Judges/Instructors

Michael Shannon was discovered by the Bolshoi at the age of 16, becoming the first American graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. His illustrious career includes serving as a Principal for companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Vienna State Opera Ballet, Stars of the Bolshoi Ballet, Hungarian State Opera Ballet, and Kremlin Palace Ballet Theatre. Shannon has danced and premiered 45 of his ballets across the globe and has won countless awards.

Lorena  Negrea studied at the prestigious her studies at the prestigious "Floria Capsali'' Choreography High School and graduated from the studied at the prestigious University of Sciences and Arts "Gheorghe Cristea" in Bucharest. She danced as principal dancer for over 10 years at the Bucharest National Opera House in Bucharest, Romania. With her strong vision in dance education,  she dedicates herself to teaching young and passionate dancers. Currently, she is a member of the prestigious CID - UNESCO (UNESCO International Dance Council).

Mihai Mezei is the Founder/Director of Scoala Balet Central, which is located in Romania. He is a former Principal dancer at the National Opera in Slipt, Croatia, a formal Principal dancer of the Bucharest National Opera House in Bucharest as well as former Ballet Master of the Bucharest National Opera House in Bucharest, Romania. Mihai was also a former Ballet Master at Sibiu Ballet Theater and Ballet de France. Currently, he is a member of the prestigious CID - UNESCO (UNESCO International Dance Council).

Gen Isomi is a former Principal dancer at the Ballet National de Marseille and was the first Japanese dancer invited to the World Ballet Gala i Korea. He graduated as valedictorian from Cannes Rosella Hightower in France and joined the Ballet National de Marseille in 2014. Isomi’s choreography has received various awards at global competitions such as YAGP/YGP.

Yoka Hirayama is currently an artist with Tokyo City Ballet. She was formerly a Joffrey Ballet trainee, a member of the Milwaukee Ballet Second Company, and a member of the Charlottesville Ballet. Notably, Yoka holds certifications in myofascial release therapy, sports mental health, sports nutritional advising, and Pilates, underscoring her remarkable expertise and dedication to the world of dance.

Rika Aman is the founder and director of TUTU STUDIO, LLC, an agency she established in 2007 with the aim of providing expert guidance to dancers in the realms of networking, and career development. Over the years, TUTU STUDIO, LLC has evolved into a multifaceted institution, dedicated to fostering the aspirations of students, seasoned professionals, studio proprietors, and choreographers. Under her guidance, clients have accomplished remarkable feats, including international performances, distinguished placements in prestigious competitions, and coveted employment opportunities with globally renowned dance companies. She is a member of the prestigious CID - UNESCO (UNESCO International Dance Council).

Alyssa is a three-time, national dance champion title holder. She recently finished her dance career with the University of Texas at Dallas dance team, the Power Dancers. Alyssa's Ballet training consists of Vaganova style as well as Balanchine. She has received scholarships to attend the Kirov Academy in Washington D.C., the Harlem Dance Theater, the School of American Ballet, and the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, as well as being trained under various world-renowned Ballet Masters. Besides Ballet, Alyssa has trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Hip-Hop, Breakdance, Ballroom/Social Dance, and various folk dancing.