Mady Korff grew up and began her dance training in San Antonio, TX where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, pointe, modern, musical theater, and acro. In 2015, she moved out to Los Angeles, CA to attend school at AMDA College and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. During her time at AMDA, she had many performance opportunities including the musical Carousel, choreography shows, and dance showcases. Mady graduated with her Bachelors of Fine Arts in dance theatre in 2019. She has trained with many teachers and choreographers including DJ Smartt, Michelle Elkin, Johnnie Hobbs, Cheryl Baxter, and many more. Mady has performed at Coyote Ugly, with Simply Raine and Becky G, and many online commercials. After graduating college, she began choreographing more and has found a love for it. She currently is the Assistant director for Wanna Dance and Cheer in Beverly Hills, CA as well as works HR in the FLY Office. Mady absolutely loves sharing her love and knowledge of dance and Star Wars with everyone. When she isn’t dancing, she loves to bake and enjoy a refreshing drink from Starbucks. 

Malik Van Hoozer-Elliott is currently a full-time dance and acting instructor, as well as the studio manager at Celebration Arts Academy. He currently tours the country with Fly Dance Competition as a judge. He received his B.F.A. in Musical Theater (summa cum laude) from the University of Montevallo. His passion for dance and theater have been a driving force in his career, which has spanned over two decades. Some of his experience over five years of performing in the Central Florida area have been at Osceola Arts, Universal Studios, Sea World, and The Garden Theater. In addition to Central Florida, he has performed at theaters across the country from New York City, California, and Chicago. He was also was the assistant director for The Sound of Music at Osceola Arts and head choreographer for Be More Chill seen at The Garden Theater. Some of his most notable performing roles include Pippin(Pippin), Much Ado About Nothing(Benedict), Sister Act(Pablo), Heathers(Ram Sweeney), Shrek the Musical(Donkey), Once Upon A Mattress(Minstrel), and much more. Through the years he has showcased his versatility and range as a director, performer, and choreographer. IG: @vanhoozerelliott

Kelly is a 2007 graduate of Kent State University in northeastern Ohio. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance. Kelly’s performance credits consisted of works under Cliff Keuter, Robin Richardson, Tanya Mucci and Sabatino Verlezza. She also had the privilege of performing at The American College Dance Festival at University of Buffalo and Wayne State in Michigan. While at Kent State, Kelly studied under the direction of many greats; Barbara Verlezza, Andrea Shearer, Joan Meggitt and Kimberly Karpanty through the concentrations of the May O’Donnell technique, Erick Hawkins technique, Lynn Simonson jazz technique and Release Post-Modern. Kelly has also had extensive training in Improvisation and Composition. After graduation, Kelly danced professionally with Travesty Dance Group and Verlezza Dance until she relocated to Washington D.C. in 2008 to accept an esteemed full-time position with Adagio Ballet in Arlington and Fairfax, Virginia as a Program Director and Marketing Coordinator. She also acted as a guest artist as the Advanced Tap instructor at the Center for Ballet Arts in Fairfax City, VA. Kelly danced professionally in the national setting with Dancin’ Unlimited under the direction of Marilyn York, all while working the Creative Arts Program in Public Schools in Northern Virginia.  Kelly was the Owner and Artistic Director of K-Force Dance Academy for several years where numerous students continued their dance education in such venues as Alvin Ailey, Eastern Carolina Dance Program, University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and Pace University in New York City.  Kelly resides in Dayton, Ohio.

Julia was born & raised on Long Island, New York where she rooted her knowledge in dance training ranging from all styles and further competed for 16 years. She is now based in Los Angeles, CA where she graduated in ‘23 with a BFA in Commercial Dance at AMDA College in Hollywood and has since been actively on and off sets and stages pursuing her dream of professional dancing being credited with dream jobs such as choreographing for Victoria Justice’s music video “Down” and even being featured in Paper magazine.

Kirstyn Jade Leschber, a San Antonio, Texas native, is a professional dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur, and educator whose passion and dedication inspire dancers nationwide. Her journey began in competitive dance, where she earned multiple perfect scores, national and regional titles, convention assistant roles, and prestigious Dancer of the Year honors. These achievements laid the foundation for a career defined by artistry, leadership, and innovation. Kirstyn’s professional path includes two prestigious contracts with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, where she excelled as a featured dancer, ensemble member, and soloist, captivating audiences worldwide with her versatility and stage presence in a multitude of countries. She also completed two coveted residencies with Ventana Ballet, performing en pointe as both a soloist and corps de ballet member, showcasing her classical training. As a guest performer, Kirstyn has appeared on stages nationwide with Artisan Oddities Entertainment and Scarlett Entertainment, performing for major companies and celebrities. Beyond performing, she has contributed as a Creative Consultant and Supervising Choreographer, using her visionary approach to shape artistic experiences. As a successful entrepreneur, Kirstyn is the founder of Artistic Choice Activewear, a dancewear brand that celebrates individuality and self-expression in dance. She is also the host of “A Kiki with Kirstyn,” a podcast that empowers young dancers by sharing valuable insights and advice. As an educator, Kirstyn fosters an encouraging environment, helping students refine their technique and embrace their artistry. Her dedication to mentoring others and sharing her passion for dance exemplifies her role as a valued artist and advocate for the next generation.

I am a Trini gyal from Orlando, FL; I started dancing in my mother's dance studio NuLook Dance Emporium at age 3. I was fortunate to travel extensively at an early age competing and training in Ballet, Jazz, HipHop, Contemporary, Horton, African, and Theater. At age 19 I moved to LA and been blessed to dance for Artist such as Janet Jackson, City Girls, Davido, MegTheeStallion, and more. I’m also on season 5 of the tv series Lip Sync Battle, The fitness app Bodi, and I got to perform on big stages like Coachella, Billboard awards, and BET awards. Not only am I a dancer but I love being the Dance Director for the WNBA LA Sparks dance crews and I also teach kids how to dance in hopes of inspiring them to follow their dreams everyday. 

With a passion for performance and a dedication to the art of dance, Madi Brianne is a versatile and dynamic dancer and actress with extensive experience in both competition and professional performance. Growing up in Boston, Massachusetts she began her training in all styles, with an unwavering love for ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz. Throughout her career, Madi has danced in several music videos, including a high energy shoot in Los Angeles and a performance based project in England, showcasing her flair across different artistic environments. In 2019 she continued her journey in Los Angeles California, attending Hussian College, where she focused on acting and commercial dance as part of her BFA in Acting. Madi is dedicated to teaching and choreographing, working with dancers of all levels- from beginners to elite competitors. Her training philosophy emphasizes both technique and performance quality, empowering her students to unlock their full potential. Known for preparing dancers to shine on stage, Madi continues to inspire and shape the next generation of performers while evolving in her own artistic craft.

Sarah is a graduate of Eastern Washington University where she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in International Business. Sarah began dancing at age 3, starting with tap and ballet. From there, her love of dance only grew. She also studied jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary, but tap has always been her true love. Sarah started competing with a local dance studio in Spokane at age 4, continuing competing through high school. Once reaching high school, Sarah added drill team to her repertoire, competing with her school’s team all 4 years. She went on to coach that same team for 6 years. She’s had the opportunity to work with some amazing people from the dance world – Mike Minery, Jason Janas, Ryan Lohoff, Brigid Lohoff, and tWitch, to name a few. She was also fortunate enough to work with world-renowned director J. Scott Lapp and Oscar-winning actress Patty Duke on the show “Traditions of Christmas” in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Sarah started assistant teaching at age 11 and hasn’t stopped teaching since. Teaching and choreographing for the studio at which she grew up has been an extremely rewarding experience. 

Jordan Wooley started dancing at a ballet conservatory in Houston, Texas.  From there, she danced in the competitive circuit where she won 2 national titles and other various awards. Jordan then trained at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Virginia, where she began to work in the concert dance scene. Jordan danced with the Todd Rosenlieb Dance Ensemble where she studied under Todd Rosenlieb, focusing on Eric Hawkins Modern Technique. When she was 16, she was selected to attend the Governors School at Radford University where she continued her dance education at the collegiate level. 

Post education, she has gone on to choreograph and teach around the country. She started teaching contemporary intensives at just 18 years old and since has taught intensives at multiple studios and schools across the Gulf and East Coast. She is currently teaching and choreographing at the Royal Amelia Dance Academy in Florida. Present day, Jordan is still working in the commercial industry and has booked movies, music videos, and modeling jobs in dancing roles. 

Carla Jackson-Tucker grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, but has lived in California for twenty years. She received her B.A. in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations from Weber State University and has a Minor in Spanish. She has been dancing for thirty-five years and brings performance, training, choreography, coaching, studio teaching, and judging experience. She has an extensive background in hip hop, jazz, drill team, and contemporary, but appreciates all styles of dance. Carla is an NBA Dancer Alumni for the Utah Jazz. She danced for two seasons before continuing on in her professional career. For seven years, she was a dance instructor for Go For It dance camps which traveled throughout Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Idaho Falls. In addition, Carla has choreographed for the NBA Denver Nuggets Dance Team and the University of Utah Crimson Line Dance Team. Carla established Cooley Dance Team in Roseville, California, where she coached for five years. She was also a hip hop instructor at Rocklin Academy of Dance and an assistant dance team coach for the Roseville High School Dance Team. Carla joined the FLY Dance Competition crew as a judge in 2024. Whether it’s the passion, the dedication, or just the joy of movement, Carla notes that there is something truly special about seeing dancers evolve in their journey.

Cyrian Reed is an Assistant Professor of Dance at University of California, Irvine. A graduate of California State University, Long Beach, receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance/Performance. She received her Master of Arts Degree in Education/ Adult Education and Training from the University of Phoenix. Cyrian is a multifaceted choreographer and director. She has worked with artists such as Kanye West, Beyonce, David Foster, Gnarls Barkley, Ceelo, Mitchel Musso, Cheryl Lynn, Trinere, Linear, SNAP, KC & The Sunshine Band, Choo Choo Soul. She was a guest judge and choreographer for Steven Spielberg’s Reality TV Show on Bravo, America's Next Top Producer, as well. Cyrian recently choreographed for the Emmy nominated Hip-Hop-Harry sitcom on Discovery Kids/TLC television channels. Cyrian is a 2024 recipient of the Telly Award for her groundbreaking choreography and co - producer work on Snoop Dogg new animated series, “Doggyland”. She has also choreographed for Nike, Adidas, Skechers, and Haagen-Dazs ice cream commercials. Students under her tutelage include UCI, California State University of Northridge, Cypress Community College, Santa Ana College, Long Beach City College and MiraCosta College. These young artists have won numerous awards as a result of her signature choreography. Cyrian believes that dance can communicate with anyone in the world. Revolutionizing the art-of-dance, Cyrian’s compelling, innovative, energetic and diverse teaching techniques, choreography and performance come through her dancers, commanding all eyes to the stage.

Kate Coleman is the Associate Choreographer for Mixed eMotion Theatrix. She's had the incredible opportunity to perform in various parts of the world, from New Zealand and France to Argentina and Morocco. Along with being rehearsal director and a company member of LA Contemporary Dance Company, you can see her work in exciting film and television productions such as Mysterious Benedict Society, Rutherford Falls, and VEEP. Kate's creative touch extends to choreographing for theatre productions like In Circles, Daughter of the Wicked and the Serpent, earning recognition from the LA Critics Circle. Her choreographic talents have even made their way into series like T-Rex Ranch and the Netflix animated series CoCoMelon Lane. Kate has had the pleasure of teaching incredible students at AMDA College and Conservatory and the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). 

Gabrielle (Gabby) Petersen was born and raised in the St. Louis area, where she took her first dance class at the age of 3. By the age of 12, Gabby began training dually, at both a Ballet School and Stars R Us Dance Studio, a highly competitive studio in her hometown, allowing her to experience and train in most mainstream dance styles. Knowing that her passion lied in teaching, Gabby began her career as a competitive studio instructor in 2017 at Arabesque Dance Studio. After creating an advanced technical program, with an emphasis on muscle safety and longevity, for her dancers and receiving numerous choreography awards, Gabby took on the role of Competition Team Director in 2021 for both studio locations. Gabby also has the privilege of guest lecturing in the Theater and Dance Department at the local university, as well as, teaching biyearly for the Southern Illinois Dance Company. Along the way, Gabby found a love of setting choreography on dancers of all ages, levels and abilities and has had the incredible opportunity to choreograph for several local Junior High and High School dance teams. While serving her roles as Competition/Artistic Director, Choreographer, Guest Lecturer, and Judge, Gabby has made it a priority to continue her dance education. She has completed several trainings; the most well known being Richard Elszy's Building Blocks of Dance, Acrobatic Arts, and attended the Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas this past year. Gabby is excited to continue passing on her knowledge to a younger generation of dancers, performers, and inspired little humans as FLY Judge

PJ Catalano originally from Michigan, has relocated to Orlando, Florida.  She received her formal training from her mother Pat Sherrill and also with Charles Hughes of New York City.  Along with teaching at a local studio, PJ teaches master classes and judges throughout the United States and Canada.  Her students have performed in Las Vegas, dance companies, dinner theaters, at theme parks, and on cruise ships.  PJ was thrilled to share her knowledge in Pilates, Gyrokinesis and dance as faculty for the ABT Summer Intensive, Pilates Method Alliance International Conference, DMA Teacher’s Training School, DMA Intensive Ballet & Jazz Programs, and DMA National Conventions.  Additionally she is a Reiki Master, a certified massage and Thai massage therapist and teaches Gyrokinesis, Gyrotonic, and Pilates.  PJ began competing as UCWDC dancer in 2021 and has received multiple World Championships. She is currently the Pro-Am Mixed Role Gold & Silver Advanced World Champion and Pro-Am Spotlight Gold World Champion.  She brings over 40 years of teaching & judging experience and has worked with clients from all walks of life and varying abilities. In addition to teaching, she continues to learn and explore the possibilities of body movement.  

Sarah Beth Byrum received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance from the University of Oregon and founded All That! Dance Company that same year. Sarah Beth began dancing at the age of three, training in all styles. Sarah Beth was published in Spotlight on Dance and featured in Family Fun Magazine. She was the recipient of prestigious Gerald E. Bruce Award by the Ford Family Foundation. She has also been awarded by the National Dance Educators Association, Oregon Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, the Junior Miss Scholarship Program, and Phi Beta Fraternity for the Arts. Sarah Beth was recently honored by the University of Oregon's Dance Department with their prestigious Community Partnership Award. Her expertise has been published in Dance Studio Life magazine and she is an ambassador for the worldwide Dance Studio Owners Association. Sarah Beth's passion for dance has led her to produce over fifty full length concert events, as well as being the founder and creative director for the annual production of the Nutcracker Remixed. She has received countless awards for her choreography and the technical proficiency of her students at both regional and national competitions. Sarah Beth shares her love for dance with students of all ages from toddlers through adults.

Nicholas Thacker (He/They) Originally from Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Atlanta,Georgia, Nicholas began dancing their junior year of highschool at the age of 16 and then went on to receive their Associates degree from Southern Union State Community College and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The University of Alabama in Dance and Creative Media in 2021 on full dance scholarships, where they studied under Cornelius Carter, Lawrence Jackson and many other skilled faculty members. During their time at UA Nicholas received awards for their abstract dance films and commitment to the dance program, they were granted the Gus Giordano Summer Intensive Scholarship, they also had the opportunity to represent UA as a spotlight feature in an Official Youtube documentary titled “State of Pride”. During and after graduating, Nicholas moved to Birmingham to begin their first professional contract with Jellybean Dance Collective. They had the opportunity to perform in “The 2022 World Games Birmingham ” dancing with Sheila E., Tony, Tone, Toni, Lionel Ritchie, and Pastor Mike Jr televised worldwide! They have booked a professional gig dancing in a new movie in Atlanta set to release 2023. They performed in the Alabama Music Awards, have judged prelims for Miss Alabama, and are currently a judge for Fly Dance Competition. Nicholas is continuing to do choreography around the Birmingham area while also planning to move back to Atlanta to further their dance career with Aligned Stars Talent Agency. Nicholas is excited to see what the future holds!

Alysha Robinson is a choreographer in Las Vegas, NV and is originally trained in San Diego, CA. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old and has extensive knowledge in all competitive styles. Alysha trained as a dancer growing up in San Diego, CA at dance studio’s specific in technique training, also training extensively in Hip-Hip at Studio FX. Alysha is highly trained in musical theatre and productions as she has trained with Joshua Benjamin Dance Company and with Debbie Allen. She danced in high school on the dance team at Steele Canyon High School and continued her dance education in college attending The Grossmont College and University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Alysha has obtained her Bachelor of Art’s and Master’s with educational degrees in Sociology, Dance and Marriage Family Therapy. She has performed in various showcases in California and Nevada as well as choreographed in them. Alysha has set competitive choreography for dancers of all ages and has continued to do so for the last 13 years. She continues to train and gain education for the arts while teaching and coaching competitively at studios in Las Vegas; guest choreography/master classes in California. Alysha has knowledge in a range of ages and styles; for all levels of techniques in contemporary, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, acro, and tap. She has coached high school dance teams in the past and continues to coach dance and tumbling in Las Vegas. Alysha is an award-winning choreographer both regionally and nationally. Alysha has recently won multiple choreography awards for her choreography set on High School Dance Teams in California; winning first place overall in jazz and contemporary. She takes immense pride in giving thorough and helpful corrections that boost confidence in dancers. She has an eye for detail and applies it to all of her work. Alysha is currently a full time Marriage and Family Therapist in Las Vegas, NV and loves spending her spare time teaching, judging, coaching, and emerging herself into the dance competition community. Alysha loves dance and she has a huge passion for sharing her creativity with others. Alysha is excited to be your judge and looks forward to seeing all the hard work and talent this season. She wants you all to remember to shine bright and always be your best. There’s only one you! ROCK THAT STAGE and OWN IT!

Lindsey Mackail was born in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where she enrolled at Jill's Dance Center at the age of 3 training in all styles of dance. By the age of 9, she danced on MTV for the pop music video "Fire It Up", fueling her passion of dance. At 15- years-old, Lindsey was selected to be a backup dancer and go on tour with the boy band LFO, an upcoming popular group in the late 90s, early 2000s. While attending college at The University of Central Florida, Lindsey was part of the Top 5 National Competitive College Dance Team. There she began focusing on her career as a choreographer, dance instructor, and creative director. She soon began choreographing for many local R&B artists and performing with R&B sensation 112 at Hard Rock Live and pop sensation Ciara for her halftime performance at the Orange Bowl. Lindsey continued to pursue her passion of dance and moved to Los Angeles where she began working with top choreographers, and well-established recording artists, performing in music videos and live performances. After L.A., Lindsey returned home to Orlando producing music, teaching dance, and developing musical artists. She works as a choreographer for different artists and record labels creating show sets and directing their concerts. She has performed on many stages and has worked with musical artist from all genres. Lindsey has produced and choreographed live shows, developing, and coaching musical artists both signed and unsigned. Her most recent gig was working with an up-and-coming artist on the Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour. Present day, she continues to develop artists, dancers, and performers.

The Houston, TX native has an extensive background in commercial dance, theater, drill team, studio management, adjudicating, film and commercial print. Jennifer developed her commercial dance training in LA’s notable commercial dance studios such as Edge Performing Arts Center and Millennium Dance Complex. In Houston, Jennifer trained in hip hop at Marvelous Motion under the direction of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew former Artistic Director of “I Am
Me.” She later joined So Real Performing Arts Center’s award-winning company and competed at World of Dance. She also trained at Planet Funk Academy (PFA) in hip hop, theater, film, costume production, jazz funk, contemporary, lyrical, and jazz. She later became a PFA company director and choreographed works performed at the Hobby Center, the International Film Festival and Great Day Houston, hosted by Deborah Duncan. She has been featured in
Health and Fitness Magazine and ENVY Magazine as a featured dancer and choreographer. As seen on tv, Jennifer has been featured in over 15 music videos on networks such as BET, VH1 and MTV, which included some of the industry’s hottest recording artists such as UK artist Shelley Harland, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Rick Ross and many 
herself with her groundbreaking hip hop choreography. The 
sharing her knowledge coast to coast teaching master 
Jennifer’s experience managing one of the world’s leading 
Complex in SugarLand, TX, she later established an artist 
Innovation by Jennifer LLC which offers artist development 
been an adjudicator for over 6 years and she’s elated to join Fly Dance Convention this season.

Allyson is very enthusiastic to share her love of dance with you all! She began dancing at the young age of 2 and fell in love immediately. She began her dance career as a professional dancer at the age of 17, where she landed a dream roll as a dancer for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She then took on many auditions where she got to perform all over the United States in many varies dance gigs. She began to teach dance at the age of 17 as an assistant teacher, then began to teach her own classes at the age of 18. She has taught at many studios over her career that led her and inspired her to continue her growth and love for dance. Her main background in dance includes Ballet, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Jazz. She has also studied other styles for many years, including Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, and Acro (Tumbling). She Moved to north Georgia in 2016 and took on a new chapter of owning a dance studio for a few years, before life led her back to her home to central Florida. Currently Allyson is a High School Dance team coach, teaches Master classes and does competition choreography for many studios, judges and works for dance competitions. She is certified in PBT and is YPAD certified. Allyson also has a Master’s degree in Special Needs Education and works as a Speech Therapist part time. all

Based in Las Vegas, and Los Angeles born and raised, Liezel Marie is a choreographer, dancer, professor, and director. Thriving in the dance world, she has appeared in music videos and various digital content, and she is also sponsored by brands across the city. Represented by Go2Talent Agency, her choreography and presence has graced the stages at Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios CityWalk, the Staples Center, Crypto.com Arena, World of Dance, Carnival Cruise Lines, Super Bowl, Palms Hotel, and Allegiant Stadium. She has worked with brands such as WNBA LA Sparks, NBA, Harlem Globetrotters, NFL, BET Experience, Nike, Disney, and more. 

​

Alongside the many live performances she has directed and choreographed for, her main passion is in dance education, spreading the positivity, light, and love of dance. She currently mentors and coaches students at UNLV, College of Southern Nevada, CSUN, Glendale Community College, LA Academy of Fine Arts, Interlochen Dance Academy, and many others. Her goal is to teach, educate, and inspire dancers, non-dancers, and artists all over the world by sharing her love of dance, choreography, and artistry.

Rosa Marie Skinner is originally from Newark, DE and has been dancing/performing for over 20 years now. Rosa is a full time nurse, wife, mother, breast cancer advocate & professional dancer. Rosa has professionally trained throughout the tri-state area across dance companies in Philadelphia, Delaware & New York. Along with dancing, she has done modeling work and pageants as she was a contestant in the Miss Delaware Pageant 2013 (Miss America Organization) and held multiple local titles such as “Miss Tri-County 2013”.

Rosa has trained in Los Angeles at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and in Orlando, FL with the Orlando Magic Dance Team and other local dance companies. Rosa has relocated to Orlando, FL where she is teaching dance classes as well as hosting workshops and choreographing. Rosa is professionally trained in ballet, modern, jazz & heels dance. Rosa believes that she THRIVES in the dance world and loves every aspect of it! She continues to aim to help the generations below her, to achieve their ultimate dance dreams!

Originally from Massachusetts, Kaitlyn has studied with various studios and teachers in New England and New York. A notable experience was her time with the David Parsons Dance Company in NYC. She studied dance at Jacksonville University, where she collaborated with guest artists and trained in different dance styles. During her undergraduate years, she taught and performed on the island of Curacao, participated in the American College Dance Festival, and was a member of the Braided Light Dance Project in Jacksonville, FL. After college, and returning to Massachusetts, she danced with companies such as Forty Steps Dance Company, In Noon Dance Company, Shadows Dance Art Experience, and Endearment Dance Company. She also taught and created choreography for various studios and teams in the area. Later, she moved to Atlanta, where she taught at multiple studios and danced professionally with Fuerta Dance Company. Kaitlyn's passion for educating dancers grew, leading her to pursue a K-12 teaching licensure in dance and health/PE. Once certified, she taught at Kay Pace School of the Arts, guiding her students toward success through the arts. Her students won many national competitions and were recognized for greatness within the community. This opportunity also allowed Kaitlyn to help write the new Georgia dance standards and curriculum for grades K-8. Kaitlyn continues to show her passion for dance through teaching, choreographing, and adjudicating.

Heidi Yancey is "Delaware's First African American Ballerina" Heidi started training in dance at the age of five years old. At the age of 13 she was accepted in the prestigious school, Du Ellington School Of The Arts in Washington, DC. She was awarded, Ms Washington DC TEEN USA 1988. After graduating high school she was accepted into Philadelphia University Of The Arts. Heidi was the first African American to major in Ballet. Heidi's professional career started aft college dancing with: Russian Ballet Company, Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Broadway Musicals, Bubbling Brown sugar, Annie, Wiz just to name a few. Her television appearances are: Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, various commercials and children's Tv Show's. Heidi Yancey is the CEO/Owner of Heidi's Academy International. Her school has been open for 21 years reaching over thousands of students. Many of her students are professional dancers, studio owners, or teachers in the performing arts. She was recognized as Delaware's Most Accomplished Achiever In The Arts, twice. She is currently the Performing Arts Director at the Bradley/Otis Boys and Girls Club in Central Florida. Heidi Yancey motto is: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens her. Heidi’s International Academy of Dance is on tour with the stage performance “Annie Remix”. The show has sold out audiences in Delaware, Florida and Georgia. New Jersey is the next state that Ms. Heidi would love to perform and meet people at their needs in their communities.

Tomaya Lightfoot is a passionate and dedicated dance instructor, choreographer, and performer with over 11 years of experience in the industry. She specializes in contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics, West African, Modern, and lyrical while also fostering artistry, confidence, and technical excellence in dancers of all ages. As a competition judge, pageant choreographer, and dance educator, Tomaya brings a wealth of expertise in coaching, improvisation, and performance critique. She currently studies Contemporary Dance and Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington, where she also serves as Vice President and Events Chair of the African American Dance Company. With a commitment to storytelling through movement, she creates choreographic works that explore history, social dynamics, and personal narratives.

Sally’s been dancing over 45 years…she grew up training in Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern and Ballet in the San Luis Obispo, CA area. She has also trained in Contemporary, African, and Clogging; which she loves to share with her students and create a culturally well rounded dancer!! At 17 years old Sally moved to Los Angeles, and began a professional dance career that took her to stage and video, in US, New York and throughout Europe. She eventually settled in the Sacramento, CA area and gained her BA and Master Degrees in Dance and Education. Sally has 12 years experience as a high school dance teacher, director, and dance team coach. Sally, pioneered and directed Sacramento’s, Radio Disney dance group, which opened for the Jonus Brothers, Demi Lovato, Vanessa Hudgens, All Star Weekend and Jump 5 over their 7 year run. She is a seasoned master teacher in Jazz and technique. Her career includes choreographing theater productions,as well as competition dance routines. Sally has trained dancers that have gone on to professional careers at Disneyland, on Disney Cruises, NBA King’s Basketball Royal Court Dancers, and TV appearances such as America’s Best Dance Crew. She performed with the professional hip hop/jazz company, “ICONS”, under the direction of Chris Jones (Star of You Got Served, Battle America, 9mm with Queen Latifa). Sally most recently can be seen in The Struts “Dancin in the Streets” video. She has focused on training dancers and growing student’s passion for dance, as her teacher had done for her. Sally has a positive passion for dance and feels that anyone CAN do anything, and is excited to share dance with you all!! SHINE!!

Brittny was born and raised as well as found her love for dance in her hometown of Bay City, MI. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in dance from Western Michigan University (WMU) in June of 2014; Where she received a Student Global Initiative to China and Taiwan, she performed, co-taught and learned traditional Chinese dances. She has performed works by Eddy Ocampo, Lauren Edson, Nelly vanBommel, KT Nelson, Gabrielle Lamb, Peter Chu, and was able to rehearse and perform with DanceWorks Chicago. Brittny has had the opportunity of performing in Washington DC, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where she performed Lauren Edson’s work Foreground for the National College Dance Festival. In addition, she has competed in Las Vegas with the top 100 in So You Think You Can Dance?, Season 10. She is certified in level 1 aerial silks instruction and has instructed a competitive dance team in her hometown before relocating to Conway, South Carolina in 2019. Since relocating, she has performed for many family fun shows in Myrtle Beach with a local entertainment company, has been trained in Barre Method Fitness classes and has performed as the featured soloist in Stravinsky's The History of a Soldier with the Long Bay Symphony in Myrtle Beach. Most recently Brittny was performing with the Carolina Opry for the 2024 Christmas season. She is now teaching at a local dance studio in the area. When she's not dancing, teaching or adjudicating, she enjoys spending time with her 3 children and fiancé.

Isaiah Jilek was born in Dickinson, ND, on June 30, 2000, and grew up in a family of eight. Raised in a Czech-American household, he experienced vibrant cultural traditions, including large weddings and anniversaries centered around ballroom dance. Skill in the waltz and polka became second nature to him. His mother’s Irish heritage also introduced him to Irish music and tap dance from an early age.  

​

He attended Trinity Catholic Schools, where he immersed himself in the fine arts, participating in speech, band, choir, jazz choir, jazz band, and drama. Over seven years in the drama department, he discovered choreographed dance and embraced lead roles in productions like *Shrek the Musical*, *The Music Man*, *The Sound of Music*, and *Mary Poppins*. Beyond performing, he assisted backstage at dance recitals and occasionally stepped in as a male dance partner when needed. During his senior year, he collaborated with Nikki St. John, founder of DFy Dance Studio, who choreographed a salsa dance he performed at prom.  

​

After graduating from Trinity High School in 2019, Isaiah pursued studies to become a Catholic Priest at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., earning a PhB in Philosophy. Following five years of discernment, he felt called to a different path and returned to Dickinson. There, he bartended briefly before transitioning into education.  

Today, Isaiah teaches Sophomore English and Religion at Trinity High School, alongside instructing Ballroom Dance and Country Swing classes. Having grown up witnessing dance as a vessel for cultural tradition, honed its storytelling power in theater, and now embraced the joy of teaching it, he dedicates himself to passing this artform to future generations.