Registration Deadline: December 12th

Judges & officials

Meet Our Esteemed Judges

A panel of renowned experts bringing experience, fairness, and valuable feedback to every performance!

Judge

Sasha Nissengolts

Chairman of Judges

Sasha Nissengolts

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

Anna Demidova

When judging, I look for the perfect balance between performance and technique. The artistry of dance shines through when dancers not only execute their steps flawlessly but also connect with the music and convey emotions

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.

Other 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.” —