Faculty / Adjudicators Bios

charleigh france - HEAD JUDGE

Charleigh was introduced to dance at the age of three. Two years later, she began competing which fostered her desire to pursue a career as a professional dancer. In high school, Ms. France joined the San Jose Ballet School. Later, she attended San Diego State School of Music and Dance earning a place in their dance department. As a member, Charleigh had the opportunity to take advantage of national and international instruction, such as: traveling to Poland for the World Dance Festival, a summer intensive at Tisch School of the Arts in New York City, and master classes at Julliard. After relocating to Las Vegas, she was hired for a role with Cirque du Soleil and as a cast member of "Jubilee." Charleigh has choreographed for and performed with Barcelo Resorts and CoCo Bongo in Mexico. During this time, she was recognized by recording artists Ciara, Christina Aguilera, and Busta Rhymes. She has performed in music videos for recording artist LaMont Wheat and as a principle dancer with Twisted Movement Dance Co. Ms. France works with numerous programs across the USA teaching choreography and technique to enhance routines. She has been an adjudicator for numerous event producers including DX Events, USASF Dance Worlds, and has had the opportunity to work with Team Australia. Charleigh's career brought her back to California, where she is currently performing, choreographing, directing, teaching and the proud new owner of Freedom Blvd. Dance Co. She has continued to share her love for dance with dancers of all ages in San Diego and Northern California, where her choreography has won multiple awards. Charleigh has been involved with the 3D Convention since its inception and is the featured choreographer for the 3D Xtreme Team. She has also choreographed the DX Nationals “Parade of Stars” opening number. Charleigh’s expertise is in lyrical, contemporary, jazz, modern, pom, and musical theatre genres. She also excels in technique training, cleaning routines and teaching dancing in heels. Ms. France will be the Head Judge at all DX regional and national competitions this season.

CRYSTAL ZIBALESE

Crystal Zibalese is a California born dancer, choreographer and educator. She received her BFA in Dance from Chapman University in 2004. Upon graduation, she went on to dance professionally with Backhausdance under the direction of Jennifer Backhaus. She also toured both nationally and internationally while performing with Diavolo Dance Theater. Crystal has a true passion for teaching and choreography.  She specializes in contemporary, jazz and modern. Her work has won national dance titles and earned prestigious recognition. Her choreography was nominated for Choreography of the Year by the Industry Dance Awards in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2023. In 2016, her work was selected as a finalist by The McCallum Theater’s annual Choreography Festival and went on to win the grand prize. Her piece “Pathways” was selected as a finalist for the same event in 2022. She is thrilled to be working with DX and all the amazing talent here.

NICHOLE BEEKS

Nichole Beeks was born in raised in Long Beach CA. She has been singing dancing and acting since age 4. She is a graduate of the Los Angles County High School for the Arts where she studied, dance, musical theatre and film and served as the senior class president. She later went back to teach ballet to their Musical Theatre dual majors focusing on technique and picking up choreography quickly. She graduated summa cum laude as part of the inaugural class of the Alonzo King Lines Ballet BFA program at Dominican University majoring in dance and minoring in psychology.  She is a certified GYROTONIC® instructor and has been teaching for 11years. This includes creating classes specifically designed for young dancers to condition them to prevent injuries as well as heal from them. Her most recent contract was with the Los Angeles Opera in their world premiere of Eurydice as the dance swing working with Broadway choreographer Denis Jones. She also performed alongside Joey McIntyre of New Kids on The Block as Frenchie in Cabaret in Anchorage Alaska. Other credits include The Producers (Moonlight Amphitheatre), Young Frankenstein (San Diego Musical Theatre & 3D Theatricals), The Music Man (5 Star Theatricals & Musical Theatre West) and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Musical Theatre West).  She has guested with various ballet schools including Lilac Fairy and Snow Queen with Encinitas Ballet and Sugarplum fairy with the Pacific Dance Center. Nichole loves performing, educating and helping others and is very excited to be a part of DX.

HEATHER EASLEY

Heather Easley is a dancer, choreographer, educator, and artistic director originally from Columbus, Ohio. She grew up attending dance competitions and conventions before later going on to receive her BFA in Contemporary Dance Performance from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Heather has performed across the US and internationally as a freelance artist, as well as a company dancer. Along with performing, Heather has a deep love for teaching and choreographing. She regularly works as a guest instructor, working with studios throughout the country. In 2022, Heather joined Dance Division Faculty as an Associate Professor at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. There, she had the pleasure of working with both Commercial and Contemporary dance majors, as well as joining staff for the Summer Dance Intensive. Heather brings her expertise in teaching into choreographing and adjudicating. Her choreography has been presented at The Boston Conservatory Theater, the Paramount Theater, Agganis Arena, and more. She has worked in collaboration with Berklee’s Dancing with the Stars benefit show, HBO, Cirque du Soleil, and had the pleasure of choreographing Berklee’s Honorary Doctorate Concert, honoring Roberta Flack, Usher, and Sona Jobarteh. As an adjudicator, Heather has been on many panels, working with various organizations. Heather loves to bring her competition and professional background together to provide the best feedback possible to those she works with with encouragement.

DANIEL TARDIBONO

Daniel Tardibono has worked in the arts world for nearly 25 years, in various capacities: teacher, choreographer, judge, coach, administrator, and more.  Daniel worked as Director of Schools for Texas Ballet Theater, Dallas-Fort Worth's resident professional ballet company. He is a State of Oklahoma K-12 Certified educator in Dance and a certified teacher through Dance Masters of America, where he also served as both an officer and board member. For 18 years, Daniel served as Founding Director of Victory Dance of Oklahoma City, where his students went on to study at some of the most prestigious dance universities in the country, as well as, perform professionally with companies such as Ballet Magnificat!, Oklahoma City Ballet, Steps on Broadway Conservatory, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. In 2007, Daniel served as Lead Consultant for the development and launch of the Dance Performance degree program at Oral Roberts University. Daniel has choreographed and coached several award-winning competition teams, and received numerous top awards, including State Champion Dance Teams and National finals groups. During Oklahoma's State Centennial Celebration, Daniel choreographed for country star Ty England's performance on the live TV broadcast of the Oklahoma State Centennial Parade. Daniel is passionate about dance education and believes strongly in challenging and inspiring students of all ages and technical levels.

JENSEN FREEDMAN

Jensen, an LA native, is well versed in all styles of dance. Her West Coast training and House dancing has heavily impacted her dance journey specifically in the art of tap. Her favorite classes to teach include feel-good dancing and conversations on how to create a better future for all dancers. As a young dancer, Jensen was a recipient of scholarships, been featured in two LA based dance companies; Tap Sounds Underground and Rithem Dance Co., and traveled to the Congreso de Danze in Mexico for teaching and judging. For fifteen years, Ms. Freedman has worked with Tap INto the Network/ TITN Intensive, and trained under Gregg Russell, Angela Carter and Ryan Lohoff. In addition to her training, Jensen is an experienced performer in Tap and House, and shared the quality of performance comes from enjoying the music. She has been featured on Dunkin’ Donuts and Kikkoman Soy Sauce commercials.

MISTY RASCONSMITH

Ms. RasconSmith has been professionally working in the dance industry for more than fourteen years. Specializing in jazz/funk, tribal funk and hip hop genres, she brings amazing choreography and demands the best from each dancer. She has worked with numerous recording artists, such as; Natasha Beddingfield, Janelle Monae, Vanessa Hudgens, Kirk Franklin, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, and Daniel Powter. You may recognize her from national television commercials for, Sunkist, Pepsi, Nike, or Sears. She can also been seen in the popular Robin Sparkles episode of the CBS hit show “How I Met Your Mother” and as a dancer and body double on Nickelodeon’s “Taina.”  She has danced for several award shows, including; the American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, and the Latin Grammy’s. She has appeared in print ads and as a model for Adidas, Tarbell, American Greeting Cards, Best Buy, Avery, and countless others.  She is proud of her extensive dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, salsa, hip hop, and more. She feels like an innovator and has created her very own style of “Tribal Funk,” and feels that she has developed something that many describe as “a movement that impacts people through dance, music, and clothing.”  As an instructor at numerous conventions and locations across the United States, including; Edge Performing Arts Center, Debbie Reynold’s, Word In Motion’s Urban Dance Festival, Groove Street, and Project Dance New York, her various styles of choreography and classes have been described as challenging, yet inspirational. Currently, Ms. Rascon Smith teaches for Dance Revolution, and is a dancer for, and directs, Word In Motion Dance Studio. Since discovering the meaning and purpose of her dancing and choreography, she is devoted to challenging and encouraging others to do the same in both life and dance. Misty will be teaching at the 3D Dance Conventions next season.

tj JACOBS

TJ Jacobs hails from New York City, where he currently resides. Originally from Northern Virginia, Jacobs grew his love for dance culture training at Culture Shock DC and Freestyle. This passion has led him to many amazing endeavors such as TEDx Talk, Bessie Awards Nominee, Founder of Pace Setters Dance Company and the pleasure of performing with Crystal Waters, Betty Who, Wyclef, World Of Dance and The Wizards, and most recently a residency with Ladies Of Hip Hop and Dance Lab NYC all to name a few. He has extensively trained in many styles such as House, Hip Hop, Waacking, Popping and Locking from some of the industry's greats. He is also grateful to be a Featured dancer/collaborator in TRPNYC Movement Ensemble. During the recent recession, the work he created was featured in the New York Times. This work, commissioned by Stephen Petronio Dance Company, was also nominated for a Bessie Award for Outstanding Production, alongside Bill T. Jones and other phenomenal Artists. These experiences have helped shape Mr. Jacobs' ideology of dance and the arts as a whole. This ignites his desire to transfer knowledge through judging, teaching and mentorships.

JACQUELINE BALIGIAN

Jacqueline Briar Baligian is a dance educator/choreographer/producer with over 30 years of experience. Born and raised in Rhode Island, Jacqueline moved to L.A after graduating high school, to attend California State University majoring in Theatre Arts & Dance. From there she was on to NYC where she became a scholarship student at the Broadway Dance Center. While studying at BDC Jacqueline was hired to co-direct the children's dance program. Her students have appeared in commercials, at Disney World, on Broadway, numerous television shows, and as Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Also a performer, Jacqueline has danced in live industrials for Suave shampoo with the star of Modern Family, Sofia Vergara and Allabouteyes.com . Jacqueline also recently performed on the Rachael Ray Halloween Special with Rachael Ray, Pee Wee Herman, and magicians Penn & Teller and on the Regis and Kelly Show with Kelly Ripa and Nick Lachey.  Jacqueline assisted teacher/choreographer Sheila Barker on a show starring tap legend Savion Glover, entitled “Invitations to a Dancer”. She recently choreographed the opening number, starring Jerry O’Connell for the Rachael Ray show’s first episode of the 6th season and was thrilled to be asked back to choreograph Rachael Ray’s 1,000th episode with Regis Philbin and Rosie O’Donnell. She just completed work choreographing for the “Shakespeare Forum” in NYC, having choreographed Romeo & Juliet. As a producer, Jacqueline has assisted on dance segments for Good Morning America, the Today Show, the Food Network, and many more. Jacqueline was voted one of the most popular judges/instructors by “Dance Spirit Magazine”. One accomplishment that Jacqueline is especially proud of is the creation of "Dance Dice", a unique game/teaching tool for teachers to use in class with their students. In 2011, Jacqueline made her debut as a Broadway Producer, being one of the producers of Broadway revival of “Godspell.” Currently Jacqueline travels across the country as a master class teacher, choreographer, and competition judge and in 2023 was accepted as a founding member of the newly formed, Choreographer’s Guild. 

MEGAN RADIGAN

Megan began her dance career at the age of three on Long Island, NY. She studied a variety of styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, and musical theatre. At the age of 12, she joined the elite competition team at the Dance Centre of the Hamptons; winning regional and national awards. She began teaching at the age of 16 where she learned and obtained clear instructional skills and identified techniques to inspire and motivate others. Megan continued her dance training in college, becoming a member of the  Fairfield University Dance Ensemble.  After school, she has had the pleasure of teaching multiple genres of dance in Switzerland, Japan, and the US. She has spent the last few years teaching, choreographing, and judging for a variety of different studios, private schools, and dance competitions in the New York and Connecticut area. Megan is so excited to spread her love of this performing art and is thankful for the blessings that dance can bring to all dancers!

KAYA DOYLE

With three decades of dance judging experience, Kaya is an asset to the DX judging panel. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts from Northern Illinois University, her devotion to the art of dance motivated her to pursue a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Kaya’s desire to share her enthusiasm and expertise led her to become certified as a United States All Star Federation (USASF) Dance Legality Official and has been honored to adjudicate competitions World-wide including Toyko, England, Scotland and Canada. Her expertise earned her a position as Secretary of the Dance Rules Committee for the USASF and has been a Worlds Dance Judge for thirteen seasons. Kaya is also a proud member of the DX Hall of Fame.

MADELEINE JAMIESON

A veteran national and international adjudicator, Maddie has judged in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and France, including at the ICU European Championships. As a dancer, Maddie held twenty-seven national titles in pom, jazz, lyrical and hip hop divisions. Highlights of her competitive career include representing Scotland at the ICU European Championships, IASF Dance Worlds and ICU World Championships. Ms. Jamieson is a professional dancer and has performed for Disney, Lucas Films, IKEA, as well as on the stage for the Alhambra Theatre in Cats and Footloose. Maddie has also gained credits including BBC's Clique, IKEA, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Since retiring, she has worked across Europe as an award-winning dance team choreographer. Maddie coached Team Scotland in the jazz and youth pom divisions with teams placing 4th and 3rd respectively at the 2022 ICU World Championships. Madeleine adjudicates throughout Europe and North America and is a welcomed addition to the DX judging panel.

CHRIS WENDORFF

Chris Wendorff was born and raised in the great Midwest state of Minnesota. At the youthful age of nine, he began his dance training at a local dance studio. As a competitive dancer, he attended many competitions and conventions throughout the country and was presented with numerous awards and scholarships along the way. To further his dance training, Chris decided to attend the prestigious University of Point Park in Pittsburgh, PA, where he earned a B.A. in dance. While there, he continued learning and training in a variety of styles, such as; the iconic style of Bob Fosse to commercial jazz, from ballet to modern, as well as contemporary. As a working professional in the industry, Mr. Wendorff has had the opportunity to perform in a large number of stage productions, in concerts, and upon cruise ships, most notable, Carnival Cruise Line. He has also worked for Walt Disney World as a parade/stage performer.  Chris continues to teach master classes and conventions throughout the United States and in the United Kingdom. Mr. Wendorff can also be found adjudicating various competitions across the country and truly loves and knows his craft. He is very excited to be here with all of the talented dancers this weekend!

CATHY WIND

Producer, director and choreographer Cathy Wind believes in the power of art to change lives. Serving as Artistic Director of Keane Sense of Rhythm dance school and company, Cathy has lead the company for 25 years in artistic excellence. She has extensive experience in choreographing and curating concert and competition dance. Her work has been seen in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Notable with the Queen of Sweden, Tony Bennet, Savion Glover, and assistant to Disney Producer Marilyn Magness.

melissa kidd

Melissa Kidd is the owner of Dance Technician, a private strength training facility for dancers located near Cincinnati Ohio. Her facility is a unique style of training rooted in Pilates, Aerial Yoga, and Strength/ Flexibility Training.  Throughout her career she has trained under members of Cincinnati Ballet, Boston Ballet and New York City Ballet. She has also trained under Finis Jhung (Alvin Ailey instructor & famous for Broadway's 'Flower Drum Song'), Savion and Abron Glover (tap-'Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk') and many more famous names in dance. She has also performed and trained with the Manhattan Dance Project the years of its inception in the late 1990's.  She has also choreographed for Cincinnati based RoJo productions, the rapper 'Gyfted', danced/choreographed for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and choreographed for schools/studios/soloists across the country.  Melissa holds several certifications in early childhood dance education and currently teaches a certification program for studio and program owners. She also is a consultant for high school and college teams across the country.   Ms. Kidd is a USASF certified legality official, judges for both the all star and studio circuit where she serves as a judging trainer/coordinator. She has almost a decade of experience as a judge and has been nominated and served on USASF Worlds panels every year since 2018.

LISA KUBINSKI SALINE

Lisa’s 40+ years of dance & cheer expertise includes numerous awards for group, solo and duet performances as well as a MVP title. Lisa was chosen from 365 candidates as Miss Teen of Minnesota, a scholastic and talent recognition program. Upon graduation she was selected for the first NFL Minnesota Vikings Professional Cheer Team.  The 36 original Viking Cheerleaders were chosen from over 600 candidates.  Lisa spent four years on the team and traveled to Sweden with the Vikings in 1989.  During this time, she was also coaching the St. Cloud State University Cheerleaders and led them to the NCA Collegiate Cheer Championship in Dallas, Texas where they finished sixth nationally. Ms. Saline developed the first-ever professional cheer/dance team for the NHL.  The MN North Star Electric Stars performed for sell-out crowds until they moved to Dallas.  Lisa has directed the Liberty, Car Quest and Outback Bowl game half-time shows, numerous performances at Walt Disney World, on board Carnival Cruise lines as well as the 1992 Super Bowl.  She is the founder & president of Dance Xtreme USA (DX Events), founder of United Performing Association (UPA) and coordinates the AmeriCup, regional and national competitions, 3D Dance Conventions and Disney Tour.  Ms. Saline is a member of the USASF, ADCC, serves on the National Dance Advisory Board and several other dance focused organizations. In years past, she has served on the Advisory Board for American Cheerleader Magazine, the AAU Dance/Drill Board of Directors and was a charter member of the National Council for Spirit Safety & Education (NCSSE) and the National All-Star Cheerleading Coaches Congress (NACCC).  Lisa is a published writer for American Cheerleader, Dance Spirit, and other industry print pieces.  She graduated with a degree in Speech Communications, Public Relations & Marketing with a minor in Dance.  She is married to her high-school sweetheart, Roger and they have three children; Dylan John, Peyton Ruth and Greyson Andrew.

KRYSTL ADAMS

Krystl started dancing when she was three years old, and has worked in the competitive dance world for over 30 years. Specializing in ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical and contemporary, Krystl has received numerous awards and titles. She teaches dance at a local dance studio, working with all ages to extend her love of dance to countless families. Since 2021, Krystl has been working with DX. She is currently the registration director and is responsible for overseeing registration and coordinating DX events, managing marketing and social media, handling all the merchandising for the competitions and conferences, and overseeing the staff at all events. Krystl also lends her creativity to creating business strategies and improving DX events, making each event better than the last one. Krystl lives in Maple Grove with her husband, two busy children, and their constantly-shedding dog.