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. 

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!

Julia was born & raised on Long Island, New York where she rooted her knowledge in dance training ranging from all styles and further competed for 16 years. She is now based in Los Angeles, CA where she graduated in ‘23 with a BFA in Commercial Dance at AMDA College in Hollywood and has since been actively on and off sets and stages pursuing her dream of professional dancing being credited with dream jobs such as choreographing for Victoria Justice’s music video “Down” and even being featured in Paper magazine.

Kirstyn Jade Leschber is a professional dancer, choreographer, educator, entrepreneur, and adjudicator whose work spans international stages, national tours, and studios across the country. She began her professional career immediately after high school, joining Ventana Ballet as a corps de ballet and featured dancer, where she performed en pointe and strengthened her classical foundation. She then completed two international contracts with Royal Caribbean International as a featured dancer, performing weekly for global audiences while traveling to numerous countries.

Kirstyn currently serves as the Tour Director, Judge, and Convention Teacher for Fly Dance Competition, overseeing event operations and leading classes nationwide. She is also an Impact Dance Adjudicator (IDA), where she is known for providing detailed, educational, and growth-focused critiques that emphasize both technical foundation and artistic impact. She also works as an Adjudicator for Celebrity Dance Competitions. As she travels, Kirstyn remains deeply connected to both the stage and the classroom—performing, teaching at conventions, and mentoring dancers of all ages.

Her expertise extends into choreography across both commercial and live-entertainment spaces. Kirstyn has choreographed numerous productions, including highly visual works for House of Heat’s Spectacle Innovations, where her creativity, precision, and theatricality elevate immersive performance experiences.

Kirstyn’s passion for education reaches dancers around the world through digital platforms. She is the Online Jazz Technique Teacher for Dance: The Cutting Edge (DTCE), contributing professional-level jazz curriculum focused on technical clarity, performance quality, and stylistic versatility. Her technique-centered digital content has accumulated over 10 million views, resonating with dancers globally and solidifying her as a trusted voice in technical development and industry insight.

Beyond performance and choreography, Kirstyn is a thriving entrepreneur and media creator. She is the founder and owner of Artistic Choice Activewear, a dancewear brand promoting individuality, authenticity, and confidence. She is also the host of A Kiki with Kirstyn, a podcast where she shares industry insight, personal stories, and empowering advice for dancers and young creatives.

Her recent performance credits include guest and private event appearances with Artisan Oddities Entertainment, Breakthrough Entertainment, House of Heat Productions, and Scarlett Entertainment. Through these companies, she has performed for major corporations, luxury events, and high-profile clientele—continuing to shine as a versatile, commanding, and expressive artist.

Kirstyn is also highly sought after in the Texas high school dance team circuit, working with varsity and junior varsity programs across the state. Through her work with 210 Dance Center, she teaches technique, flexibility, strength, precision, and performance-quality classes tailored specifically to drill teams, spirit programs, and competitive lines. Her choreography for high school teams spans officers, ensembles, solos, and full-team productions and is recognized for its cleanliness, musicality, and elevated technical demands.

With years of professional experience and an unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation, Kirstyn continues to make a meaningful impact in the dance community. Whether through performance, choreography, education, entrepreneurship, or mentorship, she remains dedicated to elevating artistry in every space she enters.

Allyson is very enthusiastic to share her love of dance with you all! She began dancing at the young age of 2 and fell in love immediately. She began her dance career as a professional dancer at the age of 17, where she landed a dream roll as a dancer for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She then took on many auditions where she got to perform all over the United States in many varies dance gigs. She began to teach dance at the age of 17 as an assistant teacher, then began to teach her own classes at the age of 18. She has taught at many studios over her career that led her and inspired her to continue her growth and love for dance. Her main background in dance includes Ballet, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Jazz. She has also studied other styles for many years, including Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, and Acro (Tumbling). She Moved to north Georgia in 2016 and took on a new chapter of owning a dance studio for a few years, before life led her back to her home to central Florida. Currently Allyson is a High School Dance team coach, teaches Master classes and does competition choreography for many studios, judges and works for dance competitions. She is certified in PBT and is YPAD certified. Allyson also has a Master’s degree in Special Needs Education and works as a Speech Therapist part time. all

Jordan Wooley started dancing at a ballet conservatory in Houston, Texas.  From there, she danced in the competitive circuit where she won 2 national titles and other various awards. Jordan then trained at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Virginia, where she began to work in the concert dance scene. Jordan danced with the Todd Rosenlieb Dance Ensemble where she studied under Todd Rosenlieb, focusing on Eric Hawkins Modern Technique. When she was 16, she was selected to attend the Governors School at Radford University where she continued her dance education at the collegiate level. 

Post education, she has gone on to choreograph and teach around the country. She started teaching contemporary intensives at just 18 years old and since has taught intensives at multiple studios and schools across the Gulf and East Coast. She is currently teaching and choreographing at the Royal Amelia Dance Academy in Florida. Present day, Jordan is still working in the commercial industry and has booked movies, music videos, and modeling jobs in dancing roles. 

Carla Jackson-Tucker is a seasoned dance professional with extensive experience in performance,
choreography, coaching, teaching, and judging. A Salt Lake City native now based in California, she
earned her B.A. in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations from Weber State University and
holds a Minor in Spanish. Carla is an NBA Utah Jazz Dancer alum and has choreographed for the Denver
Nuggets Dance Team and the University of Utah Crimson Line. With a strong foundation in hip hop, jazz,
drill team, and contemporary, she brings expertise, authenticity, and a love of dance to every
opportunity. She joined the FLY Dance Competition judging panel in 2024 and loves encouraging dancers
to show their personality, dance with confidence, maintain clean lines, and take the time to slow down
and be present in the movement.

Cyrian Reed is an Assistant Professor of Dance at University of California, Irvine. A graduate of California State University, Long Beach, receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance/Performance. She received her Master of Arts Degree in Education/ Adult Education and Training from the University of Phoenix. Cyrian is a multifaceted choreographer and director. She has worked with artists such as Kanye West, Beyonce, David Foster, Gnarls Barkley, Ceelo, Mitchel Musso, Cheryl Lynn, Trinere, Linear, SNAP, KC & The Sunshine Band, Choo Choo Soul. She was a guest judge and choreographer for Steven Spielberg’s Reality TV Show on Bravo, America's Next Top Producer, as well. Cyrian recently choreographed for the Emmy nominated Hip-Hop-Harry sitcom on Discovery Kids/TLC television channels. Cyrian is a 2024 recipient of the Telly Award for her groundbreaking choreography and co - producer work on Snoop Dogg new animated series, “Doggyland”. She has also choreographed for Nike, Adidas, Skechers, and Haagen-Dazs ice cream commercials. Students under her tutelage include UCI, California State University of Northridge, Cypress Community College, Santa Ana College, Long Beach City College and MiraCosta College. These young artists have won numerous awards as a result of her signature choreography. Cyrian believes that dance can communicate with anyone in the world. Revolutionizing the art-of-dance, Cyrian’s compelling, innovative, energetic and diverse teaching techniques, choreography and performance come through her dancers, commanding all eyes to the stage.

Brittny was born and raised as well as found her love for dance in her hometown of Bay City, MI. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in dance from Western Michigan University (WMU) in June of 2014; Where she received a Student Global Initiative to China and Taiwan, she performed, co-taught and learned traditional Chinese dances. She has performed works by Eddy Ocampo, Lauren Edson, Nelly vanBommel, KT Nelson, Gabrielle Lamb, Peter Chu, and was able to rehearse and perform with DanceWorks Chicago. Brittny has had the opportunity of performing in Washington DC, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where she performed Lauren Edson’s work Foreground for the National College Dance Festival. In addition, she has competed in Las Vegas with the top 100 in So You Think You Can Dance?, Season 10. She is certified in level 1 aerial silks instruction and has instructed a competitive dance team in her hometown before relocating to Conway, South Carolina in 2019. Since relocating, she has performed for many family fun shows in Myrtle Beach with a local entertainment company, has been trained in Barre Method Fitness classes and has performed as the featured soloist in Stravinsky's The History of a Soldier with the Long Bay Symphony in Myrtle Beach. Most recently Brittny was performing with the Carolina Opry for the 2024 Christmas season. She is now teaching at a local dance studio in the area. When she's not dancing, teaching or adjudicating, she enjoys spending time with her 3 children and fiancé.

Isaiah Jilek was born in Dickinson, ND, on June 30, 2000, and grew up in a family of eight. Raised in a Czech-American household, he experienced vibrant cultural traditions, including large weddings and anniversaries centered around ballroom dance. Skill in the waltz and polka became second nature to him. His mother’s Irish heritage also introduced him to Irish music and tap dance from an early age.  

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He attended Trinity Catholic Schools, where he immersed himself in the fine arts, participating in speech, band, choir, jazz choir, jazz band, and drama. Over seven years in the drama department, he discovered choreographed dance and embraced lead roles in productions like *Shrek the Musical*, *The Music Man*, *The Sound of Music*, and *Mary Poppins*. Beyond performing, he assisted backstage at dance recitals and occasionally stepped in as a male dance partner when needed. During his senior year, he collaborated with Nikki St. John, founder of DFy Dance Studio, who choreographed a salsa dance he performed at prom.  

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After graduating from Trinity High School in 2019, Isaiah pursued studies to become a Catholic Priest at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., earning a PhB in Philosophy. Following five years of discernment, he felt called to a different path and returned to Dickinson. There, he bartended briefly before transitioning into education.  

Today, Isaiah teaches Sophomore English and Religion at Trinity High School, alongside instructing Ballroom Dance and Country Swing classes. Having grown up witnessing dance as a vessel for cultural tradition, honed its storytelling power in theater, and now embraced the joy of teaching it, he dedicates himself to passing this artform to future generations.

My name is Celina Moxam, after dancing my entire life and teaching for the past 11 years I decided to take on the mission of opening my own dance studio! Primarily dancing hip hop makes our studio stand out from the rest. It’s what we love to do and we know how to do it well!  Although we love hip hop we appreciate and train all styles for the foundation of dance. I know how important it is to train your craft in a space where you feel wanted and deserving of taking up that space and that all stems from the owner and teachers you have. So when I opened APEX Dance Complex I made it my mission to create not just another dance studio but a place where people can call it their “HOME AWAY FROM HOME”

I’m Lauryn Piper, a judge for the upcoming Fly 2026 season! I trained in Omaha, NE where I was raised and completed my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Commercial Dance in Los Angeles, CA in 2021. I worked as a professional dancer in Los Angeles and Las Vegas for 5 years with MSA Agency. I have worked with artists such as Da Baby and JoJo Siwa and am featured in a 2025 PING commercial with Neal Shipley! I returned back to Omaha this year to start my next chapter as a new mom and coach at No Limits Dance Studio. I am so excited to be back for my third season with Fly!

Born and raised in Lake Geneva Wisconsin, McKenna quickly found her passion for dance at 4 years old. She began competitive dance and trained in styles such as jazz, musical theatre, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and hip-hop through her studio Accent on Dance Mukwonago. She competed solos, duets, and numerous group dances/productions. In high school, McKenna was also very active with the musical program as well. After graduating high school, she now choreographs her high school’s musicals and has won a Jerry Award for her choreography as she’s extremely passionate for musical theatre dance. She was apart of her college’s, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, dance team and has been actively teaching and choreographing at many dance studios while also getting her BFA degree in dance, and bound to graduate spring of 2026! McKenna is beyond excited to be apart of the FLY family this season and is ready to be inspired from the upcoming generation of dancers.

Lindi is a certified dance instructor with 24 years of teaching experience. She has taught thousands of students across the United States and Europe, with a focus on classical ballet (R.A.D. syllabus and Cecchetti method), as well as musical theater and Pre-K creative movement.

Lindi grew up on the stage, with her first theater performance at age three. She went on to train with both the Kansas City Ballet School under the direction of Mr. Devon Carney and the St. Louis Ballet School under the direction of Mr. Gen Horiuchi. Miss Lindi has studied many styles of dance, focusing mainly on ballet, musical theater, stylized jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and tap, as well as extensive training in kinesiology.

She was the owner and creative director of Midwest Dance Synergy in North Central Missouri from 2003–2020 and has been involved with Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, and Youth Protection Advocates in Dance.

Performance credits include: The Nutcracker, Snow White, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, South Pacific, Lil Abner, Cats, Auntie Mame, Grease, and The Pajama Game. She also appeared as the wife of Bob Cratchit in Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, in Naples, Italy.

From 2015–2018, she joined the drama program for the Department of Defense Education Activity in Naples, Italy, as director of choreography, overseeing productions such as Shrek the Musical and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Lindi is certified in the Progressing Ballet Technique program under Marie Walton from Sydney, Australia, and has extensive knowledge of kinesiology. She proudly travels the globe as a guest instructor and technician and loves helping students get excited about the science behind their technique.

Lindi has worked for several dance competitions over the years and is currently in her third year with FLY Dance Competition.

Sophie teaches ballet full time in eastern North Carolina! She enjoys choreographing contemporary pieces and setting classical choreography!  This is Sophie’s 4th season with Fly. She is looking forward to traveling the country and connecting and sharing her passion for dance with dancers this season! 

Kelinda Star White is a professionally trained ballet dancer and versatile performer whose passion for movement spans stage, commercial, and original productions. She has received extensive training in dance and performance arts and has appeared in original ballet works as well as commercial projects. She currently works with the Los Angeles Clippers and proudly holds a World Champion title with her Bachata team.

In addition to her dance career, Kelinda is a former Miss International, an experience that sharpened her confidence, discipline, and eye for presentation. Known for her sharp eye, strong musicality, and commanding stage presence, she values clean technique paired with bold, fearless expression. She believes the most powerful performances happen when dancers trust their training and genuinely enjoy being on stage.

As a judge, Kelinda is excited to offer thoughtful, clear, and encouraging feedback that supports growth, builds confidence, and celebrates each dancer’s individuality.

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.

Kelly is a 2007 graduate of Kent State University in northeastern Ohio. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance. Kelly’s performance credits consisted of works under Cliff Keuter, Robin Richardson, Tanya Mucci and Sabatino Verlezza. She also had the privilege of performing at The American College Dance Festival at University of Buffalo and Wayne State in Michigan. While at Kent State, Kelly studied under the direction of many greats; Barbara Verlezza, Andrea Shearer, Joan Meggitt and Kimberly Karpanty through the concentrations of the May O’Donnell technique, Erick Hawkins technique, Lynn Simonson jazz technique and Release Post-Modern. Kelly has also had extensive training in Improvisation and Composition. After graduation, Kelly danced professionally with Travesty Dance Group and Verlezza Dance until she relocated to Washington D.C. in 2008 to accept an esteemed full-time position with Adagio Ballet in Arlington and Fairfax, Virginia as a Program Director and Marketing Coordinator. She also acted as a guest artist as the Advanced Tap instructor at the Center for Ballet Arts in Fairfax City, VA. Kelly danced professionally in the national setting with Dancin’ Unlimited under the direction of Marilyn York, all while working the Creative Arts Program in Public Schools in Northern Virginia.  Kelly was the Owner and Artistic Director of K-Force Dance Academy for several years where numerous students continued their dance education in such venues as Alvin Ailey, Eastern Carolina Dance Program, University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and Pace University in New York City.  Kelly resides in Dayton, Ohio.

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.

I am a Trini gyal from Orlando, FL; I started dancing in my mother's dance studio NuLook Dance Emporium at age 3. I was fortunate to travel extensively at an early age competing and training in Ballet, Jazz, HipHop, Contemporary, Horton, African, and Theater. At age 19 I moved to LA and been blessed to dance for Artist such as Janet Jackson, City Girls, Davido, MegTheeStallion, and more. I’m also on season 5 of the tv series Lip Sync Battle, The fitness app Bodi, and I got to perform on big stages like Coachella, Billboard awards, and BET awards. Not only am I a dancer but I love being the Dance Director for the WNBA LA Sparks dance crews and I also teach kids how to dance in hopes of inspiring them to follow their dreams everyday. 

Sarah is a graduate of Eastern Washington University where she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in International Business. 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. Once reaching high school, Sarah added drill team to her repertoire, competing with her school’s team all 4 years. She went on to coach that same team for 6 years. 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. Sarah started assistant teaching at age 11 and hasn’t stopped teaching since. Teaching and choreographing for the studio at which she grew up has been an extremely rewarding experience. 

Kaitlyn is a dance educator originally from Massachusetts, with training throughout New England and New York. She earned her BFA from Jacksonville University and went on to tour and perform professionally with multiple companies. Now based in Atlanta, she found her true passion in choreographing and dance education, earning her K–12 teaching certification in Dance and Health/PE in multiple states and helping develop Georgia’s K–8 dance curriculum. Kaitlyn continues to share her love for dance through teaching, choreographing, and adjudicating, and is excited to be judging again this season with Fly and to support dancers through meaningful feedback and education.

Heidi Yancey is "Delaware's First African American Ballerina" Heidi started training in dance at the age of five years old. At the age of 13 she was accepted in the prestigious school, Du Ellington School Of The Arts in Washington, DC. She was awarded, Ms Washington DC TEEN USA 1988. After graduating high school she was accepted into Philadelphia University Of The Arts. Heidi was the first African American to major in Ballet. Heidi's professional career started aft college dancing with: Russian Ballet Company, Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Broadway Musicals, Bubbling Brown sugar, Annie, Wiz just to name a few. Her television appearances are: Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, various commercials and children's Tv Show's. Heidi Yancey is the CEO/Owner of Heidi's Academy International. Her school has been open for 21 years reaching over thousands of students. Many of her students are professional dancers, studio owners, or teachers in the performing arts. She was recognized as Delaware's Most Accomplished Achiever In The Arts, twice. She is currently the Performing Arts Director at the Bradley/Otis Boys and Girls Club in Central Florida. Heidi Yancey motto is: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens her. Heidi’s International Academy of Dance is on tour with the stage performance “Annie Remix”. The show has sold out audiences in Delaware, Florida and Georgia. New Jersey is the next state that Ms. Heidi would love to perform and meet people at their needs in their communities.

Gabrielle (Gabby) Petersen was born and raised in the St. Louis area, where she took her first dance class at the age of 3. By the age of 12, Gabby began training dually, at both a Ballet School and Stars R Us Dance Studio, a highly competitive studio in her hometown, allowing her to experience and train in most mainstream dance styles. Knowing that her passion lied in teaching, Gabby began her career as a competitive studio instructor in 2017 at Arabesque Dance Studio. After creating an advanced technical program, with an emphasis on muscle safety and longevity, for her dancers and receiving numerous choreography awards, Gabby took on the role of Competition Team Director in 2021 for both studio locations. Gabby also has the privilege of guest lecturing in the Theater and Dance Department at the local university, as well as, teaching biyearly for the Southern Illinois Dance Company. Along the way, Gabby found a love of setting choreography on dancers of all ages, levels and abilities and has had the incredible opportunity to choreograph for several local Junior High and High School dance teams. While serving her roles as Competition/Artistic Director, Choreographer, Guest Lecturer, and Judge, Gabby has made it a priority to continue her dance education. She has completed several trainings; the most well known being Richard Elszy's Building Blocks of Dance, Acrobatic Arts, and attended the Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas this past year. Gabby is excited to continue passing on her knowledge to a younger generation of dancers, performers, and inspired little humans as FLY Judge

PJ Catalano originally from Michigan, has relocated to Orlando, Florida.  She received her formal training from her mother Pat Sherrill and also with Charles Hughes of New York City.  Along with teaching at a local studio, PJ teaches master classes and judges throughout the United States and Canada.  Her students have performed in Las Vegas, dance companies, dinner theaters, at theme parks, and on cruise ships.  PJ was thrilled to share her knowledge in Pilates, Gyrokinesis and dance as faculty for the ABT Summer Intensive, Pilates Method Alliance International Conference, DMA Teacher’s Training School, DMA Intensive Ballet & Jazz Programs, and DMA National Conventions.  Additionally she is a Reiki Master, a certified massage and Thai massage therapist and teaches Gyrokinesis, Gyrotonic, and Pilates.  PJ began competing as UCWDC dancer in 2021 and has received multiple World Championships. She is currently the Pro-Am Mixed Role Gold & Silver Advanced World Champion and Pro-Am Spotlight Gold World Champion.  She brings over 40 years of teaching & judging experience and has worked with clients from all walks of life and varying abilities. In addition to teaching, she continues to learn and explore the possibilities of body movement.  

Emeroy Bernardo is the executive director of Temper Tantrum Dance Company. He's been dancing since age 8 and has toured internationally with companies like Culture Shock, Antics, and Movin' On Up Productions, performing everywhere from the LA Rose Parade to the LA Clippers to PBS. He's won multiple championships including two-time City of Alhambra B-Boy Champion, 2017 Prelude Las Vegas Champion, and 2021 MAXT OUT Freestyle Champion, and most recently worked as dance captain and

co-choreographer for Six Flags Fright Fest and Holiday In The Park.

I’m Isaac Knuteson, a judge for FLY Dance Competition for the 2026 season. Adopted from Russia, I trained pre-professionally with Amdison Ballet and Central Midwest Ballet, and have danced professionally with Water Street Dance Milwaukee, Regenerative Beings (TX), and Nova Linea Contemporary Dance. My choreography, including Fade and The Sacrifice, has been nominated for Industry Dance Awards and presented at major festivals, and I recently performed with Coldplay at Camp Randall Stadium.

Mileyka Mateo — credits include Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes, Broadway’s West Side Story 2009 revival opening cast, Ballet Hispánico company member, Walt Disney World, and much more. I am really excited to judge this season because I just love being able to see dancers perform on stage and really tell their stories through movement and Dance. It’s just such a beautiful way for them to be able to express themselves. I love being surprised by each number that comes on stage. 

Based in Orlando, Florida, Shannon has been seen dancing on the streets and stages of Universal Orlando and Legoland Florida Resort as well as various seasonal and specialty events in the centra Florida area. She is a choreographer for multiple theater companies and school theater programs. She just recently became a show director and choreographer for Legoland Florida Resort. She is also a board member of Florida Theatre Conference.

Kalista Roling is a choreographer, dancer, and creative director originally from Chicago, IL, now based in Los Angeles, CA. She holds a BFA in Contemporary Dance Choreography and Performance from the Peck School of the Arts in Milwaukee, WI, where she also worked to expand access to dance by teaching in correctional facilities, nonprofit programs, and Title I schools. Since relocating to Los Angeles, Kalista has expanded into the music industry, performing with artists such as Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav and choreographing concerts and music videos for independent artists such as NESYA. During competition season, she serves as an adjudicator, backstage manager, and convention instructor, bringing both artistic insight and educational experience to her critiques and classes. Kalista’s work reflects a blend of technical training, creative vision, and a passion for empowering dancers of all backgrounds, and she is excited to use her unique perspective to shape the next generation of artists.

Sophie Van Meerten is a professional ballet dancer and educator who began her training at the age of two, studying Vaganova, Balanchine, Royal Academy of Dance, and the ABT curriculum. A graduate of Los Angeles Ballet School, she went on to perform professionally with State Street Ballet, City Ballet of San Diego, and USIB, appearing in classical works including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, Don Quixote, Cinderella, and Balanchine’s Serenade and Divertimento No. 15, while working with renowned choreographers such as Zippora Karz and Colleen Neary. Now based in eastern North Carolina, Sophie is the co-director of The Nutcracker at Dance Theatre of Jacksonville, coaches dancers for Youth America Grand Prix, and choreographs and develops curriculum for Carolina Dance Alliance, continuing her lifelong passion for teaching and directing the next generation of artists.

Laken Wood grew up in Lancaster, PA, and began dancing at just three years old, entering the competitive dance world by age eight with her local studio. She went on to study in New York City under the guidance of renowned instructors including Frank Hatchett, Ginger Cox, and hip-hop phenomenon Chio, among many others.

Her career took off when she landed a national contract as a dancer for L’Oréal Professional, traveling and performing in shows across the country. Soon after, she moved to Florida where she performed across all four theme parks at Walt Disney World for over 15 years, including The Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Most recently, Laken has been working at SeaWorld Orlando as an entertainment stage manager and is enjoying her customer service role with Fly Dance Competition, where she loves getting to know all the wonderful studios in the FLY family.