A panel of renowned experts bringing experience, fairness, and valuable feedback to every performance!
Judge
Sasha Nissengolts
Chairman of Judges
Darina Jeleva
As an adjudicator, I look for the beauty of coordination between two bodies and within the body itself to music.
Judge
Sasha Nissengolts
Judge
Oleg Gorbatso
When I am judging I am looking for dancers who are musical, and synchronized with their partner. But also who show personalities!
Judge
Sasha Nissengolts
Judge
Sasha Nissengolts
As an adjudicator I am looking for attention to detail from dancers as well as a Strong sense of preparation therefore the dancers look at ease when delivering their product to all of us.
I enjoy watching a partnership work as a real team with appreciation and respect to each other and their craft.
It is important for me to see clear understanding of fundamentals and partnering with respect to the current level of the dancers.
Most importantly is that the dancers are really dancing to and with the music and pulling all their inspiration from the music and each other rather than outside in. It’s always a pleasure to watch dancers who are fully “in it”, fully committed and taking advantage of experiencing “the moment”.
Do the “homework” at the studio and be ready to present it with confidence and conviction on the dance floor.
Judge
Sasha Nissengolts
Judge
Eric Groysman
When I'm judging, I look for more than just technical accuracy—I want to see a deep connection with the music and a commitment to the performance. As both a competitor and a judge, I understand firsthand the dedication, discipline, and passion it takes to succeed in DanceSport. I appreciate dancers who understand the hard work it takes to refine their technique, but what truly stands out to me is the ability to combine that precision with authentic expression and artistry. It's the blend of these qualities that makes a performance memorable
Judge
Max Firestein
When judging, I look for couples who showcase clear mechanics, musicality, partnering, and performance. Finding a dynamic balance between these qualities creates a winning product on the competition floor.
Judge
Liliya Furman
As a judge, I focus on several key aspects: music, the beauty and technique of movements, partnering skills, power and speed, and overall charisma. My personal preference is seeing the rhythm and mood of the music reflected in the dancers’ performance. I highly value strong partnering skills and enjoy seeing classic figures thoughtfully incorporated into the choreography
Judge
Kiki Nyemchek
“As an adjudicator, I’m looking for dancers and couples who showcase a strong sense of artistry and athleticism in their craft. Strong foundation in their techniques, a passion in their performance and a sense of competitive spirit. The cherry on top of all of that is to have fun and dance from the heart.” —
Judge
Jason Dai
“As a judge, I believe that a dancer's attitude and dedication are paramount. A positive mindset and commitment to their craft not only enhance their performance but also inspire growth and resilience, making them stand out in any competition” —
Judge
Dakota Pizzi
“As a judge I’m looking forward to see a clear sense of posture, lines, and unique abilities towards the couples individual strengths. A winning couples performance requires athleticism, precision, and uniqueness that sets them apart from the rest. While judging I’m looking for the whole package from costuming/ grooming, performance skills, to technical ability.”
Judge
Artem Kuklin
I would like to see stability of the performance from the beginning to the end of each dance. In addition clarity of lines in the frame and correct coordination of each partner’s body movements.
Judge
Yulia Samarskaya
For me it is important that dancers demonstrate musicality and the work of the legs and feet in dance, as well as the stability of volume in the pair.
Judge
Masha Kozobrod
As a judge I’m looking forward to see in couples and individual dancers a balance between artistic side of dance and as well as disciplined technical skills. As much as it’s athletic sport, dancing is endless performance field, so I would like to see dancers truly enjoy what they are doing while performing
Judge
Rita Algarra-Gekhman
When judging, I am looking for the best quality of movement
Judge
Denys Drozdyuk
As a judge, I love to see dancers move with sincere enthusiasm, meaning, skill, and raw instinct. I look for musicality, energy, expression, taste, individuality, and the ability to use the body as an instrument to communicate, connect, and explore.
Judge
Szhymon Kalinowski
I value a natural look combined with the full use of fundamental principles. For me, true quality comes from balance between technique and expression, control and freedom, precision and authenticity.
Judge
Marek Kosaty
The quality I value most is how technique empowers dancers to reveal their true selves.
Judge
Ilana Keselman
I look for a good harmony and balance of Beauty, Quality, and Belief.” — Ilana Keselman
Officials
Master of Ceremonies
Vince Bailey
Music Director
Michelle Friedman
Deck Captain-
Nina Mayster
“As an adjudicator, I’m looking for dancers and couples who showcase a strong sense of artistry and athleticism in their craft. Strong foundation in their techniques, a passion in their performance and a sense of competitive spirit. The cherry on top of all of that is to have fun and dance from the heart.” —
Scrutineer
Marie Robers
Registrar
Marielle Pabon
“As an adjudicator, I’m looking for dancers and couples who showcase a strong sense of artistry and athleticism in their craft. Strong foundation in their techniques, a passion in their performance and a sense of competitive spirit. The cherry on top of all of that is to have fun and dance from the heart.” —