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.

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 “Suessical”. 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. She has ajudicated regional and national competitions and looks forward to sharing her expertise with DX dancers.

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. Crystal also toured both nationally and internationally while performing with Diavolo Dance Theater. She is currently the competition director at Dance Creations in Simi Valley, CA. 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.

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 movement artist semi-based in Boston, and traveling through the US and Europe.  She holds a BFA in Contemporary Dance Performance from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she was a scholarship recipient. Heather has performed works by Loni Landon, Hofesh Shechter, Joseph Toonga, Jun Kuribayashi as Hybridmotion, and others. She's had the privilege of training with Jirí Pokorný, Anton Lachky, Eric Beauchesne and companies such as Hofesh Shechter Company, Gallim, Batsheva, BODYTRAFFIC, and Crystal Pite's Kidd Pivot. Along with performing, Heather is an educator & choreographer for youth students, pre-professionals, and professionals. She teaches regularly at youth programs throughout the country and joined the Dance Division faculty at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee in 2022 teaching in both Contemporary and Commercial Dance majors. Along with studio work, Heather brings her talents to Arts Administration - specifically in Program Development and Direction.  Heather stands as the Artistic Administrator for Hybridmotion Dance Theatre. She has created and developed programs such as BPMI Dance, the Hybridmotion Training Program, and co/motion dance + movement intensive, as well as been a guest administrator for outside organizations such as GALLIM.

BRIONNA TRILLING

Brionna Trilling has been lucky enough to have been judging for two years. She started performing professionally at a young age in the Broadway National Tour of Billy Elliot: The Musical. After touring around the world for four years, she moved to NYC to train at the Professional Performing Arts School and continue her career professionally. She recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater at Marymount Manhattan College, where she has gotten to train with Fosse Verdon sanctioned reconstructor Dana Moore, and many other professionals involved with the legacy. She is now lucky enough to be an adjunct Professor on their Daily Dance faculty. Recently, she worked as the Associate Choreographer and played Cha Cha in Grease and was the Associate Choreographer for Pete The Cat’s Big Hollywood Adventure. Some of her favorite experiences include: participating in choreography labs with Disney Theatricals, and performing at The Muny. She has also had the opportunity to assist professionals such as Lane Napper, Christine O’Grady Roberts, and Whitney Sprayberry. Brionna is so thankful she’s had the chance to share her passion as a guest teacher and choreographer at different dance studios around the country. 

DAN GIBSON

Since graduating for the University of Georgia, Dan has been dancing professionally. After his time with Gotta Dance Atlanta, Mr. Gibson trained at the Joel Hall Dance Center, where he studied African, Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Ballet, and Breakdancing.  Upon becoming a member of Chicago’s daring fusion company, Chicago Dance Crash, his training continued with the addition of Capoeira, Acrobatics, and Contemporary. In 2007, Dan was a featured performer and choreographer with a national tour for 13th Floor Performing Arts. Once deciding to call Chicago home, Dan has performed for Culture Shock Chicago, The Seldoms, 5 Star Boogie, Elephant Filmworks, Oprah Winfrey Show, Johnny Dangerous, and Kid Sister with Kanye West. In 2012, Dan earned a position as a senior company member with Chicago Dance Crash. Dan has used his experience and knowledge to judge dance all across the United States and most recently at the Dance World’s in Orlando, Florida.

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.

MARY TARPLEY

Mary Tarpley began dancing under the tutelage of Frances Taylor in Durango, Colorado. She continued her training nationally at Interlochen Arts Academy for high school and internationally at The Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London where she earned her BA in dance. After graduating, Mary danced professionally for companies throughout Europe. Upon returning to the US, Mary danced with State Street Ballet, as a Soloist for Santa Barbara Ballet, a Principal for City Ballet of L.A. and Invertigo Dance Theatre. In Chicago, Mary has been a First Company member of Chicago Dance Crash, danced for Civic Ballet of Chicago, Chicago Repertory Ballet, Thodos Dance Chigo, and River North. Mary has also done an extensive amount of print and video work for dance, including Jordan Matter’s Dancers Among Us and Dancers After Dark. Mrs. Tarpley has taught in Chicago at Hubbard Street Youth Dance Program, as a Company Director for Lake Forest Dance Academy, and as a Ballet Mistress at OYT. She is on summer faculty for Ballet Durango in Colorado, coaches for Youth American Grand Prix, and teaches master classes around the country and abroad. Additionally, she tours the country as a competition judge, including Dance Worlds. Mary also graduated Magna Cum Laude from DePaul University where she received dual degrees in Mathematics and Physics. Now back in Los Angles, Mary continues to teach, choreograph and perform. She is in her fourth season at Academy of Dance and looks forward to bringing new opportunities and artistry to their performance company as Company Director. Additionally, Mary is Ballet Faculty at Mater Dei Dance Conservatory in Orange County.

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.

JESSICA BENESCH

Jessica is an international master teacher and adjudicator, teacher trainer, choreographer, and business consultant with 25+ years of experience in the dance industry. Hailing from Los Angeles, Jessica trained under Master Teacher Gregg Russell. After college, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to become a professional dance teacher, choreographer and studio director where she repeatedly led teams to nationals titles. Ms. Benesch’s students have gone on to study at prestigious university dance programs, as well as perform in TV nd movies, professional companies, and pro teams. Now based out of Austin, TX, Jessica owns a studio where she integrates best practices from the fields of dance pedagogy, education psychology, child development, and business strategy and operations to support dance teachers and business owners. Jessica is also the Assistant Director at Tap Into The Network, where she travels the USA sharing her passion for tap dancing with the next generation.

JASON MARQUETTE

Jason Marquette graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Performance credits include the original cast of the 1st National Tour of the revival of 42nd Street, The Musical, theme parks and regional theaters all across the country. In 2008 he mounted his self-produced NYC production The Next Step. His direction and choreography has also been seen in the SUNY New Paltz Production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, Wittenberg University’s Fall Dance Concert, Working Mother Media’s annual NYC Worklife Congress Gala as well as music videos, corporate events and various showcases in New York and around the world. He is the owner of Marquette Productions – The Dancer’s Music Source and MPower Dance Workshops - Master Classes and Workshops that Mpassion, Mpower and Motivate. Mr. Marquette adjudicates for a variety of competitions around the country. He has been teaching for over 25 years in cities all across the country and internationally in Helsinki, Finland; Guayaquil, Ecuador, Guatemala City as well as multiple cities in Alberta, Canada. He has taught at the DanceTeacherWeb Live Conference and Expo in Las Vegas for 7 years and appears on their website offering tutorials in Tap. In 2014, Jason taught at the first annual SoFlo Tap Festival in Lake Worth, FL and was on the faculty of Resonance, a northeastern US based travelling tap festival. He was on faculty at various studios in New York City including New Dance Group, The Peridance Capezio Center and Broadway Dance Center for 6 years teaching Tap and Theater Dance and has taught at the Alvin Ailey School. He is currently on faculty teaching tap at the New York Film Academy, New York City campus; Jazz and Tap at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts as well as several other studios in the metro area. Most recently, he has taken on the role of Director of Operations for the Eglevsky Ballet Company of Long Island. Jason lives with his wife, Pamela, and their beautiful daughter Zoe in Queens, NY and is blessed to be able to continue traveling to teach, adjudicate and choreograph all over the country.

“When we see who we really are, we can choose who we are to become.” – Jason Marquette

JESUS ACOSTA

Jesus Acosta is originally from Guanajuato, Mexico. He started dancing at the age of eighteen at Sam Houston State University where he fell in love with dance and decided to pursue a career in dance. He recently retired from dancing full time and is looking forward to exploring different avenues in the dance world. Jesus is a founding member of the Houston Contemporary Dance company where he danced for three seasons and NobleMotion Dance where he danced for nine seasons while serving as rehearsal director. Mr. Acosta has previously danced with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company (4 yr.), the Kista Tucker MA Dance and Auxiliaries (18 yr.) as a choreographer and judge across the United States. Aside from working with high schools throughout the US, Jesus has choreographed for the Houston Texans Cheerleaders and recently held a position as a judge on the Contemporary/Lyrical panel at The Dance Worlds, the Colorado State Champions, the Utah State Championships and DX AmeriCup. He currently teaches all levels of jazz at Dance du Coeur in Sugar Land, TX, where he has been a Company Director for the past eight years and Boni’s Performing Arts Studio in the Woodlands, TX. When not at the studio, Jesus is dad to two dogs and 3 cats, Gwen, Ivy, Josey, Penny and Regina.

BRIANNA PENROSE

Brianna Penrose is a NYC based professional performer, choreographer, adjudicator, and educator. Her journey started in Chicago, taking part in the inaugural year of Hubbard Street’s Professional Training Program, directed by Alexandra Wells. Here she walked away with a certificate of completion for HSPro and a YoungArts winner certificate in dance/tap. Brianna also performed alongside Hubbard Street’s main company in “Danc(e)volve” in pieces by Rena Butler and Florian Lochner and in “Space in Perspective”, curated by Peter Chu. Following this, Brianna took to the “Big Apple” and is now represented by Go2Talent Agency. She is a member of “aKompany”, directed by Kenichi Kasamatsu and assists Kenichi on creative projects, such as CLI’s conservatory program. She also has been seen on So You Think You Can Dance on FOX in their top ten women, Lifetime’s Dance Moms, and HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Currently, Brianna is traveling internationally as the dance captain for Step One Dance Company, in partnership with Holland America Line. These shows “Humanity”, “Musicology”, “In Tandem”, and “Off the Charts” showcase all styles from ballroom and ballet, to hip hop and commercial jazz. Brianna loves traveling and sharing her passion for dance with the next generation - which is why she is so excited to be returning to the DX Conventions this fall.

KELSIE CROWLEY

Kelsie is a professional dancer from Boston, Massachusetts, currently dancing on Unyted Stylez Hip Hop crew based out of Boston, MA. Having trained in numerous forms of dance since an early age. She graduated from the Dean College Joanne Palladio School of Dance with her B.A. in Dance, B.S. in Business, and A.A. in Early Childhood Education. Though not limited to, she is known for her Hip Hop and Jazz choreography and performances. Ms. Crowley has worked with Flo Rider, New Kids on the Block, Demi Lovato, and the Urban Nutcracker. She has adjudicated across the USA and in Europe. Kelsie is a studio owner and is invested in her students’ growth and development as pre-professional dancers. She teaches a variety of genres as well as technique classes. Kelsie is a Certified Degreed Member of Dance Masters of America and Dance Masters of New England Chapter 5. Her love and passion for teaching pushes her to advance her dancers not only physically but also with the history, knowledge and love of dance.

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

As an 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 in pom and hip hop. Working as a dancer, Maddie has also gained credits including BBC's Clique, IKEA, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Since retiring, she has worked all over the 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. A veteran national and international adjudicator, Maddie is well-versed in jazz, lyrical, pom, contemporary, hip hop and acro. In 2023 alone, she has judged in the UK, US, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and France, including at the ICU European Championships.  

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.

BIANCA BRANDON

Bianca is a Virginia native who danced competitively and was a gymnast all through middle and high school. She trained since the age of two in various technical styles including her favorites; tap, jazz, acro and contemporary. A graduate with a BFA from Point Park University in Dance and a minor in broadcasting. Some of her credits include faculty on Abby Lee Dance Co., Disney Cruise Line, Disney’s Tale of the Lion King at DisneyLand, Virgin Voyages Cruise Line, In The Heights, So You Think You Can dance, Sheetz, and many more. She currently is adjudicating and teaching around the country at competitions and conventions.

melissa kidd

Melissa Kidd has over 3 decades of training in the areas of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary/lyrical, pom, hip hop, kick and acro as well as over 15 years of instruction/choreography experience in over 30 studios and schools across the United States. Miss Kidd currently owns a Cininnati based dance and fine arts center. Melissa’s training includes training under the Cincinnati Ballet and members of the New York City Ballet and Boston Ballet. Ms Kidd also received Training under Finis Jhung and Michael Vernon (Royal Ballet/NYC Ballet), Savion & Abron Glover (tap-broadway production of ‘Bring in Da Noise’), Bill Hoataling (jazz/contemporary/theater-STEPS and Broadway Dance Center ), Joe Lanteri (jazz- Julliard, NYCDA, MTV), Byron Carter (Hip Hop-Beyonce, Mary J Blige), Tre Holloway (Justin Bieber, NIcki Manaj, Black Eyed Peas), Mia Michaels (Contemporary-SYTYCD), and many other big names in dance. She also danced for and trained under the Manhattan Dance Project during the year of their very first tour. Melissa has choreographed for Cincinnati based ROJO Productions and a tour for the rapper ‘Gyfted’. She has also choreographed and performed shows for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Her choreography has been featured on ESPN and Fox Sports Network. Ms. Kidd owned and operated a competitive studio for 9 years, started dance programs in 3 Cincinnati Schools and led them to consistently place in the top 10 in the nation at the NDTC in Orlando for several years in a row. Miss Kidd has also worked with cast members of the Netflix series Ultimate Beastmaster which will premierpremiered in August of 2018. Melissa holds multiple certifications in choreography, technique, judging and early childhood dance education. Dancers that have trained under Ms. Kidd have gone on to dance on cruise lines, Broadway and off Broadway productions, NBA dance teams, NFL Cheerleading, University of Cincinnati, CCM of UC, University of Kentucky, Florida State University, Exhale Dance tribe, Hallmark movie productions, music videos, and many more universities and professional positions in the dance industry. Melissa enjoys splitting her time between teaching and traveling the world judging competitions and teaching master classes. Melissa judges for both the all-star dance circuit and the studio dance circuit where she has served as a judging coordinator/trainer. Melissa has judged for USASF Dance Worlds for multiple years.

SHANNON ROLF

Starting at the age of two, Shannon danced at a studio her entire life. While in college, she was chosen as captain of her team. Ms. Rolf also danced professional for the Minnesota Timberwolves “Reebok Performance Team” where they danced at games, performed in music videos and movies. Shannon started teaching at her studio at the age of 16 and continues there today. Her dancers have won numerous state, regional and national titles and awards. Under Shannon’s direction, her dancers have performed in local professional theaters and national music videos, TV sitcoms, commercials, and for the Grammy’s.

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.