Judges

Ashley Claybrook has been a dancer for over 25 years training in various styles of dance. She began her training at Columbia Performing Arts Centre. She began her choreography journey at a very young age. Ashley danced professionally in St. Louis, MO with the AshleyLiane Dance Company for 10 years and served as the Assistant Director/Contributing Choreographer for the Junior Training Program for many years while with the company.

Ashley has worn many hats in the dance industry as many artists do. She is a dance instructor, an award-winning choreographer for several studios and dance teams in the St. Louis, Columbia and Illinois areas, has taught a plethora of master classes and travels as an adjudicator for Nexstar National Dance Competition to share her love of dance with many.

Ashley has adored her seven years as the Owner/Artistic Director in her long time home, DPU Dance. Ashley has taught and choreographed for DPU for over 15 years. Ashley opened her second location in August of 2022. She is unbelievably honored to teach so many wonderful students and she has gained so much on this adventure as the Artistic Director of DPU Dance and FDC Dance. She is very humbled by the overwhelming support of the dance community along this journey. Ashley has beautiful plans in store for the progression of both her studios and her dance community.

Gabriella Ricolt is an accomplished dance educator, choreographer, and studio owner with over 11 years of leadership in the competitive dance industry.

She began dancing at the age of 3 and was a competitive dancer from age 7, developing a strong foundation in performance, technique, and artistry. She was part of the Miami Arts Charter dance program, as well as Doral Academy Preparatory Schools performing arts division where she trained under industry leaders in varied styles gaining knowledge of dance in all its forms. Additionally she trained with the Joffrey Balllet’s Summer Dance programs as well as participated in and successfully completed several Florida Dance Educators workshops.

Gabriella is highly versatile in her instruction and teaches all styles of dance, working with dancers across a wide range of ages and skill levels. Her choreography has been widely recognized in competition, earning 15 Choreography Awards and 10 Entertainment Awards.

In addition to her studio work, Gabriella founded an elementary school dance team, further expanding opportunities for young dancers to train, perform, and grow in confidence.

She is honored to serve as a judge and is committed to providing thoughtful, constructive feedback that supports each dancer’s growth and success.

Kym began her dance training at the age of three and has trained extensively in ballet, jazz, musical theatre, lyric, and contemporary. She has been a dance educator for more than 35 years studying in Boston, New York, and California and has a wealth of experience in varied dance genres. She has proven herself in the competition industry through her award winning choreography and competitive success of her students. They have won many prestigious awards, nationally and internationally, and have obtained professional careers as dancers with Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise ships, So You Think You Can Dance, New England Patriots Cheerleading, and on Broadway. Growing up she was involved in the pageant circuit and has coached many students participating in the Miss America and Miss Teen USA Pageant program. Kym’s greatest joy is teaching and instilling her
love of dance into students of all levels and ages and as a judge seeing each performer come alive on stage!