Meet The Judges

The Dance Worlds judges are often those nominated by member Event Producers who send bid-winning teams to Worlds and/or are judges in good standing who have previously judged the Worlds event. Applicants must confirm their ability to sit on the judging panel based upon established criteria and must undergo an approved background check, complete athlete abuse prevention education, and sign a statement of confidentiality and ethical behavior as a person serving in any Worlds judging capacity. A Judge Selection Committee comprised of Worlds officials, Event Producers and industry experts, looks for well-rounded judging panels that include diversity, geographic locations, judging backgrounds and expertise and other criteria/qualifications. Upon review of each prospective judge’s application, committee members rate and review each applicant with their qualifications to adjudicate the Worlds event. Upon selection, judges undergo virtual and onsite training and once at the event will take an oath to remain impartial, evaluating all teams fairly without prejudice or bias based on their performance at Worlds.

Directors

Patty Adams

With a career spanning the course of four decades, Patty Adams’ experience in the dance industry is extensive. From education to mentoring, she believes that dance is the purest expression of life. Her passion lies in preparing teams for the competitive experience of dance and enabling them to maximize their potential. She has consistently led teams to top-five placements, as well as numerous championships and innovative choreography awards. Having coached at the JV, Varsity, Division IA College and All Star levels, Patty’s dance team experience spans all genres, ages and ability levels. She is a veteran national and international dance adjudicator and has enjoyed serving in the role of Hip Hop Panel Director for both the IASF and the USASF at The Dance Worlds for the past ten years. Educating through a score sheet is an honor she takes very seriously. As a member of the USASF Exceptional Athlete Committee, Patty is passionate about spreading awareness concerning this population. At home, she thrives in her role as executive director of Spirit Ride, a non-profit Therapeutic Riding center that assists children with a wide array of diagnoses to reach their goals through equine-related activities.

Michelle Allison

Michelle Allison, Artistic Director of Curtain Call Dance Center, Indianapolis, IN, trained at College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati; B.S. Dance Performance – Ball State University. Michelle is director of the Performing Companies, The Nutcracker and Dance Against Cancer at Curtain Call where she teaches dance, choreographs and develops curriculum and continuing education. Choreographer of musicals, show choirs, marching band and winter guard. Michelle judged The Dance Worlds since the inaugural year, currently Panel Director for the Jazz and Kick Categories for the USASF. From 2010-2021 Michelle choreographed the Colts NFL Cheerleader auditions and halftime shows, was a frequent guest judge/master instructor with JCDA Tokyo, JPN since 1994, is a veteran judge of NDA and other Varsity school, All Star and college competitions, including JAMFest Japan. Spent 13yrs teaching NDA, choreographed/ field produced 15 bowl games and nationally televised parades; judged NDA Regionals, All Star Dance and College Nationals since 1992.

Erin Alvarado

Erin Alvarado enters her 13th year as the Pom Squad Coach at Texas Tech University. Under her leadership, they secured their inaugural national championship in Division 1A Jazz at NDA in 2017, followed by a series of consecutive victories, clinching titles in 1A Jazz in 2017, 2018 and 2021, as well as 1A Pom in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Notably, in 2022, the squad represented the USA at the ICU World Championships, receiving Gold Medals in the jazz division. An alumna of West Virginia University, Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology with a minor in dance. Her expertise extends beyond coaching, as she serves as an adjudicator for various dance organizations, including NDA, UDA, USA, USASF, PrimeTime Dance and Showbiz Talent. She has also contributed internationally, judging competitions in Tokyo, Japan and Australia. In addition to her coaching role, Erin serves as an Adjunct Dance Faculty member at Texas Tech, teaching a diverse range of dance disciplines including Anatomy for Dance, Jazz, Tap and Pedagogy. Erin has been invited as a guest speaker at conferences hosted by Varsity, NDCA, Crowd Pleasers and USASF. Erin’s accolades include being named the National Collegiate Dance Coach of the Year by the National Dance Coaches Association in 2019.

Brian Cao

Brian Cao has been involved in the spirit industry for 30 years on the school, All Star, collegiate and professional levels. Hailing originally from the Pacific Northwest, he started his journey in the world of cheer as a captain for the University of Oregon Duck Cheer Team, eventually becoming an assistant coach and choreographer for the program. Following college, he switched gears to dance and stayed the course ever since. Brian’s dance resume includes performing with several professional companies in Oregon, including three seasons with the NBA Portland Trailblazers Jam Squad. He currently works as a choreographer and consultant to cheer and dance teams of all levels, was the choreographer for Team England Freestyle Pom in 2018 and returned to work with TE in 2025. In his limited free time away from training, he travels the world speaking at conferences, judging for major cheer and dance events, is a 7-time judge for The USASF Dance Worlds and in his second year as the USASF Pom Panel Director.

Lindsay Headrick

Lindsay headrick is from St. Louis, MO, where she grew up focusing on ballet, by studying with the Missouri State Ballet and the Canadian Ballet of Montreal. Lindsay earned her BA in Dance, at Lindenwood University, where she was a four year member of the National Champion Lion Line Dance Team. During her time on the team, she began working for Universal Dance Association, where she has been named Veteran Staff Member of the Year and received the Raving Fan Award. For the past decade, she has been a part of adjudication panels on the regional, national and international levels. Currently, she is the Co-Director of Quality Control at the USASF/IASF Dance Worlds. Lindsay consults and choreographs for numerous High School and College Dance Teams across the US and has helped them achieve top national rankings.

Sarah Miller Bate

Sarah Miller Bate, Director of Dance for the USASF, is dedicated to advancing All Star Dance and USASF dance membership. With nearly 40 years of dance experience, she earned a dual BA in Dance and Education from Old Dominion University. A four-time NDA High School All-American and three-time NDA Collegiate All-American, she also won Top Gun Leaps and Turns and the NDA Leadership Award. Sarah danced with multiple Norfolk-based modern companies and performed in international dance festivals. After an injury, she became a third-generation Classical Pilates instructor, working with Olympic athletes and Washington Ballet dancers. Sarah also co-created a barre fitness program and recently taught Contemporary Dance at Randolph College. A national and international adjudicator, she chairs the USASF Dance Rules Committee. Passionate about the future of All Star Dance, Sarah believes in empowering dance owners, coaches and athletes, while working collaboratively with the global dance community.

Anastasia Miller Burns

Anastasia Miller Burns is a former graduate and dance captain from The Ohio State University. After graduation, Anastasia became a talent agent booking choreographers, dancers, actors and models in feature films, television, commercials, music videos, Broadway productions and world artist tours. She was a senior agent and department director at BLOC Talent Agency LA, BLOC NYC and Clear Talent Group NYC for nearly 14 years. For the past 10 years, she has led the team at Inside Publications as Executive Vice President and Co-Publisher of the all-access dance magazine and media group, INSIDE DANCE. Since 2013, she has been the Hip Hop Judge Panel Director for the USASF/IASF Dance World Championships. Anastasia is also a member of the USASF Board of Directors and guides the USASF Dance Advisory Board as Chairman. In 2024, she had the honor of being inducted into the National Dance Coaches Association (NDCA) Hall of Fame. You can find her speaking, training and judging at numerous studio, All Star and talent competitions/conventions across the USA and internationally.

Cheryl Paquette

Cheryl Paquette is the USASF Dance Adjudication Director and Communications Coordinator. Cheryl has been involved in the dance industry for over 30 years and is trained in ballet, tap, jazz and pointe, spending six years as a company member with the Gateway Ballet. A graduate of the University of Missouri with a B.S.Ed. K-12, she earned the team’s first National Championship title with the Mizzou Golden Girls in 1991. She is a former NFL St. Louis Rams Cheerleader and NBA Dallas Mavericks Dancer. She was awarded the Herkie Legacy Award in 2017 for her commitment to the industry and inducted into the Missouri State Hall of Fame in 2023 for her contribution as a Mizzou Golden Girl. Cheryl resides in St. Louis, MO and enjoys judging for many national and international Event Producers.

Paige St. John

Paige St. John holds a B.F.A. Degree in Dance from The Ohio State University (2019) and M.A. in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado (2023). Based in Wilmington, DE, USA, Paige travels as a choreographer and dance educator, moving with young and adult athletes and creators domestically and internationally. Her work as an educator has taken her across the globe, leading her to have either choreographed, taught, judged, or presented dance education and coaching seminars in 17 countries and counting. In the States, Paige is the Assistant Coach of the University of Delaware Dance Team and choreographs for a variety of studio, All Star and nationally-ranked high school and collegiate dance teams. She frequently travels as a Master Instructor, specializing in technique and choreography in the styles of Contemporary, Jazz and Pom, while also hosting lectures and seminars for other dance educators and coaches on training techniques, student-coach rapport and curriculum consistency.

Dawn Walters

Dawn Walters, a former dancer and National Champion cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, is the former head Coach of the nationally ranked UK Dance Team. In 2017, her team became silver medalists in Pom and Hip Hop as they represented the US National Team at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships. Dawn was inducted into the Lexington African-American Sports Hall of Fame for her notable achievements in her coaching career and the Mayor of Lexington presented her with a proclamation declaring May 11 Dawn Duncan Walters Day to recognize her for mentoring countless young people in Lexington. During her career as a coach, Dawn has had her teams invited to perform in many countries including Japan, China, Mexico, Australia and Canada. Her international experience includes judging numerous competitions and speaking at coaches conferences. She is currently the IASF Pom Director for the USASF/IASF Worlds.

Shelly Warren

Shelly Warren is the current Golden Girl Spirit Squad Director at The Villages High School in Middleton, Florida and a Quality Control Director for the judging panels at The USASF/IASF Dance Worlds. In addition, Shelly is a veteran national and international judge and works as a choreographer and competition consultant for high school, college, studio and All Star programs across the USA. She is the rehearsal coordinator for the halftime and pregame performances for the Citrus Bowl held annually in Orlando, Florida and has served as the rehearsal director for pregame at the ACC Championship Game. Shelly worked for Universal Dance Association (UDA) for 22 years in various roles: head instructor, choreographer, program committee member and college camp instructor and has obtained national titles as a dancer, coach and/or choreographer in Pom, High Kick, Hip Hop, Jazz and Game Day. She continues to pursue her dream of educating and inspiring dancers through her travels to studios and schools worldwide.

Contemporary/Lyrical Panel

Contemporary / Lyrical Panel
Amanda Kerby

Jesus Acosta

Jesus Acosta is originally from Guanajuato, Mexico. He discovered dance at Sam Houston State University and decided to pursue a career in dance. He is a founding member of the Houston Contemporary Dance Company where he danced for 3 seasons and NobleMotion Dance where he danced for 9 seasons while also rehearsal director. He previously danced with The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, The Kista Tucker Dance Company and Hope Stone Dance Company. He has worked with MA Dance and Auxiliaries for 20 years teaching, choreographing and judging. Jesus has choreographed for The Houston Texans Cheerleaders and has been a judge on the Contemporary/Lyrical Panel for 4 years at The Dance Worlds and UDA College Nationals. He currently teaches all levels of Jazz at Dance Du Coeur in Sugar Land, TX where he has also been a Company Director for the past 10 years. When not at the studio Jesus is dad to 2 dogs and 2 cats.

Kelly Clement Gaddis

Kelly Clement Gaddis brings over 40 years of dance technical training, professional performance experience and both dance education and adjudication at the highest levels. She is known for her dynamic choreography and ability to pull an emotive performance out of dancers. Her repertoire includes extensive studio training, collegiate dance department training, 4-year Dancer and Captain for the University of Minnesota Dance Team, Universal Dance Association UDA Camp Instructor, Minnesota Vikings NFL Cheerleader, NFL Choreographer, professional dancer in movies/industrials. Kelly currently is a dance choreographer, studio teacher, dance team workshop facilitator and judge at the state, national and international levels. She is trained at an elite level in jazz, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, modern, pom, cheer, hip hop, kick, tap and various other styles of dance. Her choreography has contributed to 6 National Championships, a Gold Medal at Worlds and various top studio awards. Kelly lives in Minnesota, USA and works in the costume and studio dance industry.

Contemporary / Lyrical Panel

Amanda Kerby

Amanda Kerby, born in Riverside, California, grew up a competitive dancer at the age of six. She has won numerous titles including representing the United States in Australia winning the international title of ‘Dancer of The World’ in 2006. She toured the world dancing on a cruise ship, featured on So You Think You Can Dance, was a background dancer for ‘Foreigner’ and performed with contemporary ballet company “Atlantis Dance Theatre”. She danced two seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and then continued to represent the NFL as an All Star Cheerleader as an ambassador at the international games in London. She teaches conventions and master classes throughout the nation, is a nationally recognized choreographer and judges internationally in countries like Mexico, Japan, UK, Canada and Australia. Amanda graduated college from CSULB with a BA in Dance. She followed her affinity for kinesiology and movement science by continuing her education and is Pilates Certified (BASI), a Certified Personal Trainer (NASM) and Progressive Ballet Technique Certified (PBT). Amanda is currently dancing professionally in Las Vegas, NV, performing in the hit show “MJ Live” at the Harrah’s.

Melissa Kidd

Melissa Kidd is the owner of Dance Technician in Cincinnati Ohio, a private strength training facility for dancers rooted in Pilates. Melissa also teaches dance at a private high school. She has trained under members of Cincinnati Ballet, Boston Ballet and New York City Ballet. She has also performed and trained with the Manhattan Dance Project the years of it’s inception. Melissa holds several certifications in early childhood dance education and currently teaches a certification program for studio and program owners. Ms. Kidd has over a decade of experience judging in both the studio, All Star and collegiate/high school circuits. She currently enjoys splitting her time judging, teaching master classes, consulting high school/collegiate teams and doing private strength training across the US.

Contemporary / Lyrical

Rochelle Mapes

Rochelle Mapes earned a MA and BFA in Dance from CSU Long Beach. Performance credits include dancing for Gladys Knight, the FX television show Nip/Tuck, bi-coastal BARE Dance Company with Mike Esperanza and RhetOracle Dance Company. As an educator, she currently is on faculty with the American Ballet Theatre Gillespie School and Dance aTAK Convention, is the Director of Dance at Mater Dei HS and previously taught for the Orange County School of the Arts, the Dizzy Feet Foundation’s National Dance Day, Texas All-State and USA Dance Camps. Rochelle Mapes’ diverse choreography has been presented on the professional concert stage, college dance departments, studios and extensively with competitive high school dance teams. Her concert work has twice been selected as a finalist at the prestigious Palm Desert Choreography Festival. Rochelle has judged for 20+ years for UDA College Nationals, UDA National Dance Team Championships, The Dance Worlds, USA Dance and USA-Japan.

Emma Munnikhuis

Australian Emma Munnikhuis is an experienced professional in the dance industry, with a career spanning decades. She began as a young dancer, training in ballet, jazz, and contemporary, gaining early recognition as a child performer on a weekly entertainment television show. Emma later became a dancer and co-choreographer for Australia’s National Basketball League, where she worked for 10 years. Her extensive experience includes appearances on state, national, and international television, as well as work in commercials, promotions, theatre, and corporate events. Emma has taught and choreographed many students who have gone on to achieve State and Australian titles. Currently, she is a Head Dance Judge for the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation, adjudicating at both State and National levels, and evaluating Australia’s dance categories for World Bids. Over the past 12 years, Emma has adjudicated internationally, as a World Judge for USASF/IASF, ICU World Cheerleading Championships, European Cheer Union, and FISO World.

Sarah Pohlman

Sarah Pohlman has dedicated more than 25 years to dance. From the Cleveland area, Sarah grew up training at a studio on a competitive dance team, where she trained and competed across the country. She went on to dance professionally for the AFL, where she represented Cleveland at the Arena Bowl and for the NBA on the Cleveland Cavalier Girl Dance Team. Sarah has taught, coached and consulted with various competitive teams across the nation, ranging from all ages and genres. Her main objectives in class are to establish strong fundamentals in each dancer and encourage a positive movement environment. An internationally certified adjudicator with various brands since 2015, Sarah has had the honor of judging The Dance Summit, JAMfest Japan, The USASF Dance Worlds and every Dance MAJORS since its inception. She hopes to continue judging and inspiring dancers for years to come.

Michelle Vincent

With over 40 years of experience in jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, hip hop and contemporary dance, Michelle Peterson Vincent is a dedicated professional. For 30 years, she has trained young dancers while continuing her own education through conventions and mentorships with renowned choreographers. Michelle’s performance background includes leading West Jordan High as Drill Mistress and dancing with the University of Utah’s Crimson Line. She later became a head instructor and choreographer for Universal Dance Association, judging top competitions, including the ESPN Nationals Dance Championships. For the past five years, she has also served as a judge for AASCF. As the founder of American Dance Academy in 2001, Michelle spent over two decades shaping resilient, versatile dancers. Her global impact includes coaching, choreography and teaching in China, Ecuador and Colombia. Through her passion and expertise, she continues to inspire the next generation of dancers worldwide.

Jazz/Kick Panel

Antonio Bartone

Antonio Barone is an Italian freelance dance educator whose work spans internationally. He began his training in Italy at the age of six, in both Dance Theatre and Dance Sport. His passion for dance in all its forms took him to London where he was awarded with several scholarships to train as dance teacher, achieving the highest teaching qualifications in ballet, modern jazz, contemporary, tap dance and folk dance. Antonio lectures internationally. He enjoys teaching multiple genres at various level and being a guide to students in their journey in becoming qualified dance teachers. Antonio holds a BA in Arts and Humanities and is currently an active internationally recognized and licensed adjudicator. His twenty years of judging career also include World and Continental Championships, International Artistic Competitions, dance festivals and sporting events. He feels privileged to be part of the judging panel of the 2025 IASF Dance World Championships, eager to share his passion for dance in all its forms and thrilled to enjoy the performances of all artists.

Kristin Best Kinscherff

Kristin Best Kinscherff is Chair of the Department of Theater and Dance at SIUE, Associate Professor, head of Dance and Co-Director of the University Dance Company. She holds an MFA in Dance Performance from the University of Iowa and integrates choreography into academic programming. Dedicated to dance education, she has developed specialized curricula, including Autism Movement Therapy© for children with special needs. Kristin has served as a lead instructor, choreographer and curriculum committee member for the Universal Dance Association (UDA). She is an experienced adjudicator for national and international dance organizations, including UDA, the National Dance Alliance (NDA), the United States All Star Federation (USASF), the International All Star Federation (IASF) and The Dance Worlds. Her work bridges academia and professional dance, fostering student growth through education, performance and mentorship.

Rachel Domangue

Rachel Domangue, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, is the former Director of the National Dance Alliance. Rachel’s BFA in Performing Arts-Dance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has allowed her to network with all facets of the dance industry. For over 20 years, she has worked as a dance team coach, choreographer, teacher, judge training consultant and speaker. Rachel has been honored to judge for BCA in Scotland, JCDA at the All Japan Cheer and Dance Championship in Tokyo, NDA, UDA, USA, Varsity All Star, The Dance Summit and the USASF Dance Worlds as both a legality official and Panel Judge. She also serves on the USASF Dance Rules Committee. Rachel’s daily gig is as the Director of Business Operations and Development at Glass Staircase, a creative marketing and branding agency that focuses on empowering women and small businesses.

Shannon Gregg

Shannon J. Gregg, PhD, has over three decades of dance and cheer experience as a coach, judge and program owner, from All Star to school to studio dance. Shannon has ten judging appearances at The Dance Worlds. She was a feature dancer/Dance Captain in Kelly-award winning musicals “Lil Abner” and “Peter Pan,” had an internship with the Pittsburgh Dance Alloy and went on to study with the Lake Erie Ballet. A finalist herself at the first ever Dance Worlds in 2007, competing multiple years in jazz and hip hop, Shannon loves the power and talent of this event! Shannon holds a BA in English Literature with minors in Dance and History from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA and a PhD from Point Park University where she is currently on faculty.

Heather Langham

Heather Langham is a 13-year veteran of The Radio City Rockettes and resides in New York City. After retiring from the Rockettes in 2022, she has focused her energy on working with dance teams on improving their kick technique as well as developing strength programs the teams can use throughout their season. Heather graduated from Arizona State University and was co-captain of the first nationally competitive ASU Dance Team. She has worked for the National Dance Alliance for over 25 years as a head Instructor, choreographer and adjudicator at both the college and high school level. She has over 20 years of experience as an adjudicator at multiple events including The Dance Worlds, NDA Nationals, NDA All Star Nationals, NDA College Nationals, COP Brands, USA All Star Nationals and many other state and regional competitions.

Kelsey Nelson

Kelsey Nelson is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a degree in Dance Management and has been a dedicated performer, educator and choreographer for over 25 years. Her diverse career includes appearances in major motion pictures such as Rock of Ages and Anchorman II, as well as performances with Royal Caribbean and various theme parks. Passionate about dance education, Kelsey has worked with Universal Dance Association and has traveled nationwide as an independent guest educator and choreographer. Combining her love for dance and fitness, she developed a specialized cross-training program designed to help dancers elevate their technique and performance. Kelsey is honored to be part of this prestigious event and looks forward to sharing her expertise and passion with all participants.

Gretchen Noack

Gretchen Noack’s career in the dance team industry has spanned over 30 years. She graduated from Cal State University Fullerton, with a double degree in Dance and Public Relations and was an honored member of the CSUF Titan Dance Team. She continued her Dance Career as the Dance Program Director for the United Spirit Association (USA) running dance camps, competitions and special events. She continued running the USA Dance Program for 6 years. Gretchen soon became a sought-after judge for state, national and international dance competitions, such as The Dance Worlds in Orlando and Nationals competitions in the US, Tokyo and Mexico. She also gained a lot of notoriety with competition choreography in the 2000’s for many nationally ranked teams, numerous football halftime shows, international parades and with professional NFL/NBA dance teams. Additionally, Gretchen recently became the proud owner of “All Star Spirit Productions LLC” a company that produces Parades at Disneyland with hundreds of dance and cheer performers. Her relationship with Disney provides a special opportunity for young dancers to experience performing in a professional capacity.

Valerie Potsos

Head Coach of the nationally ranked University of Michigan Dance Team from 2000-2022, Valerie Stead Potsos is the Director/Owner of Dancer’s Edge in Dexter, Michigan. Recently, she traveled to Vienna, Austria and Tokyo, Japan to judge, choreograph and train dance teams. She has choreographed for professional corporate sponsors including Ford Motor Company. Dancer’s Edge was named as one of the “Top Studios on the Move” in Dance Spirit magazine. Her articles on coaching and dance have appeared in Dance Spirit, American Cheerleader and in Motion Magazines. She is a seminar presenter and curriculum consultant on topics such as Motivation, Leadership and Teambuilding. She conducts UDA Digital Critiques for teams on their routines helping coaches and teams prepare for their competitions. She coached The Royal Oak Kimball Dance Company and The Royal Oak Kimball Varsity Dance Team for 8 years. She also teaches for the kinesiology department, “U-Move” at The University of Michigan. Valerie graduated with a B.A. from the University of Michigan and has additional graduate studies in Secondary Education from Michigan State University. Valerie resides in Dexter, MI with her husband and three children.

Emmaline Seyler

Emmaline Seyler has her Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance Performance from the Oklahoma City University and serves the cheer and dance industry as a performer, choreographer, teacher and judge. She is currently a dancer at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Seaworld, where she has performed in Halloween Horror Nights Nightmare Fuel Wildfire, The Festival of the Lion King, Sesame Street Party Parade, Festival of Fantasy Parade, Sirens Song and more. Emmaline has taught summer dance camps for UDA as a head Instructor, performed various roles on judging panels with Stage 8, Varsity, International Cheer Union, Cheer Chile, ONP and judged tryout selections for many dance teams around the nation. She has had the opportunity to teach and facilitate events such as the Citrus Bowl Pregame Performance and Varsity Spirit Spectacular and continues to spread her passion for dance through teaching, performing, choreographing, judging and entertainment management.

Hip Hop Panel

Toya Ambrose

Toya Renee Ambrose, a visionary in the dance team industry, is the current head Coach of the Chicago Luvabulls and 312 Crew for the Chicago Bulls. With several Emmy nominations, the Bulls Entertainment team are industry leaders. As coach and choreographer for the Luvabulls, Toya has choreographed live performances for world-renowned DJs Armin Van Buren and Kygo on the 2022 Lollapalooza stage with over 70,000 fans. Her choreography has also been featured in sets for the historic Sugarhill Gang and house music legend Chuck Roberts. Toya was selected to present about entertainment in sports arenas to colleagues from the NBA, NFL, MLB and NCAA at the 2024 National Sports Forum in Pittsburgh. She is also a former collegiate head coach and multi-national champion and international choreographer and current judge in the dance team industry. Toya currently owns T.R.A. Creative LLC and pledges to make an impact on the dance team community through innovative choreography, industry events and education that will propel the next generation of creators forward. Toya truly brings a wealth of knowledge from every aspect of the industry. She resides in Chicago and is married to attorney Garvin G. Ambrose, esq. Their greatest adventure is being foster parents and recently adopting the most perfect little girl, Alayah.
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Michelle Bailey

Michelle Vaughn-Bailey is a dynamic force in the commercial dance and sports entertainment industries with over twenty years of experience. As the 2023 head Coach of the Connecticut Sun Dance Team and Game Operations Manager for the 2024 season, she currently excels as the Game Director. Her extensive resume includes performances and choreography for high-profile artists, films and events, including NBA2K, Lil Uzi Vert, Nicki Minaj and the Oscars. Additionally, Michelle founded iNSYNC With The Pros, a professional dance intensive program, while collaborating with numerous NBA and NFL teams, such as the Golden State Warriors and Miami Dolphins. Recognized as a nationally ranked choreographer, she has earned accolades for innovative choreography and excellence at prestigious competitions like The USASF Dance Worlds. Michelle’s passion and expertise continue to leave a lasting impact in both dance and sports entertainment.

Elyse Born

Elyse Born is a dance educator at Manatee School for the Arts in Palmetto, FL where she coaches the dance team, HEAT and is the chair of the dance department. She’s judged and taught most recently in Colombia, Chile and Puerto Rico and was previously a judge and head instructor for National Dance Alliance for many years. During her time with NDA, she also traveled to Japan to teach and judge for the JCDA, an experience she will never forget. She’s thrilled to be back to witness the artistry and athleticism of the All Star dance teams from all across the world at this prestigious event. The professionalism and passion on display from all parties involved at The Dance Worlds is unmatched.

Jenny Durbin Smith

Jenny Durbin Smith is a nationally recognized and award-winning choreographer. She is a former member of the UNC-Chapel Hill cheer and dance teams and a former captain for the NBA Dallas Mavericks Dancers. Jenny has been a principal dancer for many national projects and her choreography has been featured on major network TV shows, national television commercials, industrials, films, reality television shows, NFL fields and NBA courts. In addition to being the proud Director of the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue, the only co-ed drumline and dance team in the NFL, she is the Director of the Dallas Cowboys Rookie Squad and The Officials, a choreographer with Varsity Pro, faculty member with Adrenaline and Revive and travels the country choreographing and master instructing for numerous dance organizations, professional teams and studios. Jenny also proudly serves on the hip hop score sheet advisory boards for NDA and USASF.

Stacy Garrastazu

With over 30 years of dance experience, Stacy Garrastazu brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the dance industry. Garrastazu has coached and choreographed for numerous studios, schools, colleges, professional sports teams and All Star dance teams throughout her career. Traveling all over the country to competitions, conventions and workshops, she stays at the forefront of what is new and cutting-edge in this industry. Garrastazu currently teaches master classes and choreography to select organizations while sitting on numerous judging panels including the USASF Dance Worlds from 2014 to present. Her extended background has made her an asset to many studio, school, collegiate and All Star organizations.

Daniel Gibson

A Georgia native, Daniel Gibson has been dancing professionally since he graduated from the University of Georgia. He opened his career with a national tour with 13th Floor Performing Arts, where he was a featured performer and choreographer. His formal training includes Gotta Dance Atlanta, the Joel Hall Dance Center where he trained in African, hip-hop, jazz, modern, tap, ballet and breakdance. He moved to Chicago where he has performed with Culture Shock Chicago, Chicago Dance Crash, the Seldoms, 5 Star Boogie, Elephant Filmworks, the Oprah Winfrey Show, a national campaign for UPS, Johnny Dangerous and Kid Sister with Kanye West. He was a featured dancer in the short film, “Wonderland or Humans who talk and dance.” He has worked with collegiate dance teams, All Star world champions, the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders and has been an esteemed panel judge for the USASF Dance Worlds for 10+ years.

Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez is a creative director and choreographer in Los Angeles with 35+ years in the entertainment world. Specializing in film, TV, commercials and music videos, Tony has worked with top names like Tracy Anderson, The Neighborhood, The Masked Singer and Olivia Rodrigo. He’s known for viral dance videos and choreography in 350+ commercials. Tony is passionate about movement, energy and creativity and is still active in the dance community, judging and creating for collegiate, high school and pro dance teams.

Thomas (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, performing at the Kennedy Center and The Apollo 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, Capoeira from some of the industry’s greats. He is also grateful to be a Featured and current 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. These experiences have helped shape Mr. Jacobs’ ideology of dance and the arts as a whole.

Caroline Koch

Hailing from Chicago, Caroline Koch was crowned Miss Dance Drill Team before teaching UDA summer camps around the country. While on the Hip Hop Coalition at Arizona State University, Caroline was cast in High School Musical for Walt Disney World. She has been a featured performer in everything from The Lion King to the famous Walt Disney Christmas Day Parade, taking the stage with the likes of Beyonce, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber. After completing her apprenticeship from The Jabbawockeez at the Monsters of Hip Hop tour she danced across the globe on the Seabourn Cruise Line. Caroline’s career in entertainment continues today as both talent and producer, working with some of today’s biggest acts from music festivals to red carpet movie premieres. She has been judging dance events for over a decade, including UDA College Nationals, NDTC and The Dance Worlds.

Lindsey Lococo

Lindsey Lococo is currently Senior Manager of Entertainment for the Chicago Bulls. For twelve years, Lindsey was the Spirit Coordinator and head Dance Coach at her alma mater, the University of Illinois-Chicago.She graduated with a B.S. in Movement Sciences and danced on the Nationally ranked UIC Dance Team. She went on to dance with Hip Hop Connxion and later became a director of the company before moving on to dance with Design Dance, Work in Progress and several professional arena sports teams. Performance credits include Oprah, Beyoncé, Fantabuloso feat. Carly Rae Jepson, WNBA Chicago Sky and Discover. Lindsey is a former UDA instructor and has choreographed at the High School, Collegiate and NBA level. She has adjudicated for the IHSA, IHSDTA, WACPC, UDA/NDTC, Varsity All Star Brands and The Dance Worlds. She resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband, Joseph, son Greyson and dog, Buehrle.

Jay Lopez

Jay Lopez is a Latin American leader in education and systems innovation who has reached other continents, breaking down language barriers to help other choreographers and dancers achieve their goals. “Everyone teaches one” and “opportunity favors the prepared” is his work base. He has worked with teams worldwide implementing and cleaning routines as well as alongside important companies training their judges on regulations to achieve equal opportunities for competitors. Jay is also the director and head coach of Five Stars Company Mexico, where he has focused his efforts on preparing dancers at an early age, convinced that children hold the future of dance worldwide in their hands.

Christopher Moss

Chris Moss can be found in the Academy Award film La La Land as well as Blonde, Gangster Squad, The Muppets, Bring It On: Fight to the Finish, Bring It On: In It To Win It, Bring It On: All Or Nothing, Meet the Spartans, Music and Lyrics, The Hot Chick, Valley Girl. He’s trained actors for their dance roles including Tom Cruise (Tropic Thunder) and Rob Schneider (The Hot Chick). His choreography can be seen in Tropic Thunder, 2 Broke Girls, NFL PROMOS and several industrials. You may have seen Chris on award shows and television productions such as The Emmys and Academy Awards, The Masked Singer, Welcome To Chippendales, The Boys, Euphoria, Fuller House and Dollface. He’s danced and worked with some of the world’s most recognizable names: Britney Spears, LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Whitney Houston, Brian McKnight, Lionel Richie, Hugh Grant, Donald Glover and Ken Jeong to name a few.

Jarrin Rolle Warren

Jarrin Rolle Warren has been in the dance industry for more than 30 years. She is a recognized dance coach/director, instructor and choreographer with works ranging from pee-wee to collegiate and professional. She has judged for numerous dance companies and competitions nationally and internationally and has received choreography awards in hip hop, pom, team performance and jazz. Some of Jarrin’s accomplishments include dance performance assistant of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, halftime performance coordinator/choreographer for the New Jersey Nets, dance camp instructor/choreographer Japan, dance assistant for the Aloha Bowl Hawaii, production assistant of Thanksgiving in Paris, France and she helped create and lead NDA’s verbal judging program. Jarrin has judged The Dance Worlds for eleven years, The Dance Summit for five years, COPBrands Mexico in 2018 and 2019 and COP Virtual Games Mexico 2020.

Morgan Schulte

Morgan Schulte has over 25 years of experience in the dance industry. She danced professionally for the NBA Memphis Grizzlies for six seasons and was a seven-year head instructor for high school and college Universal Dance Association camps. Morgan judges many competitions for various brands, including The USASF Dance Worlds. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned degrees in Exercise Science and Dietetics and has a Master’s degree in Nutrition from Saint Louis University. She is an Orangetheory Fitness coach and a dietitian, fitness coach and wellness speaker through her own business, Motivate.

Mikey Trasoras

Choreographer, dancer and event director Mikey Trasoras serves as owner and creator of The Art of Movement Dance Convention, that brings back the heART to dance, AO Summer Intensive and ATP, an assistant program. Some of Mikey’s choreography credits include the sizzle reel for Hawaiian Style, Sarah Jaffe’s music video “Glorified High,” Ivivva Athletica YouTube video promotions, Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing season 5 kickoff in Hollywood and for the Texas’ collegiate dance team The Apache Belles. Mikey’s students have appeared on So You Think You Can Dance, Abby Lee’s Ultimate Dance Competition and X-Factor just to name a few. Like his freestyle dancing, Mikey’s choreography is intricate and stylistically innovative. His keen musical ear and captivating artistic expression of lyrics elevate Mikey as a true artist. Mikey has been directing dance events for the past 20 years for numerous companies, building their reputation and level of professionalism.

Micky Yodchan

Micky Yodchan is a distinguished leader in Thailand’s dance and entertainment industry, serving as AGC Thailand Director and a committee member of the Cheerleading Association Thailand. She is a former HIP HOP International Thailand Director (2013-2023) with a Bachelor’s in Western Dance (Second-Class Honors). Micky is founder and CEO of Sole U Entertain Co., Ltd., an AGC World judge, and ICU World Cheerleading Championships judge in Orlando since 2022.

Pom/Junior Panel

Kira Collins

Kira Collins has experience dancing at the studio, high school and professional level. She has over 35 years of experience in the industry combined as a dancer, coach and judge. Kira’s judging experience includes the state of Wisconsin, Varsity, UDA and NDA in the United States and internationally in Japan. She has had the additional honor of being chosen to judge The Dance Worlds and The Dance Summit for multiple years. Kira is NDCA, Varsity, UDA and NDA certified. In addition to dance, Kira enjoys spending time with her husband and son, being outside, traveling and hanging out with her Great Dane.

Heather Fong

Born and raised in San Jose, Heather Fong has been dancing since age 2, competing since age 7 and technically trained in all dance styles. Heather is a graduate of San Diego State University. While attending, she was captain of their nationally ranked dance team for 3 years. She graduated with her BS in Child and Family Development, teaching credential and Masters in Elementary Education. Heather was the coach and choreographer for two nationally ranked songleading teams in south Orange County. She moved back home to the Bay Area in 2012 to become a Kindergarten teacher. For the past 19 years, Heather has judged dance for Varsity Brand companies at the regional and national level. This is her 23rd year with the United Spirit Association and 21st as a Songleading head Instructor. She is excited to return for her 5th year on the Pom Panel!

Julie Jacobson

Julie Jacobson has enjoyed performance judging for over 30 years. She has judged for numerous local, state, national and international competitions during that time, including events in Japan, Australia and New Zealand, as well as season culminating events such as DTU Nationals, The One, U.S. Finals, Varsity Dance Summit and The Dance Worlds. She is a retired middle school teacher and high school dance coach, both teaching and coaching for over 35 years. Julie also co-coached the Wisconsin Down Under Teams which competed in Australia and New Zealand for 15 years. Besides dance, other passions in her life include her husband, her two dogs, relaxing on her deck with a good book and enjoying making memories with friends.

Melissa McGhee

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Melissa McGhee is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she obtained a B.S. in Business Administration. She is the current head Coach of The Ohio State University Dance Team. Under her direction, the team won the program’s first ever National Championship in 2018 and has thirteen total to date. After sixteen years of studio training, she now consults for dance studios and teams nationally and judges for numerous dance competitions including NDA, UDA, AmeriDance, Showcase America, Stage 8, OASSA and USASF Dance Worlds. Melissa has been a speaker at the Varsity Dance Coaches Conference, National Dance Coaches Association Conference, CLI Studios and Intricate Training for Dancers. She was named National Dance Coaches Association (NDCA) College Coach of the Year in 2020 and served as the NDCA College President from 2020-2022. In 2022, Melissa opened doors to a dance studio in Upper Arlington, OH, Lineage Dance Co.

Quality

Tara Noyes

Tara Noyes has been immersed in dance since age 2, finding her home in the studio as a budding performer and competitor. Over the years, Tara has thrived in many roles, but some of her most cherished accomplishments come from her work as an instructor, choreographer, competitive coach and program director across community non-profits, collegiate Panhellenic organizations and All Star programs. A USASF Dance Coach of the Year nominee, Tara’s teams earned multiple national titles, high point honors and awards for innovative choreography, technique, showmanship and sportsmanship. Now in her 10th season as a judge, Tara is elated to travel each weekend to grand national events across the country, celebrating the artistry, athleticism and dedication of the All Star dance community. Tara is most honored to adjudicate The Dance MAJORS, The Dance Worlds, The Dance Summit and most recently, JAMfest Japan.

John Peters

John Peters is recognized as one of the nations most innovative and award winning choreographers. Recent choreography projects include live performances with Warren G., Montell Jordan, French Montana, Bebe Rexha, James Corden, Craig David, Tone Loc and Snoop Dogg. In 2019 he choreographed the NBC Sunday Night Football opener with Carrie Underwood. John is the choreographer for the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders and this past season his work was featured with KATSEYE, international pop group, at the MAMA Awards in L.A. Other pro sports clients include the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers, Boston Celtics and the L.A. Laker Girls. Worldwide televised features include the 2017 and 2024 Hong Kong Chinese New Year parade, NFL America Bowls in London, Tokyo, Barcelona, Pro Bowl Hawaii, Super Bowl XIX, LIII and LVI. He has choreographed countless winning routines for College, High School, Studio and All Star cheerleading and dance champions. John is a former United Spirit Association Spirit and Dance staff member, Program Director and Creative Director.

Ricardo Platas

Ricardo Platas has been a dancer, educator, choreographer and judge for more than 20 years. As a former dancer he represented Mexico at The Dance Worlds (2011-2013), taking home gold in the Coed Jazz and Coed Pom divisions in 2013. His judging experience ranges from high school, collegiate and all star competitions in numerous countries such as the US, Colombia, UK, France, China, Costa Rica, Chile, Italy, Hong Kong and Mexico. He has been part of the judging panel at the ICU World Championships and the USASF/IASF Dance Worlds in six separate occasions. Ricardo has coached Anahuac Queretaro University Dance Team for the past ten seasons. Under his direction the team won its first College National Championship in 2018. His team represented Mexico as the National Team in the Pom division, placing fourth at the 2022 ICU World Championships. The Team has consistently placed in the top 3 at ONP Nationals and won the Open Pom division in 2023 and the Open Jazz division in 2023 and 2024. Ricardo is thrilled and honored to return to the prestigious panel of judges at the ICU World Championships and the USASF/IASF The Dance Worlds.

Wanda Brown Weir

Wanda Brown Weir is the former 3-year Director/Choreographer of the NBA Washington Wizards Dance Team. Prior to joining the Wizards Dance Team as a dancer Wanda was a cheerleader for the NFL Washington Commanders for two seasons. Wanda is a graduate of Towson University where she obtained her BS and MS and was a member of the muti-national championed dance team. Her instructional and choreography career spans over 25 years and includes numerous high school, All Star and collegiate teams. Most recently she’s the former 5-year head coach for the National championed Catholic University Dance Team and former head coach for the George Washington University Dance Team both in Washington DC. Since 1999, Wanda has adjudicated for numerous local, state, national and international competitions including The Dance Worlds and the ICU World Cheerleading Championships. Currently, Wanda is Owner/Creative Director for Premier Dance DC and a sought after dance fitness consultant, speaker, motivational coach and commercial actress/model appearing in numerous local and national ad campaigns along with her family, The Wonder Weirs.

Legality

Christian Aleman

A Miami, FL native, Christian Aleman has been involved in the dance industry for 20+ years. Alongside her All Star and high school dance companies she achieved national team/solo titles. She became a coach/choreographer and ADA staff member. In 2007 Christian relocated to Atlanta and became a company director for Powerhouse Dance. Christian now resides in Chattanooga, TN where she was the owner/director of First Step Dance Studio. She dedicates her weekends to judging National/World Bid events around the world. Christian has developed/taught multilingual courses for the ICU and serves as the head of ICU Performance Cheer Rules.

Legality

Kathryn Brasfield

Kathryn Brasfield is a Knoxville, TN native and is thrilled to be at The Dance Worlds 2025! A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, she was a member of the University’s dance team and earned a degree in Health and Human Performance. She began working for UDA in 2007, instructing dancers and leading camps all across the US. Kathryn is currently coaching two school teams and has helped lead the teams to several state championships, national finalist placements and multiple UDA National Championship titles. In addition to coaching, she choreographs and consults for various school and All Star programs. Her work has earned multiple choreography awards and has helped teams achieve top three finishes at the regional, state and national level as well as UDA and NDA National Championships. Kathryn serves as a USASF legality official for multiple Varsity Brands events.

Gregory Collins

Greg Collins is excited to be back at The Dance Worlds for his 5th year. He has over 30 years of judging experience, in both cheer and dance nationally and internationally. Greg is the NFHS Spirit rules interpreter for Maryland and the assistant director for cheer and dance for Special Olympics Maryland. He wishes all the dance teams the best of luck during the competition and to enjoy this amazing opportunity and experience.

Kaya Doyle

Kaya Doyle received her B.A in Performing Arts from Northern Illinois University and her Master in Architecture from University of Illinois-Chicago and has been blending the skills of both degrees ever since. Most seasons Kaya adjudicates over thirty events all over the United States and internationally, either as a panel judge or a Dance legality official. International judging events include locations such as South Korea, Japan, Scotland, England and multiple provinces of Canada, each bringing their own unique cultural experience. Kaya has enjoyed the honor of being a part of The Dance Worlds adjudication team from 2011 through 2024 and served as an ambassador at the 2014 Dance Worlds. During the work week you will find Kaya working as the sole proprietor of her own Architectural firm or serving the community as a volunteer Emergency Medical Responder.

Bettina Fields

Bettina Fields has over 21 years of dance experience, including education and training, coaching, judging and instructing. She has served on many prestigious dance panels and is a USASF legality official. She has extensive experience judging state, national and international competitions, including The Dance Worlds and The Dance Summit. Bettina was head dance team coach of Eastern Kentucky University, NDA College National Champion runners-up for consecutive years. As an accomplished coach, Bettina was nominated to receive the College Coach of the Year Award. Before coaching on a collegiate level, she coached a Nationally-winning middle school dance team and multiple All Star programs who also received titles in the World Cheer competition and The Dance Summit for numerous divisions. Bettina graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with highest honors Phi Kappa Phi, including her most recent Ed.S degree as a supervisor of instruction. She currently resides in London, KY, teaches middle school science and was recently named Laurel County Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Nichole Hudson

Nichole Hudson is a former competitive studio dancer and school cheerleader; starting her dance training at two years old. She is a member of the USASF Dance Rules Committee and has been a certified USASF/IASF Dance legality official and Cheer Deductions Judge for thirteen years. This has allowed her the opportunity to work for numerous event producers, both nationally and internationally. She has had the privilege of serving on the judging panel for several prestigious post season events like The Summit, The D2 Summit, The ICU World Championship and has served as a legality official at The Dance Worlds since 2016.

Mindy Johnson

Mindy Johnson is the Managing Director for Charleston, SC and Chattanooga, TN of Studio Go Dance. She began her dance training at the age of three studying ballet, tap and jazz. Mindy performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and The Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade and has a BS in Human Ecology with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She spent three years teaching third grade in Atlanta, GA and Orlando, Fl. In 2010 Mindy made a career change to work with various Non-Profit agencies ensuring our underprivileged and foster youth were cared for and had a voice. In 2015 Mindy began work with Studio Go. She saw the passion and dedication that the company had for its students, parents and teachers and wanted to be a part of such a remarkable team. Mindy resides in Chattanooga, TN with her husband Cam and son Carson and daughter Anna.

Rachael McLeish

Rachael McLeish has over 30 years of experience in cheerleading and dance. Junior high cheerleading led to a long career as a cheerleader herself throughout her college days. Coaching quickly became her passion after college, Rachael spent 20 years coaching all ages and abilities, from youth through college before moving on to owning/coaching an Allstar Cheerleading and Dance gym. After closing the gym and ending her coaching career, Rachael continues to remain in the industry by continuing with USASF Legality Certification in both cheer and dance and judges many events throughout the United States and Internationally.

César Montealegre

Colombian judge living in Mexico, Cèsar Montealegre has collaborated with multiple Latin American Federations such as Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Colombia helping them with their judges training and coaches education. He has also judged multiple events in countries such as Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile. He’s a member of the Colombian Judges Committee, and a member of the IASF Dance Rules Committee, where he helps the IASF with the translation of its documents into Spanish and French. He has participated as a Legality Official for the most important dance events in Latin America, contributing to the development of the sport.

Robin Page

Robin Page has been judging cheer and dance for over 30 years. She is a certified USASF Cheer and Dance legality official. She also holds her Rules Interpreter certification with USA Cheer/NFHS. Robin has judged for various companies including Cheer and Dance Extreme, The National Cheerleaders Association, Cheersport, Elite Cheerleading, The World Cheerleading Coalition (ICC LTD), GMCE and British Cheerleading Association. In 2017, Robin was inducted into the Oakland Mills High School Hall of Fame for her 25 years of coaching and dedication to the sport. In addition to judging cheer and dance, she also spends her time judging talent competitions and pageants nationally. She is currently a choreographer for the Miss American Coed pageant system. Robin is also a professional Sign Language Interpreter with the Howard County Public School System in Maryland.

Kierstin Payne

Kierstin Payne has been a dedicated dance instructor for over 30 years, with more than 18 years of experience in the All Star community. She has actively contributed to various USASF boards, including the Dance Advisory Board, Dance Worlds Advisory Board and Dance Rules Committee. Since 2011, Kierstin has been a certified legality official, serving in this capacity for numerous high school and All Star events, including Nationals, Worlds bid-giving events and The Dance Worlds.

Sonia Ramírez

Sonia Ramirez is a highly accomplished professional with extensive expertise as an announcer, panel judge, legality official and event director. With over 20 seasons of experience in competitive cheerleading and dance, Sonia previously served as head Instructor and contributed to the program development team at the United Spirit Association. Her career spans judging and directing competitions at national and international levels, including prestigious events such as the Japan Open, ONP Nationals in Mexico City, the ICU World Cheerleading Championships and The Dance Worlds (2012-2025). In addition to her event roles, Sonia has represented the International Cheer Union (ICU) as a rules educator, delivering specialized training programs for coaches, panel judges and legality officials across Japan, Mexico and Panama. Her dedication to advancing the sport and mentoring professionals globally underscores her leadership and commitment to excellence.

Maggie Allain White

Maggie Allain White graduated from Louisiana State University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Administration and Business. She has been judging dance competitions since 2012, notably including The Dance Worlds, Dance Summit, JAMfest Japan, JAMfest Dance Super Nationals, UDA National Dance Team Championship, UDA Louisiana State, NDA College Nationals and NDA High School Nationals in person and virtual events. Maggie’s dance accolades include being a member of the NFL New Orleans Saints Professional Cheerleading Team, Dance Team Consultant for teams across the U.S. having her teams rank in the top 5 at National events, USASF Certified legality official, USASF Certified Judge and Varsity All Star Certified Judge. Outside of judging dance competitions, Maggie enjoys spending time with her husband and being a mom to her two sons.

Quality

Amy Eichler Passmore

Amy Eichler Passmore has been an instructor, head instructor, choreographer, or judge for Universal Dance Association since 2001, including 20 summers teaching camps and a term on the UDA Program Committee. She has taught and performed in nine countries, leading camps in China, Chile, Toronto and Colombia, performing at the Cricket World Cup in India and assisting parades in London, Paris, Rome and seven years at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A veteran judge for UDA High School and College Nationals, Amy has also worked The Dance Worlds Quality Panel at various times since 2010. She’s a former Arkansas Razorback Dance Team member and Dance Director at iNFiNiTi Athletics in Bentonville, AR until 2017, coaching All Star and studio dance for 12 years. With over 25 years of choreography experience, she works with multiple UDA and NDA teams, including her 23rd year with the 10-time Arkansas State Champion Bentonville Golden Tamers.

Jenny Eustice

Jenny Eustice is in her 16th season as the head coach of the University of Iowa Dance Team. She led the team to a 4th place finish in DIA Pom in 2023 at UDA College Nationals and a 3rd place finish in the Game Day division in 2022. Jenny was studio trained for 15 years at the Dance Shoppe in Plymouth, Minnesota and a 4-year member of the Wayzata Dance Team. Eustice went on to dance for the University of Minnesota and won 3 national championships (’03, ’04 and ’05) as a dancer and one as an assistant coach (’06). She was the dance analyst for the UDA High School Dance Team Championship ESPN shows for 9 years.

Raven Gantt

Raven Gantt, a Southern California native, has over 20 years dance experience. Throughout her dance career she has studied and trained under the industry’s top professionals in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, lyrical and hip-hop. Raven graduated from California Baptist University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and New Media. She is the owner and director at Define Dance Space in Riverside, CA and has received top awards for her choreography at both the national and international level. Raven is the choreographer and creative director for the ‘Acrobots,’ the first ever acrobatic hoverboard dance group, who appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and opened for Justin Bieber. In addition to performing, Raven continues to share her passion for dance; teaching, choreographing for studios and high school/collegiate dance teams, as well as judging throughout the U.S. and abroad. Raven has been judging for Varsity Spirit for over 10 years.

Nichole Josey

Nichole Josey has an extensive background in performance and dance. Starting at the age of 2 she began taking studio dance and continued through high school. During this time she was apart of several competition teams, performance groups and her high school dance team. In 2013 Nichole began her first season as an NBA Dancer. She completed 6 seasons as an NBA dancer, 5 seasons with the Detoit Pistons and 1 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. She has performed with artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Silento, Run DMC, Kid Rock, CeeLo Green, Flo Rida, Gloria Gaynor, B.o.B and several others. Nichole has been working with Varsity for 10+ years and as a judge for 8+. Beyond dance, Nichole works as a Digital Marketing Manager and is currently pursuing her Doctoral in Organizational Leadership.

Jaimee Montgomery

For over 25 years, Jaimee Montgomery is a veteran USASF Dance Worlds Judge utilizing her knowledge and experience as a dancer, teacher, adjudicator and event producer to contribute to the global cheer and dance industry. As a former dance and curriculum director, she has created, planned and executed events from the local to international level. Combining her love for the industry and her passion for travel, she has judged and coached both in the U.S. and abroad. A graduate of Arizona State University, Jaimee resides in Florida, where she is an active member of her community. She holds a U.S. Youth Soccer C Coaching License and has spent her career as a coach developing programs that empower young athletes.