Judges

Rebecca Reese – For the past 26 years, Becky has been shaping the lives of children and adults through her love and passion for dance. A native of Altoona, Pennsylvania, she trained at Allegheny Ballet Company, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, and Point Park College in her youth. She decided to further her education at Slippery Rock University where she earned a BA in Dance with a concentration in teaching. While in college, she had the opportunity to dance with the Dance Alloy of Pittsburgh under the direction of Mark Taylor. She is a member of Dance Educators of America, Dance Masters of America, the Pennsylvania Association of Dance Teachers, and the National Dance Education Organization. She received the 2012 Slippery Rock University Young Alumni Award for her contribution to her art and community. Becky owns and operates her dance school in Central Pennsylvania celebrating over 20 years in business. Through her school, she has molded many students into professional careers and collegiate dance programs. In her spare time, Becky enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family Charlie (husband), Landon (12 years old), & Ava (10 years old). Becky has been judging for NexStar for 21 years and is proud to be a part of this amazing family and organization.

Samiyah Lynnice holds a BFA in Dance Performance from The Hartt School and is a graduate of New World School of the Arts Dance Program in Miami. She spent seven years with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble in Colorado, where she was nominated for the Princess Grace Award. Her notable performances include premiering Micaela Taylor’s “Resist” at the 2019 American Dance Festival, premiering Cleo Parker Robinson’s “Standing on the Shoulders” at Vail International Dance Festival in 2021, and performing as Firebird. She is the Repertoire holder to Winifred R. Harris’s work, Associate Artistic Director of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. She has also performed with Anita Baker on “The Songstress Tour”and has appeared in television and film. Additional training includes: the Academy of Ballet Arts, Dance Theater of Harlem, Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, and DunDu Dole Urban African Ballet. Ms. Lynnice is excited to begin her first season with Evidence, A Dance Company.

Sarah Pohlman has dedicated more than 25 years to dance as a performer, educator, choreographer, and adjudicator. A Cleveland-area native, Sarah grew up training on a competitive dance team and competing across the country, later continuing her professional development through workshops, conventions, and training opportunities while living in New York City. Her background includes jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballet, tap, hip hop, and acrobatics.

Sarah danced professionally for the AFL as a member of Cleveland’s Gladiator Goddess Dance Team, and later for the NBA as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Dance Team, where she performed nationally alongside recognized artists and choreographers.

Sarah is the Owner and Artistic Director of Absolute Dance Company, where she is committed to developing confident, technically strong dancers through disciplined fundamentals, high expectations, and a supportive training environment. Sarah believes in building not only exceptional performers, but also well-rounded individuals who represent their teams and studios with pride both on and off the stage.

An internationally certified adjudicator since 2015, Sarah has had the privilege of judging across the United States and internationally for brands including OASSA, NexStar, KAR, Rainbow, The Dance Summit, JAMfest Japan, The USASF Dance Worlds, and Dance MAJORS. She is passionate about delivering feedback that is educational, motivating, and specific- helping dancers and educators leave each event feeling inspired and equipped with tools for continued growth.