munson

DeeDee is the Managing Director at The Moment Dance Experience at KM Agency. She is the former General Manager/Artistic Director for Power House of Dance Dallas / Frisco & the former Artistic Director of Dance for North Texas Performing Arts. Her credits include Kilgore College Rangerette, Stephen F. Austin Repertory Company, Stephen F. Austin Pom Squad member and coach, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, and Dallas Mavericks Dancer. She is also a former Walt Disney World Dancer where she performed in The Beauty & The Beast Show, Pleasure Island Explosion Dancers, various conventions and special events, and the Rhythms of the World Show at Tokyo DisneySeas. She has also served as audition choreographer for Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Lines & Disneyland Paris. Her TV/Film credits include Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thanksgiving Day halftime with Reba McEntire, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas with Aaron Carter, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Live with Regis & Kelly, The Wendy Williams Show. She was also a dancer/actress in the movie Miss Congeniality starring Sandra Bullock.  DeeDee has taught and choreographed for studios, dance teams & theatres across the country. Her new works choreography was showcased at The Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, GA. She is an international adjudicator & master teacher. She has served as a judge for MA Dance, Varsity Brands, Cheer Power, Freedom Dance, The Groove, HTE, The USASF Dance Worlds, COP Brands, Inferno Dance & The Kilgore College Rangerettes. She currently serves on the Texas Dance Educators Association DEAL Adjudication Staff.

Devinne Cook

Devinne Cook brings a decade of expertise to the world of dance, infusing her performances with a dynamic blend of contemporary and jazz styles. Beginning her journey at the age of 3, Devinne went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and her career soared as a three-time NFL cheerleader, adding a vibrant edge to her choreography. Currently serving as a Choreographer and Dance Instructor, Devinne mentors students of all ages, guiding them through the intricacies of jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and hip hop. Her commitment lies in refining technique and nurturing creativity, preparing students for performances and competitions with flair and finesse. Offstage, she holds a Master of Science in Business from Wake Forest University, showcasing her multifaceted talents and dedication to excellence. With her expertise in jazz and contemporary choreography, paired with a passion for artistic expression, Devinne Cook continues to inspire and elevate the dance community, one captivating routine at a time.

Donielle Richmond

Donielle Richmond received her BFA in dance performance from NIU with an emphasis in ballet and Horton Modern and is a three time Musical Theatre scholarship recipient at ECC. She is the owner of Activate your Artistry Dance Convention and is personally dedicated to nurturing the next wave of dance artists. Donielle is currently under contract with Rize Modern Company of Chicago and was formally with Ascension Hip Hop Dance Company, Outlet Dance Company and Diva le Dance Professional Dance Company. Donielle has been in the dance industry as a performer, choreographer and educator for 18 years and is very excited to be a part of the Inferno team!

Erick Bateman

Erick Bateman is a multidisciplinary artist who currently resides in New York City. A graduate from the University of North Carolina - School of the Arts, Erick has an extensive technical understanding of the body from studying techniques such as Graham, Cunningham, Limon, and Countertechnique. Mr. Bateman is also a demonstrator with AcrobaticArts, a comprehensive training and certification program that provides an in-depth understanding of acrobatic
progressions to teachers and studio owners. His most recent credits include Dylan Pearce, Evan Wilkins, Sissa Strain, and Mike Baerga, as well as Broadway Dance Center as a regular sub. Erick hopes to bring the value and excitement of thorough education to the new generation of dance.

Erin Grandelli

Erin began dancing at 4yrs old in Arizona where she trained in Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, and Hip Hop, and competed nationally with Dance Motion Performing Company. After graduation she continued onto Loyola Marymount University where she earned her BS in Dance and Natural Science emphasizing in Pre-Physical Therapy. During her time at LMU she trained closely under the jazz instruction of Jason Myhre (Ricky Martin/Paula Abdul) and guest choreographers Tina Landon, Tyce Diorio, Helene Phillips, Kat Burns, and Marguerite Derricks. Her career highlights include working for Disney Cruise Line, Six Flags Magic Mountain, “Sister Act the Musical '' with choreographer Michelle Elkin, Fitness instructional videos, and special events for the Walt Disney Company. In 2017 she appeared on Nickelodeon's “The Thundermans” as a featured dancer! She revisited her love of teaching while performing in LA and choreographed for numerous studios across the LA area. Erin uses her background in health and fitness to incorporate strength training and injury prevention in her instruction. She resides in Portland, OR where she continues her love of dance and choreography working with some of the top young dancers in the PNW.

Hannah Grzymala

Hannah is a Maryland native and graduate of Marymount Manhattan College earning a BFA Major in Dance with Concentrations in Jazz, Modern, and Ballet and a Minor in Arts Management. She has performed new choreography and repertoire with several working artists such as Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish, Peter Chu, Loni Landon, Andrea Miller, and Anthony Morigerato. Hannah has also worked as an Apprentice with Parsons Dance and as a Dance Education Assistant for The Radio City Rockettes. She has also had the pleasure of continuing her education with recognized companies such as Rioult Dance NY, Martha Graham Dance, The Joffrey School, and Paul Taylor American Modern Dance, to name a few. Other performance credits include choreographic festivals both in NYC and Maryland including the Spark Dance Forum, CBG Dance Fall Festival, Steffi Nossen Choreography Showcase with Mobilized Voices Dance Collective, and the Baltimore Dance Invitational with Invisible Wings Dance Project. She currently teaches and choreographs for Steps Youth Program, Centre Pointe Performing Arts, and Harford Dance Theater. Hannah is also a fitness and cross-training enthusiast and holds her NASM Certified Personal Trainer Certificate, Balanced Body Pilates Mat Certification.

Jalila Bell

Jalila Bell is a multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and Director/Film Producer with over two decades of experience in performance and choreography for stage and screen. An alumna of the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts Dance Department and honorary member of its Theater Department, she honed her craft at the prestigious American Dance Festival, studying with luminaries Donald McKayle and Marlies Yearby. Jalila holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Dance and Government from Mills College (now Northeastern University) and a Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law. Her career includes 18 years as a boutique firm attorney in New York City, a principal dancer with Vissi Dance Theater (NYC) and Nyane Khosi Dance (NYC/South Africa), performances with Delucia Benson Dance, Bindlestiff Family Circus, Coney Island Burlesque, international touring and more. Notably, Jalila served as the inaugural Dance Artist-in-Residence for the Dolores Huerta Foundation's Camp LYFE program, creating a vibrant new curriculum. A certified Vinyasa Yoga (RYT-200) and Zumba™ instructor, she brings her creative vision to every project, bridging the worlds of movement and storytelling with her passion for artistic collaboration and cultural impact.

Jeffrey Shields

Jeff began his dance training at the age of nine under the direction of Stacey and Connie JO Wilson School of Dance in Ankeny, Iowa. After high school, he trained extensively in New York City for several years at Steps, Broadway Dance Center, and The Luigi Jazz Centre. He also went on to dance with the Rock School Ballet in Philadelphia, where he received some of the world's best ballet, jazz, contemporary, and musical theatre training. He has also had the opportunity to study with a wide range of talented dance masters over the years, including Savion Glover, Desmond Richardson, and Sascha Radetsky, to name a few. Jeff currently teaches dance throughout Iowa as a guest choreographer for Dance Studios and Dance Teams. He has been recognized for his unique choreography at several dance competitions throughout the years. He has a vast knowledge in all things dance with a keen eye in technique, and has over 30+ years of teaching experience. Jeff has former students, friends, and family who are professional dancers on Broadway today. He is a fun-loving, energetic person who loves to share his wide range of dance styles and experiences with the students he teaches across the United States.

Jennifer Hodge

Jennifer has been enthusiastically involved in the dance world for 25 years and counting. She has studied and taught an array of styles to students from studio beginners to collegiate-level dancers. Jennifer obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance Education and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Sports Science from Texas State University. Upon graduation, Jennifer began her dance team coaching and teaching career at the high school level. She soon moved into the collegiate level of coaching at Texas A&M University. In addition to coaching the Aggie Dance Team, she opened her first studio. After 10 years at A&M, she moved to Alabama and coached the dance team at Auburn University and opened her second studio in Fort Benning, GA. Jennifer is currently living in the Florida Keys, where she continues to be a consultant and choreographer for studios, high schools, colleges, professional dance teams, and dance companies across the country. She has served as a judge and competition director for over 20 years at the regional and national levels. Jennifer truly enjoys seeing each performer come alive on stage!

Joseph Temperino

Joe Temperino is from New York. He has an extensive background that allowed him to train, be on sets for music videos, television, and concerts. He has performed in numerous styles which include Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Improvisation, Jazz, Hip Hop, West African, and Tap working with some of the best artists. He has been trained by faculty from the Professional Performing Arts High School in Manhattan, New York, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Purchase Conservatory of Dance. Some of his most remarkable work consists of: So You Think You Can Dance, Casted in the Purchase Dance Company and performed work by Ohad Naharin, Marcus Jarrell Willis, and Norbert De La Cruz lll, Back up danced for the concerts Freestyle For All and Disco Ball, Casted for a TV Series Documentary of West Side Story with The Company BBC In London, Worked with Matthew Rushing along with Renee Robinson, Opened for World Tennis Day at Madison Square Garden, Worked with Earl Mosley on 2 projects, Casted in The PPAS Musical Of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, and Casted in the PPAS musical of West Side Story playing the role of Diesel. Joe is not only a dancer and actor but choreographer as well setting works on companies and studios sharing not only his dance skills but personal life experiences and artistry with those all around.

Katie Brown

A native of Lexington, KY, Katie Padgett Brown spent her early days training at Diana Evans School of Dance. As a part of the competitive team, she performed in local and national dance festivals, concerts, pageants, and competitions. With nearly 25 years of teaching experience at studios in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, Kentucky, and North Carolina, Katie prides herself on bringing a rhythm tap education to her students, and loves watching her students grow through challenges and hard work in the studio. Katie, her students, and her choreography have been performed at Lincoln Center (NYC), The Kennedy Center (DC), The Ellington Theater as part of the annual DC Tap Festival, Chicago's Contemporary Art Museum as part of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and the Ernst Cultural Center. In 2022, she completed the Level 1 Copasetic Canon Curriculum and holds a Tap Teacher Training Certificate from the American Tap Dance Foundation. Since 2020, Katie has been continuing her study of tap dance with Heather Cornell, the founder of Manhattan Tap. She is a part of the Phase 1 cohort of the Heather Cornell Legacy Project, wherein she has connected with tap dancers and musicians from across the US and Canada, focusing on history, personal connections, traditional and contemporary routines from the Tap Dance canon, as well as choreography and composition. Katie’s students have gone on to dance with M.A.D.D. Rhythms (Chicago), Music from the Sole (NYC), Dorrance Dance (NYC), The Juilliard School (NYC), The Mark Morris Dance Group, Houston Ballet 2, The Richmond Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, The Boston Ballet, BalletWest, The School of American Ballet, numerous Broadway shows, national tours, regional theatre productions, and various college and university dance programs across the United States. Katie is a proud honors graduate of Elon University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. When she is not nerding out about tap dance or dance in general, she spends her time at home in North Carolina, drawing, reading, going to concerts, listening to podcasts, and hanging out with her husband and their 2 cats, Sergeant & Pepper.

Kelsie Jayne

Kelsie graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance.  She has traveled all over the nation performing in both commercial and concert style dance works.  She spent several seasons performing at Cedar Point in shows such as Luminosity and Vertical Impact.  Kelsie also had the opportunity to perform at California's Great America in Ed Alonzo's The Second Greatest Showman.  Between contracts, she was dancing in Chicago for Chicago Dance Crash, Moonwater Dance Project, and Peckish Rhodes Performing Arts Society.  Through Chicago Dance Crash, she performed the part of Nimee Aimee in their 2017 Dance Magazine's "Most Innovative Performance" Award winning show of The Bricklayers of Oz.  She also participated in the company's unique "KTF- Keeper of the Floor" dance battles.  Other performance opportunities she had with the company included performing at the Harris Theatre for Chicago Ideas Week, for Taste of Chicago, at APAP in NYC, and performing at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. She has also had the experience of opening shows for artists such as Andy Grammar, Colbie Callait, Hinder, and even basketball legend, Lebron James.  Her teaching specialties include contemporary, hip hop, jazz, and musical theatre.  Having been teaching for approximately thirteen years, Kelsie has taught and choreographed for all ages and levels.  Her choreography has been featured all around the country as well as internationally through various performance companies. Since her love of dance extends into fitness, Kelsie is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer.  She currently lives in Raleigh, NC where she continues to choreograph and teach.

Mark Marchillo

Mark Marchillo is a classic Hollywood style Tapper and music video-style Jazz choreographer. He’s the director/choreographer of the cult dance film Breaking Legs, has danced in movies and TV, and is a former company member of the Rhapsody in Taps dance company in Los Angeles, CA. He’s appeared for Beyoncé, the Grammys, and Norman Lear. Classically trained, he studied at the San Francisco Ballet School, while also training under such jazz greats as Marguerite Derricks and Serge Rodnunsky. For tap, Mark was mentored by Dean Barlow (Paula Abdul’s tap teacher/choreographer), and Old Hollywood choreographer Miriam Nelson. Mark is a working director/producer in the entertainment industry, so if you can’t find him in the studio, he’s probably just on set somewhere.

Megan Engelstad

Known for her unparalleled fire as a mover, Megan grew up dancing in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. At a young age she wanted to push her limits and train with the older students at the higher levels, and she did. That drive and love for dance kept her hungry to not stay put. When she graduated high school she packed her bags and moved to Los Angeles. After graduating with 2 Degrees from Loyola Marymount University she immediately got a job with the elite agency in LA as an agent, Go 2 Talent Agency as an assistant agent. It only took a year and one job that was her perfect fit that she realized her dance career wasn’t over. That day she became a client of GTA and has been professional dancing ever since. That drive as a child, landed her jobs on tour with ICE CUBE in his BIG3 Tournaments, as well as a dancer for the Sparks Crew, and on the hit TV Show The Fosters. Those were only the start as her journey took her to work in Commercials for Minnie Mouse and Ford, as well as Music Videos for the likes of Charlie XCX. She’s assisted a wide arrange of working choreographers including Brian Nicholson and Terry Lindholm.  Dance will always have a place in her heart. After every competition her mom would come up to her and ask, ‘did you have fun?!’. Her mom instilled the reason why she continues to dance everyday. She loves to do what she does and continues to hope to inspire all movers to trust in their movement and she will always encourage all along the way. Community is the best support and dance is the best healer!

Michelle Piercy

Michelle Piercy began her dance training at a young age in a studio setting. She continued her dance training at Sam Houston State University, earning her BFA and MFA in dance. During her time at SHSU, She attended summer intensives and festivals such as, The American Dance Festival and Dance Italia in Lucca Italy. Michelle has also had her choreography presented in festivals including, The Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Barnstorm Dance Fest, Bailando Dance festival and 254 Waco Dance Festival. Currently Michelle is a dance educator and choreographer in the greater Houston area. 

Molly Andriola

Molly attended the State University of New York at Brockport earning a BS in Dance Performance, an MS in Dance Pedagogy from the University of Idaho, certifications I-IV in Somatics from the East West Somatic Institute in San Francisco and NY locations, and her K-12 teaching certification. She performed professionally with Kista Tucker Dance Co., Idaho Dance Theater, National Rendezvous Jazz Festival, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus as an aerialist and dancer, traveling all over the United States. Molly was a former Clinical Associate Professor of Dance at Texas A&M University where she served the dance program as an educator, dance coordinator, and artistic director of the company for a decade. She has been an adjunct professor, advisor, guest artist/lecturer & choreographer for several programs within Texas and the U.S. including Kista Tucker, Clancyworks, National Dance Association, Tarleton State University, Stephen F. Austin University, Lonestar College Kingwood, University of Idaho, Aggie Dance Team, and EastWest Somatics Institute to name a few. She often works as a consultant while on dance faculty in curriculum development and faculty mentorship, facilitating growth for both students and teachers in dance and the performing arts. In 2018, Molly was honored as the Woman of Achievement of the Year-The Arts for the Kingwood and surrounding communities for her outstanding work in dance education & performance over the past 30 years. She has been the recipient of 3 National Presidential Dance Awards and is an innovative choreographer in modern, contemporary, and ballet. During her academic career, she was the recipient of the National Dance Education of the Year University/College Award from the National Dance Association in 2008, along with the Southern District University Dance Educator of the Year 2008 and Texas University Dance Educator of the Year in 2004. She has served as a professional adjudicator for over 28 years for college programs and competition companies. Molly continues to facilitate her role as a dance educator & choreographer to students through inspiration, compassion, and discovery of one’s authentic self through the art of dance.

Nichole LeShawn

Nichole Le Shawn Woods is a Pro. Choreographer, commercial actress, dance educator, actress and model. Born in the midwest (USA), she fell in love with performing arts as a child. By the age of 11 she was an experienced competitive dancer & musician as well as commercial actress. Currently you may spot Nichole in several TV and online commercials such as The General, Goldmax, Samsung and many others. She has also modeled for international Hair and Beauty products placing ads at Sally Beauty Supply, in Glamour, Allure and Lucky magazines to name a few. Her distinctive choreography may be seen throughout worldwide events such as Cirque Du Soleil, The African Oscars, feature films, commercials, multiple award shows, International

pageants and resorts, movie musicals, national touring plays, choreography showcases, fashion shows, short films and more. Nichole launched her online company Start Smart 4 the Arts in the fall of 2014. The company serves as a guide for parents on how to get their child involved within Arts. The company covers everything from, finding talent, finding that first class all the way to steps you need to take for your child to pursue this as a career. Nichole has now released her first book to go alongside her online program. "Yep Looks Like She's Ready, Are You?" is the parents go to source for how to mindfully and consciously support kids in the arts. This transformational book touches on six key mindfulness principals for a happy journey in the arts, as well as in life. Nichole’s perseverance and excitement is unparalleled and indicates her love of the arts, her willingness to support and teach others and her destiny to excel as an Entertainer, Artist & Teacher.

Olivia Kyles

In the dance world, Olivia's career has blended higher education, dance instruction, and competitive performance, embodying a commitment to continuous learning. At Appalachian State University, her pursuit of excellence led her to technique classes, where she immersed myself in the fundamentals of Jazz, Ballet, and Modern dance. During her time at ASU, she held pivotal roles as a Choreographer for the Momentum Dance Club, an Open Class Instructor, and an ensemble dancer.  Olivia conducted annual dance classes that emphasized both technical proficiency and artistic expression. Rooted in a teaching philosophy that focuses on fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, she aimed to instill a genuine love for dance while motivating students to continually refine their skills. With over three years of instructing classes in jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, ballet, modern, and contemporary, Olivia prioritizes elevated movement and technical strengthening. Her extensive presence in the competitive dance world spans over my multiple performance years, where she was involved in solos, duets, trios, small and large groups, and productions. This journey has afforded Olivia a profound understanding of the intricacies of dance competitions. She am eager to contribute her diverse skill set and passion to the Inferno Judging panel! 

Sarina Kurrimnukus

Award-winning dancer and choreographer Sarina Kurrimbukus has been teaching and choreographing professionally throughout the Southeastern U.S. for nearly a decade. Since beginning her training in classical ballet, modern, and commercial dance at Brasstown Dance Academy, Sarina has earned a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her performance repertoire features works by B.J. Sullivan, Ronald K. Brown, Kara Jenelle, and more. Adept across genres and techniques — including Cunningham, Limón, Safety Release, and Horton — Sarina has continued her professional career in studio, commercial, and academic settings. As an educator, her passion is to foster safe, meaningful, and encouraging experiences for young artists. Sarina is currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, where she teaches, choreographs, and judges national competitions around the country.

Shae Forest

Shae Forest holds an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University and a BFA in Dance from UMass Amherst. Shae recently worked as a swing in Reagle Music Theatre’s ‘An American In Paris’. She also choreographed for Milton Academy’s “Something Rotten!” musical Production.  Shae performed in Journey Through Christmas by Robyn Goulette (Amato Center, NH), City Ballet of Boston's Ballet Banquet (Strand Theater), and Tony William's Urban Nutcracker (Shubert Theater). Shae’s teaching credits include dance faculty at Dean College, Milton Academy, and many dance studios in New England. Her choreography has been featured in DanceInforma Magazine, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Dean College Faculty Works, NYCDA Critic's Choice, Nonprofit Boston City Lights, and more. Shae’s website is ShaeForest.com.

Shelby Moquin

With a passion for dance ignited by 14 years of training in styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and tap hip-hop, Shelby brings a wealth of experience to the stage. Shelby has attended numerous competitions and conventions throughout her dance career.  Her choreography has also won multiple awards, such as Best of Show, Creative Concept, and other accolades. Her background extends to teaching, having nurtured young dancers at various levels for over 6 years, currently inspiring students at High Temperature Dance Academy. Shelby believes in fostering artistry alongside technical skill and approaches judging, focusing on encouraging growth through constructive feedback. She judges for Inferno Dance Competitions and is an Impact Dance Adjudicators network member. Some of Shelby’s career highlights include her choreography winning Best Of Show at the Precision Arts Challenge, Most Creative Concept at the Precision Arts Challenge, and being a Star Dance Alliance - 2023 Power Rankings Champion. As a dancer, Shelby enjoyed performing in the Midwest Starz Standout Dancer 2019 Showcase, dancing at the COATA festival in Des Moines, IA, and now supporting her amazing students. 

Tara Freiburg

With nearly four decades dedicated to the art of dance, Tara has evolved into the epitome of a seasoned teacher, choreographer, and performer. She began dancing at the age of 3 and is well-versed and trained in the disciplines of Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Following her graduation from high school, Tara's passion for dance propelled her onto prestigious platforms, including performing with the nationally ranked University of Minnesota Dance Team, as well as showcasing her talent as a professional dancer and cheerleader for both the NFL and NBA. Tara's mastery in Jazz, Lyrical, and Tap has taken her on a journey across the United States, establishing her as a highly sought-after instructor and choreographer in the Minneapolis area for over 25 years. Her expertise extends to National High School All-Star Teams and NCAA College Dance Teams, where she imparts her wisdom in Jazz and Pom choreography. Beyond accolades and awards, Tara finds profound fulfillment in nurturing the next generation of dancers. She takes immense pride in witnessing her students grow and excel, consistently striving to bring out the best in each individual she mentors. Under her guidance, many students have achieved top honors and awards, and have gone on to pursue professional dance careers, performing on renowned stages from Broadway to cruise lines and music videos. With an extensive background in both the competitive dance realm and the instructional sphere, Tara possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with aspiring dancers of all levels—whether they are novice dancers or advanced teenage aspiring professionals. Regardless of their goals, she approaches each student with equal measures of precision and compassion, fostering growth and development with a keen eye and a nurturing heart.

Currently, Tara teaches master classes and adjudicates at some of the nation's most esteemed competitions. She remains steadfast in her mission to inspire and shape the future of dance, aiming to be a catalyst for the dreams of aspiring dancers with every step she takes.  Tara cannot wait to see the amazing and electrifying talent that will grace the stage and is eager to share her passion and love of dance with all the dancers and teachers she encounters.

Tara Youngman

Tara Youngman was born and raised in New Jersey, and began her
early training at Center Stage Dance and Theater School, under the
direction of George Warren. Here she studied classical ballet, pointe,
modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop, acting and voice. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance from the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College with a concentration in Ballet Performance. While at Purchase, she was the selected Senior awarded with the Achievement in Dance Award. She also was selected to attend Springboard Danse in Montreal. Throughout her career Tara has danced with Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, Hudson Ballet Theater, BodyTraffic Contemporary Dance Company, Gleich Dances, Distributed Movement and Satellite Collective. She’s had the privilege to perform in notable works with
world renowned choreographers like Robbert Battle, George
Balancine, William Forsythe, Jessica Lang, Igal Perry, Yin Yue,
Nicholas Palmquist, and Dwight Rhoden. She is now a freelance
dancer in NYC. In addition to performing, Tara has been teaching and choreographing for the past seven years. She has taught Ballet, Pointe,
Contemporary, Jazz, Modern and Lyrical, for students ages 5-18, from
the most beginner to advanced levels. Her students have been
selected and attended programs at the Ailey School, SUNY Purchase,
Rutgers Mason Gross, and Montclair State University to name a few.
Her choreography has been featured at SUNY Purchase, and at the
Hudson Ballet Theater Gala in NYC, and most recently she just
choreographed for NYC Fashion Week.

Taylor Dominique Conaler

Taylor Dominique is a 25 year old Movement Artist currently located in Austin, Texas. Guided by mentor "Stevo" Mcmarion during her teenage years, she went on to win numerous dance competition awards and showcasing her creativity in dance. After graduating high school, Taylor went on to choreograph for her former dance team and other teams in the Saginaw/Fort Worth Area. She then attended Texas State University, obtaining her BFA  in Dance Performance and Choreography. At TXST, Taylor was a founding member of the art collective showcase Queer Dance Freakout (operated by Dawn Miller in Chicago). She then moved to Austin  and has had the privilege of gracing the stages of various local movement groups here, including Ballet East, Early Era Dance Collective, Dance Waterloo, BlipSwitch, and more. Taylor eagerly anticipates continuing her artistic journey alongside the vibrant community of artists.

Torianna Thomas

Torianna is a professional choreographer and dance educator from Columbus, Ohio. She has a very diverse background in dance and competitive dance and has undergone many years of training. Dancing has been her passion for many years and she fell in love with choreography at the age of 16. She has choreographed three musicals : “Pippin” , “Cats” and “Seussical”. She is currently a competitive dance coach & choreographer at Dance E.L.I.T.E performance academy. She has choreographed many award winning competitive dances. Her dances have won numerous 1st place awards, special awards, highest scoring dance and choreography awards. She teaches guest classes and creates choreography for studios and companies that are located in and out of Ohio. Torianna has a strong passion for teaching & cultivating an inspiring and encouraging environment in her classroom.

Wyndee McGovern

Wyndee McGovern is a master teacher certified by Dance Educators of America as well as Dance Masters of America.   She is a member of National Dance Educator Organization and The National Honor Society for Dance.  

As the Artistic Director of Spotlight Studio of Dance in Millersville, MD overseeing a complete program of Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics, Lyrical & Hip-Hop for dancers ages 2 to 18,  In 2002, her choreography for “Slippin’into Darkness” earned her a position as a finalist in the Jazz Dance World Congress’ Choreography Event sponsored by “Leo Dancewear”, which recognizes outstanding achievement in choreography throughout the world.  In that same year, she founded “Jazzfuzion”, a pre-professional performance company, specializing in Contemporary and Jazz.  In March 2004, Wyndee and her Company made their Broadway debut in “Nothin’ Like a Dame – 2004 at the St. James Theater with their interpretation of Michael Jackson’s “In The Closet”.   Spotlight served as the original home of “Oasis Dance Ensemble” consisting only of Spotlight trained dancers and choreographers and was awarded the “Silver” Medal for Choreography at the 2009 Leo’s Choreographic Event held at the Jazz Dance World Congress in Chicago, Ill.

In 2008, Wyndee was commissioned to choreograph for the noted Kirov Academy of Ballet’s Holiday Concert in Washington, DC. That same year she went on to implement a new Contemporary program for their advanced/pre-professional levels and serves as the resident teacher of the same.  Ms. McGovern served as chief dance advisor for the “Winning Way” College Preparation Program continuing to research and help advance young dancers through the college and career path and implements this program to her Junior and Senior year students providing mentoring, guidance and inspiration to those that participate.  Wyndee also continues to serve as a judge and adjudicator for many reputable organizations including Inferno, Dance Masters of America Title Pageants and Performing Arts Scholarship Program, Showbiz National Talent Competition, Legacy Talent, Dance Educators of America, Onstage America.  
 “The McGovern Method”  of body conditioning, training and injury prevention has been presented in Baltimore County Public Schools as well as MAPHERD Convention for the state of Maryland.  She  was invited to co- hosted the web series “Cornered” lead by her friend and colleague, Justin Misenhelder.   She was honored when after twice cohosting, “Cornered” was filmed from her home in MD during the Baltimore riots and topics ranged from politics of the time to pop culture.  Her proudest moment by far was when her Mentor and Teacher, President of Dance Educators of America - Fran Peters assisted in helping her "Method" get adopted by Dance Educators of America into their Teachers Training program and has served as the official warm up of their Title Scholarship and Musical Theater Nationals event.   Wyndee has a passion for teaching and mentoring her “dance babies” as if they were her own.  Her motto is “they will give up on me long before I give up on them”.  Lastly, Wyndee is also a very proud single mom to her beautiful daughter that is certainly following in her mothers footsteps becoming a dancer herself as well as and modeling!  

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