Judges

Konner is a seasoned entertainment professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Starting his dance journey at the age of 12, Konner immersed himself in various styles, including jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, modern, musical theatre, contemporary, and hip-hop. His passion for performance led him to the world’s biggest stages including various theme parks, theaters, and cruise lines where he was a Dancer, Aerialist, Dance Captain, and Company Manager. In his dance career, Konner also taught at numerous studios and dance teams across the Midwest, sharing his expertise and love for dance with the next generation of performers. Now based in Atlanta, he combines his flair for storytelling and entertainment as an Unscripted Casting Producer, contributing to hit shows including American Idol, MasterChef, and LEGO Masters. Thrilled to be part of the NexStar family, Konner aims to empower and uplift dancers, helping them reach their highest potential in artistry, performance, and technique. Konner’s extensive background and passion make him a fun and engaging judge who brings both warmth and wisdom to every competition!

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.

Raven grew up the daughter of a successful dance studio owner in Michigan and was at
her first recital at one day old. She trained in the subjects of ballet, jazz, tap,
lyrical/contemporary, musical theater, hip hop, acrobatics/gymnastics, and
Hawaiian/Tahitian for many years as a student, and was a member of the regional and
national award winning team at Encore Dance Academy for 14 years. As a student, she
had the privilege of performing in Dracula and The Nutcracker with various ballet
companies, including the Moscow Ballet Company. She also had the pleasure of
performing in numerous festivals, benefits, and at Walt Disney World. Raven has spent
the last 17 years teaching and choreographing for many dance studios across the country
(ages 18 months- adults), and has received numerous regional and national
choreography awards in the subjects of contemporary, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, and tap.
Her students have won countless scholarships, titles, and overalls, and many can be
seen assisting on the convention circuit as well as working professionally. Raven is
certified through the Youth Protection Association for Dance (YPAD), and dedicates
herself to building the confidence of each young dancer she works with. She strives to
set students up with the skills to thrive whether in dance or any other goals they pursue.
While teaching dance, Raven has received a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Nursing.
However, as much as she loves science and working in the ER, dance will always be her
greatest passion