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.

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!

Lynn Gillinger began her dance training at the age of 3 in Fort Worth, TX. Through the years
she trained in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, modern, clogging, hip hop, and acro.
She has performed in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand, Disney World, Nashville, TN, Dallas
Cowboys Halftime Shows, Carnival Cruise Lines, and New York City to name a few. She
was a member of Mosaic Dance Project, Collective Force Dance Company, and Slightly Off
Tap Company for several years performing locally and nationally. She has been a dance
educator for over 20 years and that is where her true passion is. Her dances have received
many choreography awards, special judges awards, and high point awards at regional and
national competitions. She has continued learning and training throughout the years and
studied with many master educators across the U.S. and is constantly staying up to date
with the current dance styles. She recently received her acro certification through
Acrobatic Arts and has recently found a new love and understanding for Acro. This past
season Lynn was named Choreographer of the year at her studio home, Frances Lea
Dance Center. Lynn enjoys passing on her passion for dance to the next generation of dancers.