Meet our Judges

Kally Jones
Kally Jones is a Tulsa based artist who truly encompasses the term Renaissance Woman. She graduated from RSU with her Bachelors of Fine Arts from Rogers State University and since then has worked as an independent contractor doing portrait work, a photographer, an instructor/choreographer for Attitudes Dance Studio, and at the Philbrook Art Museum. She performed as both a Lead dancer for Legacy Professional Dance Productions, and a member of their Hop Hop Crew for many years. As a choreographer she has won numerous awards ad recognition. Most recently, she has been collaborating with the Philbrook Art Museum to merge the performing arts and the fine arts, through her movement based class that teaches artists the importance of their senses. @kallyskreatives

DARBY FULCHER
Darby Fulcher is a performer, originally from Texas, who now calls New York City home! After
training at a competition dance studio growing up, she made the move to NYC, where she
earned her Commercial Dance degree and graduated from the honors program at Pace School of the Performing Arts.
Some of her favorite performances to date include West Side Story with The Lexington Theatre Company, traveling across the nation as a backup dancer for recording artist J-Line, and dancing aboard Holland America Line’s Eurodam with RWS Entertainment Group.
She has taught and choreographed for all ages, from toddlers to teens to adults, in styles
including tap, jazz, musical theater, ballet, creative movement and more, across the tri-state
area, Texas, and Massachusetts. She is thrilled to be part of the Fly family, and can’t wait to share her knowledge and passion!

CHARLI MICHELE
Charli, originally from the bay, has been dancing since the age of 4. Since moving to Los Angeles she has trained at Debbie Allen Dance Academy learning different styles, however Charli has excelled in tap and hip hop. She has been teaching since the age of 16 and is currently the head hip hop coach at Calabasas High School for the last 8 years. She has built the tap and hip hop programs at Elite Dance Center in Los Angeles as well as competitively choreographed for the past 8 seasons winning at various competitions such as Jump, Velocity, Spotlight, and Kar and The Dance Awards Vegas. Since graduating from CHAMPS high school in 2012 she has been apart of multiple dance productions, music videos and worked for artists such as Lizzo, and Wowashwow and Megan the Stallion . Currently Charli can be seen in commercials such as Old Navy, Total Wireless, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Nordstrom Rack and HERS! She is a representative for the Plus Size dance and modeling community and has been included in various projects for Fitbit, Google pixel, the Girlfriend Collective and Thinx! Check her out on Instagram: @chalayymichele

Kaylie bee
Kaylie Bee grew up in a small town in southern Louisiana where she began dancing at age 3 training in all styles of dance. She has been awarded many scholarships and titles including the title of Miss Starquest 2017 and Miss Dance Mania 2018 where she received a scholarship to train at Broadway Dance Center in New York. She has taken classes with many professionals including Travis Wall, Alex Wong, Matt Steffanina, “Willdabeast,” and Abby Lee Miller. In 2014, she was casted in a “Rio” production in Walt Disney World, Florida. At age 14, Kaylie began as a choreographer for local junior high school dance teams where she realized her love for teaching. She became a full-time choreographer for multiple studios and groups across the country winning numerous choreography, entertainment, and overall awards. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah where she studies Health Sciences with the goal of becoming a Sports Physical Therapist. She is passionate about educating dancers of the safest ways to train and how to achieve greatness without compromising their health and bodies. When not studying or traveling, Kaylie trains, teaches, choreographs, and performs for various community events and musical artist. When you see her, she will likely have Starbucks in hand.
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JANAE HANSON
Janae Hanson is an experienced dance instructor, choreographer, and performer. She grew up outside Chicago dancing competitively in jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop styles, although she also trained in ballet, modern, contemporary, tap, pom, and pilates. Graduating from Hope College, she has degrees in dance performance, business, and dance pedagogy. Janae's jazz training at Hope College comes from Sharon Wong, former co-chair of the Jazz Department of the Alvin Ailey School, Matthew Farmer, Hanna Brictson, and Tracy Dunbar. Her professional dancing career includes being a member of StrikeTime Dance Company and H2 Dance Company. Outside of performing, Janae has worked at The Joffrey Ballet School in Denton, TX, as a part of the summer administration and stage management teams. Janae is currently teaching in the San Antonio area and is excited to join the FLY Dance Team this season! If you’d like to connect, follow her on Instagram @movement.by.janae!

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

DAWN Bobak
Dawn hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she received her Bachelor of Science in Communications and Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Slippery Rock University. She has worked previously as an Operations Manager for Apogee Health and Wellness in Manhattan. Dawn's choreography has been adjudicated by American College Dance Association at Ohio State and she was the awarded 2002 Choreographer of the Year by the SRU Dance Department. Her work has been presented in LABCO's Black Box Series in Pittsburgh, PA as well as Dance New Amsterdam's Works in Progress and Dumbo Dance Festival in New York City, NY. She is currently the Studio Manager for All That! Dance Company

nicholas thacker
Nicholas Thacker (He/They) Originally from Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Atlanta,Georgia, Nicholas began dancing their junior year of highschool at the age of 16 and then went on to receive their Associates degree from Southern Union State Community College and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The University of Alabama in Dance and Creative Media in 2021 on full dance scholarships, where they studied under Cornelius Carter, Lawrence Jackson and many other skilled faculty members. During their time at UA Nicholas received awards for their abstract dance films and commitment to the dance program, they were granted the Gus Giordano Summer Intensive Scholarship, they also had the opportunity to represent UA as a spotlight feature in an Official Youtube documentary titled “State of Pride”. During and after graduating, Nicholas moved to Birmingham to begin their first professional contract with Jellybean Dance Collective. They had the opportunity to perform in “The 2022 World Games Birmingham ” dancing with Sheila E., Tony, Tone, Toni, Lionel Ritchie, and Pastor Mike Jr televised worldwide! They have booked a professional gig dancing in a new movie in Atlanta set to release 2023. They performed in the Alabama Music Awards, have judged prelims for Miss Alabama, and are currently a judge for Fly Dance Competition. Nicholas is continuing to do choreography around the Birmingham area while also planning to move back to Atlanta to further their dance career with Aligned Stars Talent Agency. Nicholas is excited to see what the future holds!
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KRISTYN WOODY
Kristyn Woody, a native of North Little Rock, Arkansas started dancing at the age of 5 with Fabulous Feet the Company training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical contemporary, modern, and acrobatics. She has attended dance intensives such as Go Pro and Jazz in AZ. With five years of experience as a dance convention assistant, Kristyn has traveled the country assisting and choreographing competition routines. She trained at the University of The Arts in Philadelphia and is now completing her BS in psychology at Iowa State University. Kristyn currently works at Brekke Dance Center as a teacher and choreographer with an emphasis in tap technique.

Brittany Batista
Brittany Batista started dancing at age 3 and competing at age 7. Brittany was trained from the top studios in the St. Louis area in all styles of dance and musical theater. She has won numerous awards both regionally and nationally for dance routines, entertainment, and choreography. She has performed in many productions including 42nd Street with the St. Louis Municipal Theater, Thoroughly Modern Millie, as a Merry Maker with RWS & Associates Inc., and in the opening numbers for The Acrobats of China and The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For 15 years, Brittany has taught all ages, levels, and styles of dance both recreational and competitive. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of South Florida. Brittany is the Association Dance Director of Y Dance Academy in St. Petersburg, FL. In addition to her work with YDA, Brittany also teaches at local preschools and is a dance adjunct with Pinellas County Schools. She is thrilled to be working with FLY and sharing her love of dance with the next generation.

AJ Welte
AJ is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer based out of the Seattle area. She owns a flourishing dance studio, bursting with talent. AJ, originally from Southern California, where she owned her first dance studio. AJ grew up in the competitive dance world and also worked in the commercial dance industry as a professional performer. AJ went on to earn a B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in behavior analysis. She continued her education and earned a Master's Degree as a Child Life Specialist from Loma Linda University. AJ completed her thesis in dance and movement therapy. Her dance choreography has won her several awards along the west coast. AJ's passion is dance, and being a positive influence and inspiration for her young dance students.

KARLY WALCHLI
Karly Walchli was born and raised outside of Chicago, IL graduating Columbia College of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in dance. She studied under multiple dance professors such as Dardi McGinley Gallivan, Krenly Guzman, Michael Cole, Carrie Hanson, Jan
Erkert and many more. There she studied ballet, jazz, modern genres (including Limon, Cunningham, Horton- to name a few) as well as 4 years with their African Dance program. After college, Karly began auditioning for major TV shows including So You Think You Can Dance
and the Wade Robson Project, traveling to LA and New York for these opportunities. Once her teacher career took over, she taught throughout the Chicago land areas in numerous local dance studios, building up specialized programs and becoming the director of genres including ballet and modern/contemporary. She began working with High school dance teams in choreographing home and competition routines- multiple state bound numbers. Once
down in Park Ridge with her husband and 2 children, Karly continued her teaching career and opened up her own dance studio. Now going onto 8 years with her studio, she is still teaching, is the head Acrobatics teacher, studio director and main choreographer. She currently works in her
community as the head acro and ballet instructor for multiple high schools, studios, cheer programs and more. She is slowly dipping her feet back into the judging world and is excited to give feedback to those striving to make their dance career/experience positive and successful.
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Kalista Roling
Kalista Roling is a dancer, model, and choreographer, originating from Chicago, IL and currently based in Milwaukee, WI. In May of 2023, Kalista will graduate with a BFA in Dance Choreography and Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, after previously obtaining a degree from Joliet Junior College. Kalista began her choreographic journey in musical theater, choreographing for high schools and community theaters in the Chicagoland area, before transitioning into freelance choreography for local studios and independent soloists. Interested in exploring concepts of philosophy, consciousness, and human connection (and how these concepts relate to movement,) Kalista has now produced a number of contemporary choreographic works throughout the Chicagoland and Milwaukee, WI areas, such as “Are you coming upstairs?” which was recently recognize in ACDA’s 2023 North-Central Conference Gala. In addition to her choreographic work, Kalista travels with FLY National Dance Competition as a judge and backstage manager and tours with Activate Your Artistry Dance Convention as a faculty assistant. Kalista also models for ClickCon photography convention, in addition to teaching classes for other dance models. With accessibility to dance education being a primary focus of Kalista’s work in the community, teaching is a very important part of her artistic identity and she continues to teach contemporary, tap, jazz, heels, and improvisation in the Milwaukee and Chicago suburbs. Kalista also engages in a Support for Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) internship under Maria Gillespie, teaching dance to incarcerated youth in the Milwaukee area, having previously interned under Daniel Burkholder, exploring dance creation for Virtual Reality (VR) environments. @kalistaroling

LAURYN PIPER
Lauryn Piper is a dancer and choreographer out of Omaha, Nebraska. Growing up, she was a competitive dancer, on her high school dance team and also played varsity soccer. Following high school graduation, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in dance and attend Studio School Los Angeles. She graduated in 2021 with a BFA in Commercial Dance. Since graduation she has signed with MSA Agency and has worked on music videos with artists such as Da Baby and JoJo Siwa. In summer of 2021 she was contracted by RWS Entertainment to work as a performer at HersheyPark in Pennsylvania. Lauryn has been a dance competition judge for Fly Dance Competition since January of 2022 and doubles as an event coordinator for the team. She loves being involved in the dance community and helping young artists pursue their passion.

MAKAIHLAH GIBBS
“Unlike many dancers, Makaihlah didn’t start dancing until the age of 14. Her passion for dance grew rapidly and it has been her whole life since. She has been teaching/choreographing for 12 years now. Since she began choreographing she has won numerous awards regionally and nationally for her choreography. Makaihlah is currently the Assistant Director for the competitive program at The Dance Pitt, as well as working for two dance competitions as a staff member, adjudicator and convention teacher. During her off time, Makaihlah travels the country doing freelance choreography for other studios and dance teams. She has taken her love for dance and kids to create an intensive that focuses on the mental health and wellness of dancers, The Branch: A Dance Experience, which has reached many dancers throughout the country.
Watching dancers grow and mold into their own artist is something that truly inspires her. She loves to watch dancers be pushed to the limits they did not know existed inside of them! Makaihlah’s main focus while teaching is the story and vulnerability the dancer creates on stage and the lasting impact they leave on the audience.“

MARIE CHOATE
Marie Choate was born and raised in Northeast Ohio where she danced and competed for 15 years. She has trained in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, musical theater, lyrical, commercial hip hop, partnering, vocal technique, acting, and more. Marie attended college at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in NYC and in Los Angeles, where she graduated with her BFA in Dance Theatre. Since then, she has traveled around the country and world performing. Marie played "Wendy" in the Finding Neverland 2nd National Tour, choreographed by Mia Michaels. She has performed in the musicals Mamma Mia! and Saturday Night Fever, along with numerous other dance and aerial productions, onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Marie has also performed as a dance swing in various productions at theme parks and resorts. Marie is currently based in NYC where she continues to pursue her love of theater and dance. www.mariechoate.com

LISA MACE
Lisa has been dancing for 34 years and has been teaching/choreographing for 21. She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance with her concentration being in Jazz. At ECU, Lisa was cast every year in the Dance Theatre Show, as well as numerous Senior Choreography’s. She was also in the ECU Tap Ensemble & ECU Jazz Ensemble. In 2012, Lisa was a member of FootNotes Tap Ensemble, a tap company out of Chapel Hill, NC. Lisa was Miss Moore County in 2005, Miss Goldsboro 2008 and Miss Greater Sandhills 2009. She won the talent preliminary award with every title with a tap routine. She also won the talent award at Miss North Carolina and was a top 5 finalist and runner-up to Miss North Carolina 2009. Shortly after she went to Hoopsten, IL to represent North Carolina in the Miss National Sweetheart Pageant, where she was awarded a preliminary talent award, as well as the most talented non-finalist! She was a Miss North Carolina Dancer in 2006, 2007, 2010, & 2011. Lisa auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance with a tap piece, where Nigel Lithgow told her she had “Brilliant Feet”. Lisa was a professor of tap and taught at Pembroke University where she choreographed two of their musicals. In 2013, Lisa opened her own dance studio and since then, she has won numerous choreography and overall awards at competitions and has been named national champions as well. Lisa is certified through Dance Masters of America to teach Tap, Jazz, and Acrobatics, and is an active member in Chapter 15, Carolina Dance Masters. She has taught numerous Master Classes and Guest Choreography pieces and has been a judge at pageants and dance competitions all around the US. Lisa currently has students who now dance on Broadway, in Broadway shows on tour, and dancing professionally in LA and NY. She feels so fortunate to guide the next generation of dancers and to give them constructive critiques to improve their art form and give them encouragement to continue their passion for dance.

ANDY ZAVADSKY
Andy Zavadsky started his dance career at age 3 where he studied ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. By the age of 8, he entered into the competitive world where he began winning regional and National titles for his outstanding technique and showmanship. Upon graduation of high school, he attended the University of Alabama under the direction of Cornelius Carter and Lawrence Jackson on a full academic and athletic scholarship. He double majored and received his Bachelor of Arts in dance and exercise science in May 2020. Upon graduation, he signed to dance onboard Royal Caribbean’s “Jewel of the Seas”. Based now in Madison, WI, he is continuing his passion of choreographing around the country and teaching in the competitive circuit.

ALEX TROFKA
Alex Trofka graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a B.A. in Dance and a minor in Professional Communication. While at UWSP, Alex had the privilege of training with Joan Karlen, Michael Estanich, Jeannie Hill, Pamela Luedtke, and Sarah Olson. Alex also studied abroad at the University of Limerick in Ireland training with Ursula Robb, Jazmin Chiodi, Sophie Bailey, Jennifer de Brun, and Kelsey Schuhle. In addition, Alex has worked with choreographers such as Nick Pupillo, Pascal Rioult, Lloyd Knight and Collin Connors. Currently, Alex dances with Kanopy Dance in Madison, WI.
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LINDSEY MACKAIL
Lindsey Mackail was born in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where she enrolled at Jill's Dance Center at the age of 3 training in all styles of dance. By the age of 9, she danced on MTV for the pop music video "Fire It Up", fueling her passion of dance. At 15- years-old, Lindsey was selected to be a backup dancer and go on tour with the boy band LFO, an upcoming popular group in the late 90s, early 2000s. While attending college at The University of Central Florida, Lindsey was part of the Top 5 National Competitive College Dance Team. There she began focusing on her career as a choreographer, dance instructor, and creative director. She soon began choreographing for many local R&B artists and performing with R&B sensation 112 at Hard Rock Live and pop sensation Ciara for her halftime performance at the Orange Bowl. Lindsey continued to pursue her passion of dance and moved to Los Angeles where she began working with top choreographers, and well-established recording artists, performing in music videos and live performances. After L.A., Lindsey returned home to Orlando producing music, teaching dance, and developing musical artists. She works as a choreographer for different artists and record labels creating show sets and directing their concerts. She has performed on many stages and has worked with musical artist from all genres. Lindsey has produced and choreographed live shows, developing, and coaching musical artists both signed and unsigned. Her most recent gig was working with an up-and-coming artist on the Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour. Present day, she continues to develop artists, dancers, and performers.

CHARITY MOLLOY
Charity danced professionally for Walt Disney World in the theme parks, parades, hotels, and various shows. She also worked for Walt Disney World performing as Cinderella, and other Disney characters. While living abroad, Charity danced with the Heidelberg Ballet in Germany. She taught at the Heidelberg School of the Arts in Germany and was the director of their Tap and Jazz programs. She also taught at various youth services throughout Germany, including Mannheim, Worms, and Heidelberg. Charity has been teaching dance for 30+ years in the genres of Tap, Jazz, Musical Theater, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Acrobatics. She has choreographed, as part of a studio, as well as free-lance, for individuals for competitions, auditions, performances, and beauty pageants as well as for theater companies, middle school and high school dance teams and show choirs. She has choreographed numerous stage shows including Cabaret, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Bye Bye Birdie, Grease, Annie Get Your Gun, Oliver, and Anything Goes, to name a few. Charity is currently on staff, teaching at Robin Dawn Academy of Perforning Arts in Cape Coral, Florida, and is blessed every day that that dance is a part of her life.

TJ HACKETT
TJ Hackett (she/her) has been involved in the dance industry for over 14 years. She has extensive training in all styles of dance but has a deep passion for contemporary, hip hop, and acrobatics. She has continued with her love of dance through local Denver performing groups as a dancer and choreographer and strives to create a welcoming environment for people to move in. TJ is also a choreographer for several studios around the country and is known for her unique musical connection through movements that aren’t always seen on the competition stage. She has worked on choreography for JoJo Siwa for her Peacock show, “Siwa’s Dance Pop Revolution.” Some recent credits include work with Paula Abdul, Disney, NBA teams, tWitch, Sonya Tayeh, and Kenny Ortega, the director of High School Musical. TJ has earned many regional and national awards for her pieces, such as Choreography of the Year nominations in 2021 and 2023, Choreography Awards, judges choice awards, and DJ’s choice awards. Her dancers have gone on to dance in music videos, NFL Halftime shows, attend Juilliard, tour with celebrities, and more! While she loves teaching, she enjoys judging even more. She has spent several seasons touring as a judge with Hall of Fame Dance, League of Champions Dance, and is beyond honored to add FLY Dance Competition to her list. TJ strives to create a positive dance experience with genuine, detailed critiques so dancers can continue to improve as humans and movers.
When TJ isn’t teaching, judging, or choreographing, she works as a scientist with her degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder. She has studied humpback whale behaviors in Hawaii, interned at NASA, and hopes to work with sharks in the future!

Allie Waslicki
Allie Waslicki is an Orlando based performer, instructor, choreographer and judge. Originally from Wisconsin, she received her BA in Dance, Minor in Arts Management and Pilates Mat Certification in Spring of 2020. Currently she is a dancer on Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando and a NAL dancer with the Orlando Predator Prowlers. When she’s not performing, Allie utilizes her training to educate. She is an adjudicator with Precision Arts Challenge and FLY National Dance Competition, additionally traveling to several studios each year, teaching classes and setting choreography.
Within her work, She strives to build an environment that cultivates creativity, vulnerability, discipline and growth, encouraging students to not only build dance techniques, but also explore their own artistic voice.

JASMINE BUNN
Jasmine Bunn is a dancer , teacher and choreographer based in Los Angeles, California. Jasmine has danced commercially for many artists, festivals and live shows such as Chance the rapper ,A$AP ferg, Tyga, Carly Rae Jepson, Jimmy Kimmel, IHeartRadio, Rolling Loud, Houston Rodeo, NBA all-star halftime and more. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina , she has trained in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary,Ballet & Hip Hop in a studio. As well as attended UNCCharlotte receiving her BA in performance , theory & choreography with a focus on Modern,Ballet,Jazz & African . She has trained with the Martha graham company and studied Modern and ballet abroad in Turino, Italy. She is passionate about helping shape this next generation of young dancers by connecting , encouraging & inspiring a healthy and exciting outlook to dance and life !

KELSIE JAYNE
Kelsie graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. She has traveled all over the nation performing in both commercial and concert style dance works. She spent several seasons performing and acting as Dance Captain at Cedar Point in shows such as Luminosity and Vertical Impact. Kelsie also had the opportunity to perform at California's Great America in Ed Alonzo's The Second Greatest Showman. Between contracts, she was dancing in Chicago for Chicago Dance Crash, Moonwater Dance Project, and Peckish Rhodes Performing Arts Society. Through Chicago Dance Crash, she performed the part of Nimee Aimee in their 2017 Dance Magazine's "Most Innovative Performance" Award winning show of The Bricklayers of Oz. She also participated in the company's unique "KTF- Keeper of the Floor" dance battles. Other performance opportunities she had with the company included performing at the Harris Theatre for Chicago Ideas Week, for Taste of Chicago, at APAP in NYC, and performing at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Her teaching specialties include contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, jazz, and musical theatre. Having been teaching for approximately 13 years, Kelsie has taught and choreographed for all ages and levels. Her choreography has been featured all around the country as well as internationally through various performance companies. She has had the opportunity to open shows for artists such as Andy Grammar, Colby Callait, Hinder, and even basketball legend, Lebron James. Since her love of dance extends into fitness, Kelsie is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. She current lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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

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

ABI SHEPHERD
Raised in Natick, Massachusetts, Abi Shepherd trained at the Walnut School of Ballet along with multiple competition teams. After moving to Indiana, she trained with G.Scotten Talent Center’s competition troupe which led to her graduation from the University of Alabama with a BA in Dance and an additional BS in Marketing. While in college, she was a scholarship recipient for Gus Giordano as well as Inaside Chicago Dance and interned for American Ballet Theater (ABT) summer intensive. She has choreographed and performed pieces that were presented in Dance Alabama, Dance Collection and Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre. She also received the “Best Performance” award for her dance film “accept it or not, it’s gonna happen” at Dance Alabama Film Festival in which she directed and performed. She performed and choreographed for Madison Contemporary Dance for 2 seasons. She now is choreographing and teaching all styles and all ages at pre-professional and competitive studios in the Madison area. Abi also has been judging regional and national competitions for Fly Dance Competition for the last 3 years as well as traveling as a guest artist throughout the Midwest.

LYRIK KOOTTUNGAL
Hello! My name is Lyrik Koottungal, I have been dancing and teaching my entire life. I spent a majority of my time at studios in Texas, before moving to Los Angeles where I completed The Edge Scholarship program and work as professional dancer. I have worked with many choreographers and artists, including Nicki Minaj, Paula Abdul, Ricky Jackson, and Parris Goebel and have performed in music videos, commercials, musicals, halftime and stage shows. I am trained in countless styles ranging from jazz funk and clogging to ballet and bachata. I have worked with theatre companies, schools and studios to create casts, choreography, and staging. I teach Zumba and dance intensives for children and adults, guest judge for studios/companies, and travel for guest choreography. Conventions and competitions were my THING as a kid! I started subbing, choreographing, and working with kids at a very young age, and seeing their bright, curious faces is so rewarding. I have worked with dancers to prepare them for auditions and competitions, boosting their confidence, and helping them shine bright as the dancers they are. There is nothing more amazing than seeing someone fall head over heels in love with dance. No matter how much I love being on the stage myself, teaching is a huge passion of mine and it is so inspiring to see young dancers grow into brilliant artists. The industry is forever evolving and it’s beautiful to see the drive and dedication in the hearts of young dancers throughout the years. The truest form of communication between humans - everyone is connected when feeling the energy of DANCE!

melissa florio
Melissa was born in Los Angeles, California. Moved to Florida when she was 9 years old. She’s an experienced dance teacher, choreographer and studio owner with training in ballet, tap, and Jazz with expertise in Hip-hop performance training and techniques. She brings forth the ability to create innovative and inspiring dance sequences while serving as an effective instructor. She opened up her own studio Beat Street Dance Studio 26 years ago. She’s an experienced dance adjudicator with 13 years judging regional and National competitions. She’s an award winning choreographer at several regional and National competitions. She has worked with Legends of the 80’s artists, Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, Disney, Universal and League for the hard of hearing. She loves traveling and working through dance.

Kaley Shephard
Kaley began taking dance lessons at the age of two. Initially studying tap and ballet, she eventually transitioned into her true loves: jazz funk and contemporary. By high school Kaley was not only competing as a member of her studio’s elite team, she was also choreographing her own award winning solo and duet pieces. It was at this time that Shepard decided to make dance her career, something she has done successfully for nearly a decade as a performer at several Central Florida theme parks opening shows and parades- as well as an instructor/choreographer at local studios.
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REBECCA McCormac
Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Rebecca McCormac completed her Masters's in Dance at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. A registered teacher of The Royal Academy of Dance, McCormac holds her Jazz Award and Teaching Diploma in Tap for the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dance (COMDANCE) and is a past recipient of the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dances’ Blue Sash Award.
Performance credits include a European Tour with Australian-based “Link” Dance Company and New York seasons with Barry Blumenfeld’s “Tap Fusion” and Ellen Stokes-Shadle’s “Dance Works”.
She has been commissioned to teach and choreograph contemporary, modern, and tap work on both a national and international scale. Recent guest positions include Sacred Heart University Connecticut, NYU Steinhardt School New York, and the Peridance Capezio Center.
Judging credits include FLY Dance National Competition, Evolution Dance Competition, Quota International of Beenleigh Dance Eisteddfod, Ipswich Junior Eisteddfod Society, Southern Tasmanian Dancing Eisteddfod, Comdance’s Born to Perform, Gold Coast Eisteddfod, and more.
McCormac is presently the Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of CoreDance Contemporary in New York City, which she founded in 2011. Her work has been shown at APAP New York City Center, The ODC Theatre San Francisco, The Dairy Arts Center Boulder, The ArtsHub Colorado, Wake Forest Dance Festival North Carolina, The Orlando Repertory Theatre, The Dance Complex Boston, CHI Movement Arts Center Philadelphia, Alvin Ailey, Steps on Broadway, Dixon Place, White Wave, Triskelion Arts, and The Actors Fund Arts Center to name a few.

Sarah PAUL
Sarah began dancing at age 3, starting with tap and ballet. From there, her love of dance only grew. She also studied jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary, but tap has always been her true love. Sarah started competing with a local dance studio in Spokane at age 4, continuing competing through high school. She’s had the opportunity to work with some amazing people from the dance world – Mike Minery, Jason Janas, Ryan Lohoff, Brigid Lohoff, and tWitch, to name a few. She was also fortunate enough to work with world-renowned director J. Scott Lapp and Oscar-winning actress Patty Duke on the show “Traditions of Christmas” in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She has been coaching the high school drill team she was a member of for several years. Sarah starting assistant teaching at age 11 and hasn’t stopped teaching since. Teaching for the studio at which she grew up and coaching the high school team she was on have been extremely rewarding experiences. She loves continuing the traditions of the programs that gave so much to her as well as being able to help them grow.
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TAYLOR SANTERO
Taylor currently resides in Central Coast California. She teaches at a local studio as well as choreographs for schools and theatre departments throughout the county. Originally from Southern California, Taylor began dancing at the age of 4 and hasn’t stopped. She began competing at 8 years old and continued until her freshman year of college where she went on to join the college dance company. While in her first couple years of college she was a dancer for a professional baseball team for 3 seasons.
Taylor later transferred to California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Event Management with a Minor in Dance. During her time there she joined the dance company as well as performed and choreographed for numerous dance, theater, and opera productions.
After graduating she took a job as the Director of Jazz, Tap, and Competition companies for a local studio. Realizing her true passion for teaching, Taylor went back to school and obtained her Master of Fine Arts in Dance with an emphasis on teaching methods and production management from Saint Mary’s College of a California. When she is not teaching, directing, or traveling for FLY, Taylor works for a biotechnology company and love hanging out with her dog Tony.
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Tiffany Shontelle
Tiffany Shontelle , an accomplished performer ,choreographer, producer and director. Studying and tutoring under the guidance of the award-winning Schell School of Dance, Tiffany is classically trained in a variety of styles but continues to educate herself and obtain new certifications beyond areas of her expertise. Tiffany has held multiple titles in both dance and pageants, but she is most proud of her former title as “Miss Dance USA.” Tiffany is a former dancer for The Miss America Pageant, Portland Dance Project, Act One Talent, Academy One Model & Talent agency, MTV and Living Hope Productions. Tiffany was a Las Vegas showgirl and performer in 40 Deuce, Beaches Mad House and in multiple production shows. Tiffany was a principal dancer for Carnival Cruise lines touring through the Eastern and Western Caribbean and Mexican Riviera performing multiple production shows a day as well as improv and magic shows. Tiffany has been the choreographer and lead dancer touring with a Country Rock and Roll band “Flexor T.” In addition to performing, Tiffany has produced, directed and choreographed multiple production shows such as Living Hope, Grease, Little shop of Horrors, Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins, Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago, How to Succeed in Business, Bring It On, Pippin, White Christmas, Addams Family, Charlie Brown, Urinetown and more! She is currently the Principal Choreographer of Tiffany Shontelle & Company, A Personal Development & Coaching Member of the Peroettes, the Vice President of IMMEURU (an anti bullying non profit group),Member of Mixd Dance Company, Judge and Master Teacher with Groove Competition, Reverb Dance Competition, Fly Dance Competition, Sheer Elite International and Choreographs and teaches Master classes across the US at several award winning studios. She is extremely passionate about her work. For Tiffany, any opportunity to dance, coach, consult or mentor is a welcomed blessing.

EMILY TARALLO
Emily E. Tarallo is a professional dancer, singer, actress, adjudicator and choreographer. She has performed at several award-winning theatres including the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Actors Playhouse, The Wick Theatre, Broward Stage Door, The Broward Center for Performing Arts and the Kravis Center for Performing Arts. Favorite credits include: Sheila/Cassie u/s (A Chorus Line- dir: Mitzi Hamilton), Ariel Moore (Footloose), Tess (Crazy For You), Beauty & The Beast, Rock of Ages, Singin in the Rain, Mamma Mia!, Evita, West Side Story, Cabaret and Hair. Outside of performing, she has been an avid dance educator and choreographer for over 15 years, with a competitive dance background since the age of five years old. A graduate of Florida State University, Emily served as co-captain/choreographer of the nationally ranked FSU dance team - The Golden Girls. She has since been traveling the U.S. choreographing and educating young dancers in regards to the professional performing arts industry, as well as serving as a resident judge for American Dance Alliance and Fly Dance Competition. With a love for classic jazz and musical theatre, she is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and believes the performing arts are as essential as breakfast every morning.

Kailey kopel
Kailey was born in Chicago, Illinois and started training at the age of 1.5 years old. She has trained with multiple dance teams in Chicago and LA in hip hop, contemporary, jazz, and ballet. Kailey is currently the artistic director of Konquer Dance Company teaching and choreographing over 40 routines each season. Some of these routines have won first place at a national level. She is also blessed to have judged for multiple dance competitions and teach at dance conventions. Kailey is currently still training all styles of dance but is most passionate about technique and contemporary. Choreographing for dance companies and high school/college dance teams she has found a love for choreography. Kailey wants to share her love for dance with younger dancers and inspire them with her motto, "Do What You Love!”

Dixon BOWLES
Dixon Bowles is an Orlando based professional dance instructor and choreographer. Dixon developed his dance education at Utah Valley University and toured around the country with Disney Jr Live. Since then, he has been teaching and choreographing all levels of dance at studios, high schools, and back at Utah Valley University as an adjunct instructor. Since moving to Florida in 2016 he has expanded his work to include being creative director of a studio, judging dance and theatre competitions, as well as choreographing full musical productions. Currently he is the Competition Director and Choreographer for Celebration Arts Academy while also teaching technique and performance masterclasses around the Orlando area. This is his second season with Fly Dance Competition as a Tour Director, Teacher, and Emcee. Dixon’s passion and excitement for dance never fades and he is grateful to get to do what he loves every day.

ERICA STAUB
Erica Staub, a St. Louis native, discovered her love for dance at a very young age and made it her goal to make it a career! She has an extensive background and training in a variety of dance styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, modern, lyrical, and musical theatre. Erica started her training at age 3 and began competing at age 6. She continued her education throughout her schooling while teaching and choreographing for local dance studios. Erica made her dreams a reality and began her professional career in 2016 as a Dancer/Singer on Carnival Cruise Line. She traveled and performed with the company for 3 years, then found home in Pigeon Forge, TN, where she proudly performed on the Smoky Mountain Opry stage as a Singer/Dancer. Most recently, Erica joined the cast of Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud and has been thrilled to share her love of dance with her students at Inspire Performing Arts dance studio!

Kristal tan
KRISTAL TAN IS A DANCER AND CHOREOGRAPHER BASED IN AUSTIN, TEXAS. SHE COMPLETED HER FRESHMAN YEAR IN NYC AT PACE UNIVERSITY'S COMMERCIAL DANCE PROGRAM BEFORE SHE MOVED BACK TO TEXAS, WHERE SHE GRADUATED FROM TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY WITH HER BFA IN DANCE PERFORMANCE AND CHOREOGRAPHY. AFTER GRADUATING SHE MOVED BACK TO NYC TO STUDY AT BROADWAY DANCE CENTER FOR A SEMESTER BEFORE MOVING TO LA WHERE SHE SIGNED WITH LUXE TALENT AGENCY. SHE HAS WORKED ON SET FOR COMPANIES SUCH AS DREAMWORKS, APPLE, DANCE SPIRIT MAGAZINE, AND INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ARTISTS PEDRO REIS, JOKA, MEGAN TIBBITS, INAS X, CHRIS PEREZ, AND ARMAN HOVHANNISYAN. SHE HAS CONTINUED TO TRAIN UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MARYANN CHAVEZ AND MONIKA FELICE SMITH IN LUME DANCE COLLECTIVE, AND ROBIN ANTIN AND KENNY WORMALD AS A WORK STUDY AT PLAYGROUNDLA. THIS YEAR SHE GRADUATES WITH HER M.S. IN INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY.
AS A TEACHER AND CHOREOGRAPHER SHE HAS WORKED WITH OVER 80 STUDIOS AND DANCE TEAMS IN TEXAS, HAWAII, FLORIDA, CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, MINNESOTA, MEXICO, THAILAND AND MALAYSIA. HER WORK HAS RECEIVED MANY CHOREOGRAPHY AND ARTISTRY RECOGNITIONS THROUGHOUT THE NATION. SHE IS SO EXCITED TO TAKE ON THE ROLE OF ASSISTANT COMPANY DIRECTOR AT DANCE UNLIMITED IN BUDA, TX AND THRILLED TO CONTINUE DOWN THE PATH OF DANCE EDUCATION.

Karina Browne
Karina Browne has been involved in the dance industry for over 30 years. She has extensive background in ballet, pointe, tap, ballroom, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater and acrobatics. As an accomplished choreographer in the competitive field, her choreography has won many awards including best choreography, most entertaining act and top overalls at regional, national and international events. Karina has been a professor at Heidelberg University, Lorain Community College, and Case Western Reserve University. She has also served as the Director of Dance Studies at Notre Dame College. Karina is an active event coordinator and tour director at Fly Dance Competition. She has been invited to perform and choreograph for various studios, shows and events throughout the country. Karina is signed with PMTM agency as a model, actress, and dancer. She has danced professionally with RED Company and performed with Cleveland Dance Project. Karina is a 2010 graduate of Heidelberg University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Musical Theater. She received her Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve in 2014. She looks forward to joining the fantastic faculty at Fly Convention and sharing her passion and knowledge with all of the students.
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MEGAN JENKINS
Megan Jenkins began her dance at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts in Winona, MN where she focused on classical ballet training that combined the best attributes of the French and Cechetti schools. Megan earned her B.F.A in dance performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, training extensively in ballet, pointe, and various modern techniques, with further experience in jazz and hip hop.
Her performance credits include Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story, Lin Huai-min’s, Crossing the Black Water, and Paul Taylor’s Lost Found Lost. Her education/career has led to work with both nationally and internationally renowned choreographers, including Doug Elkins, Shouze Ma, Paula Mann, Scott Rink, Bill Young, Danny Buraczeski, Linda Talcott Lee, Peter Kalivas, Michael Nickerson-Rossi, etc.
She has danced and travelled professionally with The P.G.K Dance Project: A Contemporary Dance Company based in San Diego, CA where she also served as rehearsal director. She was a soloist for brown paper bag dance and a guest dancer for Opus Mixtus Post Jazz ensemble.
Twice she has served as a United States Cultural Ambassador through her work with the P.G.K Dance Project: in 2008 to Kazakhstan, and again in 2012 to Belize.
Megan's choreography and dancers have received top awards at both regional and national competitions over the years for technical execution and choreographic excellence. She is a certified Sugarfoot Therapy instructor and Level 2 certified Progressing Ballet Technique© instructor who has a passion for dance science and the work it takes to make athletes effective over time.

AMOS OLIVER
Born and raised in Saint. Petersburg, Florida, Amos began his professional training at the Academy of Ballet Arts and the Pinellas County Center for the Arts. Prior to AMDA College and Conservatory of Performing Arts-LA, Amos received his BFA in dance performance from The Boston Conservatory. While at the conservatory, he performed many works by world-renowned choreographers. Amos has been seen as “Thad” in NBC’s Hairspray LIVE!, The regional premiere of “Prince of Egypt” at Tuacahn Amphitheater, The 50th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Gotham, and many more. Amos recently closed Royal Caribbean’s’ “Hairspray” onboard one of the the largest ships in the world. Amos would like to thank God, his family, Go 2 Talent and his friends for the immense amount of support!! You can follow his journey on social media!
Instagram: Amosoliver90

JULIA FEELEY
Originally from Boston, Julia grew up training in classical ballet at Brae Crest School of Ballet and continued her studies at Festival Ballet Providence (now Ballet RI). She moved to New York City to pursue musical theatre and has danced on stages in New York and across the country in shows including A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, The Producers, and more. She can be seen on film and television dancing in Uprooted and on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. In addition to performing, Julia is on the guest faculty at Ballet RI and assists choreographers including Debbie Roshe, Michelle Elkin, and Marguerite Derricks. Julia holds a BA in Dance from St. Mary's LEAP and is proud to be an alumnus of The School at Jacob's Pillow. You can find her on Instagram @juliafeeley

Annamarie Klucevsek
Annamarie graduated from Plymouth State University with a Bachelor's in Dance and Physical Education before studying abroad and performing with afro-jazz company JazzArt Dance Theater, of Cape Town, South Africa.
Upon returning to the US, Annamarie continued to perform for prominent companies in Los Angeles such as Six Flags, California's Great America, and The Satin Dolls. She also toured nationally as a tap dancer with Rhythmic Circus in the acclaimed show "Feet Don't Fail Me Now". Recently, Annamarie starred as a lead dancer in the role of "Moulin Rouge" at the Black Lemon Theater in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
She is thrilled to continue to provide tap dance education and choreography to aspiring dancers around the world She hopes to inspire young dancers to create art that makes them feel proud of who they are!