MEET INFERNO'S JUDGES

Aimee Sellars

 Aimee started dancing from a very young age, and went on to graduate with a BFA in choreography and performance from UNC Greensboro in 2005. For several years Aimee danced professionally in jazz and modern companies around North Carolina. She has trained and worked with choreographers such as Neil Schwartz, Dres Reid, Jan Van Dyke, and Sheila Barker to name a few. Aimee has also performed in Las Vegas at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Caesars Palace. Since her return to NC, Aimee continues to train, perform, and teach locally. In 2012 Aimee started the dance program at Franklin Academy Charter high school and middle school as well as coached their dance teams. The program is still in existence today and hugely successful. Aimee also enjoys traveling the country judging for dance competitions. In 2013 Aimee became Co-Owner of the Wake Forest Academy of Fine Arts and continues to teach and choreograph for dancers of all ages. As a teacher she is able to inspire other dancers, as well as continue to develop her own unique style of choreography. Aimee believes her true calling in the dance community is sharing her passion for dance through teaching. 

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.

Brittanie Resha

Brittanie Resha started taking dance classes at 3 years old. She grew up taking classes at Patricia Hill Dance Studio in Hermitage, TN. She was on the Mount Juliet High School and Western Kentucky University dance teams. She received a Bachelors Degree in Broadcast Communications/ Radio and Tv Operations and a minor in dance. She is trained to teach ballroom and all the different styles of dance. She opened a dance studio with her family in 2007. The studio is called Resha’ s School of Dance and is located in Mount Juliet, TN.

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.

Courtney Scherer

Courtney is a well-known Regional and National award-winning Choreographer. From soloists to productions, her pieces are awarded with 1st Overalls, Best Musicality, Technique, Scholarships and National Championships. Not only is Courtney an award-winning choreographer; She collaborated with Disney for the Inauguration of The Disney Dream Cruise Line, has performed and choreographed for sold-out Musicals, and trains other Studio Directors and Teachers to help them progress to their highest level. Courtney began her own Professional Dance Company in 2013. Her Company has been hired to perform in Official Music Videos, Creative City Project IMMERSE, Fundraisers collecting close to $1,000,000 and Corporate events. Courtney travels Nationwide teaching master classes and workshops where she trains her students to be mentally and physically empowered. She also choreographs for numerous studios on all levels and styles. When Courtney is judging, she not only looks for the technique aspect of dance but also the emotion and drive behind the dancer's performance. 

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!

Drew Geck

Drew Geck is a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher specializing in tap dance. Growing up in the Twin Cities, she trained at a competitive studio in a variety of styles. Drew is currently a performer, dance captain and assistant director for Ricci Milan’s “Rhythm Street Movement,” a National act that performs original shows with tap dancers, beatboxers and a live band. Drew has also nationally toured and performed with “Rhythmic Circus” a high energy show incorporating tap dance and live music. Other

highlighted professional performances include: the NFL Super Bowl LII, “Cabarave” a Minneapolis based theater company, Heatbox’s “Hilarious and Epically Legendary” Live Show and “Twin Cities Tap Festival Concert.” Drew is an award winning choreographer and a judge for National Dance Competitions. A little fun fact about Drew; she is an alumni of the University of St. Thomas Dance Team with whom she won back to back National Champion Titles at the Universal Dance Association College National Competition. Drew loves to share her passion for all things dance.

Dustin Praylow

Dustin Praylow is a South Carolina Native who began his dance training under the instruction of Karl Singletary at Dancin’ on Main Studios in Lake City, South Carolina. He furthered his dance training as a Dance Minor at the University of South Carolina earning a degree in 2016. After graduation, Dustin began his professional career with Norwegian Creative Studios performing aboard the Norwegian Pride of America, The Regent Seven Seas Mariner, and performing in the Broadway Show After Midnight aboard the Norwegian Escape. Notable credits also include Trustus Theater’s production of Dreamgirls and the American Music Theater’s production of The First Noel. Dustin worked as a Performing Artist with Step Afrika! based in Washington D.C for three consecutive years, and is now a Dance Teacher at the Holton-Arms School.

Erick Bateman

Erick Bateman is a multidisciplinary artist who currently resides in New York City. Graduating 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, and has been privileged to perform exciting repertory works from  choreographers such as Anouk van Dijk, Doug Varone, and Paul Taylor. Mr. Bateman is also certified with AcrobaticArts, a comprehensive training and certification program that provides an in-depth understanding of acrobatic progressions. 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.

George Jones

George Jones started dancing in 2008 immediately after high school. George joined The Elektrolytes Dance Crew and competed all over Arizona and eventually in the nation. Elektrolytes Dance Crew has enabled George to expand his horizon in the dance world by means of gaining experience in performance, teaching choreography, and networking with other dancers and dance crews around the world. While being a part of the Elektrolytes, George and his crew members have received many accolades in competition and showcases. George has also had the opportunity to be apart of MTV's America's Best Dance Crew (season 7 Champs and season 8 contestants), Disney Channel’s Shake it Up, Dance 2 Dance San Diego, Dance to Dance Switzerland, XIII Latin Grammy performance, performances in Vail, Colorado, Lagos, Nigeria for Sahara Energy, and London, England for World Dance Management at Saddler Wells Theater. George has worked with Rosero McCoy, Scotty Nguyen, Beau 'Casper' Smart, Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo, LMFAO, Flo-Rida, and NE-YO. Dancing with the Elektrolytes helped George learn how to create his own brand of choreography and found a way to fuse them with contemporary techniques. Dance has opened up many doors for George to teach, set choreography routines, and instruct workshops locally, nationally, and internationally. George currently has an AFA from Scottsdale Community College where he also trained in Modern, Ballet, jazz, and contemporary styles as well as teaches SCC classes and sets choreography on their teams. Along with Nico and Jena Banuelos George and Anna Jones co-own Elektro Dance Academy which is an Arizona based dance conglomerate that continues to produce high caliber dance companies and industry dancers that perform locally, nationally, and on television. George not only oversees all Marketing for Elektro Dance Academy (including social media, content curation , and search engine optimization) but also spearheaded the contemporary fusion teams, LUX contemporary branch, at Elektro Dance Academy (novice to professional). George continues to expand the company's name and build relationships in the dance industry. 

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 and educator. She is an alumni of the dance department at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, an honorary member of the ASAWA SOTA Theater Department, and a graduate of the American Dance Festival six-week school, where she studied with Donald McKayle and Marlies Yearby. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Mills College (Northeastern University). She also has a Juris Doctor from the Golden Gate University Law School, and maintained a boutique legal practice in New York City for 17 years. Jalila has appeared in, choreographed, and produced

projects for the stage and screen for over two decades. Jalila was a principal dancer for Nyane Khosi Dance (NYC/South Africa) and Vissi Dance Theater (NYC), each for 7 years respectively. She has also performed with Delucia Benson Dance, for the Bindlestiff Family Circus, and for Coney Island Burlesque Star GiGi BonBon, and more. Jalila is a certified and registered Vinyasa yoga instructor (RYT-200), and a certified ZumbaTM and Zumba GoldTM Instructor.

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 at Steps, Broadway Dance Center, and The Luigi Jazz Centre for several years.  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 which include Savion Glover, Desmond Richardson, and Sascha Radetsky, to name a few.

Jeff currently teaches dance at his local studio in Urbandale, Iowa.  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 over 25+ years of teaching experience.   

Jeff has former students, friends and family who are in the industry 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 spent the majority of her life either dancing or teaching dance. She began dancing at an early age and has had the opportunity to turn her passion for dance into her career. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance Education and 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 coaching the “Aggie Dance Team”. In addition to coaching she opened the A&M Dance and Performing Arts Academy. Soon after marring her husband she moved to Fort Benning, Georgia where she opened her second studio Dance Force and coached the Auburn University “Tiger Paws”. She is now living in the Florida where she continues to be a consultant and choreographer for studios, high schools, colleges and professional dance team across the United States.

Josh Nixon

Josh Nixon is a professional Tap Dancer, Choreographer, and Instructor. Josh grew up training in ballet, lyrical, jazz and tap, but ultimately fell in love with Tap Dance with the encouragement from his teacher, Heidi Stafford. Josh joined the Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble at 13, under the direction of Katie Padgett and Jason Holley where he was exposed to performing opportunities throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. Later in his teens and under the mentorship of Chloe & Maud Arnold, Derick Grant and Ted Louis Levy, he began performing at corporate events and for television commercials under the direction of Joseph Webb and Crishon Jerome. As his career grew, Josh has had the privilege to participate in workshops, shows and festivals in over 30 states in America and 20 countries throughout the world. He has been seen in both Dance Teacher and Dance Magazines, performed at events and commercials for Marriott, Utz and the NFL among other companies. Recent Credits include the Fred Astaire Awards, the Root 100 Awards, Lincoln Center, The Smithsonian Institution, The Kennedy Center, Walt Disney Company and the MS Europa 2 cruise ship. As a choreographer, Josh’s work has received many regional and national recognitions and has been seen on many national/international stages including at the Miss America Pageant. Josh passes on his love, respect and knowledge for tap dance as a guest instructor at a handful of Universities and studios throughout the United States, as well as continuously developing new works and projects.

Julia Kane

Julia Kane is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer in NYC, currently on Jazz Faculty at Broadway Dance Center. With a vast knowledge and training in technical Jazz, Ballet, and Modern, her work emphasizes stylized reach and release on top of a strong technical foundation. Julia has produced two shows, Cultivated Chaos and (sun)BURST, both benefiting Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. When she's not in the studio, she is working for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where she mentors high school students to become philanthropists and fundraisers, while advocating for the rights and needs of cancer patients and their families. She is a cancer survivor, and dedicates her daily work as an artist to her friends that we have lost too soon.

Justine Protopapa

Justine Protopapa was born and raised in London, England. She was asked to join The Royal Ballet School at age 9. She won Englands Young Choreographer of the year and knew this is what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Her professional career started at age 10 in the West End of London production. She was trained extensively in ballet by her mother, a renowned studio owner and Professional honoree of The Royal Ballet in London.

Justine moved to Los Angeles and was honored to be on scholarship with Joe Tremaine and then with Jackie Sleight.

She was hired by Millennium (Los Angeles, Ann-Marie Baker) to teach Ballet and Lyrical. She has taught for many prominent

studios and has been brought in to either ‘Fix” dance programs or introduce new facets as well as a guest choreographer. She has also owned her own studio in CA. As part of her career she has been published in the LA Times and the London Times for her teaching expertise in making ballet accessible and fun . She was also approached by Dance Studio Life Magazine and asked to write an article entitled ‘Judging the Judges’’. She has subsequently been an occasional contributor. Justine’s choreographic work has been honored nationally and internationally, she still spends several weeks in London teaching and choreographing most years. Her students have gone on to dance for Professional Ballet companies, she has several on Broadway currently, The West End and has countless pieces in competition rotation. Justine teaches Contemporary, Ballet, Musical Theater, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz and Contortion Acro.

Karen Gore

Karen started studying dance over 30 years ago in suburban Chicago and continued at the University of Illinois. After graduation, she continued to study throughout Chicago with various studios and performances including working with Disney and the Magnificent Mile Parade. She has taught, choreographed and directed dance programs for over 20 years and choreographed many award-winning competitive routines. Currently, she is teaching and choreographing in suburban Chicago and judging for multiple studio competition companies as well as state and national Dance Team organizations including Dance Team Union and Varsity All-Star. Her judging began in 2009 and is the Vice President of the Alliance of Illinois Dance Adjudicators. Karen serves on the Board of Directors for the Cheer and Dance Industry Professionals Judiciary Committee and Dancing for Dancers, a non-profit organization. She also is a member of the Illinois Dance Officials Association, the National Dance Education Association, the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts and has completed all the judging credentialing levels through the National Dance Coaches Association. Dance is truly a wonderful outlet for expression no matter how old or how young you are! Karen lives in Lake Zurich with her husband and 3 young children.

Katie Brown

Borin in Lexington, KY, Katie Brown spent her early days at Diana Evans School of Dance. With 20+ years of experience at studios in VA, MD, DC, KY, and NC, she takes pride in bringing a broad tap dance education to her students. Performance highlights: The Kennedy Center (DC) Gala-hosted by Julie Andrews, featuring the NSO Pops conducted by Marvin Hamlisch, a second Gala-hosted by Angela Lansbury, w/ the Preservation Hall Jazz Band 

Lincoln Center (NYC). Most recently, Katie, her students, and her

choreography have been seen at the Ellington Theater (DC Tap Fest), The Kennedy Center, Chicago's Contemporary Art Museum, & Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, among others. Her choreography has received top honors at various competitions in the mid-Atlantic region. She recently completed two sessions of Heather Cornell’s Tap Labs, and holds a certificate in the Level 1 Copasetic Canon Curriculum, through the American Tap Dance Foundation. 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), NYU (NYC), The Mark Morris Dance Group, The National Ballet of Canada, Ballet West, several Broadways shows, national tours, regional theatre productions, and many college/university dance programs across the United States. Katie

is an honors graduate of Elon University.

Lindsey White

Lindsey White hails from the suburbs of Minneapolis/St.Paul MN and currently calls Minnesota home. She is a graduate of Santa Monica College with an Associates of Arts degree in dance and has gone on to dance, choreograph, and teach across the country.  She has danced professionally with Kybele Dance Theater, Poetry in Motion, Contemporary Dance Wyoming, and Crash Dance Productions. Her teaching roster includes Larkin Dance Studio, Dancer’s Workshop, Yackel Dance Studio, CDP2, as well as many others. Lindsey’s passion for yoga and mental health brings forth an emphasis on teaching well balanced dancers, physically and mentally. She enjoys time in the studio and the process of creating new works on dancers who are open minded and explorative in their approach toward dance and artistic expression. Lindsey is pleased to be with Inferno Dance Competition and wishes all dancers a fulfilling experience! 

Lydia Hacker

Lydia Hacker has been dancing for over 20 years. She began her training as a competitive dancer, and she continued to pursue her love of dance through her college career at the University of Akron, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Dance. Currently, Lydia is in her third season as an NBA Dancer with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This year Lydia is in the role of captain with the Cavaliers Dance Team. Lydia’s time with the
Cavaliers has consisted of many exciting opportunities, such as performing at the NBA Allstar Game in 2022 and the NBA Paris Game in 2024. She has performed as a backup dancer for
artists such as Train, Montell Jordan, LL Cool J, and DJ Khaled. Lydia is passionate about dance education and outreach. When she is not performing, she is sharing her passion for
dance with her students!

Makayla Wade

Makayla Wade from Panama City, FL began dancing at the age of two and has been performing ever since! Makayla danced competitively and was awarded regional and national awards. Following high school, Makayla received a dance scholarship at Troy University where she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance in 2021. After completing her freshman year, she was awarded Troy University’s Theatre and Dance “Outstanding Freshman” Award. In the summer of 2018, she studied abroad in Pietrasanta, Italy where she trained and performed for two weeks with world renowned faculty at The DAP Festival of Pietrasanta! In 2019, Makayla  performed with Rosie Simas Danse Company in the piece “Weave” at the Alabama Dance Festival. She began to find a love for choreography and in the fall of 2019 she choreographed in Troy University’s Fall Dance Concert “The Fallen” and in 2021 “BLOOD”.  Following graduation she performed with Cedar Point Live Entertainment in “Pep Rally”, “150th Night Show Celebration and Parade” and “The Shrieks”  where she worked with Marilyn Magness, Josh Assor and Phillip Vitug. Following Cedar Point, Makayla shifted into cruise ships with Virgin Voyages where she performed and dance captained many shows onboard including “Untitled Dance Party Show Thing”, “Ships in the Night” and inaugural cast of “Its a Ship Show”. She performed works created by Ani Taj, Sam Pinkleton, House of Yes, Jenny Gersten, 7Fingers and more! Between contracts, Makayla teaches master classes and choreographs across the south region. Her choreography has won many regional and national awards including “Best Choreography” in open and contemporary category. Makayla hopes to continue to inspire the next generation of dancers!

Maggie Foster

Maggie Foster is from Westchester, NY where she trained and performed with The Westchester Ballet Company and Logrea Dance Academy. She has attended summer intensives at CPYB, Ellison Ballet, Boston Ballet, LINES Ballet, Spellbound Ballet, The Alvin Ailey School, and Movement Invention Project. She received a BFA in Contemporary Dance Performance from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee in Boston, MA. Maggie worked for many years in Boston as a company dancer with Contrapose Dance, EgoArt Inc., and Ruckus Dance, and as a choreographer and dance educator. Her choreography has been selected for multiple film festivals and performance curations, and has placed in the top three at YAGP Boston semi-finals. Currently, Maggie is a choreographer and educator based in Boulder, CO, and is a comprehensively certified Pilates Instructor.

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!

Melaina Rairamo

Most recently seen at the Historic Fulton Theater in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Cinderella and Mamma Mia, additional stage performances include Singing in the Rain, I Love a Piano, Beauty and the Beast (Maine State Music Theater), Escape to Margaritaville (North Shore Music Theater) and A Christmas Carol (The Guthrie Theater). Professional training experience includes: Qianping Guo (Pacific Northwest Ballet and Liaoning Ballet of China), Cornelius Carter (Cleo Robinson Parker Dance Ensemble and Broadway Dance Center) and Elena Kunikova (St.Petersburg's Mikhailovsky Theatre Ballet and Steps on Broadway) as well as many other outstanding teachers throughout the region. Melaina is represented by Daniel Hoff Agency and a member of Actors Equity Association.

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 holds a BS in Dance Performance from SUNY Brockport, MS in Dance Pedagogy from the University of Idaho, certifications I-IV in Somatics from ESN Institute CA and NY and TX 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/dancer traveling the country. Molly is a former Clinical Associate Professor of Dance from Texas A&M University where she served as dance coordinator, artistic director, and senator, for a decade. In addition, she has served as an adjunct professor, guest artist, choreographer, and lecturer in Texas for KTD Co., Tarleton State University, Stephen F. Austin University, Lonestar College, TAMU Aggie Dance Team and several private
studios. In 2018, Molly was honored by her community as the Woman of Achievement of the Year in The Arts for her outstanding work in dance education & performance. Additional awards include National University Dance Educator of the Year, Southern District University Dance Educator of the Year, and Texas
University Dance Educator of the Year. Molly has worked as a professional adjudicator and consultant for over 20 years among competitions and collegiate programs.

Nichole LeShawn

Nichole LeShawn, a seasoned professional in choreography, commercial acting, dance education, and modeling. She discovered her passion for the performing in her Midwest
childhood. By age 11, she excelled as a competitive dancer, commercial actress and competitive musician, Today you may spot Nichole in TV and online commercials for brands like Target, The General, etc. Her modeling portfolio graced international Hair and Beauty products, appearing in Glamour, Allure, and Lucky magazine, etc. She has choreographed for Cirque Du Soleil, the Oscars, TV & Film, International artist, resorts, pageants &  more.
In 2015, Nichole founded Start Smart 4 the Arts, an online platform guiding parents on nurturing their children's artistic talents. Her commitment expanded in 2022 with Artist Aligning Dance
Center, offering mind, body, and emotional training. The center aims to instill mindfulness through dance, creating a transformative arts experience. Nichole's dedication led to her book, "Yep Looks Like She's Ready, Are You?" accompanying her online program, focusing on six key mindfulness principles for parents navigating their child's arts journey. Nichole's unwavering
perseverance and enthusiasm reflect her love for the arts, dedication to teaching, marking her path as an exceptional Entertainer, Artist, and 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

Sarina is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Dance with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography. She has performed in numerous works at UNCG choreographed by B.J. Sullivan, Ronald K. Brown, Kara Jenelle, and more. Sarina began choreographing seven years ago and her work has received multiple awards including first overall at Kids Artistic Revue Competition. She has taught ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and tap for eight years. Sarina is currently based in Nashville Tennessee teaching, choreographing, and judging national competitions around the country.

Shae Forest

Shae Forest's dance journey began at Dance Designs Cape Cod, under Amy DeFeudis' direction, exploring various styles from hip-hop with Keith Silva to ballet with Norah-Dale Allen. Shae earned a BFA in Dance, a minor in Psychology, and a Professional Certificate in Arts Management from UMass Amherst, training with renowned artists like Paul Dennis, Bronwen MacArthur, and Debra Vega. She further enriched her dance education at the prestigious University of Roehampton in the U.K. Upon returning, Shae performed in faculty works in the Five Colleges and was a finalist for the New England Patriots Cheerleaders. Post-graduation, Shae joined SGDE's "Journey Through Christmas," choreographed by Robyn Goulette. She also collaborated with Sarah-Kay "Skooj," performing at various events, including the Optima Conference in Boston and other flashmob performances. Shae performed with City Ballet of Boston in Tony William's Urban Nutcracker, alongside Khalid Hill and other talented artists. Her choreography has been featured in DanceInforma Magazine, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Hemi Moore's "When?" video, Dean College Faculty Works, Rolling Loud Miami, and NYCDA Critic's Choice. Currently, Shae shares her passion as a teacher in Dean College's dance program. She also pursues an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University while professionally judging for dance competitions nationwide. Her 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, 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 with a focus on encouraging growth through constructive feedback. 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, and now supporting her amazing students. 

Sydney Knudson Mitchell

Sydney Knudson Mitchell works as a Dance Teacher, Judge, Master Teacher, and Choreographer around the country. As a young adult she traveled the United States and Australia with the Star Dance Alliance, directing and planning dance competitions, teaching
master classes ,and setting outside choreography. She has won numerous awards for her choreography including- National Musical Theater Choreographer of the year. She grew up as a competitive dancer and holds two Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Dance and Organizational Sciences. She is also Ellove Technique Certified and has a BASI Pilates Certification. In collaboration with her work in the dance competition industry, Sydney has years of experience in teaching in studio, dance team, and convention settings. Sydney's passion is educating dancers on true foundational technique built on strength and education.

Tara Youngman

Tara Youngman was born and raised in New Jersey, and began

her early training at Center Stage Dance and Theater School, under direction of George Warren. Here she studied classical ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, acting, voice, and hip-hop.

She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance from

the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, with a concentration in Ballet. Professionally, Tara has danced with Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, Hudson Ballet Theater, Wyckoff Collective, Body Traffic, Distributed Movement and Satellite Collective. Throughout her career she has performed across the country in works of all styles by, George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Jessica Lang, Robert Battle, Johannes Wieland, Igal Perry, and Matthew Neenan, to name a few. She has also modeled for Capezio, Advisory Board Crystals x Swarovski, and Dance Magazine. In addition to performing, she has taught and choreographed Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, and Modern, across the country to both pre-professional, and professional dancers. Tara’s choreography has been named in the top overalls at the regional and national level. Her students have been selected and attended programs at The Ailey School, SUNY Purchase, Rutgers Mason Gross, Montclair State University, Princeton Ballet, and The Joffrey Ballet School.

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.

Victoria Dolph

Victoria Dolph began dancing at the age of two. She started her classical ballet training at five with Anna Ward and at age seven began her training with Mme. Krassovska. Ms. Dolph enjoyed

performing many ballets while with Krassovska’s Ballet Jeunesse including Paquita, Les Sylphides, Chopiniana, La Bayadere, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Raymonda and Pas de Quatre. While under Madame Krassovska's training she received the Nadine Nicolaeva-Legat scholarship to the Russian Ballet Society in Scotland. She was also awarded full scholarship to attend the Ballet Magnificat summer intensive and was the 2001 Dance Council of North Texas’

Nathalie Skelton Scholarship recipient for the Glenda Brown Choreographer’s Conference in Austin. Ms. Dolph attended the Rockette Summer intensive in NYC and danced at Radio City

Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. She has danced professionally with Krassovska’s Ballet Jeunesse, Irving Ballet Company, and Fort Worth/Dallas Ballet, Contemporary Ballet

Dallas. Ms. Dolph also performed as a guest artist with The Ballet Foundation XXI and partnered with Silver Medalist Norbert Nirewicz. Ms. Dolph has coached students for YAGP for 10 years and each year her students have been chosen in the top12-24. Currently, she serves as an adjudicator with the Ballet Foundation XXI, a judge for World of Dance, a ballet instructor with Beyond Belief Dance Company and ballet director for North Texas Conservatory’s pre professional company, Ballet North Texas II.

Since retiring from performing, Ms. Dolph began to study yoga and became a certified yoga instructor in 2009 through Gaia Flow Yoga. In 2013 she opened a yoga studio and created a successful healing school with yoga therapies. During the past 14 years Ms. Dolph has continued studying yoga therapy and text at Loyola Marymount University in California. Some of her teachers include Srivatsa Ramaswami who was the student of the grandfather of modern yoga, Krishnamacharya, Dr. Siva Mohan (Ayurveda), Dr Eden Goldman (sport’s chiropractor/ yoga therapist), David Swenson (ashtanga yoga), Shelley Washington (ashtanga yoga and former professional dancer), Maria Villella (ashtanga yoga/Chinese medicine/former ballerina) and Kumar Pallana (yoga). In 2017 Ms. Dolph became certified in progressing ballet technique. Ms. Dolph is also a mother to one adorable daughter and both are active members in the dance community.

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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