Judges

Hailing from the Washington, DC area, Geralyn Ward has dedicated over four decades to teaching dance. Her exceptional talent and commitment have earned her numerous awards for choreography, overall achievement, and high scores at regional, national, and world competitions.
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Geralyn’s passion for dance began as a competitive dance student. She pursued her love for the art by majoring in dance at the University of Georgia and George Mason University, where she also performed with their prestigious dance companies.
Geralyn’s students have gone on to achieve remarkable success—performing on Broadway, on cruise ships, in music videos, and as teachers, judges, and directors of esteemed dance competitions. She teaches all ages, from toddlers to adults, in a variety of dance styles.
In addition to teaching, Geralyn has served as a judge on the regional and national competition circuit for over 25 years. Recently, her students and choreography have been showcased in iconic venues like New York City and Walt Disney World.
Geralyn’s passion and dedication have not gone unnoticed; she was named Favorite Dance Instructor in Loudoun County, Virginia, by Loudoun Now for seven consecutive years (2018–2024). Her enduring love for dance and her students continues to inspire her work every day.

Sara hails from the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, where she was born and raised. From
the tender age of two, she immersed herself in the world of dance, stepping onto the
competition stage at just four years old. Blessed with the opportunity to train at
esteemed institutions across the industry, Sara honed her skills at renowned centers
such as Broadway Dance Center, EDGE Performing Arts Center, Giordano Dance
Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, River North Dance Company and Dance 101.
Her journey in dance has taken her both nationally and internationally, gracing stages for
prestigious brands and events including Bloomingdales, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta
Airlines, JLL, Music Midtown, National Auto Sales, Peloton, SEC Championship Game,
Siemens, and Walt Disney World.
Beyond the spotlight, Sara has shared her passion for dance as a teacher and
choreographer in numerous studios, while also captivating audiences as a performer
with various entertainment companies. Seasonally, she imparts her knowledge and
expertise as she guides and mentors aspiring contestants for upcoming pageants.
Currently calling Stamford, CT home, Sara proudly celebrates her sixteenth season as an adjudicator.

Valeria Cañas was born and raised in Miami, FL. She began training competitively at the age of 4 with Dance Unlimited. Valeria has trained in contemporary, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, tap, acro, and ballet. During her 4 years of high school she was part of the National winning dance team known as “Coral Reef High School”. Also better known as “Cudettes”.

Once Valeria graduated high school she began to grow her love & passion for choreography. She immediately began to teach and choreograph at Dance Unlimited and local dance programs/ companies in Miami. Valeria has choreographed for the national winning Junior Varsity Cudettes for the last five years where they won 1st place with her pieces at NDTC. As well as other National Championship Titles at DTU nationals, GHSA, and other studio competitions. During her 5 years as a choreographer she has won multiple “Best Choreography Awards”, National & state championship titles. She has also assisted “So You Think You Can Dance Winner”, Ricky Ubeda with his choreography. And in 2021, she expanded her dancing career by assisting and traveling with Chad Mccall. Since then she has been creating dances for dance studios, and dance teams throughout the United States and is now going on year two signed with Tribe 99. She has taught on tours and assisted as well. She is currently based in Houston, Texas, where she has successfully expanded her influence as a choreographer, earning more recognition and opportunities across the country. Valeria’s passion for dance and choreography continues to grow as she works with many dancers across the United States. She is thrilled to share her work with others and make her visions come to life. She is ready to challenge dancers in a new way and push them to their fullest potential.