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26 Speaker - TJ Maple

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TJ Maple
TJ Maple

21 seasons. 18 National Titles. Head Coach at Stephen F. Austin State University with a legacy of building championship-caliber teams year after year.

Respected national voice in dance team excellence — College Coach of the Year finalist (3x), TDEA All-State Choreographer, Dance Worlds adjudicator, and in-demand master instructor nationwide.

Educator + innovator shaping the future of dance teams — Master’s-level kinesiology expert, creator of the first-ever collegiate dance team coaching minor, and professor of dance team coaching & choreography.



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Karl Mundt
Karl Mundt
Championship-Level Choreography Karl Mundt has helped deliver World Championship golds, 8 UDA national titles, and the 2025 NDA Jazz National Championship.

Global Impact, Proven Results From Team USA & Team Finland to Tokyo and Australia.

Perform Better Under Pressure Brown University–trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Karl teaches dancers how to stay calm, focused, and fierce when it matters most.
26 Speaker - Carol Lloyd

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Carol Lloyd
Carol Lloyd
35+ YEARS of coaching excellence at every competitive level

60+ titles as Dance Director of Memphis Elite All Stars

16 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS leading Memphis Pom & Ambush Crew & 32 NATIONAL TITLES across the Collierville School District

Former Captain of the University of Memphis Pom Squad
26 Speaker - Erin Alvarado

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Erin Alvarado
Erin Alvarado
From National Champion to World Champion Coach, Erin Alvarado knows what it takes to win at the highest level.

With 15 years leading Texas Tech’s Pom Squad, multiple NDA National Championships, and a Gold Medal at the ICU World Championships representing Team USA , she brings elite-level expertise to the stage.

Coach of the Year. International Judge. Industry Leader.



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Anastasia Miller Burns
Anastasia Miller Burns
Former Ohio State University Dance Team Captain and OSU graduate

Accomplished talent agent with experience booking choreographers, dancers, actors, athletes, and models for film, TV, Broadway, commercials, music videos, and world tours

Former Senior Agent & Department Director at BLOC Talent Agency (LA & NYC) and longtime leader at Clear Talent Group NYC

Executive Vice President & Co‑Publisher of INSIDE DANCE magazine for the past 8 years

Part of the leadership team at Inside Publications, also publishing Inside Gymnastics, Inside Cheerleading, and Inside Action Sports

25+ years of national and international judging & talent scouting experience

Judges studio, high school, college, and All Star championships worldwide

Hip Hop Director for USASF & IASF at The Dance World Championship


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Tracy Burton
Tracy Burton
Head Coach of the Alma College Dance Team with 13+ YEARS of collegiate coaching excellence

Launched her coaching career at Grand Valley State University, helping lead the program to its FIRST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Architect of Alma College’s powerhouse dance program — built from the ground up over the past decade

Under Tracy’s leadership: 11 National Championships + 1 Grand National Championship

Leads a 50‑athlete program performing at football & basketball games AND dominating on the Nationals floor

Renowned for cultivating sustainable programs rooted in culture, precision, and athlete development


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Teri Rowe
Teri Rowe
Executive Director of the National Dance Coaches Association and Founding Board Member of the Bridge Dance Project

National speaker & presenter dedicated to educating, inspiring, and advocating for dance team coaches

M.S. Exercise Physiology & B.A. Physical Education (Dance/Gymnastics Concentration)

30‑YEAR coach across middle school, high school, college, semi‑pro & all‑star levels — plus former studio owner

Known for leading Eastern Washington Elite Dance to 26 National Championships and USASF World Champion titles

30+ YEARS as a judge for state & national events; former WSDDJA President & Safety/Technical Director

NFHS & WIAA Rules Interpreter and co‑author of the WIAA Lift Curriculum, certifying coaches in lift & acro safety

Consultant for high school, college, all‑star programs & Team USA Dance, bringing a coach‑judge‑safety expert lens

Creator of the NDCA Dance Safety Advisory Council & Dance Safety Credential

NDCA Hall of Fame (2019) & Washington State Dance/Drill Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2012)


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Shanna Kirkpatrick
Shanna Kirkpatrick
Founder of Chara Christian Dance Academy and Co‑Founder of Part of the Art Foundation

Leads a team of 50 teachers and administrators, serving 1,200+ students weekly across Friendswood & Pearland, TX

B.S. in Sport Management from Texas A&M University with minors in Dance and Business

Certified More Than Just Great Dancing!® Coach and Ramsey Solutions® Personal Financial Coach

National speaker at Dance Teacher Summit, Studio Owner University, TDEA, and Energize!

President of the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation and active board member in the Friendswood community


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Rob Miller
Rob Miller
Nationally recognized motivational speaker and partner with Proactive Coaching

Former NAIA National Director of the Champions of Character® program

Coached at the collegiate, high school, and youth levels in basketball and track & field

Former college basketball player with 4 years of collegiate experience


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Riley Eidson
Riley Eidson
Texas A&M University Dance Science & Kinesiology graduate and Crowd Pleasers Dance Staff Member

Former performer at Walt Disney World — including Festival of Fantasy and Mickey’s Boo‑To‑You Parade

Director of the Rushing Middle School Royals Drill Team in Prosper, TX - performances at TCU Football Half‑Time and Texas Legends Basketball, plus Officer Overall Grand Champion – CP Regionals 2024

Prosper ISD Middle School Dance & Drill Team Lead and Middle School President on the NDCA Executive Board


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Nathan Cherry
Nathan Cherry
Professional dancer, teacher & choreographer based in Los Angeles (formerly Orlando)

Performed with top artists including Sabrina Carpenter, Keke Palmer, Maluma, Farruko, Nicky Jam, Camilo & Jordan Fisher

Film & TV credits: Michael biopic (Thriller & Beat It), Disney’s Descendants: Rise of Red, Praise This, Queens (ABC), and So You Think You Can Dance

Danced for major brands including Netflix, Nissan, Duolingo, Food Network, Paul Mitchell, and Orlando City Soccer

Choreographer for elite college & high school teams — including locking choreography for LSU’s 2024 winning routine and Head Choreographer for FSU

Choreographed for Grammy‑winning artist Pat Junior, plus Greg Cox, Petey Pablo, and more


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Mandy Yip
Mandy Yip
Founder & CEO of Acrobatic Arts Inc., delivering training programs and syllabus content to 11,000+ studios in 70+ countries

Creator of the Acrobatic Arts Training & Certification Program and the most comprehensive, research‑based AcroDance curriculum available

Served on advisory boards for IACDP and YPAD, advocating for safe and ethical dance education

Highly sought‑after international educator, having taught thousands of dance teachers through workshops and expert classes and Known for delivering classes that blend passion, technique, practicality, and depth


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Joyce Winter
Joyce Winter
Head Coach of the UCF Dance Team in Orlando, Florida with 35+ years of experience performing, choreographing, coaching, teaching, and adjudicating in the entertainment industry

Began her career at Walt Disney World as a Kid of the Kingdom, performing on the Magic Kingdom castle stage and Featured performer in Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Spectacular, Disney Convention Performance Group, and Tokyo Disney

Professional performance credits include cruise ships, industrials for Toyota, Coca‑Cola, Amway, Yokohama, and commercials for Sony and Sapporo

Has taught and choreographed for top studios nationwide, including Dancer’s Edge, Denise Wall’s Dance Energy, The Element, Brandon School of Dance Arts, and Starz Dance Company

Choreographed for Disney’s Magical Christmas Day alongside Tessandra Chavez, Mandy Moore, and Robert Roldan, performing with her team in televised specials featuring Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro

Set game‑day routines for NFL teams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars) and NBA teams (Orlando Magic, Miami Heat), and in her 5th year at UCF, has led the team to Top‑5 finishes at College Nationals for three consecutive years


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Jacque “GK” Genung‑Koch
Jacque “GK” Genung‑Koch
26 seasons of coaching experience in the dance team world

14th season as Head Coach of the GCU Dance Team

Former high school dance program director for 10 years before transitioning to higher education

Creator of dance education curriculum and former adjunct faculty for multiple college programs

Graduate of Pacesetter Leadership Dynamics, with a passion for goal‑getting, accountability, and team culture

Host of the podcast “The Dance Coach Playbook”


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Jenny Raiche
Jenny Raiche
Head Coach of the Eastview High School Lightning Dance Team (MN) for 20 seasons and led her program to 20 Conference Titles, 18 Section Jazz Titles, 17 Section Kick Titles, and 20 State Championships

Minnesota Coach of the Year recipient in 2003, 2014, and 2020and inducted into the Minnesota Coaches Hall of Fame (2011)

Named National Coach of the Year (2023) by the National High School Coaches Association

Recipient of the 2022 Breaking Barriers Award for National Girls & Women in Sports Day


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Tyler Scott
Tyler Scott
10+ years of experience in the competitive dance & entertainment industries

Worked with global icons including Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Ciara

Music and performance credits include NBC’s World of Dance and Disney productions

Former National & World Title dancer, bringing a dancer’s perspective to every musical project


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Carrie Smith
Carrie Smith
35+ years coaching, choreographing, judging, and consulting at every dance team level

Holds degrees in Physical Education, Health Education, and Educational Administration

Spent 25 years with UDA, shaping dance education before retiring and relocating to Germany

Currently teaches and coaches at Stuttgart High School

Inducted into the NDCA Hall of Fame (2023)


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Lori Todd
Lori Todd
35+ years of experience in the spirit and dance world as a dancer, director, collegiate coach, adjudicator, and consultant

Former Captain of her high school dance team and the University of North Texas Dancers and NBA Dallas Mavericks Dancer for two seasons

High school journalism teacher & drill team director for 12 years, earning multiple awards and national titles

Former SMU Pom Squad Head Coach (9 years) — led the team to 3 National Titles at NDA Collegiate Nationals

USASF Safety‑Certified Adjudicator for 10+ years and Dance Worlds Safety Panelist (5 times)

Current Director of Inside Sales & Customer Service for Cheerleading.com & CC Dancewear


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Kelly Berheide
Kelly Berheide
Former high school dance team & winter guard director with STATE & NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Served on the Boards of Directors for Indiana HS Dance Team, Color Guard, and Mid‑Continent CGA

23‑YEAR choreographer for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl halftime show and Choreographer for the Alamo Bowl, Gator Bowl, and National Special Olympics

Head Judge & Judge Coordinator for the Indiana High School Dance Team Association

Principal of Elkhart Central High School, School of Arts & Communication


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Amanda Dresslar
Amanda Dresslar
Lifelong competitive studio dancer & 4‑year member of Elkhorn South Dance Team

Danced for Arizona State University Dance Team — 4th & 5th in D1A Jazz and U.S. National Jazz Team GOLD medalist

Member of the University of Nebraska Omaha Dance Team — 2nd in D1 Game Day, 4th in D1 Pom & Jazz

Head Coach of Elkhorn South Dance Team since 2020 and Transitioned team to Pom + Game Day, consistently placing Top 10 in all divisions

2025 Nationals: 2nd D1 Pom, 3rd D1 Jazz, 5th D1 Game Day

Full‑time instructor at Kitty Lee Dance Studio & competitive team choreographer


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Amber Fahey
Amber Fahey
Founder of SHiFT Mental Fitness (2021) with 15 years of corporate leadership experience with Fortune 500 companies including Coca‑Cola and Diageo North America

University of Kansas graduate with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Business

Former competitive athlete (cheer & softball) and mom of four, including competitive dancers

Certified in meditation (200‑hour), comprehensive Pilates, and 200‑hour yoga training Former competitive athlete (cheer & softball) and mom of four, including competitive dancers

Serves dance studios, competitive teams, collegiate men’s basketball, individual athletes, and corporate organizations and Specializes in JBM‑based mental warm‑ups that build focus, confidence, and emotional regulation under pressure


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Breanna Griego‑Schmitt
Breanna Griego‑Schmitt
23+ years of experience as a nationally recognized coach, choreographer, educator, and adjudicator

Owner of BGS Dance Collective and Specializes in Pom, Jazz, Military, and Team Performance with BGSDC clients consistently earn Top‑2 finishes at state and national championships

Varsity Spirit judge and 6th‑year Secretary of the NDCA Executive Board

English Professor at the University of New Mexico and Training Coordinator for Nevada National Security Sites / Mission Support & Test Services, supporting teams across NM, CA, and NV

Former Captain of her high school dance team and the University of North Texas Dancers and NBA Dallas Mavericks Dancer for two seasons


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Paige Lapeyrouse Hall
Paige Lapeyrouse Halle
Louisiana‑based coach, choreographer & educator with a BFA in Dance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Former member and coach of the nationally recognized ULL Ragin’ Jazz Dance Team

Spirit Coordinator at Southeastern Louisiana University, overseeing cheer, mascots, and dance and Led the Lionettes to their first‑ever Division I Hip Hop National Championship (2018)

Current Agency Coordinator for TRIBE 99’s Chore‑Connect and Former Pro Company Director at Northshore Academy of Dance

23‑year veteran with UDA (Varsity Spirit) — serving as State Director (LA), Judges Coordinator, and Music & Choreography Director


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Kaycee Jones
Kaycee Jones
Raised in a family‑owned dance studio and classically trained in all styles, with an early passion for teaching

Earned a B.S. in Physical Education, Sport Science & Dance from Idaho State University

Captain of the nationally ranked Bengal Dancers and coach of nationally ranked junior dance, cheer & drill teams

Holds an M.S. in Kinesiology from California State University Fullerton and coached the Fullerton College Dance Team to 1st place

Certified RYT‑200 Yoga Teacher, NSCA CPT, and CSCS

Co‑Founder of Apolla Performance, creators of the world’s most advanced compression socks for dancers and athletes

Appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank (Season 13) and secured a deal with Lori Greiner


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Marisa Mailhes
Marisa Mailhes
Began her performing career as a child actress on Barney & Friends, appearing as a regular cast member for 3 years

Passionate dancer, coach, and studio owner with a heart for leadership and business growth

Founder of Red Door Dance Academy, now in its 16th season with a large student base and professional staff

National speaker for dance studio owners, sharing strategies for sustainable growth and strong leadership

Certified More Than Just Great Dancing!® Coach, committed to mentoring and connecting with fellow business owners



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Sarah Miller Bate
Sarah Miller Bate
Director of Dance for the U.S. All Star Federation, dedicated to growing All Star Dance and USASF membership nationwide

Brings nearly 40 years of dance experience and holds a dual B.A. in Dance & Education from Old Dominion University

4‑time NDA High School All‑American and 3‑time NDA Collegiate All‑American

Recipient of Top Gun Leaps & Turns and the NDA Leadership Award

Former performer with multiple modern dance companies and participant in international dance festivals

Third‑generation Classical Pilates instructor, working with Olympic athletes and Washington Ballet dancers National & international adjudicator and Chair of the USASF Dance Rules Committee

Former Contemporary Dance faculty at Randolph College and co‑creator of a barre fitness program


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Melissa Pearson
Melissa Pearson
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and 500‑hr Registered Yoga Teacher, specializing in dancers and artistic athletes

Former competitive & professional dancer, including performance experience with the Colorado Crush Arena Football Team

Brings 10+ years of experience as a dance instructor and coach at the high school and studio level

Founder of MAP Nutrition & Wellness and Leads engaging team workshops on performance nutrition, breathwork, meditation, and stress management

Member of Doctors for Dancers, advocating for recognition of dancers as Artistic Athletes with unique needs and Co‑founder and former leader of the Bridge Dance Project – Atlanta Chapter, bridging dance medicine with competition & commercial communities

Presenter for NDCA, CSCA, and Bridge Dance Project, empowering dancers and coaches with evidence‑based, whole‑person strategies


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Carsen Rowe
Carsen Rowe
Industry‑leading dancer, choreographer, teacher, and consultant

Commercial credits include Ciara’s “Dose”, Step Up: High‑Water, Empire (FOX), Love, Simon, and Pitch Perfect 3

Former member of Eastern Washington Elite All‑Stars — 10 UDA National Championships and 1 USASF World Hip Hop Championship

Founder of TRIBE 99 Choreography (2016) with choreography earning 11 UDA National Championships plus multiple NDA National Titles

Dancer and co‑choreographer for the University of Cincinnati Dance Team

2‑time D1A College Hip Hop National Champion and 4‑time Gold Medalist with Team USA at the ICU World Championships

Creator of Choreo‑Connect, The Dance Combine, The Expo, and The Tour

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