JUDGES BIOS


Sandra Parks

Sandra Parks honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge with her BFA in Dance Performance from New York University and an MFA in Choreography from Smith College. She started her training in classical ballet in Taipei, Taiwan where she danced with the Four Season Ballet and Wu-I dance Company. She then moved to New York City where she danced with Ballet masters such as David Howard, Jack Hertzog, Michael Vernon as well as Jazz masters, Rick Atwell and Stephen Harding, Theater dance masters, Ann Reinking and Debbie Roche. Miss Sandra Shih toured nationally with a Broadway production of the King And I. In addition, she has been the lead dancer and choreographer for more than 75 different concerts for singers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and New York area since 1996. Sandra is currently a faculty member at the Amherst Ballet and Mass Movement/ Young Audience.

Brandon Tyler

Brandon Tyler honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge as a Broadway Connection Judge! Brandon is currently performing in New York City after touring the country as an original cast member of A Chorus Line’s first Broadway Revival National Tour. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Brandon trained as an apprentice at The Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles and with Ballet Austin in Texas. Moving to New York, Brandon quickly began performing with dance companies including The Metropolitan Opera Ballet and Dre.Dance. Following his lifelong passion for musical theatre, Brandon transitioned into the National Tour of Cats where he played Tumblebrutus and understudied Mistoffelees. He also performed at the most prestigious regional theatres including Hello Dolly at Paper Mill Playhouse choreographed by Mia Michaels and High School Musical at North Shore Music Theatre. Brandon’s television credits include Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and Ally McBeal. Brandon is a proud member of Actor’s Equity and Broadway Connection teacher and choreographer.
www.BroadwayConnection.net

Antonette Balestreri

Antonette Balestreri honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge as a Broadway Connection teacher and choreographer! Antonette is currently performing every night in the 1st National Tour of the Tony Award Winning Broadway hit, Wicked. Originally from Monterey, California Antonette began studying dance and theatre at a very early age. She attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL where she earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Dance & Psychology, and a certificate from the Musical Theatre Program. Antonette has been honored to perform at many of the countries most prestigious theatres including Maine State Music Theatre, Pacific Repertory Theatre, Westchester Broadway Theatre, Marriott Theatre and the Louis Theatre in productions of West Side Story, Damn Yankees, Hot Mikado, A Funny Thing Happened …Forum, Footloose, The Music Man, Grease, Carousel, and The Most Happy Fella. Antonette is a proud member of Actor’s Equity and Broadway Connection teacher & choreographer.
www.BroadwayConnection.net

Ian Liberto

Ian Liberto honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge as a Broadway Connection Judge! He most recently toured the country and internationally to Canada and Japan playing Bobby in the First National Tour of the Broadway revival, A Chorus Line. He is a native of Chicago, IL and earned his BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Milikin University with a minor in ballet. Currently he lives in New York City and as a Broadway Connection, he has taught master classes to students around the world and is also on faculty at The New York Film Academy teaching ballet. Ian trained as an apprentice with the Gus Giordano Jazz Dance of Chicago, and was awarded scholarships to train with The Alabama Ballet, and The Ballet of Chicago. His credits include traveling the United States covering the lead role of Jimmy Smith in the First National Tour of Thoroughly Modern Millie, and many regional productions at Gateway Playhouse, The Ravinia Festival, The Drury Lane Theatre, North Shore Theatre, Broadway Palm West, The Little Theatre On The Square, and The Marriott Theatre of Chicago. Some favorite shows include Sweet Charity, Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, 42nd Street, Swing, The Producers, Grease, Hello Dolly, Damn Yankees, and Beauty and the Beast. He is a proud Broadway Connection teacher and member of Actor’s Equity!
www.BroadwayConnection.net

Shylo Martinez

Shylo Martinez honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge as Broadway Connection Judge! Shylo continues to perform on tour with the Broadway National Tour of Wicked! She is a proud New York University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts; before, during, and after she was working professionally for numerous companies all over the world. She started her professional career in Hamburg, Germany performing Victoria in Cats, followed by the National touring production company in the United States and Canada. She was also asked to perform the role at regional theatres including Walnut Street Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Kansas City Starlight Theatre, and The Muny. Continuing her musical theatre career she performed in West Side Story at theatres including Walnut Street Theatre and The Fulton Opera House during the show’s Anniversary run. She also had the thrill of performing at Radio City Music Hall with the Christmas Spectacular. Shylo has also performed for several Contemporary Ballet Companies; her favorites include Cherylyn Lavagino in NYC, Echo Park Contemporary Ballet in Washington, DC, and Baltimore Ballet. Most recently she had the honor to work with Twyla Tharp’s production Movin Out during its World Tour. Shylo is a proud member of Actor’s Equity and Broadway Connection teacher & choreographer!
www.BroadwayConnection.net

Jacqueline Briar Baligian

Jacqueline Briar Baligian honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge having graduated from California State University, L.A with a degree in Theatre Arts & Dance. She then moved to NYC where she became a scholarship student at the Broadway Dance Center. While studying at BDC Jacqueline was hired to co-direct the children's dance program. Since then, Jacqueline has taught around the world including England, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Her students have appeared in commercials, performed at Disney World, performed on Broadway, starred in numerous television shows, and danced as Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Currently Jacqueline travels across the country as a master class teacher, choreographer, and competition judge. Her choreography has won numerous awards. In the October issue of Dance Spirit magazine, Jacqueline was voted one of the most popular judges/instructors of 2006. Most notably, Jacqueline has recently completed work assisting Sheila Barker on "Invitations to a Dancer", a show starring Savion Glover to be performed at the Joyce Theater in NYC.

David Garcia

David Garcia honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge as a true testimony of hard work and dedication in the dance industry. His charisma and attention to detail have awarded him dance work with such artists as Liza Minnelli, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Mya, Big Bad Voodoo Daddies and many more. David has also landed television spots on Across the Universe, VH1’s Diva’s Live Fashion Awards, NBC’s Night of Too Many Stars, and a recurring spot on Saturday Night Live. Aside from tours in dance companies such as Ballet Hispanico in NYC and Instincts in LA, David takes time to lend his expertise in the next generation of dancers as guest teacher at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA and New School of the Arts in Phoenix, AZ. David, always looking for new challenges, has been selected for print ads by iPod, VO5, Sketchers Shoes, and US weekly. Recently David has landed a spot in the NYC show Adia and a position of Assistant Choreographer and Assistant Dance Captain of the off Broadway show Fame on 42nd street. He has also been chosen to be the choreographer of Teen Arizona and the Miss Arizona Pageants.

Calli Freyschlag

Calli Freyschlag honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge with her B.S. in Dance Management from Oklahoma City University graduating Summa Cum Laude. During her college term she has taken classes in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Theater Dance, Dance History, and Dance Health. Calli has traveled all over the country working in the business of dance. In 2007 she danced in the Legends in Concert in Branson, Missouri. She also spent a year dancing aboard the Holland America Cruse line. Aside from her extensive performance she has taught at the Colorado School of Dance and The Dance Company in Parker, Colorado. Currently, Calli spends her time as a Head Dance Instructor for the Universal Dance Association (UCA/UDA) where she not only travels the country instructing, but is in charge of staff assignments and customer relations.

Elena Gutierrez

Elena Gutierrez joins Turn it Up Dance Challenge with extensive musical theater and dance experience. She has a B.A. in Musical Theatre where she has been taught by such dance professionals as Jeannie Lindheim, Steve McConnell, Billy McLaughlin, Donna Silva, Tommy Neblett and many others. Elena also has training from the Boston Conservatory where she has worked with such dance professionals as Fran Charnas, Cathy Rand, and Michael Allosso. Elena has been asked to share her talents in front of many wide audiences. She was honored to have sung the national anthem at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. She also made a promotional appearance as Dora from Dora the Explorer on the Nickelodeon Network. Elena has performed major dance roles in regional and New York City Theatre. Some of her featured shows include Chorus Line, Crazy For You, 42nd Street, Hello Dolly and West Side Story. Elena has just finished working in Las Vegas, Nevada as a dancer in Mama Mia at the Mandalay Bay Theatre.

Kathy Ryan

Kathy Ryan joins Turn it Up Dance Challenge as current dance director of Kathy Ryan Dance Studio located in Norfolk, MA where she was nominated in Who’s Who among American Teachers. Kathy is a member of the National Dance Association as well as a member of the Professional Dance Teacher Association. Kathy is also a former member of the New England Patriots Cheerleading squad as well as the USFL Boston Breakers “Heartbreakers”. As well as being a Dance Captain for the benefit “Be Fit to Breathe” she has also been a choreographer for the NMM Cheerleaders. Kathy is a former business director and assistant choreographer for the “Free Spirit Dancers” a professional dance company that performed throughout greater Boston. Aside from choreographing, Kathy Ryan has judged numerous professional dance competitions in the area including American Miss, Performance Plus as well as Miss Massachusetts pageants affiliated with the Miss America Pageant.

Sarah-Kay Jerome

Sarah-Kay Jerome comes to Turn it Up Dance Challenge with her Associates Degree in Dance from Dean College in Franklin, MA. Her dedicated involvement with the Performing Arts has landed her many elite acknowledgements such as The Joan Phelps Palladino Dance Award of Excellence, Massachusetts' Arion Choral Award for Outstanding Musicianship, and invitations to sing at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. At Dean College, Sarah-Kay took on the role of being a Dance Team Captain, accepted into The Dean Dance Company, and was nationally inaugurated into Phi Theta Kappa; the National Honors Society for Two Year Colleges. Her choreography has been honored with Regional National Titles, Overall High Scores, and a vast amount of special awards for her innovative visions. Sarah-Kay's professional studies include working with Doug Cadwell, Kelly Peters, Michelle DalSilva, Jean Wenzel, Nailah Bellanger, Laurie Johnson, Jay T. Jenkins, Tucker Barkley, and Miller&Ben: The Israeli Hoofers. Also, her intriguing talent gave her an invitation to Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive Program in New York City as well as to complimentary study in LA with Tremaine Dance Conventions and Monsters of Hip Hop. Currently, Sarah-Kay teaches master classes and workshops of all styles throughout New England and Florida, instructs ZUMBA: the new latin dance cardio craze, and proudly is a current member with Season 5's America's Best Dance Crew Static Noyze residing in Cambridge,MA.

Arlene Steiner

Arlene Steiner honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge as an independent exercise professional with over 15 years of experience in dance and fitness. Arlene also holds a PFA in Dance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her expertise in choreography, performance, and instruction has earned her the Emerging Artist Award from Green Street Studios in Cambridge and an invitation to Concord Academy’s Summer Stages. Collaboratively she co-founded and directed the dance company Tandem Dance, inc., which premiered her works in showcases in London, the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, Ten’s the Limit, and 12 Dancers Dancing. Professional credits also include the Academy of Performing Arts Cape Cod, the Vermont Children’s Theater, and Boston Dance Across the City. Currently Arlene teaches at Impulse Dance Studios in Natick, Step by Step Studios in Waltham, and the Fitness Club for Women in Wellesley where she also personally trains with Fitness Therapists.

Adriana Falcon

Adriana Falcon comes to Turn it Up Dance Challenge as a commercial, theatrical and concert dancer. She was one of 12 chosen to join the cast of Bravo’s hit series “Step It Up & Dance!” She has performed original choreography from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” on the Today Show and the Tribeca Film Festival. Adriana performed several roles in Peter Pan, The King and I, Anything Goes, and was a featured dancer in the opening ceremonies for the U.S Open and Spain’s Le Circue-The Company. Adriana has also been featured in Shaun T’s fitness video series “Insanity”. She was both a dancer and actor in the independent films the Pack and The Video Guys and choreographer for the independent film The Book of Me. Adriana has performed with music legend Manheim Steamroller and Comedy Central’s Zachary Galifanakis. She has judged for numerous dance competitions including Broadway Dance Center’s Summer Intensives and the Dance Championships in Buffalo, NY. Adrianna is currently working for Bloch footwear and teaches in NYC, Massachusetts, and New Mexico.

Stacy Eagan

Stacy Eagan joins Turn it Up Dance Challenge having over forty years of dance experience. She has studied under such dance legends as Savion Glover, Gregory & Maurice Hines, Anne Reinking, Frank Hatchett, Mia Michaels, and Charles Kelley. Stacy has dance certifications under Dance Masters of America’s New York and Connecticut Chapters as well as Dance Educator’s of America’s New England Chapter. She enjoys sharing her dance knowledge teaching aspiring young dancers to reach their ultimate potential. She has taught at the Gloria Jean’s Studio of Dance as well as Kicks Dance Studio both located in West Haven, CT. Aside from teaching, Stacy has also adjudicated for several well known dance competitions across the country. Currently, Stacy is a faculty member teaching tap and jazz at the New Haven Ballet Company in New Haven, CT.

Gina T. Sposato

Gina T. Sposato honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge with her bachelors degree in Performing Arts from Oklahoma City University. She is well versed in many dance styles such as ballet, contemporary jazz, tap, theater, and voice. Gina had the chance to study with such dance professionals as Jo Rowan, Joan Sheary, Patricia Oplotnik, Tiffany Van der Merwe, Robert Reed, Jeremy Keisman, Christine and Joel Seger, and many more. Gina was a member of the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz Dance Team, a professional Arena Football dance team. She has had roles in such musicals as 42nd Steet, Fiddler on The Roof, Grease, Footloose, and Jesus Christ Superstar and was featured at the Booth and Burncoat Theaters. Currently, Gina inspires young dancers teaching at the CCS Dance Academy in Holden, Massachusetts.

Barbi Clausdian

Barbi Clausdian honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge having taught dance for over 20 years. She is a graduate from Emerson College with a degree in performance having studied with professionals such as Julia Boynton and Janet Taisy Craft. Barbi was the director of American Miss Talent competitions for several years and has judged for American Miss, North American Youth Festival Talent and several other organizations. Barbi is currently a member of Dance Masters of America and is a graduate of their teacher's training program having completed four levels of study. She is also a member of Dance Teacher's Club of Boson where she has also completed their teacher training program. Barbi has choreographed for many high school dance ensembles and professional dinner theaters. She is currently the owner of The Dance Center located in Dedham, MA where her students have won numerous awards including the Diamond Choreography award at the ADA competitions.

Kati-Ann Ashworth

Kati-Ann Ashworth honors Turn it Up Dance Challenge having received her BFA in Dance Studies from Long Island University, C.W. Post located in Brookville, NY where she was an active member of the resident dance company. Kati-Ann was also a member of the highly respected Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston where she graduated from their Dance Education Training Course. Her course work included ballet, jazz, tap, modern, social dance and music theory. With her extensive dance training, Kati-Ann chose to share her expertise with young dancers. She has taught at many dance studios across the Northeast. Currently, Kait-Ann instructs at the Platinum Performance Dance Academy in Huntington, NY and Let’s Make Music and Dance Studio in Glen Head, NY. Kati-Ann is also the current Marketing Director of the Immersion Dance Company in Maspeth, NY where she has performed and choreographed for several showcases.