Judges

Master of Ceremonies

  • Tad Joy

    • Tad Joy

    • Having won 9 Freddy Awards and been named the Top Teacher in the United States, Tad excels in both the business and dancing sides of the industry. He is very capable of training and motivating staff, choreographing for all dance standards and occasions and performing every level of dance examination. Tad is co-owner of the FADS/St. Petersburg (FL) since 1990 and are Area Developer for the Tampa Bay area.

      • Fred Astaire National Undefeated American Smooth Champion
      • Southern States American Smooth Champion
      • Undefeated Southeastern States American Smooth Champion
      • 6 Time National Pro/Am American Rhythm Champion
      • 4-time National Pro/Am Latin Champion
      • National Junior Pro/Am Champion

Judges

  • Marylynn Benitez Photo

    • Marylynn Benitez: National Examiner

    • Marylynn specializes in coaching and choreography in all styles, especially International Latin.

      • British Professional Rising Star Latin Finalist Blackpool, England (also, represented the USA in the prestigious Blackpool Team Match)
      • British International Rising Star Latin Champion. London, England
      • 3 time United States Professional Latin Finalist
      • Ohio Star Ball Finalist and featured on PBS telecast
      • States Professional Rising Star Latin Champion
      • United States Amateur Latin Champion. Represented the USA in the World Latin Championships in Denmark, England and Switzerland
      • Qualified Adjudicator and Examiner
      • Collaborated in the creation of the Silver and Gold Level Syllabus
      • Featured demonstrator in Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios training videos
  • Tommie Trovato Photo

    • Tommie Trovato: National Dance Council Member

    • Tommie is available for coaching and training in all dance levels and styles. as well as showcases, solos, jazz, ballet and competition routines. She's experienced in all aspects of studio business and competition set-up and organization.

      • 3 Time Fred Astaire Open Rhythm Champion
      • United States Dance Sport Championship Rising Star Finalist and Open Rhythm Finalist
      • Emerald Ball Rising star Champion and 3 Time American Open Finalist
      • Ohio Star Ball Rising Star Champion and 3 Time American Open Finalist
      • Texas Challenge American Open Rhythm Champion
      • Qualified Adjudicator and Examiner in levels of certification and examinations in all American styles
      • Member Degree American Style Smooth
      • Member Degree American Style Rhythm
      • Member Degree Theater Arts
      • Collaborated in the creation of the Silver and Gold Level Syllabus
      • Featured demonstrator in Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios training videos
  • LuAnn Pulliam Photo

    • LuAnn Pulliam: National Dance Council Member

    • Luann is one of FADS' leading coaches specializing in American Rhythm, Smooth, Theatrical, Showdancing, Showcases, and Solos. Luann excels at sales and training in all areas and is available for motivational seminars.

      • 12 Time Fred Astaire Theatrical Champion
      • 5 Time Fred Astaire Rhythm Champion
      • 7 Time United States Theatrical Champion
      • 3 Time World Professional Invitational Champion
      • 3 Time Blackpool Cabaret Champion
      • 4 Time Canadian Exhibition Champion
      • 6 Time Ohio Star Ball Theatrical Champion
      • 2 Time Ohio Star Ball Rhythm Champion
      • Duel of the Giants Exhibition Champion
      • 9 Time USDSC TA Champions
      • World Class Adjudicator
      • American Style Rhythm and Smooth, Theatrical, Exhibition and International Style A+ B+ C+ D+
  • Jennifer McCalla Photo

    • Jennifer McCalla: National Dance Council Member

    • Jennifer develops competitive dancers by improving their technique in the International Latin, Standard, and American Smooth and Rhythm styles. She coaches dance at all levels, as well as choreographing showcases for students and professionals. Jennifer is an expert in motivating staff and students to achieve their potential and prepares staff for their professional examination in Rhythm, Smooth, International Standard and International Latin.

      • U.S. Ten dance finalist
      • Four Time Undefeated United States Amateur Latin, Standard and Ten Dances Champion
      • A US representative at four World championships
      • Fred Astaire National Smooth Champion undefeated 1995 - 1997
      • US Rising Star finalist in Standard, Latin and Smooth
      • Ohio Star Ball Rising Star Champion (Smooth)
      • Breakers Rising Star Champion (Smooth)
      • Texas Challenge Rising Star Champion (Smooth)
      • Eastern United States Rising Star Champion Latin, Standard and Smooth
      • Finalist in Major Competition in the USA including the Yankee Classic and the Heritage Classic
      • Certified in the FADS organization in American Smooth and Rhythm
      • Principal dancer for American Ballroom Theater Company under the direction of Pierre Dulaine which has performed all over the U.S. and abroad.
      • Ballroom Dance consultant on "Stepford Wives." Trained Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Christopher Walken, Glen Close, Bette Midler, and John Lovitz.
      • With her husband, Stanley, Jennifer choreographed the tango scene for "Adams Family II."