Meet Your Judges
At Dynasty Dance Challenge, we carefully select judges with diverse backgrounds and top-level expertise in performance, choreography, and instruction. Every dancer deserves feedback that is constructive, fair, and empowering… That is why our panel is made up of respected voices who know what it takes to shine on stage.
Jason Pickett
Educator, adjudicator & mentor
Specialty / Expertise
Hip Hop & Contemporary with an emphasis on movement quality and musicality
Jason has been a dance instructor for over 10 years working inside of the competitive dance industry as well as the commercial dance industry. He’s worked with brands like Hermes, Toys R Us & Crocs and traveled the world to teach and dance. Currently he’s a guest teacher for many studios around the country and a faculty member for Reinforce Dance Experience dance convention & competition. Jason loves providing actionable and honest feedback to competitive dancers to help them excel.
Quote from Jason
“I love inspiring dancers to look at their dancing through a different lens with the hope of providing tips and tricks for progressing forward.”
Madison Engle
Former NFL cheerleader & Collegiate dance coach
Specialty / Expertise
Pro-Style Performance, Jazz, and Pom
Madison is a proud former NFL cheerleader and UNLV alum who’s spent years surrounded by dance and team spirit. After dancing in college and professionally for the Las Vegas Raiders, she’s come full circle as the current coach of the UNLV Scarlet Dance Line. She loves celebrating strong performers who bring confidence, energy, and heart to the floor!
Melissa King
Collegiate Dance Coach
Specialty / Expertise
Turns & Leaps, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, and Musical Theatre
Melissa is a career dance professional with 16 years of experience in both studio dance and dance team. Melissa is originally from Santa Clarita, California but currently resides in Erie, Colorado where she is the head coach of the University of Colorado Dance Team. Melissa loves helping dancers with their technique and performance quality and looks forward to judging with Dynasty this season!
Quote from Melissa
” My favorite thing about teaching is helping dancers learn the “why” of technique so they can be their own best teacher. I love when it clicks for a dancer and they can unlock their potential with body awareness and a deep understanding of their anatomy and the physics of dance!”
Liezel Marie
Professional Choreographer and International Educator
Specialty / Expertise
Grooves, hip hop choreography, jazz funk, locking, waacking, popping, house, vogue, and new jack swing
Based in Las Vegas, and Los Angeles born and raised, Liezel Marie is a choreographer, dancer, professor, and director. Thriving in the dance world, she has appeared in music videos and various digital content, and she is also sponsored by brands across the city. Represented by Go2Talent Agency, her choreography and presence has graced the stages at Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios CityWalk, the Staples Center, Crypto.com Arena, World of Dance, Carnival Cruise Lines, Super Bowl, Palms Hotel, and Allegiant Stadium. She has worked with brands such as WNBA LA Sparks, NBA, Harlem Globetrotters, NFL, BET Experience, Nike, Disney, and more.
Quote from Liezel
“Dance for YOU. When we see YOU on that stage and on the dance floor FEELING the music, that’s when MAGIC happens. And when you start to realize dancing for YOU is the key to success, longevity will follow.”
Terin Christopher
Professional dancer/ teacher & choreographer
Specialty / Expertise
Technique, Jazz, and Contemporary
Terin Christopher is a nationally recognized dancer, choreographer, and teacher based in Nashville, TN, with credits including Megan Moroney, Tyler Hubbard, Lady A, Jelly Roll, and more. He has appeared on HBO’s We’re Here, the CMA Awards, and So You Think You Can Dance, and his choreography has been honored nationally, training dancers who’ve performed on the Grammys, VMAs, Coachella, and major artist tours.
Quote from Terin
”My favorite thing is to train Dancers from the ground up. I love seeing their eyes light up when they master a new skill or when something clicks for them. I have been teaching for nine years and have fallen in love with guiding the next generation of dancers into their professional careers.”
Valerie Stead Potsos
Dance Teacher, Coach, Judge, Choreographer, Curriculum Developer
Specialty / Expertise
Jazz Technique, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Pom
Valerie Stead Potsos is the Director and Owner of Dancer’s Edge in Dexter, Michigan, and former Head Coach of the nationally ranked University of Michigan Dance Team. She has judged, choreographed, and trained teams internationally in Austria and Japan, and has worked with professional sponsors including Ford Motor Company. Dancer’s Edge was named one of Dance Spirit magazine’s “Top Studios on the Move,” and Valerie’s coaching articles have appeared in Dance Spirit, American Cheerleader, and In Motion. Valerie presents seminars for Varsity University, provides UDA Digital Critiques, and has judged studio, high school, collegiate, and national-level competitions including Dance Worlds and Dance Nationals.
Quote from Valerie
”My favorite thing about judging is the ability to be a resource for the coaches and teachers. Having the “outside perspective” on a routine guides the teachers to help their students progress the rest of the season.”
Meet Your Comp Directors
Meet the leaders behind Dynasty Dance Challenge, dedicated to making elite recognition accessible, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Haley Flaherty
Competition Director
Specialty / Expertise
Jazz, Pro style Performance, Pom, and Contemporary
Haley has transformed a lifelong passion into a dynamic career. She competed nationally as a kid, danced on a collegiate team, and later coached a collegiate program in Las Vegas for five years. Along with dancing & coaching, her choreography has been featured on Good Morning America, the Miss America Pageant, and in routines for studios along the West Coast. Blending high energy, creativity, and a deep love for dance, Haley is dedicated to inspiring dancers to move with confidence, passion, and a little bit of sparkle.
Quote from Haley
“Go big, take the chance, and step into every opportunity like it’s your spotlight.”
Devon Schulte
Competition Director
Specialty / Expertise
Hip hop, Contemporary, and Technique
A passionate educator, choreographer, and judge, Devon brings years of experience across the competitive dance industry. From her time as a UNLV Rebel Girl to working with two major national competitions as a master class instructor and adjudicator. Recognized nationally as a PULSE on Tour Prodege Dancer, Devon now channels her expertise into coaching and choreography, leading jazz, contemporary, and technique programs while mentoring the next generation of high-scoring, award-winning dancers.
Quote from Devon
“Greatness isn’t defined by where you dance, but by the heart you bring to every performance.”