Dance Directive Master Class Conventions
Grow your dance skills with a full day of classes across a variety of styles! Join in the fun with your favorite TOP teachers!
Registration is open click here to get registered!
Scroll down for 2026 Dance Directive Tour Dates.
Class Levels & Fees
Beginner
Level
Classes
The Beginner Level is a half-day program that consists of 4 morning classes at approximately one hour each, with registration beginning at 7:15 am, warm-up at 7:45 am, and classes beginning at 8:00 am. Classes will conclude around noon. It will be geared primarily to ages 7 and younger with 2 or less years studio experience although true beginners of any age will be welcome.
LEVEL CHANGES, OBSERVERS
& STUDIO TEACHERS
Level Changes
Although we’ve defined levels by age and experience above we also understand that different dancers progress at different rates and may find themselves better suited at a different level after an hour or so of classes. You’ll find us to be flexible in moving students as needed (with studio teacher approval). Students moving up a level will be required to pay the difference in class fees. However, students moving down a level will not be refunded.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO
Student Recognition
Selected Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced level dancers will receive scholarships and other recognition following the conclusion of the final class period. Their “audition” for those scholarships will literally be their participation throughout the day. Master teachers will be watching for hard workers, enthusiasm and demonstration of learned skills. The Advanced level schedule in some locations may also include an Audition Class where audition skills will be discussed and practiced.
2026 Dance Directive Tour Schedule
Dance Directive Teachers
Yoori Kim
Yoori Kim, was born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Oahu, Hawai’i. She discovered her love for performance early on and honed her craft in musical theatre at the Ronald E. Bright Performance Arts Center, performing in shows as ‘HELEN” on ‘SWEET CHARITY’, ‘ELIZA’ on ‘THE KING AND I’, and ‘ONCE ON THIS ISLAND’. She later joined a dance company, 247DANCEFORCE in Hawai’i, and would start teaching and choreographing just at the age of 17. After graduating high School, she went on to dance with NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES, completing three contracts before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue her professional dance career. Yoori has toured the world with JANET JACKSON on ‘ROCK WITCHU’ tour and KYLIE MINOGUE’s ‘LES FOLIES’ world tour. She has also performed at the ‘ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL’ with JANET JACKSON and performed in shows such as ‘DANCING WITH THE STARS’, ‘THE X FACTOR’, ‘AMERICAN IDOL’, and ‘ AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’, with artists like CHER LLOYD, HILARY DUFF, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, NICKI MINAJ, HOZIER, PITBULL, FIFTH HARMONY, and PENTATONIX. Yoori’s versatility extends beyond the concert circuit, with notable appearances in critically acclaimed productions, the Golden Globes nominated film, ‘LA LA LAND’, ‘THE VALLEY GIRL FILM’, ‘BABYLON’, ’THE GOLDEN GLOBES’, ‘’AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS’, ‘THE GREATEST SHOWMAN LIVE’ and Emmy nominated Christmas film, ‘DOLLY PARTON’S ‘MOUNTAIN MAGIC CHRISTMAS’. She has played ‘ATINA’ in ‘THE LITTLE MERMAID LIVE’ on ABC starring AULI’I CRAVALHO and QUEEN LATIFAH, and danced at the ’75TH annual TONY AWARDS’ at Radio City music hall. She has also performed as a background vocalist at the ‘LATIN GRAMMYS’ with KAROL G, and as a lead vocalist and dancer in ABC’S ‘BABY DADDY’, showcasing her diverse talent and abilities. Her television credits includes, ‘’GLEE’, ’CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND’, ‘THE FULLER HOUSE’, ‘THE FUTUREMAN’, ‘THE SYMPATHIZER’, ‘INTERIOR CHINATOWN’ and working as LUCY LIU’s dance double on ‘WHY WOMEN KILL’. Most recently, she performed at the ’98TH ACADEMY AWARDS’ in the Oscar winning original song “GOLDEN’ performance from ‘K-POP DEMON HUNTERS’, which also took home Best Animated Feature.
Raquel Medina
Raquel Medina grew up in Northern California, where she began dancing at the age of three. She trained extensively in hip-hop, jazz, modern, ballet, and tap. Being a part of multiple dance companies brought her to many competitions and conventions. She had the opportunity to compete and perform under the creative direction of Jabbawockeez founder Gary Kendell. She performed in a junior college production of West Side Story at only 15 years old. While a senior at Windsor High School, she founded and choreographed the school's first dance team. Raquel majored in dance at Santa Rosa Junior College, where she choreographed and performed in both student productions and the touring company. Since then, she has been invited back several times as a guest artist in residence and master class instructor. Raquel graduated from UCLA in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in World Arts and Cultures/Dance. While at UCLA, she served as Executive Director of NSU Modern, a highly competitive 40-member hip-hop team. During her tenure, the team achieved success through numerous competitions and milestone performances. Since graduating from UCLA, Raquel has worked as a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator in Los Angeles and across the country. She has also assisted and contributed to choreography for productions and performances internationally, including projects in Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Mexico, and New Zealand. She choreographed a lyrical repertory piece for the Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop in Colorado and taught hip-hop through the organization's "On the Road" program in California. At Tarrytown Dance in Austin, Texas, she taught a workshop for competitive senior dancers. She also choreographed for the award-winning film Scumbag and appeared as a featured dancer in a commercial campaign for the Tulsa Opera. Her television credits include Bronx SIU and Stuck Together, where she served as dance captain and performer. She has also performed with Wayne Brady on a primetime episode of Let's Make a Deal and worked as a skeleton crew dancer for the League of Legends World Championship in Korea.
Peyton Bellman
Peyton Bellman is a New York City based dancer, choreographer, and educator. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH where he first found his love for the performing arts, but didn’t begin his dance training until moving to Philadelphia, PA for Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. Peyton earned his BFA in Dance, then went onto instructing a variety of dance courses across the tristate area. He simultaneously danced for companies such as Eleone Dance Theater and Creative Reaction Dance Company, later moving up to the Assistant Director position with Creative Reaction. Bellman has enjoyed being a faculty member with programs such as Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, Live Arts Institute, The Institute for American Musical Theater, Theater Arts Preparatory School, Prodigy Training Center, and more. Some of his performance credits include the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, Superbowl LVII Opening Night, America’s Got Talent, Disney Upfront x American Horror Story, Ralph Lauren, L’Oreal, New York Fashion Week, Simon Cowell x Cirque du Soleil’s “America’s Got Talent Superstars Live”, and “Awakening” at Wynn Las Vegas. Additionally, Bellman tours as a dance educator, choreographer, and adjudicator where his teachings can be seen across the nation for a plethora of competitive programs. Peyton thanks everyone who continuously shows their support for his artistry!
Maddy Chizek
Maddy Chizek was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska and has been dancing for almost all of her life. At age 18, she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend Theater Arts Preparatory School (TAPS) under the direction of industry legend Don Mirault. Maddy is trained in tap, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, ballet, musical theatre, clogging, and ballroom. She also trained in singing and acting at TAPS. Maddy can be seen in the “ENVY” music video by hip hop artist Malaynah (as seen on Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow). She also danced backup for Malaynah at the Summer Unlocked Music Festival at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. Maddy completed a six-month contract onboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas in the original show “Spectra’s Cabaret”. She worked with JKay Choreography to open for Pitbull at the Wynn Hotel and tap danced at Toyota’s Annual National Dealer Meeting with BlackHaus Creative at Mandalay Bay. Maddy has worked with professional tap companies UnTapped and Coppola Rhythm Ensemble. She was also part of the inaugural “Party Starters” dance crew and travelled with Banana Ball’s ‘Party Animals’ baseball team on their headliner tour. In addition to performing, Maddy has taught and choreographed at multiple studios in Nebraska, Nevada, Virginia, Maryland, etc. She loves dance and is eager to share her love with the next generation!
Jasmine Hanson
Jasmine has been training in the art of dance ever since she could walk. She became a member of Ingredients Professional Dance Company in 2011 where she performed in many cities and places across the US as well as assisting and teaching with Dance Revolution Dance Convention. Jasmine went on to work as a professional dancer at Universal Studios and Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando, FL. She moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to pursue her dance dreams. While there, she trained in many styles of dance including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, jazz funk, hip hop, musical theater & heels from some of the best in the industry at studios such as Millennium Dance Complex, Movement Lifestyle, Edge Performing Arts Center and more. Her professional work in LA includes dancing in a Heineken commercial, Choreographers Carnival, LA Fashion Week, Springboard Music Festival, and she also danced in various music videos including Mark Diamond’s “Hummingbird” and Kyle Thorn’s “I’m In Love” just to name a few. She has assisted choreographers on many jobs taking her to Guatemala, working on the Art Carney Show, as well as assisting on Disney Channels hit show Bunk’d! Jasmine became a faculty member for MusicWorks Unlimited in 2018 where she shares her knowledge and love of teaching and choreography through her products for dance teachers across the world. Over the past couple of years she has been on faculty for Talent On Parade’s summer workshops, Pre-Pro and PROgressions where she has had the opportunity to share her passion with many talented dancers. Jasmine recently received an outstanding choreography award for a cutting edge duo that she choreographed. She is currently working as a swing for Legends in Concert and started her modeling career this year where she quickly booked a photoshoot and a commercial for OMB Bank as well as photo and video work for Margaritaville Resort. Jasmine is always excited for any opportunity to teach, create and share her passion with this new generation of dancers!
Michele Long
Michele’s passion for dance began at the age of three and has grown into a lifelong career as a performer, educator, choreographer, and studio leader. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, she received extensive training in a variety of dance genres before continuing her studies at Columbia College Chicago and Ball State University. Her professional performance experience includes eight years assisting with Tremaine Dance Conventions, appearing in the feature film Public Enemies alongside Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, performing with the Grammy-nominated band The Born Again Floozies, and dancing as a member of the Human Rhythm Project Tap Company. With more than 22 years of experience as a dance educator and choreographer, Michele brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and leadership to her students. She successfully owned and operated a dance studio for over a decade, and throughout her career, her choreography has received numerous awards and overall placements at regional and national competitions. While Michele is proud of her professional and competitive accomplishments, she believes the true measure of success extends far beyond awards and trophies. For her, success is found in the confidence dancers develop, the challenges they learn to overcome, and the individuals they become through their experiences in the studio. Her mission has always been to create an environment where every dancer feels seen, encouraged, valued, and inspired to reach beyond what they thought possible. She brings that same passion and philosophy to her role as Co-Director of Turning Pointe Academy of Dance, where she is dedicated to helping dancers grow not only as performers, but as confident young people. Michele resides in Carmel, Indiana, with her husband, Nik, and their son, Hudson.
Cameron Rivers
Cameron Rivers brings more than 28 years of dance training and experience to his role as Co- Director of Turning Pointe Academy of Dance. A native of Fishers, Indiana, Cameron’s connection to Turning Pointe is especially meaningful as he grew up dancing within the studio and today has the privilege of helping lead the place that played such an important role in shaping the dancer, educator, and professional he became. Cameron began his professional dance career at the age of 18 and has enjoyed a diverse career spanning stage, television, live entertainment, and international performance. His credits include performing with Pacers Entertainment as a member of the WNBA Indiana Fever Inferno, appearing in Peter Pan with Atlanta Ballet and The Nutcracker with Ballet Internationale, and completing three performance contracts with Stiletto Entertainment aboard Holland America Cruise Line. Cameron was also an Equity dancer at Walt Disney World, where he performed in several of the Magic Kingdom’s signature productions, including Celebrate the Season, Villains Mix and Mingle Live on Stage, and A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, where he served as Dance Captain. He also appeared on national television performing alongside Lady Antebellum during the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. For more than 18 years, Cameron has brought his professional experience back into the classroom as an instructor and choreographer at Turning Pointe. He has also taught and choreographed for studios throughout the country, sharing not only his technical knowledge but also the discipline, versatility, professionalism, and perseverance he gained throughout his career. While Cameron is grateful for the opportunities dance has given him, some of his greatest accomplishments have happened far from the professional stage. He finds tremendous fulfillment in helping young dancers discover their confidence, develop their artistry, and recognize what they are capable of achieving. Watching former students continue their training and go on to successful professional careers of their own has been among the most rewarding parts of his journey as an educator. For Cameron, serving as Co-Director of Turning Pointe is truly a full circle experience. The studio where he once discovered his own love of dance is now the place where he has the opportunity to inspire that same passion in his students. He is proud to invest in the next generation of dancers, helping them grow not only as artists and performers, but as confident, hardworking young people prepared to pursue whatever dreams lie ahead.
Kyle Plunkett
Kyle Plunkett is a native of White Hall, Arkansas. He began dancing at the age of 4 where his love of tap dancing defeated any of the other activities he was involved in as child. While working mostly in tap, his passion for contemporary, jazz, and musical theater enriches his unique approach to storytelling. In addition to performing locally for various events and shows as both a student and adult, he has achieved numerous regional and national titles with his choreography. He has danced in television commercial work and has been published numerous times in Dance Studio Life Magazine for his insight as both a studio owner and competition judge. Kyle enjoys traveling to host master classes and contract work for choreography – partnering with various charities and schools across the nation where he enjoys inspiring students of all ages. Kyle opened his studio, Powerhouse Dance & Tumbling, in 2013. He is proud to promote that PDT is going into its 14th season and has become one of the most sought after studios in Southeast Arkansas and has been selected as one of the regions “Best of The Best” for multiple years. Currently, Kyle is a featured competition judge and tabulator for Talent On Parade. In addition, he has guest judged for nationally ranked competitions such as Star Power National Talent Competition, Dance Machine - Americas National Dance Championships, and The Edge National Talent Competition. He has been a Master Class Tap Instructor with Talent On Parades Dance Directive & Gear Up Dance Convention. He is a proud member of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) as well as an affiliate member of the Association Of Dance Conventions and Competitions (ADCC), where he has been selected to receive the Industry Excellence Award for Outstanding Judge. When Kyle is not teaching in the studio or traveling for work, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and his friends. Kyle is blessed and extremely thankful to be given the opportunity to inspire his students for a career and is so proud and excited for another great season with Talent On Parade!
Maegan Hickerson
Maegan Hickerson is a performer, choreographer, and instructor based out of Little Rock, Arkansas. She grew up in the dance studio, starting at age 3, and ended up choreographing and teaching by age 15. She was blessed to be sent all across the US to train and perform at different studios, competitions, and conventions, and by the time she was 17, she had booked her first job in Los Angeles, CA for Step Up 3D. Maegan has her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. During college, she joined Arkansas’s one and only professional tap company, Untapped. With them, she was able to be a guest instructor for the Little Rock Tap Festival two years in a row alongside well-known tappers Nick DiNicolangelo and Anthony Morigerato. Maegan has also performed with the company Tap Sounds Underground at the Los Angeles Community Theatre, danced for CJ Edward’s Dance Crew for the Step Up 3D Soundtrack Premiere, and appeared in the films Mud (with Reese Witherspoon & Matthew McConaughey) and Valley Inn (with Joey Lauren Adams and Natalie Canerday), along with many other TV shows like The Politician and Younger. She has worked with Ouachita Baptist University, where she choreographed their spring musical, “Godspell,” and most recently starred in a lead role in the musical “Rock of Ages” at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. After college, Maegan moved to NYC & trained under many wonderful instructors all across the city. There, she joined two professional dance companies, Vanessa Long Dance Company and Denise Caston and Company. With them, she performed at amazing venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Tank Theater in NYC, and Royal Oak Music Hall and The Magic Bag in Detroit, Michigan. Now back in Arkansas, Maegan enjoys working with many studios across the south & midwest, freelancing in choreography and hosting master classes. When she’s not traveling, she’s at her home studio – Powerhouse Dance & Tumbling – where she is Director of Competition. She’s excited to be on another journey with TOP and can’t wait to meet so many new amazing dancers!
Albree Cole
Born and raised in Mannford, OK, AlBree Cole has been part of the competitive dance world since the age of 8. After high school, she moved to Las Vegas to attend the Theater Arts Preparatory School (TAPS), where she trained under industryleading teachers in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, Latin ballroom, and more. Her training launched her into professional work including Disney’s Show Dogs, projects with Emmy Award–winning choreographer Bonnie Story, and contracts with Farrington Entertainment, Holland America Line, and RWS Entertainment Group in New York. She spent multiple contracts performing aboard the MS Eurodam and MS Nieuw Amsterdam, where she was also selected as the on-stage assistant in the guest illusionist show Magic Rocks! Now based in Tulsa, AlBree is the Competition Director at Tracie’s School of Dance. Under her leadership, the team has earned numerous regional and national titles, including multiple choreography awards. She continues to perform locally in commercials, music videos, live events, and with TULC2, an adult contemporary company where she also choreographs. Beyond performing, AlBree is passionate about teaching. She has been invited to teach at multiple TOP Dance Directives, a full-circle opportunity after growing up attending GoPro, assisting, and working with TOP herself. Her greatest joy is helping students grow not only as dancers but as people. When she’s not in the studio, AlBree enjoys traveling with her husband Jake, who works backstage at TOP events. She is grateful for every opportunity to share her love of dance and inspire the next generation.
Andrew Hubbard
A pioneer for the new millennium as an educator and choreographer, Andrew Hubbard is broadening the perceptions of the dance world. His professional performance credits include the original Broadway companies of CATS and Footloose, Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, Dr. Pepper National commercial and Guiding Light. Featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America and he was featured in international publications: Dance Magazine, Dance Spirit, Pointe Magazine, Teacher Magazine and Anatomy 2 by Jacqui Haas. Andrew has danced with music artists, Brian Mc Knight and Lou Bega. Film: Netflix movie with Don Cheadle and Adam Driver, White Noise slated to come out September 2022. Andrew has been on faculty for 20 years at the acclaimed Broadway Dance Center in New York City and have taught at numerous colleges and universities as adjunct faculty: Dean College (MA), University of Cincinnati (CCM) current Adjunct faculty - Musical Theater (current Jazz Level 3&4),Wayne State University Detroit, MI (Guest) Lexington Kentucky High School for the Arts (SCAPA), UK, Wright State (Dayton, OH), Northern Kentucky University, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Performing Arts High School (SCPA), SCAPA and national Dance Festivals. Andrew and Missy taught in 2014 in Auckland, New Zealand at UNITEC University/ Ōkareka Summer school. Their nonprofit dance company, Exhale Dance Tribe spent six weeks rehearsing and performing for a World Premiere of Hōkioi me te Vwōhali at The New Zealand Festival for the Arts (Te Papa Museum - Wellington, NZ), This was a collaboration with the brilliant New Zealand based company, ŌKAREKA Dance Company, under the direction of Taiaroa Royal. This collaboration was one of 100 artists invited worldwide. They co founded Internationally recognized contemporary company, Exhale Dance Tribe, Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch". Exhale premiered at Merce Cunningham Performance Studio in 2008 in (NYC) and Skylab in 2010 (NYC) and in 2011&2013 they were 10 finalists in the Capezio ACE Choreography Awards in (NYC). In addition they have choreographed for Cincinnati Ballet's New Works Program (2009-2011) Retrospect, Barre et Trois and premiered Burning Moon (2012), Infamous Love Songs with International music talent, Over The Rhine. Their choreography can also be seen in Cincinnati Ballet’s new Nutcracker, Arabian. Hubbard and Lay-Zimmer have been honored with a Princess Grace nomination from Cincinnati Ballet for 2010-2011 for Excellence in Choreography. The last work they set on CBC was their work for the FRAMPTON, a project where legendary rock icon, Peter Frampton played LIVE to their choreography entitled Anthology. Andrew is the co-owner of Planet Dance Cincinnati (Best of Cincinnati),Planet Dance has served the community for 20 years and is the training facility for Exhale Dance Tribe, located in downtown Cincinnati's rapidly growing and vibrant arts community. Hubbard and Zimmer’s work was acknowledged at YAGP Nationals as 1st and 2nd overall winners in Contemporary dance. Hubbard & Zimmer are recipients of the choreography award for Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS- NYC Easter Bonnet.
Anthony Lofendo
Anthony Lofendo is one of the premier dancers in Los Angeles. He has worked with the likes Katy Perry, The Backstreet Boys, will.i.am, Lady Gaga, and many more. He has been featured in video games, television, and films including appearances in Avatar, This Is the End, and hit shows like Glee and How I Met Your Mother. Now based in Chicago with years of industry experience behind him, Anthony’s newest mission is to teach and inspire the next generation of dancers, helping young artists unlock their potential and follow their dreams just as he did.
Brittany Noltimier
Brittany Noltimier is a Director and national adjudicator withTalent on Parade, where she brings her passion for performance, high standards, and encouragement to dancers across the country. A professional dancer and mentor with over 14 years of stage experience, Brittany grew up training at her mother’s studio, Miki’s School of Dance in North Dakota, and earned her Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University, studying ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, voice, acting, and dance pedagogy. Her career has taken her to some of the most exciting stages in the country, with performance credits including West Side Story (Estella), Footloose (Rusty), Legally Blonde, Fiddler on the Roof, Nunsense, and professional magic shows. She has also performed as an Equity dancer in Walt Disney World’s “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas,” served as Dance Captain for Universal Studios’ “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” starred as a vocalist in the original “Lego Friends” show at Legoland Florida, and appeared as a singer, dancer, and actor for SeaWorld and Aquatica. In 2018, Brittany created The FAME Method, a signature training system designed to help dancers overcome performance nerves, develop facial expressions, and build elite-level stage presence. What began as a small experiment quickly grew into a movement, now reaching dancers across the nation through her signature program, the FAME Academy, a 12-week transformation that equips competitive dancers with the tools to perform fearlessly and leave lasting impressions on judges and audiences. Brittany also believes in lifelong learning and often travels internationally to study cultural dance and theater. From visiting Norway while her students performed Frozen to sharing American musical theater with students in Uganda, she brings global perspective and fresh insight to every class and performance. In addition to her work with Talent on Parade, Brittany adjudicates for Starquest, Inspire, Full Out, the National Performing Arts Festival at Universal Orlando, the Florida and Georgia Thespian Conferences, and is also a judge for the Miss America Organization and Pure International Pageants. Each year, she critiques 10,000+ routines, offering dancers insight into both artistry and professionalism. To support dancers and their families beyond the studio, Brittany shares weekly resources through her YouTube channel and her podcast Dance Colleges and Careers (@brittanynoltimier). These platforms offer real-world advice on competitions, auditions, college programs, and performance careers, equipping parents and dancers with the tools to make the most of their journey. Today, as the owner of Central Florida Performing Arts (CFPA) in Orlando, Brittany combines her professional expertise with her passion for mentorship, helping every performer shine onstage with confidence, clarity, and heart.
Chris Nored
Chris is a choreographer, performer, and creative director whose work spans major artists, viral projects, and television. He has choreographed for Brian Nhira (The Voice), Majeste Pearson (The Four), and Rayvon Owen (American Idol), performed with Hanson, and created viral videos with millions of views. His credits include The Trust Tour with GRAMMY-winners Monica and Keyshia Cole, opening for Megan Thee Stallion, judging Netflix’s Full Out 2, choreographing for Hulu/FX’s Reservation Dogs, and choreographing Ransom and the single I Will for Transformation Church. As founder of Abstrakt Mindz, one of Oklahoma’s premier hip-hop companies, Chris continues to push dancers forward through innovation, mentorship, and artistry.
Helen Estrella
Helen's journey began in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she fell in love with movement amidst the disciplined world of competitive artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. Transitioning into young adulthood, she ventured to Los Angeles to dance with esteemed contemporary companies, making her mark in both print and commercial realms. Returning to her roots in Northern California in 2002, she founded nationally ranked Estrella Dance Company and The Dance Room. Her artistic journey led her to Colorado, where she assumed the role of Executive Director at the non-profit professional company: Boulder Jazz Dance Collective, Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop, Beyond Motion Dance Convention. In addition, Helen is currently a faculty member of Artists in Training, The Branch Dance Experience, Talent on Parade Dance Directive Convention, and Camp ME. She is also proud owner of Motion Dance Movement and executive director of the resident pre-professional company and non-profit eMotion Dance Company. She graces stages as a performer, guest artist, master teacher and choreographer for various professional, student and competition companies around the nation. She has built multiple studios from the ground up, run non-profit professional dance companies, and consulted in both the artistic and administrative fields of the dance industry. Helen is committed to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of dancers and dance educators through individual mentorship and dedication to cultivating their artistic growth and potential.
Isaiah Mahon
Isaiah was born and raised in Kansas and found his passion for dance at the age of 12. He trained in various styles such as Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Lyrical, Acro, and Musical Theater. Growing up, Isaiah was in the competition dance world for many years and is even an Alumni of Talent On Parade’s GoPro where he got the chance to work with Solid Gold Performer Helene Phillips and Disney’s “High School Musical” choreographer, Bonnie Story. After graduating high school, he went on to compete and choreograph at the collegiate level continuing his dance education. Isaiah started working professionally at the age of 18. Since then, he has performed 2 seasons in Clay Cooper's Country Express as a featured dancer and started working for Princess Cruise Lines in 2019 and currently still works for them. This gave him the chance to be featured in production shows by Broadway's Gene Castle, New York known choreographer Al Blackstone, and West End’s Karen Bruce. Isaiah has also worked directly for Los Angeles known director and choreographer, Liz Imperio, as a swing for an original show and starred in TV and Film productions for her. He has also been in the cast for UK choreographer and director Danny Teeson in the making of a new production show. Dancing has taken Isaiah across the globe to Bora Bora, Iceland, Australia, Norway, Fiji, and countless other countries. This past summer, Isaiah danced all around the Mediterranean while performing on Princess Cruise Lines newest ship, the Sun Princess. In his free time between dancing across the globe, Isaiah likes to choreograph and teach children at studios throughout the midwest and share his love for dance with all kids aspiring to become working professionals.
Jayson Douglas
Jayson Douglas, originally from Paterson, New Jersey, is a distinguished dancer and choreographer with extensive training from Dance World Academy, Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, The Ailey School, and Point Park University. He has performed with notable ballet companies including Company C Contemporary Ballet, where he was featured in Twyla Tharp’s “Surfer at the River Styx,” and Sarah Berges Dance in Paris. After dancing with James Sewell Ballet and touring Cannes, Jayson now resides in the Twin Cities as a member of Minnesota Dance Theatre. He also contributes as an instructor and choreographer, having held roles with Ashley Ballet Arts Academy, Midland State Ballet, and Sarah Berges Dance
Jennie Nau
Jennie’s love for tap dancing began at age four when she proudly mastered her first Buffalo. She grew up competing, earning titles such as Silver Medalist in Tap Dance at the World Championships of Dance in Slovenia, National Junior Miss Starpower, and Teen Miss Dance of Florida. A graduate of Fordham University, she went on to perform worldwide as Dance Captain and aerialist with Celebrity Cruises, traveling to six continents and over 50 countries. Her credits also include performances with John Legend, the Boys’ Choir of Harlem, off-Broadway productions, and national tours. Passionate about teaching and choreography, Jennie has been on faculty at The School at Steps on Broadway, Ballet Hispánico, and studios across New York, New Jersey, and now South Florida. Since relocating in 2022, she balances her career as Sr. Director of Sales for a real estate insurance company by day with sharing her love of dance in studios across the region by night.
Jeremy Hanson
Jeremy has extensive training in all styles of dance. Growing up, he attended multiple competitions and conventions that ignited his passion to continue to pursue the art form. He began to put an emphasis on the technical approach to his ballet training when studying at COCA in Saint Louis, MO, and The HARID Conservatory in Boca Raton, FL. This eventually led him to work professionally with companies such as Kansas City Ballet, Louisville Ballet, Oakland Ballet, amongst others. He has been very fortunate to have experienced many opportunities, including dancing on the infamous Bolshoi stage in Moscow, Russia, as well as performing on tour throughout Europe. Jeremy is currently dancing professionally as a freelance artist, where he works with many different organizations around the world.
John Michael Fowler
John Michael Fowler is a dancer/choreographer currently residing in Los Angeles, California. He has danced for artists such as Beyonce, Meghan Trainor, and Hailee Steinfeld, and has performed in numerous television shows, commercials, and movies.
Liezel Marie
Based in Las Vegas, and Los Angeles born and raised, Liezel Marie is a choreographer, dancer, professor, and director. Thriving in the dance world, she has appeared in music videos and various digital content, and she is also sponsored by brands across the city. Represented by Go2Talent Agency, her choreography and presence has graced the stages at Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios CityWalk, the Staples Center, Crypto.com Arena, World of Dance, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Super Bowl, Palms Hotel, and Allegiant Stadium. She has worked with brands such as WNBA LA Sparks, NBA, Harlem Globetrotters, NFL, BET Experience, Nike, Disney, and more. Alongside the many live performances she has directed and choreographed for, her main passion is in dance education, spreading the positivity, light, and love of dance. She currently mentors and coaches students at UNLV, College of Southern Nevada, CSUN, Glendale Community College, LA Academy of Fine Arts, Interlochen Dance Academy, and many others. Her goal is to teach, educate, and inspire dancers, non-dancers, and artists all over the world by sharing her love of dance, choreography, and artistry.
Michella Dixon
Michella Dixon is an accomplished dance educator, choreographer, and program director with over 12 years of experience shaping dancers both technically and artistically. As Assistant Director of PC Dance Company, she has been instrumental in building one of Oklahoma’s leading competitive programs, known for its technical excellence and artistry. A former Level 10 competitive gymnast, Michella transitioned to dance as a late teen and quickly rose to success as both a performer and educator. She trained extensively in Los Angeles under top industry professionals and subsequently earned a Golden Ticket on So You Think You Can Dance, experiences that continue to inform her dynamic and detail-driven teaching style. Michella is also the co-owner of CSM All Stars, a nationally recognized program with over 30 state titles. Her choreography has been showcased across the country, and her students have gone on to pursue careers with Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas residencies, collegiate pom teams, and elite training programs such as TAPS and Mather Dance Company’s Bridge Program. Known for her ability to connect with dancers of all ages, Michella brings professionalism, creativity, and mentorship to every classroom, rehearsal, and stage. As a judge, choreographer, and master teacher, she is committed to cultivating not only strong performers but also resilient and confident young artists. Now balancing her career with motherhood, Michella continues to share her passion nationwide bringing energy, precision, and heart to every project she leads.
Missy Lay Zimmer
Missy is transforming the dance world with her choreography’s unique vision, style and musicality. Her professional credits include: the original Broadway and National companies of CATS as Victoria (“the white cat”), Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway National/Anniversary Tour), Saturday Night Live “I’m 50” with Molly Shannon, Mariah Carey “All I Want for Christmas” (dancer/choreographer), MTV|VH1 appearances. Films: Little Man Tate with Jodie Foster (Jodie’s Double) and Netflix movie with Don Cheadle and Adam Driver, White Noise September 2022. Other choreography credits: Peter Frampton (LIVE) with Cincinnati Ballet, husband and wife duo, international songwriters, Over The Rhine, rapper Rakim, Tarkan (Turkish pop star), legendary Bootsy Collins, Paramount Productions, Cincinnati Ballet, Exhale Dance Tribe “25 to Watch” Dance Magazine, Kings Productions, Nickelodeon, Orion Pictures, and Tommy Boy Records (Joc Jams). Missy has also been featured in numerous publications including the New York Times, Dance Magazine, Dance Spirit, Dance Teacher Magazine, Pointe Magazine and Cincinnati's City Beat, Enquirer, Post, and CIN Weekly. Missy and partner Andrew Hubbard co choreographed for Broadway Cares and Equity Fights Aids /The Easter Bonnet Choreography Award with (co-Recipient) Broadway choreographer Chris Gattelli (Newies/The Cher Show). In Cincinnati, she won the Cincinnati Entertainment Award for Critical Achievement in Choreography, for her work in the original musical, ‘Christmas Yet to Come’ (Know Theater). Missy also has choreographed, ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ with Cincinnati Shakespeare Theater. With her husband Andrew, Missy has been on faculty for 20 years at the acclaimed Broadway Dance Center in New York City and have taught at numerous colleges and universities as adjunct faculty: Dean College (MA), University of Cincinnati (CCM) Musical Theater (current Jazz Level 3&4),Wayne State University Detroit, MI (Guest) Lexington, KY High School for the Arts (SCAPA), University of Kentucky, Wright State University (Dayton, OH), Northern Kentucky University, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Performing Arts High School (SCPA) and national Dance Festivals. She and Andrew Hubbard taught in 2014 in Auckland, New Zealand at UNITEC University/Ōkareka Summer school. Their nonprofit dance company, Exhale Dance Tribe spent six weeks rehearsing and performing for a World Premiere of Hōkioi me te Vwōhali at The New Zealand Festival for the Arts (Te Papa Museum - Wellington, NZ), This was a collaboration with the brilliant New Zealand based company, ŌKAREKA Dance Company, under the direction of Taiaroa Royal. This collaboration was one of 100 artists invited worldwide. Most recently this program premiered in the U.S. to rave reviews. Hubbard and Zimmer were top 10 finalists for the Capezio ACE Choreography Awards in 2011 and in 2013 (NYC). Missy and Andrew have co-founded nationally recognized Contemporary company, Exhale Dance Tribe, Dance Magazine's ‘25 to Watch’. Exhale is a resident company at the Broadway Series theater in Cincinnati, the Aronoff Center for the Arts for the past 19 years. Exhale premiered works at Merce Cunningham Performance Studio in 2008. In addition, the couple choreographed for Cincinnati Ballet's New Works Program (2009-2011) with world premieres of Retrospect, Barre et Trois and Burning Moon (2012) Infamous Love Songs with International music talent, Over The Rhine. Their choreography can also be seen in Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker (Victoria Morgan’s) Arabian dance for 10 seasons. Missy and husband, Andrew have been honored with a Princess Grace nomination from Cincinnati Ballet for 2010-2011 for Excellence in Choreography. The couple created work for FRAMPTON project where legendary rock icon Peter Frampton played LIVE to their piece entitled Anthology in 2014. Lay-Zimmer has been an educator andjudge for over the past 2 decades for many convention/competitions. Inspiring the next generation of performing artists has been a constant passion for Missy. Missy understands her creativity is the ultimate form of expression while here on this earth and continues to inspire others to honor their unique artistic expression/path.
Robin Dawn
Robin Dawn Ryan, owner and artistic director of Robin Dawn Academy of Performing Arts, started dancing when she was two years old in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she studied tap, ballet, acrobatics and baton. She was a member of a young dance group called the “TenWonders,” which traveled throughout Indiana. Robin won numerous awards in both dance and gymnastics. At age 14 she competed in the AAU Junior Olympics placing 2nd in floor exercises and 4th all around for the state of Indiana. In 1970, her family moved to Venice, Florida where Robin trained with the Sarasota Sailor Circus and traveled to Alaska to perform in the summer. Following her high school graduation, she worked as a professional circus performer in Colorado and New York doing tumbling, aerial work and trick bareback riding. Robin opened RDA in Cape Coral, Florida 1975. Robin and her staff have been training training dancers for over 50 years. She is a member of Dance Educators of America, Dance Teachers of America and is one of the 14 ambassadors for the Dance Teacher Summit held annually in NYC, sponsored by Dance Teacher Magazine. She is most often asked to teach her stretch and flex warm up and strong technique classes after colleagues have seen the quality of her dancers during performances. Robin has been judging, choreographing solos and groups as well as guest teaching all over the United States and Canada for over 35 years. In 1995, Robin and several students filmed a preschool tap, ballet and jazz television show called “Miss Robin’s Dance Show,” which aired on the Bravo Network. She also produced a tap video and released a DVD of her stretch and flex exercise routine. In 2009, Robin wrote The Dance Competition Handbook: How You Can Succeed at Dance Competitions! She was on the cover of Dance Magazine in 2007, and is frequently called to contribute to Dance Magazine and Dance Teacher Magazine. Robin’s choreography and dancers have been seen at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Dutch Apple Dinner Theater in Pennsylvania and numerous other local and regional theaters. She was an adjunct theatre & dancer teacher at North Fort Myers High School, where she choreographed their award winning annual musicals for 31 years. She has given countless hours to the community through volunteer dance shows performed by her students. She has choreographed, directed and produced a number of local events including “Rockin’ Kid’s Christmas Show” and Arts of the ACT with Tracy Ullman. She recently choreographed for an opera, “Lucie D. Lammermoor.” She currently choreographs many local youth theatre shows. Robin has been nominated for Lee County’s Angel of the Arts Award, ABC’s The View’s Most Remarkable Women and the Dancer Teacher Award sponsored by Dance Teacher Magazine. Robin’s competition team was called The Showstopper’s, but after 25 years they became the Robin Dawn Legends, a very deserving name as Robin’s dancers are recognized throughout the dance competition world, including being invited to dance in Europe and China. Many Robin Dawn Legend dancers have gone on to be professional dancers and continue on that path today. Robin’s students have Broadway, Broadway tour, Disney performer, Las Vegas performer, television and studio ownership credits to their name. Many have gone into other aspects of entertainment as well. They all note their Robin Dawn training as a major factor in their success. As a busy professional dance teacher and studio owner, Robin works hard to balance her business and family life. Kevin and Robin have been married for over 26 years and together they have six children: Chandler, his wife Sara, and their children Levi, Alayna, and Dalton; Brooke, her husband Matt, and their daughters Savannah and Blakely; Evan and his fiancée Tori; Eric and his wife Cherie; Taylor; and Kacie.
Sammee Schirmer
Sammee sparked her passion for movement at Bluffton School of Dance in Bluffton SC under the direction of Dawn Rosa Miller. With a passion to perform, she began her career on the stage of the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina performing in regional productions through her high school and early college years . Sammee went on to attend Marymount Manhattan College in New York City to complete a BFA in Dance with a concentration in Ballet as well as a minor in Business Studies. Upon graduation, she danced in multiple performances with the Tristan Griffin Dance Company as well as the Wylliams/Henry Dance Company in Kansas City, MO. She has presented her choreography at Peter Chu and Alexandra Wells choreography festival ‘Open Doors.’ Sammee is currently touring with Adrenaline and Revive Dance Conventions as a tour assistant and occasionally teaches on the circuit With a passion to teach the next generation of professional movers, she is now the Artistic Director Artists Revealed Dance Company based in Kansas City, MO. The program is designed to educate and foster concert style contemporary dancers of the next generation, exposing them to working choreographers, styles and techniques that are current to the industry. Alongside her partner, Jeremy Hanson, She founded and co - directs a contemporary dance intensive INTERSPACE in which they have traveled across the country. She continues to travel the country performing, assisting, teaching, taking class, choreographing and all things movement and remains in a state of gratitude. For any inquiries on teaching/choreography, please email sammeeschirmer123@gmail.com
TJ Jaworski
Thea Jaworski is a freelance performance artist, somatic movement facilitator, co-director and choreographer of Slavic-Canadian descent based in Denver, Colorado. TJ’s lifetime exploration of movement has included such modalities as collective composition, release technique, rhythm tap, jazz fundamentals, aerial forms, functional anatomy, immersive theatre, meditation, yoga and improvisation. Her creations and offerings have taken place in various spaces including University of Boulder, Colorado Ballet, Denver School of the Arts, American Dance Festival, Duke University, North Carolina State University, and across multiple US touring conventions. At home in Denver, TJ is the Co-Director of the Courageous Space - a movement collective offering socially-conscious and liberatory movement practices, mindfulness education and expansive somatic experiences. The Courageous Space houses two programs of which TJ is both the Founder and Director: the Young Artists Mentorship, through which she coaches and creates with pre-professional dancers, and coCreate, an all-ages dance collective and movement laboratory. Whimsical collaboration, thoughtful perspective and vibrant connections are the heartbeat of TJ's workplay spaces. Find more about their work: www.theajaworski.com!
Emily Pike
Emily Pike began her training as a member of the CPD Performing Dance Company in Nebraska under the direction of Cheryl Priess Dickey and Joy Tonniges. While there, she studied jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, tap, hip-hop, and improvisation. She competed with the team for many years where she earned multiple national titles as an individual and group performer. Emily then continued her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she graduated with high distinction with her degree in Psychology, with minors in Dance and Sociology. She has performed at different events, including the ACE Awards in New York City. She has been a guest instructor for multiple dance conventions, including Talent On Parade, OK-LA, and The In10sive. Emily is currently teaching and choreographing for dance studios and teams in the Nebraska. She travels throughout the country as a guest instructor, while also directing, tabulating, and judging for dance competitions. She enjoys seeing the different talent throughout the country and is constantly inspired by the dancers she meets. She is beyond grateful to be a part of the Talent on Parade team and can’t wait to see all of the incredible dancers!
Shayna Acosta
Shayna Acosta is a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and creative curator based in Greenville, South Carolina. As the Creative Curator for Studio, she merges her passion for the arts with a heart for community development and cultural expression. She is also the founder and lead instructor of The Impossible Movement Workshop, a space designed to help artists uncover their identity and harness the transformative power of their creativity. With professional training from Dallas Powerhouse, Planet Funk, and Tulsa Ballet, Shayna’s versatility spans Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Jazz Funk, and Break Dancing. Her performance career includes collaborations with artists such as Hanson, Israel Houghton, and the iconic VeggieTales. Shayna’s choreography and movement direction have been featured in national commercials, music videos, and elite gymnastics routines. Her work has appeared at World of Dance and Hip Hop International, earning her multiple National Choreography Awards. As an adjunct professor, she has taught at Oral Roberts University, the University of Tulsa, and Bethel Conservatory of the Arts, specializing in Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and professional development. In addition to teaching, she is a sought-after competition judge, keynote speaker, and convention faculty member—motivating artists around the world to move beyond limits and pursue the impossible.
Laurel Thomson
Laurel Thomson is a seasoned professional dancer and choreographer with over 20 years of experience in jazz, hip hop, ballet, and contemporary styles. Her love of dance have led her to perform on some of the world’s biggest stages, including Janet Jackson’s iconic Super Bowl halftime show and Beyoncé’s groundbreaking Coachella performance. She has toured internationally with artists such as New Kids on the Block, Trey Songz, and Ne-Yo. As a choreographer, Laurel’s work has been featured on major platforms including The Masked Singer, the Latin Billboard Awards, and Jennifer Lopez’s This Is Me... Now project. She has also contributed as an assistant to renowned choreographers Luther Brown, Rhapsody James, and Gil Duldulao, further honing her eye for detail and artistic vision. Driven, passionate, and deeply committed to the evolution of the dance industry, Laurel is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and empowering the next generation of dancers to find their voice through movement.