MEET INFERNO'S JUDGES

Alyssa Marie Ness

Alyssa started her dance career in Minnesota, where she studied and competed in various styles of dance. Alyssa eventually moved to NYC, where she graduated magna cum laude from Marymount Manhattan College in NYC, receiving a BFA in dance and a minor in business management. During her time in the dance program at Marymount, she had the honor of performing works choreographed by Al Blackstone, Alexandra Damiani, Jae Man Joo, Keigwin + Company, and many more. She toured with New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA) as a dance assistant, judge, and teacher for many years, and taught at Steps on Broadway in NYC. She has also performed in off-Broadway shows, appeared in music videos, and performed with Disney. Currently, she travels around the world as a dancer with Step One Dance Company onboard Holland America Line cruise ships. When she is not performing or traveling, she enjoys teaching and choreographing and is passionate about working with young dancers around the country.

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.

Brittney 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.

Brooke Albury

Brooke has been dancing since the age of three in various styles of dance including; ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics and ballroom. She attended On Your Toes Dance Studio in Tavernier, Florida and Dance Attack Miami in Miami, Florida where she was trained under Nancy Dunn, Stephanie Zlockie, John Culbertson, Cookie Ramos and Gino Cosculluela, as well as, mentored by Jon Landau. She grew up competitively dancing and has been teaching ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, acrobatics and ballroom for the past three years. She enjoys assisting and teaching while watching dancers grow and improve to their full potential. As a student, teacher and competition judge of dance, Brooke loves to be a part of the dance community and the opportunity to be around others who share the same passion for dance.

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

Debbi Sampson

Debbi has been in the dance industry for over 40 years studying Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater and Contemporary. She has enjoyed being a part of multiple dance companies in the Northern California area. Her experience spans beyond her dance training as a teacher and dance educator. She has been the artistic director of her family's award-winning studio for over 30 years and has choreographed and taught numerous award-winning numbers. Expanding into acting, she has appeared in multiple stage productions including 42nd Street and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and has appeared in various television commercials. Many of her students have gone on to professional careers in the dance industry which include Broadway, Broadway National tours, Cruise Lines and Disney. Since 2020 Debbi has had the opportunity to travel as a dance competition adjudicator. Being a dance educator is what Debbi loves, hoping to help young dancers reach their dreams. Debbi is currently on the roster of judges with Impact Dance Adjudicators.

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.

Grace Van Houten

Grace Van Houten is a New York City-based dancer, choreographer and teacher with a passion for making art and creating accessibility within the performing arts industry. Originally from Atlanta, she grew up training in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, and contemporary dance before moving to NYC to pursue her dreams. In 2022, Grace graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a B.A. in Dance, concentrating in Teaching Dance Arts and minoring in Arts for Communities. She also completed the Musical Theater Professional Semester at Broadway Dance Center. Grace is the Founder of SparkleDanceNYC, a company that provides opportunities to emerging artists who are at the early stages of their career through dance classes, voice lessons and dance photography. Grace is thrilled to be judging with Inferno, and can’t wait to see all the talent every city brings! 

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.

Holly Lehnertz

Holly Lehnertz grew up in a suburb of Chicago. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). While in college, she studied numerous techniques including Countertechnique, Graham, Cunningham, Limon, and Release. She performed works by José Limón, Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham and Kira Blazek-Ziaii. After graduating from UNCSA, Holly moved to Israel to dance with Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company – MASA. In Israel, she performed works by Rami Beer and Mats Ek. Holly has participated in many summer studies including Cambrians Dance Chicago, Peter Chu’s Intensive, Entity Dance Company, Countertechnique, Thodos Dance Chicago, Point Park Intensive and Saratoga Summer Dance Intensive. Holly also danced professionally for Hedwig Dances in Chicago for their 2021 and 2022 seasons. In the summer of 2022, she performed with the Kate Jablonksi Statement in Croatia for the Sibenik Dance Festival, where the company and Holly performed outdoors on the main stage at the St. Michael’s Fortress. Meanwhile, Holly danced professionally with Water Street Dance Milwaukee for 2 years, from 2021 through 2023. The company was featured as one of the ‘Top 25 to Watch’ in Dance Magazine. While dancing with Water Street, she toured many cities including New York City, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Toledo. During her time with Water Street, she worked with numerous choreographers including Madison Hicks, Braeden Barnes, Annie Franklin and Morgan Williams. Recently, Holly performed in Milwaukee with Three Point Project as a guest artist. Holly has also choreographed for many companies. She also teaches and loves sharing her passion for dance with her students. She hopes they will continue to feel inspired and excited about dance!

Jalila Bell

Jalila Bell, also known as @TroubleEsquire, is a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, educator, and attorney whose work bridges movement, justice, and storytelling. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she spent over two decades in New York City advancing labor, employment, tenant, civil, and women’s rights cases while performing nationally and internationally with Vissi Dance Theater, Nyane Khosi Dance, Delucia Benson Dance, Bindlestiff Family Circus, and more. Her stage credits include Jacob’s Pillow, the Apollo Theater Soundstage, the New York Fringe Festival, and New York City Center. Jalila is the Director and Producer of the internationally acclaimed documentary Culture Connects Us and the creator of the Belly of the Beast collection, which explores sovereignty, endurance, and cultural memory. She earned 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. She also trained at the American Dance Festival under Donald McKayle and Marlies Yearby. The inaugural Dance Artist-in-Residence for the Dolores Huerta Foundation’s Camp LYFE program, Jalila now serves as Dance Artist-in-Residence at the Center for Social and Economic Justice in San Francisco. A certified Vinyasa Yoga (RYT-200) and Zumba™ instructor, she embodies creative leadership, bringing intellect, empathy, rhythm, and power to every class and performance.

Jamie White

Jamie White is a dancer and choreographer that began their dance training at age 9 in their hometown of Ardmore, Oklahoma. Jamie has spent 10+ years studying various styles of dance including Vaganova ballet, Bollywood, Jazz Funk, Contemporary, Stepping and more. After 10 years of studying in the United States. Jamie began to dance recreationally and professionally in Rome, Italy for almost two years while studying at John Cabot University.

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!

Jessica Oglesby

Jessica is a native of Atlanta, GA. She has been moving since she could walk and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Performance from Kennesaw University. She has performed on shows such as This Is Us and A Black Lady Sketch Show as well as with artists such as Khalid and Kanye West. In 2019, she was the Assistant Choreographer on an episode of The Masked Singer. She most recently went on her first tour with Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland and began her professorship of jazz technique at Reinhardt University.

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.

Makayela Burton

Makayela Burton is a passionate dance professional, educator, choreographer, and judge with over 16 years of training and performance experience in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, acro, pointe, and pom. A former competitive and collegiate dancer, she brings a strong understanding of technique, artistry, and performance quality to her teaching and judging. A certified member of Dance Masters of America in Ballet and Jazz, Makayela has spent the past several years teaching and choreographing for both recreational and competitive dancers. She has judged for Dance Masters of the Bluegrass, Distinguished Young Women programs, and Miss Kentucky preliminary competitions, and has choreographed numerous opening numbers and award-winning pageant talent routines. She currently teaches full-time at a studio, where she instructs in all genres and manages the studio’s social media. Known for her fair, detailed, and encouraging critiques, Makayela values the importance of constructive feedback and strives to create a positive and inspiring environment for every performer. Her judging philosophy emphasizes a strong technical foundation, confident performance, and genuine artistry, while encouraging dancers to perform with authenticity, passion, and pride. Above all, Makayela aims to help dancers become well-rounded performers and the best versions of themselves—both on and off the stage.

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.

Lilly Thurman

Lilly Thurman (she/her) is a choreographer, dancer, and educator based in Austin, TX. She holds an MFA in Dance from Sam Houston State University and a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Texas State University. Lilly has performed works by Joshua Manculich, Andy & Dionne Noble, Christa Oliver, and Nicole Wesley. She has also performed with Early Era Collective, sumRset movement, and Spaces of Fontana. Her choreography has been presented at COCO Dance Festival (Trinidad and Tobago), TEDx, Austin Dance Festival, Artists for Hope, and Barnstorm Dance Festival. She has been commissioned by NobleMotion 2nd Company, Texas State University, Aimed Dance Company, UT Rio Grande Valley, and studio companies across Texas. Lilly also judges for Precision Arts Challenge and Elevation on Tour. She is the founder and artistic director of Bones Dance Project, a project-based company in Austin.

Marlye Page

With over 26 years of dance experience and 13 years as a dedicated teacher, Marlye Page is a versatile and passionate professional dancer, educator, and studio director. Trained and accomplished in all styles—from classical ballet to contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and beyond—Marlye has built a dynamic career both on stage and behind the scenes. In addition to performing in commercials and music videos, Marlye has spent years nurturing the next generation of dancers, with a special love for teaching children of all ages and creating inclusive spaces for wheelchair users. Their commitment to accessible, expressive movement is at the heart of their teaching philosophy, empowering every dancer to find confidence and joy through dance. As a studio director, Marlye Page brings leadership, creativity, and community spirit to every class and performance, helping dancers grow not only in technique, but in self-expression and teamwork.

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!

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.

Monica Bowcott

Monica is a professional dancer with a career spanning some of the most iconic stages in Las Vegas at premier venues including the Flamingo, Planet Hollywood, Bally’s, and The Bellagio. She currently performs as an iconic Las Vegas Showgirl in Vegas! The Show. Trained in tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, pointe, partnering, hip hop, and aerial hoop, Monica is known for her adaptability and artistry across a wide range of styles. Among them, tap holds a special place in her heart as she grew up with meteors like Gregg Russell. In addition to her performance career, Monica has spent over 15 years teaching and mentoring dancers of all ages and levels. Her deep passion for tap has become a cornerstone of her teaching, where she inspires students to find their own voice through rhythm and movement. Whether soaring through the air in an aerial hoop or leading a tap class with infectious energy, Monica Lynne continues to elevate the art of dance both on stage and in the studio.

Monica Douglas

Monica Douglas is a professional dancer from Severn, Maryland. Monica started dancing at the age of six, where she trained and competed in many styles of dance. When Monica was 12 she decided to attend a boarding school at the Russian Kirov Ballet Academy in Washington, D.C. There she was one of 75 students from all over the world that had the opportunity to train under some of the best ballet teachers in the world. At age 16, Monica graduated high school a year early and was accepted to Penn State University, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Women's Studies and Sociology. While at Penn State, Monica was on the Lionettes Dance Team. She took part in 3 national titles while on the team. Soon after graduating, Monica moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue her dreams as a professional dancer. Since being in LA, Monica has been on television shows such as Girl Meets World, Liv and Maddie, Dancing With The Stars, The Grammy's, The Voice, and many more. She has been in many music videos and has shared the stage with such artist as Justin Bieber, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Camila Cabello, Jason Derulo, Pit Bull, Becky G, Sabrina Carpenter, and so many more talented artist. Monica is currently still pursuing her career and hopes to teach the younger generation that truly anything is possible.

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.

Nycole Altchiler

Nycole Altchiler is a New York native that has always been driven by her love of movement. Studying technical, commercial, and street/hip hop styles, she fuses her knowledge of body awareness with her love of storytelling and self-expression. The goal in her class is to understand yourself better not only as an artist and mover, but as an individual. Education and training have always been of the utmost importance to her, so while receiving her degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing, Nycole simultaneously pursued her dance career. Soon after training in the city, she was cast in the Monsters of Hip Hop show, where she continued to take classes and assist the top choreographers in the industry. Nycole also teaches at Brickhouse Dance NYC, Broadway Dance Center, and has taught at Millennium Dance Complex, Movement Lifestyle, and TMilly in Los Angeles. Most recently, you can find Nycole on Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet Tour. Some additional highlights of Nycole's career include dancing for Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Camila Cabello, J Balvin, DJ Khaled, Chyno Miranda, and Yandel. She has also had the privilege of performing on Dancing With The Stars, BET Awards Hip Hop 50th Anniversary, Saturday Night Live, The Latin Grammy Awards, among many others, and choreographing for NYFW and Norwegian Cruise Line.

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. 

Suzzanne Ponomarenko

Suzzanne Ponomarenko is a Ukrainian-American choreographer, performer, and dance educator based in Queens, NYC. They established Suzzanne Ponomarenko Dance in 2017 as a landing point for creating, producing, and performing dance works grounded in classical techniques intertwined with inventive, idiosyncratic, and rigorous movement alongside a thoughtful queer-centric studio practice. They completed their BFA in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College and attended Naropa University for Transpersonal Psychology. They have most notably performed with Richard Move, Yvonne Rainer, Buglisi Dance Theatre, The Stanley Love Performance Group, and have served as rehearsal director for touring company Catapult Entertainment. Currently, they are a part of Pioneer Go East Collective’s Mentorship Cohort (2025–26), are a 2025 Resident Artist at Baryshnikov Arts Center, and serve on the selection committees of The NY Bessie’s Dance and Performance Awards and The Clive Barnes Foundation. Their NYC seasons will take place in January 2026 at Judson Church and May 2026 at Baryshnikov Arts Center with sub performances at The Met Cloisters.

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 Balanchine, 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, at the Hudson Ballet Theater Gala in NYC, and most recently she just choreographed for NYC Fashion Week.

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 Lefler

Victoria Lefler is a choreographer, educator, and performer currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Dance Performance at the University of Iowa, with a certificate in African American Studies. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dance and History from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she served as Captain of the nationally ranked SIUE Dance Team, leading them to an NDA Division I Pom National Title. Victoria has performed in works by iconic choreographers and companies such as Martha Graham (Panorama), Trisha Brown (Foray Forêt), Chafin Seymour (Suite Donuts), and Aaron Samuel Davis (A Tiny Swallow). As a passionate educator, Victoria has taught and choreographed for studios and dance teams nationwide. She strives to cultivate technically strong, expressive, and confident dancers, inspiring the next generation to bring authenticity, artistry, and heart to every performance.

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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