our judges
Here at Dance Fierce, we pride ourselves on having the most highly qualified, professional judges on the markets. From working dancers and choreographers to big names in the industry, we make sure your dancers will go home with valuable feedback from our quality panel of judges.
CHELSEA MICHENER
Chelsea started dancing at the age of 3 in Colorado. By the time she was 17 she was accepted to the Edge Performing Arts Center Scholarship Program in Los Angeles. She is well versed in tap, jazz, jazz funk, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, theatre, and contemporary. She has been seen on stage many times working for choreographers such as Tessandra Chavez, Malaya, Joelle Martinec, Sakinah LeStage, Adam Parson, Scott Hislop, Tabitha and Napoleon D’Umo and Ryan Heffington to name a few. Some of her previous work includes The Sing Off (Season 3), Cold Case, Dance Plug, the NAACP awards, O’Spada, Alex Kogan, Heartour, El Capitan Theatre, Disneyland and Christina Grimmie. She has travelled to New Zealand, Sweden and Australia to assist some of the above choreographers. She was on faculty at the world renowned Edge Performing Arts Center for 15 years and is currently an Adjunct Professor at Hussian College in Los Angeles where she teaches contemporary. You can catch her class on Phoenix Dance Convention in New Zealand, In-Studio Workshops all over the U.S., as well as Heart Dance Space in Los Angeles.
JESSE SYKES
JJesse Sykes is a dynamic movement specialist, passionate educator, and dedicated student hailing from the charming town of Layton, Utah. Embarking on his dance journey at the age of 15, Jesse's deep-rooted affection for popping ignited his artistic spirit, serving as his inaugural exploration within the vibrant dance culture. Over time, he has fearlessly ventured into diverse disciplines, carving a unique path to discover his true identity and purpose within the art form.
Jesse's unwavering mission is to inspire others by exemplifying the power of authenticity and paving the way for an abundant life spent pursuing our passions. Through his frequent teaching engagements, globe-trotting adventures, and participation as a discerning judge in various competitions, Jesse generously imparts his knowledge and expertise to budding artists across the world. Fueling his insatiable hunger for growth, Jesse continually pushes his own boundaries, seeking new avenues to expand his craft and cherishing the lifelong role of being a dedicated student.
With his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment, Jesse Sykes is an influential force in the dance community, inspiring others to embrace their true selves and find fulfillment through their artistic endeavors.
ALEXIA MEYER
Alexia Meyer grew up in Utah and trained in many different styles of dance. Starting at a young age, Alexia performed in the 2002 Olympics, was Clara in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and won the National Senior title for NYCDA. After attending Pace University as a Commercial Dance Major in NYC, Alexia placed among the top 7 stage dancers on Season 12 of So You Think You Can Dance and continued on to tour with SYTYCD. She has been featured in commercials for Samsung, Uno, SoFi and Vlado Footwear. She’s also performed for companies such as Nissan, DoTERRA, Nu Skin, Qualtrics, Isagenix and Kyani. You can catch Alexia in the Lifetime movie, The Pom Pom Murders and the movie musical, 1660 Vine, choreographed by Paula Abdul. Alexia also toured with Simone Biles and other Olympic gymnasts in the Gold Over America Tour. Based out of LA, Alexia is a member of Jaci Royal’s company, Royal Flux, seen on the hit reality tv show, World of Dance. Most recently, Alexia filmed an entire season for a kid’s TV show that’s soon to come out on Apple TV!
JEFFREY LOUIZIA
Born and raised in Boston, MA. Jeffrey Louizia discovered his love for dance right in the middle of his home. Being a part of a culture where dance is the center of our everyday life. He knew that it was written in the stars that dance was going to be a massive part of his life. Attending a performing art high called Boston Arts Academy. here he became Proficient in many styles of dance, Jeffrey has studied extensively in ballet, tap, modern jazz, modern, hip hop, krump as well as traditional Haitian Folk dance. He has studied with such dance masters as Dianne Walker of "Black & Blue", Mark Morris, Bill T. Jones, and Mandy Moore. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from Dean College. Mr. Louizia’s performances have taken him across New England, up and down the Eastern US seaboard, West Coast, and internationally. His strong base in choreography has led him to choreograph for MC Hammer, Disney’s “The Andi Mac show”, Kia, doTERRA, Carnivals Choreographers’ Ball in Los Angeles and choreographing for a national touring band called the Salamanders. Jeffrey is the Director and founder of Lovolution: a worldwide movement where love and self-worth are brought to awareness through dance. He also is the hip hop director for the Millennium Dance Complex Hip Hop Boom Crew in Salt Lake City. Since moving to Los Angeles, he has been in many music videos and industrials including featured Dancer in the movie “Dear Dumb Diary”, Sketchers, Black Eyed Peas “Rock Your Body,” Taio Cruz “Dirty Picture,” Ace Hood ft lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross "Hustle" and American Idol winner Alexandra Burke’s “Start Without You.” Jeffrey has also performed with Odyssey Dance Theater for 5 years performing productions “Thriller” and “Romeo and Juliet” touring the US and Europe. Jeffrey’s ultimate passion is to teach, motivate and inspire as well as being inspired by all who share and do not share his love for dance. He truly believes in using the platform of dance we can practice believing in ourselves and really discovering our capabilities to maximize on our life and embrace our infinite worth!! Unapologetically being yourself and vibrating to your max. Revealing what he calls the realest version of you!!!
BROOKLYN DRAPER
Brooklyn Draper is a performer, choreographer, educator, and researcher currently residing in Missoula, MT. She received her MFA from the University of Utah in 2019. In 2012 she received a Post-Graduate degree from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance in London, UK. Brooklyn has had the honor to perform In the U.S., China, and the UK and to work with over 20 choreographers including Hagit Yakira, Gary Lambert, Eric Handman, Pamela Geber Handman, and most recently Anouk van Dijk.
Brooklyn’s choreographic work has been shown nationally and internationally through Mudson, WCDC, Artist Interrupted, Beijing Dance Academy (China), Bonnie Bird Theater (U.K.), Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center (UT), Flatlands Dance Theater (TX), Utah Metropolitan Ballet, Utah Valley University, and the University of Montana among others. Her most recent work "Dreamdays" was selected for the ACDA Screendance Gala 2021.
Brooklyn was co-director and founder of Salt Lake City-based dance company, Triptych Figures, from 2014-2016, where she regularly choreographed, performed, and taught workshops for the company. Triptych Figures was dedicated to collaboration and activism within the Salt Lake Community. She also co-directed Speakers’ Corner SLC 2015-2017, to provide a space dedicated to the dialogue of the present by bringing citizens, politicians, scientists, activists, and artists together to work on solutions.
While attending the University of Utah, Brooklyn received a Certification as a Laban Movement Analyst through the Integrated Studies program under the mentorship of Peggy Hackney and Janice Meaden. Brooklyn was the recipient of the Sally Fitt Award Spring 2018 from the University of Utah and was also awarded the prestigious University Teaching Assistantship to design and teach her own course, "Collision Theory: The Essence of Collaboration" for Spring 2019. Brooklyn is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Theatre & Dance at the University of Montana.
JAYMZ TUAILEVA
Hailing from Center Stage Performing Arts school in Orem, Utah, Jaymz Tuaileva began dancing at the age of 11. Growing up as an athlete and artist, he decided to pursue his true passion, dance. Some of Jaymz's credits include a principal role, “Javier” in High School Musical 2, a guest professional and choreographer on multiple seasons of Dancing with the Stars, a finalist on the 2nd season of So You Think You Can Dance, a principal dancer in Legally Blonde 2, “Rebel Warbler” in Glee Live 3D, and a dancer with Katie Holmes in an episode for Eli Stone.
Jaymz has done commercials for AT&T, Bud Light, Jello, Greyhound Bus and Orbit Gum; and worked with artists such as Michael Jackson, Cher, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Ne Yo, Ariana Grande, Kevin Hart, Meghan Trainor, Aloe Black, and many others.
He recently Created, Directed, Choreographed and Music Produced “Motown With A Twist” while performing in it as well; featuring stars from So You Think You Can Dance, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, Dancing With The Stars and American Idol.
Jaymz choreographed the show, "Donny and Marie" in Las Vegas which was voted "Best Show in Vegas" 4 years in a row and has choreographed for Andrea Bocelli's most recent "Cinema Tour". He has also worked on Broadway as, not only a performer, but as a Choreographer and Dance Captain.
His proudest accomplishment was being hand picked by Michael Jackson for his “This Is It” tour. You can also find Jaymz dancing in recent live action movie, “Spongebob 3" alongside Snoop Dogg.
While these are only a few of his long list of accomplishments as an artist, he can’t wait to add more. Jaymz plans to further his career in the entertainment industry by continuing to direct, choreograph and instruct as well as continuing to perform.
Patrick began his dancing career training at Elower Sicilia Productions in Thurmont, MD at age 8 under the direction of Linda Sicilia as a company dancer. Until his graduation from high school, Patrick was competing for many regional and national competitions including winning numerous regional and national scholarships. His first big break was the hit movie "CAMP" from 2002 where he showed off his multiple talents by dancing, singing, and acting. Then he began performing with Debbie Allen at the Kennedy center in DC. After graduating high school, he turned to the University of Art studying ballet under a full scholarship. During college Patrick was exposed to such masters as Scott Jovovich, Zane Booker, Douglas Becker, Roni Koresh, Brian Sanders, and many more. After school, Patrick moved to Venice, Italy to work with Ismael Ivo and the Arsenal Della Danza being exposed to European Contemporary Ballet. At the same time, working with former Forsyth member Francesca Harper, Fernando Machado from Brazil, and many more. After touring with Arsenale, he returned to the States and began working on The Ovation Betworks hit TV show "A Chance to Dance" produced by Simon and Nigel Lythgoe where he was introduced to former Royal Ballet Soloists and founder of the UK's own BalletBoyz, Michael Nunn and William Trevitt. Once the show finished, Patrick moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to become a company member of Odyssey Dance Theater under the direction of Derryl Yeager performing such works choreographed by Derryl Yeager, Mia Michaels, Christian Denice, and many more. After 4 years with Odyssey, Patrick began teaching all over Utah county for multiple studios as well as Millennial Dance Complex and Ballet West. Currently Patrick has expanded to Oregon and hopes to continue to share and educate all of the amazing artists of tomorrow! Patrick's love and passion for dance allowed him to perform on many stages and countries including Germany, Italy, Brazil, turkey, and Canada.
MALECE MILLER
Malece Miller is a dancer from Layton, Utah who relocated to Los Angeles to pursue dance. After placing among the top 6 female dancers on Season 10 of So You Think You Can Dance and continuing on to the SYTYCD tour. She has appeared in numerous music videos and television series including Taylor Swift’s music video “ME”, ABC's The Fosters, Hulu’s Future Man, Dancing With The Stars, The Voice and Disney Channel's original movie Teen Beach 2. Malece continued on and toured internationally with Billboard Music Award winner Lindsey Stirling for 3 years. She Is also apart of Jaci Royals company Royal Flux who competed on Season 2 of the hit reality show World Of Dance And continued on to the World Of Dance Tour. Malece most recently toured with Olympic Gymnast Simone Biles on her Gold over America tour that went to 32 cities!
JASON PICKETT
Jason Pickett has spent the last 11 years teaching competitive dance camp; dancing professionally. He has performed on film and in live events around the world for companies like: Hermès, Icon Fitness, Toys R Us, Crocs and Bud Light, Americas Got Talent and; more! You can also catch Jason in several viral YouTube videos including Stormtrooper Twerk and High School Dance Battle – Geeks vs. Cool Kids! (4k). His choreography has been featured in several viral YouTube videos as well as in several nationally ranked competitive routines. He was a former cast member with Odyssey Dance Theatre under the direction of Derryl Yeager; currently he is teaching and dancing based out of Utah.
JACE CHADWICK
Born and raised Utahn, he's passionate about all movement art. Growing up training at a studio and conservatory for dance and theatre, he developed a love for both street and technical styles. Graduating in 2017 he moved to SLC and LA to begin his career as a teacher and performer. He now resides back in SLC working/teaching with JUNCTION DANCE CO. as a company member and youth director. He loves cats, contemporary dance, and the color orange
SARAH MCCLURE
Sarah McClure trained in Idaho until she attended and graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in dance. During her college career she trained at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance and professionally danced for Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company. Sarah danced for Junction Dance Co in all styles. Sarah loves judging at dance competitions and doing choreography for dance studios, gymnastics floor routines, and musicals. She currently is working in physical therapy and is passionate about conditioning for dancers. She is very excited to inspire other dancers like judges did for her in the past.
Previous Judges
ABBEY HUNT
Originally from Cedar Rapids, IA, Abbey has her BFA in Musical Theatre and Minor in Dance from Millikin University. Abbey has always loved story telling through dance and has spent most of her career based out of NYC in the theatre scene. Abbey’s creative team credits include Assistant to Choreographer Tyler Hanes on Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls on Broadway, Assistant Director for My Fair Lady, featuring the Utah Symphony and starring the late Peter Scolari and Assistant Choreographer on The Music Man by UIA Presents.
As a performer, some of Abbey’s credits include: Velma, Riff’s Girl, in West Side Story at the award-winning Barrington Stage Company (original Jerome Robbins choreography set by Robert LaFosse), Cassie in A Chorus Line (original choreography set by KD Smith), Victoria in Cats (original choreography set by Curt Olds). Abbey also spent five years as a member of the Resident Acting Company at the Tony award winning Barter Theatre, performing in over 35 shows, regularly assigned as the dance captain for the bigger musicals.
Abbey made her TV debut on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and has performed on Good Morning America. She continues to improve her craft studying under Marguerite Derricks and Galen Hooks and was a member of the contemporary dance company ALMA NYC.
JASON CELAYA
Jason is one of the most sought after choreographers in the business today; working on projects in film, television, stage, and music videos! Jason has choreographed and danced for commercials such as Ford Mustang, HTC Cell Phone, NordicTrac, Maceys, Marriott Hotels, and Comicon! He has also choreographed for America’s Got Talent, and the hug hugely viral YouTube videos “Stormtrooper Twerk”, “World’s Largest Treadmill Dance”, “Harry Potter vs. Twilight”, and “80s Dance Battle Ford Mustang”; in addition to the film “Scott and Kassie’s Christmas Adventure”, starring Luke Perry, and the NBA Utah Jazz Dancers. Currently Jason travels around the nation choreographing for professional companies, schools, and dance teams, and has won numerous awards for his choreography. In his career, has starred in the Broadway production of Altar Boyz, and immediately after was a finalist on the NBC reality show, “Grease: You’re The One That I Want.” Jason can be seen in the films 17 Miracles, Scents and Sensibility, and Read It and Weep.
NICK ANTHONY
Nick Anthony is an artist, entrepreneur, & educator best known as a professional dancer, choreographer, & teacher. Hailing from Massachusetts, Nick grew up dancing & competing at his mom & aunt’s studio, the Hackworth School of Performing Arts, located in Easthampton, MA, which has been in his family for over 80 years. Following high school, he attended college in Connecticut & graduated magna cum lade from Quinnipiac University in 2010 with a B.S. degree in Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management. Shortly following his graduation, Nick relocated to Los Angeles, CA to pursue a career in the art & entertainment industry. Nearly four years have passed since his move out west & since then, Nick has been fortunate enough to be able to create a versatile resume of experience.
As a performer, he is represented by Clear Talent Group & his work spans from film, tv, & music videos to commercials, web series, & live stage performances. Some of his more notable credits include: Misery Loves Company: A Dance Documentary, Arrested Development, Dance Moms, Real Life: the Musical, Dr. Ken, Lindsey Stirling, Neon Trees, Wednesday Atoms, Disney, Ryan Seacrest/Coca Cola, Kidz Bob, NBA D-League, Signature from “Britain’s Got Talent,” & GAP.`
Nick has had the opportunity to work on several projects as an organizer, manager, producer, creator, & director. He has served as an event manager for Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarini, Kyle Robinson, & Teddy Forance’s dance company “Shaping Sound” (2011) & has also served as the Executive Director for the Generation IV Dance summer intensive (2010-2012).
MIKEY CASTRO
Mikey Castro started dancing at the end of his freshman year of high school in 2006. In high school, Mikey was a self-taught freestyle dancer, learning from YouTube videos and friends from the area. He started taking his dance career seriously near the end of 2009 and has been fortunate enough to train extensively under the guidance of Max Pham Nguyen. He’s also been able to travel to places such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Seattle, Utah and Arizona to further his training from very respected hip-hop teachers. Castro began teaching in 2011 and since then he has had several opportunities to teach in Arizona, Alaska, Utah, & Pittsburgh. Currently, he teaches for a convention called Turn It Up Dance Challenge and three studios (Elevated Dance Project, Dance Arts Academy, Xpression’s Dance Academy) in Idaho. Mikey has performed at various events such as the Boise Music Festival, Fusion Magazine Awards Show, and Shades of Black. Mikey has also opened up for multiple artists such as Billboard’s Top 100 Artist Tyga, Cash Cash, and Wallpaper. One of his dance videos was also featured on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew as video of the week. Castro also had a feature in Dance Teacher Magazine. On top of that, Mikey has choreographed performances for local teen pop sensation Kady Richards and Darius Marcell. Mikey is a firm believer that dance can be used as one of the greatest expressions of life and loves spreading his knowledge to students that are willing to learn. Mikey hopes that his classes leave with more than just dance steps.