Judges

Aislinn Feathers is originally from Pennsylvania and has over 20 years of extensive dance experience. Aislinn attended The American College of Greece and majored in Theatre and Dance. Throughout her tenure she was a member of the collegiate dance team and took part in many productions that expanded her understanding of diverse artistic styles. She is actively teaching at Blair Dance Academy where she teaches various forms of dance. She is currently the director of the Railroad City Revue Musical Theatre Troupe, working with children of different ages to cultivate the abilities of her students in multiple art forms. Aislinn is very excited to be a part of the NexStar National Talent Competition judging staff and looks forward to watching many talented artists!

Makayla Wade from Panama City, FL began dancing at the age of two and has been performing since! Makayla danced competitively and was awarded many regional and national awards. Following high school, Makayla decided to further her education by attending Troy University where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and graduated Cum Laude in 2021. She was awarded Troy University’s Theatre and Dance “Outstanding Freshman” Award, studied abroad in Pietrasanta, Italy with world renowned faculty at The DAP Festival of Pietrasanta! In 2019, Makayla performed with Rosie Simas Danse Company in the piece “Weave” at the Alabama Dance Festival. She began to find a love for choreography and in the fall of 2019 she choreographed in Troy University’s Fall Dance Concert “The Fallen” and in 2021 “BLOOD”. Following graduation she performed with Cedar Point Live Entertainment in “Pep Rally”, “150th Night Show Celebration and Parade” and “The Shrieks” where she worked with Marilyn Magness, Alexis Robberts, Josh Assor and Phillip Vitug. In January of 2021 she worked with Virgin Voyages where she performed and dance captained many shows onboard including “Untitled Dance Party Show Thing”, “Ships in the Night” and inaugural cast of “Its a Ship Show”. She performed works created by Ani Taj, Sam Pinkleton, House of Yes, Jenny Gersten, 7Fingers and more! Between contracts, Makayla teaches master classes and choreographs across the south region. Her choreography has won many regional and national awards including “Best Choreography” in open and contemporary category. Makayla hopes to continue perform and inspire the next generation of dancers.