Judges

Ariel is an artist with a passion for movement, self-expression, and advocating for the arts in her community. Ariel began dancing in Shreveport, LA from age 3-12 studying ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop and tap. She continued her dance training in the Houston area during her teen years, adding experience in breaking and aerial arts. Ariel has trained at the NYC Joffrey summer intensive, toured as a VIP assistant with Dance Olympus/Dance America convention, and received an Associates of Fine Arts in Dance from San Jacinto College in Houston, TX. This is Ariel’s eleventh year teaching dance. She founded Two Sister’s Traveling Dance Classes in October 2022 for Shreveport and surrounding areas. In 2023, Ariel began judging national dance competitions. In her free time, Ariel enjoys running, painting, and reading.

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!

Rebecca Erwin has been dancing since the age of seven and trained at Vicki Jo Dance Studio, competing in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, heels, folkloric, and hip hop.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations from Bowling Green State University and was a four-year member of the BGSU Dance Team and BGSU Nationals Dance Team, competing at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) College National Championship and earning a Top 20 national ranking.

Rebecca currently teaches tap, ballet, jazz, acrobatics, and hip hop at Marjorie Jones School of Dance in Columbus, Ohio. A certified dance competition judge for over five years, she has judged across the country with UDA, Stageone, and Ohio Dance Masters (ODM). Rebecca is thrilled to be joining the Nexstar family for the first time this season and looks forward to celebrating dancers and their hard work throughout the weekend.