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MAR 6 - MAR 8 ST. LOUIS, MO
St. Louis showcases judges with extensive backgrounds in performance, choreography, and education, delivering focused, actionable feedback rooted in artistry and technical clarity.
Tiffany Shontelle
Portland, OR
Tiffany Shontelle is a performer, choreographer, producer, and director with a career spanning stage, screen, commercial, and live entertainment. Classically trained at the award-winning Schell School of Dance, she works across multiple styles and continues her education through certifications and training. Her career includes national and international performances, multiple dance and pageant titles, and the honor of Miss Dance USA. Her credits include The Miss America Pageant, MTV, Portland Dance Project, Act One Talent, Academy One Model and Talent Agency, and Living Hope Productions. She performed as a Las Vegas showgirl and principal dancer in 40 Deuce, Beacher’s Madhouse, and major production shows. She also danced for Carnival Cruise Lines and served as lead dancer and choreographer for the band Flexor T. Tiffany has worked commercially with Nike, Nordstrom, Varsity Sportswear, and Handful. As a choreographer and director, she has led productions such as Grease, Chicago, Mary Poppins, Pippin, Bring It On, and Evita. She is the Principal Choreographer of Tiffany Shontelle and Company. She is the founder of Chasing Sunsets Dance Workshop and Convention and currently teaches for Dance Fusion Northwest and Vancouver City Ballet. Tiffany also judges and teaches for national competitions and continues to mentor dancers across the U.S. with a strong focus on artistry, leadership, and empowerment.
Vanessa Huntoon
Phoenix, AZ
Vanessa Huntoon is originally from Phoenix, Az. She started dancing at age 8 in all areas ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acro and contortion . At age 17 after she graduated high school. She was chosen to be one of the twenty on scholarship at the prestigious Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood. On scholarship she studied under Eddie Garcia, Alex Magno, Mandy Moore , Wade Robson to name a few. After the year program she signed with an agent and started working professionally for 15 years. Her career highlights include Glee, How I Met Your Mother, American Dreams, Victorious, Fired Up, MTV Movie Awards, Dancing with Stars , So You Think You Can Dance Promo,and danced for Justin Timberlake, Cher, Eminem, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pussy Cat Dolls to name a few. She did commercials for GAP, IPOD, Honda, Lexus, Quaker. She now lives, teaches jazz, ballet, lyrical, acro, tap and ballroom. She choreographs in Arizona and all over the country. Her students have won many overall awards, scholarships, technique, and choreography awards. She was a competition kid growing up and loves judging now as a teacher. She is also on the roster of Dance Competition Judges with Impact Dance Adjudicators.
Katie Pluhar
Wood River, IL
Born and raised in Edwardsville, IL, Katie began dancing at just two years old and has since built a career rooted in passion, discipline, and artistry. Trained extensively in ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, jazz, tap, musical theater, and pom, she brings a well-rounded foundation to the judging panel. After a successful competitive dance career of her own, Katie discovered a deep love for teaching and choreography. Today, she is the proud co-owner of a thriving dance studio in Illinois and works as a professional choreographer for Bre Choreography Management. As a BCM Choreographer, Katie travels the United States working with school dance teams and studios. Katie recently retired from coaching both a high school and middle school dance team, where she led her teams to multiple state championship titles. She now channels her energy into directing two UDA All-Star teams, while choreographing and teaching full-time at her studio. Each season, she produces over 50 routines for dancers of all ages and ability levels. Dedicated to developing both technique and artistic expression, Katie empowers her students to grow with confidence on and off the stage. She is also a certified AcroDance Adjudicator, trained to safely and effectively critique tumbling and acrobatic technique. As a judge, she is passionate about providing constructive, actionable feedback that helps dancers improve and thrive. Katie is currently on the roster of dance competition judges with Impact Dance Adjudicators.
