Vendors Interest
Alexandria Waning’s passion for dance ignited at age five, when she began training at Lake Shore Dance in Port Washington, Wisconsin. She honed her skills in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary, and excelled as a member of the studio’s competition team.
Continuing her education, Alexandria earned a BFA in dance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Post-graduation, she choreographed for showcases at Danceworks Inc. and shared her expertise through their outreach program.
A move to South Carolina expanded her teaching horizons, where she is inspired students at a Summerville middle school and dance studio for 10 years. Specializing in lyrical and jazz, she crafted compelling and award winning routines for the competition team. She has now relocated to North Carolina to continue teaching!
With over 15 years of studio experience, Alexandria completed her second season with Inspire as a judge, motivating a wider audience of young dancers to discover their own passion for movement as well providing personalized masterclasses and professional critiques for studios and collegiate dance teams in the South East.
Come and learn across-the-floor combinations and progressions designed to challenge your intermediate and advanced dancers!! This session dives into dynamic traveling sequences — think turns, leaps, and directional changes — that build technique, spatial awareness, and performance quality. We’ll break each combination down step-by-step before layering in speed, musicality, and artistry, so dancers leave with tools they can take straight back to the studio floor. Perfect for teachers looking to add fresh combinations to their rep, or dancers ready to push their technical edge!
Gretchen Alterowitz is a dance artist, scholar, and educator. As a Professor of Dance at UNC Charlotte, she teaches across theory and practice, focusing on ballet technique, choreography, dance writing, and dance studies. She is currently the Chair of the Department of Dance.
Alterowitz’s research focuses on feminist and democratic dancemaking and performance. Her writing is published in Dance Chronicle, Conversations Across the Field of Dance Studies, Journal of Dance Education, the Oxford Handbook on Contemporary Ballet, and the Oxford Handbook of Ballet Pedagogy. She has presented her choreography at festivals across the US and the Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam. As a member of the research and performance collective, AGA Collaborative from 2011-2021, Alterowitz collaborated with Amanda Hamp (Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico) and Alison Bory (Associate Professor at Davidson College) on performance projects presented nationally and internationally. Their writing is published in Choreographic Practices and Performing Ethos: International Journal of Ethics in Theatre & Performance.
Alterowitz holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Iowa.
Stephanie Cureton is a dance educator, arts administrator, and advocate for accessible dance education. She serves as Operations Director for Dance Collaborative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making dance accessible regardless of location, ability, or resources. Since joining the organization as a teaching artist, she has advanced through multiple leadership roles while helping develop and expand adaptive and community-based dance programming across South Carolina and North Carolina.
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Psychology from Agnes Scott College and trained at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Her dance background includes ballet, modern, jazz, pointe, choreography, and performance. In addition to her work with Dance Collaborative, she serves as adjunct faculty at Anderson University and Director of English Theatre Arts. As an educator, performer, and choreographer, Stephanie is passionate about equipping dance professionals with practical strategies to create inclusive environments where every dancer can thrive.
Have you considered dancing in college? Do you have questions about how to balance dance with other interests? Please join this session to learn about studying dance in college and university settings. We will discuss degree types and how they fit with your professional goals, what dance programs are looking for in prospective students, the benefits of pursuing a college degree, how to get the most out of your college experience, and more. I will share general information about pursuing a dance degree in higher education as well as specific information about the Department of Dance at UNC Charlotte.
Participants will learn:
Differences between undergraduate Dance degree types: BA in Dance, BS in Dance, BFA in Dance, minor in Dance
What to look for when you are comparing Dance programs
Specific offerings from UNC Charlotte’s Department of Dance, including the Professional Training Certificate with Charlotte Ballet
Dance has the power to connect, empower, and inspire. This interactive workshop provides strategies for creating an adaptive and inclusive dance environment that supports participation, creativity, and success for every dancer, including dancers with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
Participants will explore approaches for translating movement, adapting classroom structures, utilizing visual and verbal supports, and fostering spaces where all dancers feel valued and capable.
Participants will:
-Understand the core principles of adaptive movement and inclusive dance education
-Learn strategies for translating movement, adapting instruction, and creating inclusive dance experiences
-Explore ways to support dancers with physical, cognitive, developmental, and sensory disabilities
Applied Dance Anatomy: Movement Screening & Injury-Informed Teaching
* Understand why the same corrections don’t work for every dancer
* Learn how to spot movement and alignment variations before they turn into recurring injuries
* Leave with a simple movement screening process you can realistically use in class
Wednesday July 29th, 2026 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM $150 per person
https://www.bodykinect.org/
Start or Build Your Acro-Tumbling Program
Wednesday July 29th, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM $500 per person
Take your acro and tumbling instruction to the next level with this comprehensive certification seminar led by Cyndi Garguilo. Designed for dance educators, studio owners, and aspiring acro instructors, this program provides the tools, structure, and confidence needed to successfully build or expand an Acro-Tumbling program within your studio.
Participants will receive a curriculum notebook complete with demo photos and detailed training materials covering every stage of acro development — from foundational flexibility and conditioning to advanced tumbling progressions and performance-ready combinations. The seminar focuses on creating safe, effective, and engaging classes while developing strong technical skills and proper progressions for students of all levels.
Topics include:
• Warm-ups, stretching, and flexibility training
• Handstand fundamentals and creative variations
• Acro-tumbling technique and skill development
• Spotting methods for foundational through advanced tricks, including aerials and back handsprings
• Mini-trampoline drills and small equipment training
• Partner and group tricks for choreography and performance work
• Recital and competition acro structure and choreography concepts
• Conditioning exercises to improve strength, control, and injury prevention
• Proper teaching order and safe skill progressions
In addition to technical instruction, this seminar also explores the business side of running a successful acro program. Learn how to market your classes, structure curriculum levels, plan engaging lessons, and create a program that supports both recreational dancers and competitive performers.
Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an existing acro curriculum, this hands-on certification will provide practical tools, proven teaching methods, and valuable insight to help your students grow safely and confidently while elevating your studio’s training opportunities.
Born and raised in the South Bronx, NY, Legendary B-Girl Honey Rockwell began gymnastics
and dancing at the Bronx Academy of Dance at the age of 7. In her teen years, she excelled,
competing in high school and club gymnastics and placing in competitions nationwide. In 1994,
she began B-girling and has been a practitioner of this foundational Hip Hop dance form ever
since! Honey’s first influence was fellow dancer, Louie “New Wave” (RIP) who encouraged her to bring
her skills as a gymnast to the art form of breaking. He eventually introduced her to the Hip Hop
dance pioneers and legends of GhettOriginal Productions who would also become her mentors.
She was invited to perform in their legendary Hip Hop off Broadway musical “Jam on the
Groove”, which debuted in NYC and went on to tour nationally and internationally. She has also
been featured performer in “Madhattan” a Hip Hop theater production based in Las Vegas.
Rockwell appeared in the movie “Mannequin 2” and has been a guest on the Sharon Osbourne
Show. She performed on MTV’s New Year’s Eve 2000 and at the Vh1 Fashion Awards with Cuba
Gooding Jr and Kid Rock. In 2008 she was a dancer and actress in the video game Grand Theft
Auto IV and was an active member of both The Rock Steady Crew and Seven Gems. Moreover,
she was the inspiration for the movie, “Honey”, represented both Tru Essencia and B-girl Mafia
crews and, along with the Seven Gems Crew, she participated in a US government sponsored tour
teaching Hip Hop dance and performing in Brazil. In addition, Honey produced and distributed
the world’s first B-girl dance video and was featured during the “Queens of Hip Hop” tour with
hip hop legend, Monie Love. Recently, she and her husband, legendary B-Boy and Hip Hop pioneer, Orko Romero, were
invited as guest panelists for the The Kennedy Center’s “Foundation: B-Boys and B Girls Hip
Hop Culture” Panel in Washington, DC and both were also featured as hip hop legends for a
USA Dance documentary. In 2022 Honey and Orko were both inducted into the Breaking Hall of Fame in New York City.
Honey continues to contribute to the legacy and culture of Hip Hop by performing and teaching
workshops and master classes to the youth worldwide through her Rock Da Floor Dance
Battle, her production company (Rock-A-ViZion Productions) as well as her dance studio,
Rockwell Dance Academy in Acworth, GA.
Removing the Blocks: The Injury Release Method
Wednesday July 29th, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM $147 per person
Discover how unresolved patterns in the nervous system can affect recovery from an acute injury or trauma to the body. These can range from an ankle sprain in dance class to the trauma of a root canal or tonsillectomy. The trauma often gets locked in the nervous system, blocking coordination, flow and flexibility and true and complete healing. This session introduces a practical method that clears the trauma from the nervous system returning the body to its pre-injury state.
Participants will practice with each other and therefore have the joy of clearing old injuries and traumas from their bodies, including many that may have been forgotten. Eliminate years of frustration and pain and no more need to spend money on expensive therapies that do not resolve the underlying cause
The Diamond Method: Removing the Blocks to Brilliance Level I
Thursday July 30th, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM $197 per person
Level II-IV is available online following the conference. Please contact Mariah-Jane Thies for special DRX pricing and visit her website @ https://www.radiantdancer.com/
This practical workshop brings The Diamond Method into the studio, focusing on how brain compatible teaching and environment forms the foundation for brain integration, embodiment—and ultimately, artistic expression.
Learn how to recognize different brain states in your dancers and understand why “resistance” or lack of progress may stem from lack of neurological readiness, toxic class dynamics, inappropriate progressions, inadvertently triggering language or a lack of safety to change. Discover how well informed expectations, timing and pace, content choices and language can either support brain integration—or unintentionally shut it down.
Explore key shifts in teaching, including:
This level one certification offers clear, studio-ready strategies to help you teach in a way that is more effective, adaptable, and efficient—allowing your dancers’ full potential and artistry to emerge all with joy in teaching.
Breaking Elements: Tips of the Trade $150 per participant
A Professional Development Certification for Dance Educators & Teaching Artists
Breaking Elements: Tips of the Trade is an immersive professional development workshop designed to equip teachers, studio owners, and teaching artists with the tools, confidence, and cultural understanding needed to successfully introduce and teach Breaking within their classes and programs.
Inspired by the legacy of pioneering educators and practitioners who have helped preserve and elevate Breaking worldwide, this workshop goes beyond movement vocabulary to focus on how to teach Breaking in a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate way.
Whether you are brand new to teaching Breaking or looking to strengthen and modernize your Hip Hop curriculum, this certification provides practical tools, creative teaching methods, and real-world applications you can immediately bring back to your students, studio, school, or community program.
Includes:
In this keynote, Honey Rockwell shares her journey through Hip Hop culture — from battling, performing, and building community, to creating a youth-centered dance academy focused on preserving the roots of Breaking while inspiring the next generation.
This talk explores how Hip Hop/Breaking can be used as more than entertainment — becoming a powerful tool for confidence, creativity, discipline, mentorship, and self-expression for young people. Honey discusses the importance of teaching authenticity, honoring the pioneers, creating safe spaces for youth, and balancing culture with today’s evolving dance industry.
Through personal stories, real experiences, and lessons learned from years in the culture, attendees will leave inspired with a deeper understanding of how Hip Hop/Breaking can positively impact both classrooms and communities.
The End of Over-Teaching: Stop Carrying Your Dancers—Start Unlocking Them
Draw Out Brilliance Without Burning Yourself Out
Many dance teachers are carrying more than they need to—managing motivation, correction, and responsibility for every dancer in the room. It’s exhausting… and it’s not actually creating independent, thriving dancers.
In this keynote, discover a powerful shift from “pouring in” to drawing out—one that reduces teacher burnout while unlocking your dancers’ natural motivation, confidence, and artistry. Learn how to remove the hidden blocks that limit learning, so your dancers stop depending on you—and start rising on their own.
Dance teachers are often trained to believe that when dancers struggle with focus, coordination, technique, consistency, or expression, the solution is more correction, repetition, or effort. But what if the challenge is not a lack of ability or motivation at all?
This breakout session introduces a powerful reframe: many technical, behavioural, and performance challenges stem not from unwillingness, but from interruptions in neurological integration and nervous system state. When foundational brain-body connections are underdeveloped or disrupted by stress, dancers may have difficulty accessing the very skills teachers are asking for—no matter how hard they try.
Through practical examples, movement-based exploration, and observable signs commonly seen in the studio, participants will begin learning how to recognize hidden blocks that can interfere with learning, coordination, stability, confidence, artistry, and expression.Attendees will leave with practical strategies that support integration, create safer and more effective learning environments, and help draw out the brilliance already present within each dancer.
This session is ideal for dance educators seeking a more embodied, compassionate, and neurologically-informed approach to teaching. This session is also an ideal foundation for The Diamond Method Certifications.
In this session, we’ll debunk common myths around flexibility training and explore the science of safe, effective stretching for dancers. Attendees will gain an understanding of which techniques truly enhance flexibility without risking injury and learn how flexibility progresses over time when taught safely. This session includes practical insights for dance educators to support long-term growth in flexibility through proven techniques, helping dancers reach their full potential with confidence and precision. Additionally, we will explore a breakdown of various stretching techniques – active-isolated, static, dynamic, and myofascial release – emphasizing the specific benefits and appropriate uses of each method. This organization provides educators with a science-backed framework to integrate into their classes.
This session equips dance teachers with practical Motivational Interviewing (MI) tools to support students who appear resistant, distracted, entitled, overly focused on quick results, or misaligned with training expectations. Participants will learn how to apply MI principles within the unique culture of dance training, where discipline, artistry, identity, and performance pressure intersect.
Dancers are distinguished from other athletes in that dance is fundamentally an art form. The core challenge lies in achieving a balance between rigorous technical training and maintaining a deep emotional connection to the choreography. For dancers, achieving the ability to have authentic performances and portray a genuine connection to their choreography is an important skill to obtain. For choreographers and teachers there is an obligation to prioritize artistic creativity rather than only focusing solely on technical accomplishments. In this class, we will explore strategies for enhancing dancers’ creativity, imagination, and performance abilities. I will present ideas and strategies on how we can elevate their artistry to achieve genuine authentic performances and our own choreography to reflect the same. Prioritizing artistry over technical displays enhances audience enjoyment, allowing them to engage emotionally, be entertained, and encounter surprising elements. Addtionaly, we will discuss how this will apply on the dance competition stage.
Lots of great training tips to add to your ballet teaching curriculum!
Fun, Informative, Creative for students to learn ballet terminology & execute proper technique!
In this session you will learn how to make your Recreational Level Competitors SHINE on stage by beginning with the end goal in mind. We deconstruct common misconceptions about what is “necessary” in competitive choreography and look at how to showcase more beginner level dancers in way that ensures they are confident, composed and performing exquisitely executed choreography that meets them where they are, all while providing adequate challenges to progress their skills to the next level.
Your recital is more than a performance – it’s your biggest revenue and retention opportunity of the year.
In this Money Moves Seminar, we’ll unpack how successful studios strategize, optimize, and capitalize on their events to drive stronger ticket sales, increase value for families, and foster long-term retention. You’ll leave with strategic insights and fresh ideas you can apply immediately to maximize results without adding complexity.
This presentation would focus on how intentional costuming and apparel choices can impact not just aesthetics, but dancer confidence, team identity, and even judges’ perception. You could break down how to choose costumes that flatter all body types, align with choreography and music, and photograph well on stage. It could also include tips on ordering timelines, budgeting, avoiding common apparel mistakes, and how to use custom pieces (like team gear or warmups) to strengthen brand and create additional revenue opportunities.
Brooke Walker (Armesto), B.S.Ed, is a dance educator, choreographer, and certified adjudicator with over 20 years of training across a diverse range of styles, including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, musical theatre, contemporary, lyrical, pom, hip hop and flamenco. Her classical ballet foundation is rooted in ABT, Cuban, and Cecchetti methodologies, and she has attended numerous summer intensives, including Interlochen Center for the Arts, where she studied Limón, Horton, and Graham modern techniques.
She currently serves as the Lead Instructor of Ballet and Early Childhood Programs at Elite Dance, where she focuses on developing strong technical foundations while cultivating artistry, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for dance. She is also a choreographer for Elite Dance’s competition team, with her work receiving numerous Judges’ Choice and Top Overall awards at both regional and national competitions.
Brooke’s performance experience includes her time as a member of the Georgia Southern University Dance Team, where she performed at basketball and football games and competed at NDA Nationals. She later transitioned into coaching, leading both middle and high school dance teams to multiple state championship titles.
In addition to her work in the studio, Brooke is a founding staff member of Empire National Dance Competition and currently serves as Assistant Regional Director, Convention Faculty, and Office Staff for both Empire and Inspire National Dance Competitions.
Mandi Little has dedicated over 35 years to dance performance and 25 years to dance education; as an adjudicator, in private studios, public schools and as the owner of two successful dance studios. During this time she has been recognized nationally and internationally for outstanding talent and choreography. In addition to choreographing for the Charlotte Civic Orchestra, regional theater productions and industrials, Mandi performed with a select group of dancers from across the U.S. in the Hula Bowl halftime, was cast as a Laker Girl dancer in the movie Eddie with Whoopi Goldberg and danced for the Charlotte Hornets NBA team. Mandi has trained extensively with renowned instructors such as Ray Leeper, Joe Tremaine, Keith Stewart, Gene Anthony Ray, Doug Caldwell, Terry Lindholm, Fanchon Cordell of UNCSA, Salvatore Aiello of NCDT, Alan Onickel and was an assistant for tap master and Tony Award winner, Henry LeTang. As a teacher, she was awarded the Artist’s Music Guild award for Outstanding Dance Education and her students have won multiple national titles and awards for outstanding technique and choreography. Having
many students go on to pursue college and professional careers in dance brings her great pride. She loves to help the next generation of dancers develop confidence and a sense of identity
through the love of this amazing artform.
Leo Moore is the Director of Partnerships & Growth at DRT Performance Tix, the leading ticketing platform for dance studios and performing arts organizations. With over a decade of experience working alongside small business, Leo specializes in helping arts organizations increase revenue and create better patron experiences. While not a dancer herself, her experience as a collegiate athlete gives her a deep respect for the dedication of dancers and teachers—and she’s now experiencing the dance world firsthand as a brand-new dance mom!
Kendall is a Los Angeles–based personal trainer for dancers and dance science educator with a strong academic and athletic background. She grew up as a competitive studio dancer and Texas high school drill team member, which shaped her understanding of the physical and psychological demands dancers face. Kendall earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Science from California State University, Long Beach, where she trained in ballet and modern dance. She later completed a Master of Science in Dance Science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, training in contemporary dance and conducting research on perfectionism and self-efficacy in online dance classes.
Kendall is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA, allowing her to apply evidence-based training principles to athletic performance. She is also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, BASI Certified Pilates Instructor with a dance specialization, and a certified health coach. Through these credentials, she integrates strength training, conditioning, flexibility, and movement education to support both performance enhancement and injury prevention.
Bio here….
TYPING HERE
This breakout session roundtable will continue to explore the possibilities offered by collegiate dance environments and delve deeper into the various opportunities available within colleges. I will focus specifically on how dancers can pursue their desires after earning their degrees. This discussion will be modeled after the Senior Seminar Practices I teach at Elon University to support students’ success, especially those attending private universities or other college institutions.
This interactive session brings theory to life. Participants will explore Hip Hop’s pedagogical tools, cypher structure, freestyle flow, and embodied critique through guided movement-based activities. We’ll examine how to center student voice, foster a sense of belonging, and engage with culturally grounded teaching practices. Come ready to move, reflect, and co-create in a space that honors Hip Hop’s roots and radical potential.
Creating a creative dance recital involves more than just choreographing routines — it’s about crafting a full artistic experience for both the dancers and the audience. We are going to help you create a step-by-step guide to help you build a memorable and imaginative recital for not only your students, but your families!
Let’s explore ways to make your dance space more inclusive! We have so much to learn from one another, differences and all! By fostering individualism and confidence you will help nurture students to their fullest potential! This interactive session explores the critical role of inclusivity in dance education, offering practical strategies to ensure every dancer—regardless of ability, background, body type, gender identity, or neurodiversity—feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Staisha Hamilton is a social worker, therapist, and movement specialist in North Carolina. She holds a BSW from Tuskegee University, an MSW from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and holds a doctorate from Walden University. She holds a certification as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in North Carolina. She has over 20 years of direct clinical experience as a social worker and over 15 years of dance instructor experience. Her passion for advocacy and social change has created many opportunities for the underserved. Throughout her work as a clinician and dancer, she has demonstrated that art and clinical work can exist in the same arena. She provides versatility within the process of healing in offering dance and movement, meditative, and grounding techniques in addition to traditional talk therapy.
This interactive session uses intentional movement to support physical wellness, emotional regulation, and stress relief. Participants will engage in accessible, trauma-informed exercises such as stretching, breathwork, and light movement, designed to reconnect the mind and body. No prior experience is necessary; all fitness levels are welcome. This is a safe, supportive space to explore how movement can be a powerful tool to assist in “quieting the noise, while creating opportunities for self-expression through natural movement
Kelli Kinsaul is a native of Harris County, Georgia. She has two children, Tucker and Jenna. She has owned and operated Center Stage Dance Studio for over 25 years and currently travels with multiple competition teams. She works with Inspire National Dance Competition as a regional director. She shares a passion for the competitive dance world and enjoys creating a fun and family-friendly competition environment. She believes in a good, wholesome competition atmosphere that offers a way for dancers to develop a sense of unity with other studios.
Kelli Kinsaul graduated from Columbus State University with a Masters in Education before she decided to open her own studio at the age of 20 years old. She has been extremely blessed to have several of her students audition and be selected to perform on Broadway. She has worked with several theater companies over the years on multiple productions. She has also been a part of the production of the Miss Georgia Pageant System. She has a passion for teaching dance and watching kids develop through the competition world and studio life.
Your team can be your greatest asset—if you know how to lead them well. This breakout session is all about effective employee management tailored to dance studios. Learn how to delegate with confidence, set clear expectations, and build a team culture that supports your studio’s growth. Discover strategies to reduce your day-to-day stress by empowering your staff to step up, so you can step back and focus on the bigger picture.
Are you tired of burning the candle at both ends?! Learn how to schedule, organize, and delegate like a pro! Let’s achieve those big goals with time to spare!
Give your choreography the soundtrack it deserves! In this breakout session, we’ll break down the basics of music editing with a focus on dance studio needs—clean cuts, smooth transitions, and powerful mashups. Learn how to edit your music like a pro so your routines sound just as polished as they look on stage. Whether you’re prepping solos, group pieces, or recital numbers, this session will help you elevate every beat.
Reimagine Pointe Prep with Smarter, Targeted Training!
Many traditional pointe preparation methods emphasize strengthening the toes and calves—with the assumption that this will also build the arch. But what if we’ve been missing a vital piece of the puzzle?
In this groundbreaking session, you’ll discover a powerful approach that focuses specifically on developing true strength in the arch of the foot—something often overlooked, yet essential for making pointe work both safe and joyful.
Whether your students have high arches or flat feet, you’ll learn proven, practical methods that can dramatically improve foot function and reshape what you thought was possible. Feet are far more adaptable than you may believe, and with the right tools, every dancer can progress with greater confidence and reduced risk of injury.
Join us to explore innovative techniques that will forever change how you approach pointe readiness—and empower your dancers with the foundations they need to soar
This “technique-driven” class is designed to safely improve flexibility, strength, control, & range of motion for all dancers
Through a variety of stretching & flexibility exercises, dancers will improve their lines, extensions, leaps, jumps, turns and overall movement quality.
*Proper stretching is also essential for all dancers to help prevent injury*
Your dance studio has the passion and the moves — now it’s time to make the money match the energy. 💼💃 In “Studio slay: More Streams, More Dreams,” we’ll dive into real, practical ways to diversify your income and keep your studio thriving beyond your class offerings. This session is packed with fresh ideas and actionable strategies. Whether you’re chasing quick wins or dreaming of a total studio glow-up, you’ll leave feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to go from idea to execution — one brilliant move at a time. ✨
Kayden Bell discovered his passion for sound engineering at the age of ten and has spent a decade refining his skills in both audio and lighting. His career has taken him through a wide range of venues—from theaters and churches to festivals where he’s worked with nationally recognized acts including Tiffany, Lorrie Morgan, the Boxmasters, and Lonestar. In addition to live production, Kayden is an experienced music producer currently developing two studio albums. For the past year, he has brought that same level of precision and creativity to Inspire National Dance Competition, where he leads and mentors a team of audio engineers, overseeing all audio systems to deliver flawless sound and elevate the experience of every show.
Cyndi Garguilo, better known as “Ms. G” in the dance/tumbling world, has been teaching for 3+ decades. She has owned two dance studios, in Florida & Georgia, respectively. She was the Dance Director in 2 private schools for 12 years in Florida. There she taught over 500 students weekly.
Ms. G is an FSU graduate and former dancer/gymnast. She coached Competitive Artistic Gymnastics for 2 decades & has developed her own Acro-Tumbling curriculum for dance studios. It is called “Dynamic Edge Acro-Tumbling” Curriculum.
Ms. G is very proud of her former students who have succeeded in the Dance Industry. They have been hired on Cruise Ships, The Amazing Race, Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders, Broadway (Mamma Mia & more) , Music videos, Nat’l Scholarship winners, & NCAA Cheerleaders. Several of her graduating students have also become terrific dance & tumbling instructors.
One of Ms. G’s favorite memories is teaching at the “Abby Lee Dance Studio” (ALDC) in 2013 in Pittsburgh, PA. All the original “Dance Moms” stars took her Master classes.
Ms. G’s studio participated for years in the “Middle Ga. Nutcracker” directed by Jean Weaver. Her students danced the roles of Clara, Fritz, Party Scene Children & Parents, Mice, Jesters (Ms. G was honored to choreograph this for 2 seasons) Snow Corps, Flutes, & Flowers. It was a wonderful experience for them & they were privileged to dance with Rotaru Ballet & Ruth Mitchell ballet.
Ms. G currently teaches Master Classes for students in ballet & pointe, jazz technique, “leaps, tricks & turns”, flexibility, & Acro-tumbling. In addition, Ms. G is proficient in tap, lyrical & musical theatre. She continues to travel & teach her “Dynamic-Edge” Acro-Tumbling Curriculum & her “Flexibility Plus” Curriculum to dance studios.
Discover how to create an effective learning environment rooted in brain science. This session explores the four brain states that impact students’ ability to both learn and perform. Participants will learn to identify integrated vs. unintegrated brain states and gain strategies to shift students into a learning-ready state before class begins—boosting focus, reducing burnout, and making teaching more effective. Addressing the brain state first is key to smarter, sustainable dance education.
During this session, my goals are to lay a foundation for fascial lines, discuss injury patterns seen in practice, overview injury patterns from the research, and give some practical solutions for dancers to do on their own. These solutions will not substitute when a dancer needs to be seen by a qualified healthcare professional for an injury. I will at the end of the session lay a framework of when a dancer can work these solutions into their everyday practice and when a dancer should see a qualified healthcare provider
Dr. Lacey Dennis Bracken is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Jacksonville University with extensive experience in athletic training education and clinical practice. With a Doctor of Athletic Training from Florida International University (2022), her career blends academic excellence with hands-on athletic training expertise. Since Fall 2023, Dr. Bracken has served as Clinical Assistant Professor at Jacksonville University’s Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Science and Department of Dance. Her teaching experience spans multiple institutions, including remote adjunct professorships at Wilmington College and The College of St. Scholastica, where she taught evidence-based practice, professional development, and research methods. Dr. Bracken’s clinical expertise is particularly notable in dance medicine. As Head Athletic Trainer for Jacksonville University Dance Fine Arts (2017-2019, 2022-present), she provides comprehensive preventative care, injury evaluation, and rehabilitation services. Through Bracken Consulting Services, LLC, she extends her expertise to various settings, including Duval County Public Schools and Jacksonville University Department of Dance. Dr. Bracken’s scholarship includes publications in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Science and presentations at professional conferences. Articles that Dr. Brackens has published include “Non-Native English Speaking Patients: Emergent Themes to Patient Care in Athletic Training” and “The Intercollegiate Artistic Athlete Research Assessment (TIARRA) Study: Building the Collegiate Dancer health and performance profile.” Her research interests include athletic training care for non-native English speakers, dance medicine, and prevention strategies for secondary school athletes. Active in professional service, Dr. Bracken serves on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Council on Practice Advancement’s Performing Arts Committee and the Education Committee of the Athletic Trainer’s Association of Florida. Her commitment to community service extends to international mission work in Peru and Honduras. Licensed in Florida and nationally certified, Dr. Bracken combines academic rigor, clinical excellence, and community engagement to advance the field of athletic training, particularly for performing artists.
Mariah-Jane Thies is a sought-after international speaker, award-winning dance educator, and movement specialist with nearly 40 years of experience. Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional dance education, she has presented at leading global conferences including IADMS, NDEO, RAD, Body-Mind Centering, and the World Congress of Dance. Her work blends classical training with brain science, somatics, and developmental movement to create more integrated, intelligent, and expressive dancers. A registered Royal Academy of Dance teacher, mentor, and supervisor since 1997, Mariah-Jane holds a dance teaching degree from GMCC and is a certified Evans Laban-based Modern teacher. Her additional certifications in Brain Gym® and Rhythmic Movement Training inform her specialized focus on movement and brain integration—what she calls the “missing link” in dance training. Mariah-Jane is the founder of The Radiant Dance Teacher, an online community of over 3,000 educators, where she offers courses such as Creating Effective Imagery, Return to Radiance, Recital Readiness Secrets, and the widely used comprehensive pre-pointe program To the Pointe: Beyond Exercises. Her philosophy centers around three essential pillars: dancers must first be Integrated, then Embodied, to be truly Expressive. In 2024, she received the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) Innovation in Dance Teaching Award for her groundbreaking work on learning readiness and creating optimal brain states for performance. She is thrilled to be sharing her content on groundbreaking dance teacher platforms and helping to spread the information, especially to largely underserved populations. A TEDx speaker (“Your Movement Habits Create Your Life) and best-selling author, Mariah-Jane continues to influence the dance world through her thoughtful, paradigm-shifting approach. When not teaching, she’s traveling, connecting with fellow educators, and cuddling foster cats and dogs
Natalie Perkins is the Founder and CEO of Bella Ballerina and ViBe Brands, a dynamic portfolio that includes ViBe Threads and ViBe Choreography. With a passion for empowering creativity and entrepreneurship, Natalie has built Bella Ballerina into a nationally recognized boutique dance studio franchise known for its imaginative, storybook-inspired approach to children’s dance education. Through ViBe Brands, she extends that mission by supporting both businesses and creatives—offering custom apparel solutions through ViBe Threads and connecting choreographers with ideal clients through ViBe Choreography. Natalie is dedicated to helping others bring their visions to life, blending artistic innovation with strategic business growth.
Dr. Cindy Foley is a B-Girl, combat veteran, and visionary educator committed to empowering youth and communities through the culture and values of Hip Hop. With over 20 years of experience as a breaker, judge, teacher, and coach, she serves as Executive Director of Child of This Culture Foundation (COTC). This national nonprofit has impacted over 6,000 youth and adults through dance-based programs, education, and cultural empowerment.
Dr. Foley is a decorated U.S. Air Force Major (separated) who has led complex operations, including overseeing a $385 million flight training program. After transitioning from active duty, she co-founded COTC and pioneered groundbreaking programs for military-connected youth across the U.S., Germany, and South Korea.
As a scholar-practioner, she blends movement and academic inquiry. Her published works include “From B-Girl to B-Baby: Constructing a Breakin’ Pedagogy” (Journal of Dance Education), the children’s book I Am Hip Hop, and the co-authored article “Breaking for Gold: Who Can Judge Me?” (Global Hip Hop Studies). Her recent doctoral dissertation, Cultural Diversity of Dance in Higher Education: The Hip Hop Remix (University of Southern California), explores culturally resilient models for integrating Hip Hop into academia.
Dr. Foley holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC, a Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, and a B.A. in Liberal Studies from the University of Central Florida. She currently resides in Sumter, South Carolina with her active-duty husband and three children.
Keep your little dancers engaged and excited about dance! Learn new ideas and strategies for classroom management, engaging new exercises and ideas!
Ever wonder what the future of the digital age of dance looks like? Well, Adam Boreland believes the vision of the future of dance is bright and exciting!
Learn how to enter an accepting atmosphere of dance while enhancing the dreams & desires of ALL dancers. Take note of tips of how to extend reach on social media platforms. Help the vision of your studio bring in more students of all ages. Be encouraged & challenged to continue to improve your skills, teaching and leading of many people regardless of talent level, age, size, gender or genre! Ultimately, learn how to love through the art of dance.
This jazz progressions class is designed to challenge dancers of all ages with dynamic across-the-floor combinations that build technique, musicality, and confidence. We will discuss the importance of clean lines, strong execution, and stylistic flair while progressing through a range of directional changes, turns, leaps, and footwork. This class offers something for everyone. Come ready to strut & shimmy!
In this session, we’ll explore the intersection of faith and dance within the dance and entertainment industries. This conversation invites you to reflect on how your personal faith can influence your leadership, teaching style, and studio culture. Whether you’re navigating how to integrate faith in a subtle or more intentional way, or simply seeking encouragement as a believer in the arts world, this is a space for honest dialogue, shared experiences, and inspiration. Together, we’ll look at how faith can not only coexist with creativity—but fuel it.
In this workshop, I will lead you in a variety of exercises that you can add to your toolbox. These activities will help you introduce your students to basic acting skills that can lead them to be more expressive and engaging on stage. Acting will enhance their Storytelling, convey emotions, and embody characters more deeply while adding depth and authenticity to their performances. Additionally, acting skills can open doors for dancers to explore different performance avenues, such as musical theater or on-camera acting. I will provide information and resources for those of you who wish to explore acting more in-depth for yourself or to offer your students
In this class I will lead you in an array of guided improv exercises for you to take back to your classroom. Improv in an excellent way to develop quality of movement, creativity, performing skills, emotional connection added interest to choreography focus and concentration, musicality, and of course those dreaded moments on stage where the mind draws a disconnect. I will include exercises and games for all ages so you can implement improv in each level you offer, tips and tricks to assist your most reluctant student and ways to utilize props
Bio Coming Soon
In a world dominated by seemingly endless demands for MORE (more turnout, more flexibility, more height, more turns, more arched, more long, more sculpted…), it is far too easy to get lost in the never-ending cycle that is the pursuit of perfection. While this quest for self-improvement is a valuable journey, it is also a notoriously fine line to walk– or dance. When does the ability to self-assess and self-critique morph into negative self-talk and distorted body image? When does rehearsal become redundancy, drilling dancers to exhaustion for the sake of running their choreography again? When does camaraderie turn cold, with dancers feeling obligated to compete against each other in order to gain favor with their director or teacher? On the flip side, holding students and professionals to such high standards has pushed the boundaries of human movement and artistry to incredible lengths. For a student to land a job in a typical professional dance setting, there is an ever-increasing baseline of training, technique, and skills required. How, then, do we ask students to push themselves to their limits and beyond without falling victim to the trap of perfectionism? Enter the concept of EXCELLENCE. Unlike perfection, which by definition is unattainable for many, if not all, excellence is something everyone can achieve. Being a fluid concept rather than a rigid checklist of do’s and do-not’s, excellence looks different on every person and can be different from day to day. By holding dancers accountable for achieving their personal best, we are still asking for the most they can give. But we are also not shaming them for the things they cannot give us yet, and this is what makes all the difference in the world. Excellence is the ability to make mistakes and learn from them. Excellence is seeing someone else’s success and being able to be supportive and inspired by them. Excellence is celebrating your individual strengths while acknowledging, accepting, and working on the places where you do not feel as strong. By asking our students for excellence rather than perfection, we are equipping them with a resilient and functional mindset that can be applied to all aspects of their lives. Nobody can be perfect. But we can all be excellent.
In her keynote, Professor Jasmine Powell will inspire educators to reimagine dance training as a holistic journey that nurtures both artistry and academic growth. Drawing from her extensive experience in both the Professional and academic worlds, Powell will explore how we can cultivate not only technical excellence but also creativity, resilience, and emotional depth in young dancers. By emphasizing a diverse range of styles, fostering leadership, and preparing students for the demands of college auditions, she will highlight how dance education can shape well-rounded artists who are ready to thrive in the collegiate environment and beyond. This session will empower educators to inspire their students to embrace the full spectrum of their potential, both as dancers and as individuals.
Anne-Marie graduated with her Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Georgia Southern University. She has worked in a variety of roles over the past 20 years for the Glynn County School System. Since the growth and expansion of Inspire, she continues her work in the field of education as a consultant and MindSet master trainer during the off-season. Her administrative background allows her to facilitate and oversee the intricacies of running a successful dance competition and convention. She loves welcoming new studios to the Inspire Family and reuniting each year with returning studio owners and dancers. She feels so rewarded to see the dancers develop and grow each season.
Anne-Marie loves to spend time with their family. One of the most amazing things about owning Inspire National Dance Competition is that it allows the family an opportunity to enjoy time with one another at the events.
McKenzie Doran is the Marketing Coordinator at Inspire NDC. She has been dancing since she was 5 years old and has loved it ever since. She originally began with Inspire NDC in 2017 as an event staff member. She has since graduated from Columbus State University with a degree in Marketing as well as her MBA. Since graduation, McKenzie has taken on a new role as the Marketing Coordinator. She is excited to share her expertise and to experience new adventures with the company!
You will often find McKenzie at events backstage interacting with dancers and our CREW members. She can also be seen posting fun things from the weekend on our social media platforms, so make sure to say hey when you see her!
In her off time, McKenzie still loves to dance and choreograph. She has found dance to be a good way to express emotions and be able to find the good in the day. She also enjoys sitting with a cup of coffee and reading a good novel to relax.
With over 25 years of experience as a creative expressionist, Jasmine Powell is a dancer, choreographer, and educator who moves beyond the traditional boundaries of dance. Known for her ability to evoke deep emotional connections, Powell’s work explores the intersection of storytelling, embodiment, and the untold narratives that reside within every dancer.
A native of Hillsborough, NC, Powell’s artistic journey began with local training and blossomed into an international career. She earned a BA in Dance from Oberlin College and an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Hollins University, in collaboration with the American Dance Festival and Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts in Germany, furthering her studies across Africa, Europe, Central America, South America and the U.S. Powell has performed with distinguished companies and celebrated choreographers such as Philadanco, Dance Diaspora, Dianne McIntyre, Milton Myers, Ronald K. Brown/ Evidence, Bill T. Jones, Okwui Okpokwasili, Justin Tornow, Kristin Taylor Duncan, Culture Mill, Princess Johnson/Hair Journey Ballet, Moving Spirits Inc., and Suah African Dance Company.
Her work explores how opposite embodied features coexist within the dancer’s body, turning personal and ancestral histories into universally resonant performances. Powell’s research in dance science, combined with her expertise in African diaspora traditions and somatic practices, informs both her choreographic work and teaching. Her choreographic premieres including Approximation of a Woman, Iridescence, Flightless Doves and Self Un/En Titled with the latter performed at the UNC-Chapel Hill – Carolina Performing Arts, have been featured in national and international performance venues, dance festivals, award-winning dance films, and music videos, where she merges dance with powerful visual storytelling.
As a professor at Elon University, Powell blends her Ailey Certified Horton Teaching Technique, contemporary and modern dance, Pilates certification, and certified Life Coaching practices to foster both physical technique and emotional depth. She has also directed and choreographed for the Durham District-wide “Evening to Shine” event at the Durham Performing Arts Center and co-directed the Carolina Performing Arts/Southern Futures – Commons Festival.
Whether as a performer, choreographer, or educator, Powell’s work transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, consistently exploring the untold stories of the body through creative expression. Her journey is rooted in honoring the cultural histories embedded in our personal narratives, a philosophy that continues to guide her impactful contributions to the dance world through a creative expressionist lens.
Janis A. Sherwood, originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, received her early dance and theater training, performing, and teaching experience on the West Coast. She studied at East Bay Music Center, Richmond Ballet, Contra Costa College, and private studios. She relocated to the Southeast in the mid-1980s to further her education with the Montgomery School of Fine Arts and the University of Alabama in Birmingham. During this time, she studied Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and tap with many notable teachers and choreographers, including the renowned Stephan Grebel, Edith Barnes, Melanie Grebel, Fred Sieretta, Martin Freedman, and Marcus Alford. During that time, Janis was awarded a fellowship for the UAB master’s program. During that time, she performed with Ballet UAB and taught the UAB youth program. She continued her training in Jazz, Hip Hop, modern, and contemporary both on the west coast and east coast with notable teachers such as Tyce Diorio, Brian Freidman, Eddie Garcia, Sheila Barker, Chabar Williams, Liz Imperio, Desmond Richardson, twitch, Barry Youngblood, Gustavo Vargas, and many more. She has also taken master classes in Brazilian, African, Afro-Haitian, and Cuban salsa to her repertoire at the World Dance Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. Janis’s credits include a studio owner, performer, award-winning choreographer, and master teacher for over 47 years. Janis has recently returned to acting and is also a visual artist. Janis and her husband currently reside outside of Birmingham, AL, and have 5 children and 7 grandchildren
Jamie Howard serves as Inspire and Empire NDC’s Judge Coordinator and a Regional Director and has thirty -five years of dance training and has been a dance instructor for the twenty-two years. As a child, she trained under Angela Franko-Burns at Dancer’s Pointe. From there she went on to train at many other studios across Georgia including the prestigious Georgia Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and Ruth Mitchell.
Jamie has performed many leading roles such as Cinderella, Roxie in Chicago, Christine in Phantom of the Opera, and Alice in Alice in Wonderland. She has owned and operated her own studio, Steps Dance Center in North Georgia, for over 16 years. Her competitive dancers have won numerous awards at both regional and national dance competitions, and she also won numerous “Best Choreography” awards.
She also choreographs and guest teaches for many studios across the East Coast. Jamie choreographed scenes in the movie “The Change Up” starring Ryan Reynolds & Jason Bateman. Jamie has produced an in-house studio convention called Elev8 for the past four years. She has brought in numerous choreographers and instructors spanning from the artists of So You Think You Can Dance to up-and-coming professionals working in the dance industry. Jamie is extremely dedicated to the art of dance and considers herself blessed to have a career encompassing her passion for dance and love for children.
Ms. Carolyn started her training under Royal Academy of Dance-certified teacher Barbara Mullen in Londonderry, NH. Ms Carolyn studied the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus for twelve years, passing her first exam at six and completing her Vocational Exams at eighteen. She performed with New England Dance Ensemble and twice earned a gold medal with distinction in the American Academy of Ballet Performance Awards. She attended The Yorkshire Ballet Seminar in England, Ballet Hawaii’s Summer Intensive, the American College Dance Festival in California, the Ballet and Dance Workshop Ostrava in the Czech Republic, and the National Dance Institute Teacher Training Program in New York City. In December 2024, she completed the Applied Science of Dancer Health & Injury Prevention course with the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries. Since moving to Hawaii in 2005, Ms Carolyn has enjoyed performing professionally with Hawaii Ballet Theatre, the Onium Ballet Project, Divino Ritmo Dance, and Hawaii Opera Theatre. She taught at Punahou Dance School, Honolulu Classical Ballet, Hawaii Academy, The Dance Space, and The Movement Center before opening Kailua Dance Academy in 2017. Ms. Carolyn is also a Lecturer at the University of Hawaii Manoa, teaching intermediate and advanced ballet classes. Ms Carolyn graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2010 with a BFA in Dance Theatre and a BBA in Marketing. She is a chapter sponsor of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, and is a member of the Royal Academy of Dance, the National Dance Education Organization, the National Association of Schools of Dance, and is a National Dance Institute certified teacher
Adam Boreland has been a part of the professional ballet world for over 15 years. The proud first student of Sell’s Broadway Dance Company. Adam trained at the San Francisco Ballet School & Orlando Ballet School. He held professional contracts at Texas Ballet Theater & Orlando Ballet along with guesting around the United States.
He has been blessed with dancing principal roles in ballets such as Swan Lake, Cinderella, Val Caniparoli’s Lambarena, Glenn Tetley’s Voluntaries, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Jorden Morris Productions Moulin Rouge & Peter Pan. Adam was also recently on the NBC show “Dancing with Myself” with Shakira, Liza Koshy, & Nick Jonas.
Adam is proud to be the Creator and Founder of Facebook’s Largest Dance Group in the World: Dance Accepts Everyone Facebook Group – a safe, non-judgmental place for all dancers seeking to connect, inspire, and love through dance. With over 400,000 dancers in our Worldwide Community, we are able to dance, love, & reach over 300+ million people around the globe.
Bailee Eurey is a Carolina native who currently resides in the Charlotte, NC, area. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where she was a member of the Appalachian State Dance Team for 4 years and an active sister of Alpha Delta Pi. During her time at Appalachian State, she was featured on College Football News as a dance team member. With over 20 years of experience, Bailee currently assists others with dance choreography and acrobatics training. She is trained in tap, jazz, musical theatre, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, and ballet. She has been an instructor and choreographer for 7 years and has won numerous national and regional choreography awards. Bailee is a judge for multiple national dance companies and has been a master class instructor for several organizations. Aside from her involvement in the professional dance world, Bailee is a licensed real estate agent, owns her own pageantry and photography business (Queen City Productions), enjoys being heavily present in both the fashion and film industries, and loves to travel when she is able.