Judges

Allyson Tapley is a dancer, choreographer, and dance educator with over two decades of experience in performance, teaching, and artistic leadership. She holds a Master of Arts in Theater and Dance from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Colorado Christian University, blending technical training with a deep understanding of movement and human expression. Allyson began her dance training in Fresno, California, where she was part of nationally recognized programs including Clovis West High School’s National Championship team and CDC Dance Company. Throughout her career, Allyson has served as a studio director, dance and theater arts director, and instructor across numerous schools, studios, and colleges, including: Peoples School of Creative Arts, Roosevelt School of the Arts, and Calfironia Performing Arts. She has choreographed and directed numerous dance productions and musical theater performances, and has taught a wide range of styles including jazz, ballet, modern, tap, hip hop, and contemporary. Allyson is passionate about fostering artistry, confidence, and emotional connection in dancers. She is honored to support and inspire dancers as they grow both technically and artistically.

Allyson Tapley

Tamra Thunell was the head coach and choreographer of Amplus
Academy’s Formation Ballroom Dance Team. She has taught dance at Amplus
Academy for over five years and has kept busy choreographing for these
various dance classes as well as choreographing for multiple musicals at the
school. Tamra was previously head coach and choreographer of various high
school programs in Utah. In her college years, Tamra was a member of the
Utah Valley University as well as the Brigham Young University Formation
Ballroom Dance Teams. Through ballroom dance she was able to tour the
world performing in places like France, Germany, England, New Zealand and
Australia and winning championships in the Blackpool Dance Festival in
Blackpool, England. 

Tamra Thunell

Originally from Chile, Scarleth first gained national recognition as the winner of the television shows Pequeños Gigantes and Super Estrellas. She studied under full merit scholarship at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and The Joffrey Ballet School in NYC. She graduated with honors at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest student and first Chilean to do so, later choreographing for Joffrey’s Fantaisie Du Printemps and currently serving as a faculty member. While continuing her studies at SUNY Purchase College Conservatory of Dance, pursuing a BFA with a minor in Arts Management, Scarleth was recruited by Cirque du Soleil to join The Michael Jackson ONE show by Jamie King in Las Vegas, with works by Rich & Tone, Travis Payne, Parris Goebel, and Tiffany Baker. She performed for four years in multiple roles, participated in two creations, and contributed as associate choreographer for Michael Jackson’s Birthday Celebration performance. Additional credits include assistant choreography for Columbia University, Montclair State University, and the Alvin Ailey School, commercial work with Luis Fonsi, Demi Lovato, Carlos Vives, SONY, Telemundo, among others. Scarleth continues to represent and promote cultural exchange as the founder of TEHHnyc Foundation, providing scholarships and support to the next generation.

Scarleth Alvarez araya

Samantha has been teaching dance in Orange County, California for the last 27 years.  Taught by the likes of Cathleen Forcucci and Karami Adesko, she has studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, cheer, hip hop, and baton twirling.  Under her program House of Dance, she has taught thousands of students.  She created, directed, and performed with a burlesque troupe for ten years.  Hernandez currently teaches for the The Rock School of Dance.  She also has an all inclusive fitness club called Babes Fitness Club where she teachers pilates, barre, and flexibility across the valley.  

Samantha hernandez