The Carolina's Favorite Convention Experience

 Best known for winning the title “America’s Favorite Dancer” on Season 17 of Fox Networks hit show, “So You Think You can Dance’, Alexis Warr is paving her way in the dance industry.  Alexis prides herself on being a versatile performing artist with a notable work ethic.  Aside from her formal technical training, her national and international Latin Ballroom experience has been her main focus. She was a featured performer on 2 seasons of America’s Got Talent and the 2nd season of World Of Dance. She had the privilege of being hired for Maks and Val’s “Stripped Down” tour as their partner and has performed in numerous industrials and corporate events worldwide  She was a lead role in the U.S. premier of Strictly Ballroom the Musical and performed with Derek Hough in his Live Tour and in his “No Limit” Las Vegas residency. In addition, performed with Derek at the Macy’s 4th of July show in New York, Disney’s Queen singalong special, and made her first Dancing With The Stars debut performing in the Emmy winning piece “Tango Of The Dead” on season 30. Alexis was the female swing on the Dancing With The Stars Live tour in 2022 and a troupe member on the show in season 31 which has a been a dream come true! Aside from performing, Alexis has a passion for dance education and choreography. Recently she choreographed on the Golden State Warriors dance team, and just wrapped up the Dancing With The Stars LIVE Tour as a pro. Alexis is looking forward to what the future of her career holds and is excited for the next steps of her dancing journey! 

Keaton Kermode comes to us from Fairland, Indiana. Growing up as a competition kid at Style Dance Academy, Keaton has been dancing for 19 years now and is ready to make an impact on the industry! He is currently based in Los Angeles, California to pursue a professional dancing career in commercial dance. Keaton is the Season 17 Runner Up for So You Think You Can Dance, and has worked with some of the most renowned choreographers in the industry. He has also toured as an assistant with Dancemakers Inc., and has been a Refresh Squad Member for three years. Keaton began teaching at the age of 14 at his home studio in Indiana, and began to guest teach at studios by the age of 17. Now he has been teaching classes locally in Los Angeles for 2 years.

Keaton’s true passion is giving back to his community; meaning not only dancers, but every person that has made an impact on his life. Taking what he has learned in his career thus far and share that knowledge with the next generation. Growing up, Keaton yearned for classes where the teachers made him feel seen and cared for. That is one of his top priorities during every one of his classes. He uses every second in class to demonstrate and teach life lessons, to not only make great dancers, but great humans.

Dance has helped him through various obstacles and has taught him how to celebrate the gift of dance/life. He wants everyone to understand how much of a community we can create in a dance studio. Every student should feel free to express AND push themselves.

During classes Keaton loves to focus on the origin of our movement. He wants them to think about where their energy is coming from and why it’s coning from there. Keaton encourages to make up a narrative for every routine or combination to help this become habit. Making all of your movement powerful and purposeful. He is always pushing you to try new ways to move; here are the steps but how can your body absorb what I’m giving you and make it your own?

Sophia Lucia, Dance Prodigy, Guinness World Record Holder, YouTube Sensation, Entrepreneur, and Educator, loves to dance and strives each day to be the best she can be by pushing her and her students abilities to the limit.
Sophia started dancing at the young age of two at San Diego Dance Centre in Poway, CA and is now teaching dance all around the world and is one of the most exciting talents in the industry. She is trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballroom, and Contemporary. Sophia moved to Scottsdale, Arizona at the age of twelve to train with Master Ballet Academy and later danced with the Phoenix Ballet. A year later, Sophia and her dance partner, Jack Beckham, took home the Gold Medal at Varna IBC representing the USA. Being the youngest to compete at Varna IBC, she was awarded with a Special Bounty Partnership Award. Sophia and her partner went on and received a Silver and Gold Medal at YAGP nationals in New York City. She then made her acting debut in Hallmark’s “A Nutcracker Christmas,” portraying a young ballerina with aspirations to become a prima ballerina. During her time filming, she continued to train and dance with the National Ballet of Canada. Since her young success in the Ballet industry, she’s had the honor to perform worldwide representing the USA as a Gold Medalist.
Sophia's focus and determination has lead her to excel in her career. She set the Official Guinness World Record of 55 Consecutive Pirouettes at just ten years old. She also had a clothing line with California Kisses Dance Wear and a partnership with Capezio. She has earned several National Champion Dance Titles, such as The Dance Awards’s Junior Best Dancer. From a young age, she has been featured in numerous television shows such as 'Dancing with the Stars,' 'So You Think You Can Dance,' Disney's hit show 'Shake it Up,’  'X-Factor,’ Nickelodeon’s ‘Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn’ and 'America's Got Talent,' plus several talk shows like 'The Ellen Show' and ‘The Ricki Lake Show,’ to name a few. She made her film debut in 2010 as child star icon, Shirley Temple in the Fox Legacy Movie "The Shirley Temple Story”.
Sophia's ability to not only captivate an audience with her artistry, but inspire others with her teaching style is truly profound. She has formed a passion for teaching and has been all over the country working for dance conventions, such as; Art of Movement, Celebrity Dance Conventions, KAR conventions, Break the Floor. Sophia strives to be the best role model and teacher she can be for her students, and is a fantastic mentor. Her performances have catapulted her to internet stardom and taken her across the world to do what she loves most, dance.

Allen began dancing at age 9. Throughout his training he has assisted such greats as Jason Parsons, Dee Caspary, Dennis Caspary, and Mia Michaels. He has appeared in national commercials and industrials since the age of 15 and also was asked to appear on the tv show Star Search. Allen has assisted choreographers for the hit FOX tv show So You Think You Can Dance! At the age of 18 he began teaching at numerous dance conventions and for national talent competitions all over America. He has also been asked to choreograph opening numbers for benefits and charities across the country including The Woman's Cancer Research Foundation and DRA (dancers responding to aids). Allen performed in Bryant Park in New York City with the Jason Parsons Project at the young age of 15. Most recently Allen, has been traveling with Odyssey Dance Theatre all over the world performing as one of their principal dancers. His creative vision and excellence has been described as moving and inspirational. His ability to bring out passion in young dancers nationwide has created high demand for his gift of teaching. Since Allen moved to the west coast he is one of the most sought out teachers and choreographers in southern California.

Madeline is from Jamestown, NC where she grew up in the competitive dance world. She won numerous first overall and title awards at both the Regional and National level during her competition career. She was featured on Season 7 of Dance Moms as a member of the Candy Apple Team. She was also featured in Bloch's "Dance with Confidence" campaign shot by Jordan Matter. She currently trains at The Brea Space in their Launch program under the direction of Krista Miller. While at the space, she has appeared in music videos and also assisted many online dance classes. She has already begun her professional career, appearing on "This is Us" last season. She just finished filming a short film titled "Saturday night" where she laved the lead role. She is excited to be a new memer of Jaci Royal's companv, Royal Flux.

Ryan Kirby began dancing at the age of 6, training until he graduated school in his hometown of Greenville, SC. After graduation, he worked as a company director for Starz Artistic Performing Company. It was there that his choreography won numerous national first overalls and FDC awards. After directing for 2 years, Ryan decided to pursue his dream of dancing professionally and moved to Los Angeles, California. After moving, Ryan worked on Glee, toured the country with Macy's passport and on the 2015 Pentatonix tour, worked on a Toyota commercial, and on several music videos and industrials. He also taught at IDA (international dance academy) in Hollywood, Mather Dance Company, and EVOLVE dance intensives as faculty. Ryan returned to his home of Starz in 2018 and has been teaching and traveling since.

Ade began dancing when he was young, excelling not only at training and competition, but also as an accomplished gymnast, earning Arizona’s State Champion title at just ten years old. While attending Chapman University, Ade auditioned for Season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance and became one of the top 3 boy finalists. His dance credits include working and performing in a nationwide tour with SYTYCD, a Grammys performance with Beyonce, appearance in Rihanna’s “Hard” music video, and touring with Alicia Keys as part of the Element of Freedom World Tour. He has also worked with numerous other well-known artists, such as Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, JLo, Kelly Rowland, and the cast of American Idol. Ade also became a SYTYCD All Star and completed a 40 city national tour 

Kayla Frails has been a professional dancer for the past seven years. While living in Los Angeles, Kayla danced with all the tops celebrities, including Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Daddy Yankee, Kelly Clarkson, and so many MORE. She is best known around the world for her performance as the lead in Lorn's "Acid Rain." (Check out the link below to see her latest performance reel)

Along with performing, Kayla is very passionate about motivating her clients through movement. She travels around the world to teach Master Dance classes and judge National Dance Competitions. For Kayla, movement goes way beyond dance. She is a certified Fitness Instructor and a newly certified Sugar Foot Therapy Instructor. This new certification combines dance and physical therapy, allowing her to train and tone dancers in the most efficient ways to prevent injury.

It doesn't stop there! Kayla is also a certified Therapeutic Art Life Coach, where she creates a safe space for kids to release through all art forms. Dance has always been an excellent outlet for Kayla to express herself, and she is actively trying to bring dance into more children's lives through her non-profit, Project Give Dance. PGD is all about providing experiences to kids that show how dance can change their lives and inspire them to follow their dreams.

Todd Flanagan, an Arkansas native, always had big city lights and stars in his eyes. He knew at an early age that he wanted to be “inside the television”. In 2007, after graduating from Southern Arkansas University with a BA in Theatre, he made the move to LA to pursue his dreams. While his first passion is acting, after settling into North Hollywood, he quickly fell in love with dance. Within just a few short years, he went from training to realizing his gift for teaching young dancers. His charismatic and caring approach makes him a highly sought after mentor to the youth.

Todd’s professional credits include Dr. Phil for Matty B and featured choreographer judge, assisting world renowned choreographers and industry professionals, Chonique Sneed and Lisette Bustamante on Britney Spears’ Femme Fatale stage show, America’s Best Dance Crew & the K- Pop sensations Girls Generation; working with Collective Uth & Sophia Grace & Rosie with a guest spot on ELLEN; assisting Krista Miller on the Skechers Industrial Show; Autumn Miller’s commercials for Britney Spears’ “Twister Dance”, “Justice” & “BARBIE” music video for MATTEL; working with Lavelle Smith on Michael Jackson’s Tribute Show in Africa with brother Jermaine Jackson. He’s also worked closely with famous choreographers Laurie Ann Gibson & Teresa Espinosa.

Recently, Todd filmed a secret project with Kat Graham choreographed by Marc Cleary. Todd also worked closely with Christian Superstar & “The Voice” finalist Anthony Evans on his stage show for Mary Kay in Dallas, Tx. He also was the movement coach for his latest video “Never Fail” directed by Rock Jacobs. He also recently worked closely with Director Todd Grossman on the commercial for the toy Foodie Surprise.

Currently Todd is on tour with “Fulid, ENERGY, & KBM TALENT”, dance conventions where he travels the US sharing his love and passion for the art of dance. Currently, he’s on staff at Studio School in Downtown LA and is the new director for LAUNCH II at The Brea Space in Orange County, CA. He is based out of Los Angeles and signed with World- Renowned dance agency MSA. Todd’s high energy and passion for kids makes his classes always memorable.Along with traveling he still calls the famous “Millennium Dance Complex” as well as “The Space” home.

Reigning from New York, Frankie Zulferino is a dance choreographer & pop artist from who has opened up for some of the biggest names in music like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Jason Derulo and Sean Kingston to name a few. Frankie started dance at a young age and immediately knew it was a passion of his. Frankie competed until he graduated and won numerous top score awards.  Upon graduating, he began choreographing throughout the US creating electrifying award winning routines for studios. His energy and stage presence is one that cannot be duplicated. His choreography is some of the best the dance world has seen.
When Frankie isn’t teaching, he’s continuing his pursuit of his music career. Music has always been written in the stars for Frankie. He has toured across the United States, China, Canada, Europe with multi-platinum artists and performed in Times Square and New York Fashion Week and has garnered the support from top publications. He recently headlined the Tik Tok awards in Vegas at the Palms & was also the guest performer at the 2023 Miss America Pageant ! His work has been recognized and shared by icons like Janet Jackson, Ne-Yo and Paula Abdul. 

 Sally is a professional dancer, singer, and actor. She received her Bachelors in Performing Arts degree from Oklahoma City University and is currently working on her Masters in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology from the University of Florida while residing in Myrtle Beach, SC. Sally's performance career expands in many areas. She had the opportunity to perform in the Broadway workshop, Stilyagi, written by

Lisa Kron, directed by Michael Mayer (Ensemble, New York Stage and Film), toured Nationally with Dirty Dancing (Understudy Penny & Vivian/Ensemble), and also performed in numerous regional productions.

Many of those include: Paint Your Wagon (Emily/Mary/Ensemble, The Muny), Oklahoma (Aggie, The Muny), Monty Python's Spamalot (Ensemble/Minstrel, The Muny), An American in Paris (Featured

Ensemble, Ogunquit Playhouse), Will Rogers Follies (Ensemble/Zulecki, Pioneer Theatre), Will Rogers Follies (Ensemble, Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Singin in the Rain (Understudy Cyd Charisse & Zelda/Ensemble, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina). Concert/Benefits: Muny Centennial Gala (Ensemble, The Muny), Omaha Symphony (Ensemble, Omaha Symphony Orchestra). Aside from live theatre, Sally had the opportunity to be seen in the TV series, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Oklahoma maid, Amazon Prime), and Vinyl (Concert Goer, HBO). Sally most recently managed a functional fitness training facility in Conway, SC, and was also previously a Barre Fitness Trainer when living in NYC. She is currently on faculty at Endless Talent Conventions and is a professional judge for Stage One, Endless Talent, Ultimate Dance Tour, Dance Troupe Inc, and Carolina Dance Masters of America dance competitions. She is also a Choreographer and Teacher across the East Coast. Sally is a Dance Professor in the Theatre Department at Coastal Carolina University (CCU), as well as a Fitness Trainer at CCU, and is a Certified Plant-Based Health Coach with the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute. 

Follow: @sallygburr

Aaron Burr is a NYC-based artist originally from South Carolina. He is on faculty with Showstopper Dance Conventions, and the Bold Dance Project, among others. He is the founder of the Palmetto Tap Intensive that takes place annually in Myrtle Beach, SC and tap choreographer for Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. His credits include A Celebration of Cole Porter featuring Harry Connick, Jr (Broadway), Tap Dogs (International Tour), Dr. Dolittle featuring Tommy Tune (National Tour), and Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don’t Fail Me Now (National Tour).

Aaron has also been seen tap dancing on NBC’s World of Dance, NBC’s America’s Got Talent, and ABC’s Good Morning America. Additional credits include Goodspeed Opera House, Marriott Theatre (Lincolnshire, IL), Merry Go Round Playhouse, Holland America Cruise Lines, and Hapag Lloyd Cruise Lines.

AUTUMN CROCKETT COOPER Originally from Nashville Tn, and traveling back in forth from California to North Carolina. Recently working on FOX’s TV show “Masked Dancer”, ABC’s show “Holy Moly” as assistant choreographer and performer along with touring and  teaching on "IDanceConvention” in Canada. Her credits include: Broadway National tour “WICKED” as Palm Tree, Rihanna, LeAnn Rimes, Meaghan Smith, Billy Gilman, CeCe Winans, I Kissed a Vampire, Bad CGI Sharks (films), The CW's “The 100,” “America’s Got Talent,” “Abby Lees Ultimate Dance Competition,” "Latin Dance TV,” Google, Reebok, Samsung, Avon (Industrials), multiple commercials, including CMT, PBS,  Cirque de la Symphonie as a contortionist/aerialist, Movie premier performance's at Hollywoods El Capitan Theater for  "Inside Out", and "Monsters'University", stage shows such as, Odyssey Dance Theatre, Eclipse, Academy of TV, Arts and Sciences hosted by Kenny Ortega, Frozen Live, La Mirada Theatre production of Cats and West Side Story.  

Mackenzie Simons is a dancer and choreographer currently based in NYC. In 2020 she graduated Summa Cum Laude’ from East Carolina University with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography. Mackenzie has trained at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London under the direction of Hofesh Shechter and performed the works of Mary Grace McNally, Emily Greenwell, and Alexa Luke. She has taught and judged conventions, competitions, and intensives across the East Coast. Mackenzie currently freelances in New York City and recently choreographed work for “Fuze” and Bridge for Dance’s “Uptown Rising” and performed in Sybarite, Arts On Site’s “Performance Party” and Brickhouse’s “Openhouse.”

Jenna Petty has studied dance for 16 years in lyrical, jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary, ballroom and hip hop genres. Jenna has competed in dance for over 10 years and has won many solo and team championships on a regional and national level, including, 2020, Las Vegas, Tremaine National Champion. She has also choreographed her own national winning solos and other competitive solos that have been awarded choreography and overall awards.

Jenna has trained on the convention circuit in all genres and has been selected to assist choreographers on their national tours and teach classes. Recently, Jenna assisted at the 24seven dance convention in San Diego, and was selected as a member of the #iafrogue company for IAF Studios and as Pro Reveler of the Year for Revel Dance Convention. She was also selected and performed as a member of Break the Floor’s Beat Squad at DancerPalooza where she performed in Talia Favia’s piece as part of the ‘Five’ intensive. 

Jenna auditioned for SYTYCD where she made it to the final level of call backs until their season was cancelled due to Covid-19. In addition to training and competing across the US, she was cast in two dance videos with Disney’s Sofia Wylie. Jenna is also a brand ambassador for Jo and Jax dancewear as a #jjgirl, and has modeled for other dancewear brands throughout the years.

Jenna’s home studio is Dance Productions - The Remix and she is currently attending High Point University where she is a member of High Point’s Dance Team.

Alisha "AC" Clark was born and raised in Upstate New York. Alisha has trained in dance (all styles), gymnastics (level 8), cheerleading (Junior Varsity and Varsity), film acting (TVI Studios, NY and L.A), and musical theater (High School and Community theater). She is the Founder and Owner of Lynchburg Dance Connection (LDC) in Lynchburg, VA and recently launched their third branch in Charlotte, NC. She received her B.A. in Sport Management and Coaching and was Captain of D-trex Dance Crew at her University. She has coached and choreographed for both Junior Varsity and Varsity Cheerleading teams throughout the East Coast. After college, she continued her training in Commercial Hip Hop and Street Jazz in Los Angeles under the mentorship and guidance of the best. Internationally, she has trained in Bangkok & Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Philippines, and China. She began her international teaching debut at Groove Central Studios in Quezon City, Philippines in 2018. Her most recent projects include Miss Virginia Volunteer Pageant (Choreographer), "In The Heights" (Choreographer/Dancer), "Walk on Water" (Music Video/ Dancer), "ALICE" (Short Film/Choreographer), and LDC's Annual Showcase at the Academy Center of the Arts (Host, Choreographer). She currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina working at NC Dance District while continuing to travel the U.S. for high school, collegiate, film, team, crew, and studio choreography. Her classes work on performance, purpose, projection, musicality, texture, and emphasizing the differences between dancing in class, auditions, stage, and film. Unity in the dance community is a priority for Alisha as well as the person before the performer. "We can be better together, always. There is more than enough room in this industry for everyone. Let's celebrate each other a little more and keep this dance party going!"