Judges

Aislinn Feathers is originally from Pennsylvania and has over 20 years of extensive dance experience. Aislinn attended The American College of Greece and majored in Theatre and Dance. Throughout her tenure she was a member of the collegiate dance team and took part in many productions that expanded her understanding of diverse artistic styles. She is actively teaching at Blair Dance Academy where she teaches various forms of dance. She is currently the director of the Railroad City Revue Musical Theatre Troupe, working with children of different ages to cultivate the abilities of her students in multiple art forms. Aislinn is very excited to be a part of the NexStar National Talent Competition judging staff and looks forward to watching many talented artists!

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.

Gail Cannaday is a Professional Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer, and Adjudicator from Chesapeake, Virginia that now resides in Morehead City, North Carolina. Gail started training, competing, and setting choreography at an early age. Her training under Arnora Hummell, Melissa Moore, and Andre Yemelianov includes: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Character, Modern, and Contemporary. In 2010 she joined the Dance Program at East Carolina University where she continued her dance training under Tommi Galaska, Dirk Lumbard, Galina Panova, Clarine Powell, Teal Darkenwald, and John Dixon. While at ECU she performed in various works and toured such pieces in concerts throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and Chicago, IL. She was also selected to have her own choreography performed alongside faculty pieces as well as teach alongside her faculty mentors at ECU during the Day of Dance, the Roots Festivals, in Musical Theatre Tap Classes, and for the East Carolina Tap Ensemble. Gail graduated from ECU in 2014 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance. Gail’s further training includes the North Carolina Rhythm Tap Festival, Rhythm World Chicago, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Denise Wall’s Dance Energy, Millennium Dance Complex in Chicago, IL, #Taplife NY, and Broadway Dance Center in Manhattan, NY. In 2013, Gail was an apprentice with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project where she furthered her training and teaching career. She also had the opportunity to study closely under Tap Dance Masters Derick K. Grant and Charles Renato at that time. Since then, she has been teaching master classes and setting choreography at various studios along the East Coast in North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. Gail currently teaches Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop at Justice Elite Dance Company in Morehead City, North Carolina.

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!

Kyle Kershner is a professional dancer, instructor, and choreographer based in Central New York. He grew up dancing at CMC Dance Company in Cicero, New York. Following his high school years, he attended the University at Buffalo with a double major in Dance and Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. While at UB he participated in several performances as both a dancer and choreographer. He was also a part of the prestigious pre-professional Zodiaque Dance Company, which is going on its 50th anniversary this year. Following graduation, he received a contract to perform on a cruise ship with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Over the last two years, he has completed three contracts with the company working with world-renowned choreographers and directors. Cruising has fostered his love of traveling taking him to all seven continents and over 50 different countries. Kyle is thrilled to be back on land spreading his love of dance to the next generation of dancers.

Lauren Gerrish, a native of Massachusetts, had the aspiration to become a professional dancer since the age of five. She received her training from esteemed instructors, including Joan Sheary, Terri Gordon, and Jo Ann Warren, and was a member of the Burncoat Fine Arts Magnet Program throughout her middle and high school years. Lauren majored in Dance at Dean College and attended the Summer Stages Dance Summer intensive, directed by Amy Spencer and Richard Colton. With extensive experience in performing on cruise ships, national and international dance tours, theme parks, TV and film, and conventions, Lauren has worked alongside notable artists such as the Goo Goo Dolls and the Barenaked Ladies. She has also been featured in Liongate’s Be Fit Dance Series alongside Billy Blanks Jr. In the summer of 2018, Lauren opened her own dance studio on the West Coast and her choreography has since received various awards at conventions and competitions. She is thrilled to join the SDA family for another outstanding season!

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.

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.

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.

Sara hails from the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, where she was born and raised. From
the tender age of two, she immersed herself in the world of dance, stepping onto the
competition stage at just four years old. Blessed with the opportunity to train at
esteemed institutions across the industry, Sara honed her skills at renowned centers
such as Broadway Dance Center, EDGE Performing Arts Center, Giordano Dance
Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, River North Dance Company and Dance 101.
Her journey in dance has taken her both nationally and internationally, gracing stages for
prestigious brands and events including Bloomingdales, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta
Airlines, JLL, Music Midtown, National Auto Sales, Peloton, SEC Championship Game,
Siemens, and Walt Disney World.
Beyond the spotlight, Sara has shared her passion for dance as a teacher and
choreographer in numerous studios, while also captivating audiences as a performer
with various entertainment companies. Seasonally, she imparts her knowledge and
expertise as she guides and mentors aspiring contestants for upcoming pageants.
Currently calling Stamford, CT home, Sara proudly celebrates her sixteenth season as an adjudicator.