Judges

Mandy Arroyo, is a dedicated dance educator with over 25 years of teaching experience, began her dance training in the Tampa Bay Area and continued her studies at Howard W. Blake School of the Arts and the University of South Florida. Her passion for the arts and commitment to cultivating confidence and artistry in young dancers has led many of her students and apprentices to successful careers in various genres of dance and the performing arts worldwide. Currently serving as the Dance Department Director at a performing arts school, Mandy has received numerous accolades, including Outstanding Choreographer by Youth America Grand Prix and Dance Teacher of the Year for Hillsborough County Public Schools. She also served as Head Coach of the Plant High School Danceros Dance Team. She is known for her ability to instill technical excellence, artistry, and performance skills in her students.

Nicole is a professional dancer based out of New York City where she most recently finished her first season as a Radio City Rockette. She started dancing at the age of 2 and began competitive dancing at the age of 4 with her dance studio in Warren, Ohio. Nicole has trained extensively in all genres of dance throughout her career. At the age of 19, Nicole began her professional career dancing for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. She then became a member of Step One Dance Company with RWS Entertainment Group in New York City for two years dancing for Holland America Cruise Line. Nicole has also performed in shows at the Orb Theatre in Tokyo, Japan as well as the OLG Theatre in Niagara Falls. While in New York, Nicole performs for multiple different production companies performing around the city, and while at home Nicole loves to continue teaching dance. Nicole is so excited to watch you dance today!

Ted is thrilled to be back at Nexstar for the 2025 season!

Originally from Pennsylvania, he received his classical ballet training from the North Carolina School of the Arts, The Rock School, and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Ted danced professionally with Richmond Ballet, The Sacramento Ballet, Smuin Contemporary Ballet, and the National Choreographers Initiative. He also toured across the United States and Canada with Fiddler on the Roof, and The Phantom of the Opera in the role of Hannibal Solo Dancer.

Ted currently teaches ballet on faculty at the Institute for American Musical Theatre (IAMT) and Broadway Dance Center in New York City, is a proud member of Actors Equity Association, and holds certifications as both a personal trainer (NASM) and Pilates mat instructor (Power Pilates). He is also a proud graduate of the two-year Meisner program at the William Esper Studio.

He loves sharing his knowledge of technique and body mechanics with dancers of all styles to help them have safe and successful careers!