Head Judge
Dana Edwards
Dana is a the Coach for DanceSport at OSU and is College Network Director for USADance.
She started teaching in 1992 and continues to loves teaching, coaching, and choreographing - Open - Solos - Couples Formation - Solo Star - Ladies Formation
Dana is a World DanceSport Federation, and USA Dance Adjudicating Official, Invigilator, Scrutineer, a USA Dance Chairman of Adjudicators.
She is a retired NDCA/FADS Open Professional competitor. She has competed in International Latin and Standard however, she found her main success and love in Professional American Smooth and American Rhythm.
Judges
To be Announced!
Enoch Evans
Enoch started dancing International Latin at the age of 9 under the instruction of Bill Sparks and Svetlana Iskhakov, both former Latin champions. He competed in the amateur Latin division with his partner until the age of 16 where he found his love for teaching. He started teaching professionally at the early age of 16 and has continued to develop his methodology and teaching skills throughout his 13 years of experience, learning from some of the best coaches in the country. Enoch now resides in Columbus, Ohio where he co-owns a ballroom studio with his partner Anastasia and competes professionally in American Rhythm. Enoch and Anastasia have won several American Rhythm titles in Rising Star and Open divisions across the country.
Przemek (Shem) Fokt-Skierecki
Przemek (Shem) Fokt-Skierecki is a professional ballroom dancer, coach, and choreographer with over 30 years of dance experience and nearly 15 years of professional teaching. He has competed and performed internationally across the United States and Europe, including extensive work in the United Kingdom and Poland through competitions, teaching, showcases, and charity events. His teaching has received multiple professional recognitions, and he is known for his disciplined, student-focused approach to technique and artistry.
Amy Ross
Amy Ross is the owner of The Crystal Ballroom Dance Center in Worthington, Ohio along with her husband David. She holds a BA in Music Education with a Dance Minor and Entrepreneurship Certificate from Youngstown State University. As far as dancing is concerned, she began as a collegiate social dancer and immediately fell in love with dancing. After teaching for a few years at one of the chain studios she wanted to make partner dancing and being part of the dance community accessible to all. The Crystal Ballroom was born in 2018 and has been developed to give all people the opportunity to dance regardless of their beliefs, background, and budget! Professionally Amy is Silver Certified in Smooth & Rhythm and has competed in both Smooth and Standard. She enjoys training the studio instructors, as well as continuing to teach and develop the calendar at the studio. Amy is a visionary in the dance community, and enjoys creating connection with others through music and movement!
Emily Mertens
Emily Mertens is a DVIDA certified instructor, studio owner of Dance Plus, and professional competitor. As an instructor, she has continually ranked as a top ProAm instructor throughout the years including competitions such as Emerald Ball, Las Vegas Dancesport, Columbus Dancesport Classic, Volunteer State and more. Emily has also placed first in the Global Dancesport Series Circuit from 2019 to 2022 and a finalist in the Men in Black Circuit in 2022 and 2023. More notably, Emily is also one of only five female instructors ever, to place as a rising star finalist in the World Pro-Am Dancesport Series. Ms. Mertens loves sharing the benefits of dance with others and advocates that it is for everyone of all levels and ages. She supports her local community through performances and out-reach afterschool programs. Currently, she lives in Columbus, Ohio and continues to teach and compete.
Scrutineer
Rosemary O’Connell
Rosemary O’Connell fell in love with ballroom dancing as a student at Carleton College. She continued dancing at the University of Minnesota and started volunteering in the ballroom community while pursuing her PhD in mathematics. She has been scrutineering collegiate ballroom competitions since 2017 and became certified as a scrutineer in 2024. When not doing something dance-related, she can be found spending time outside with her husband Dan, writing software at her day job, playing oboe in a community group, or playing with her two adorable cats Mike and Ike.
DJ & Emcee
Terry Cavanaugh
Terry Cavanaugh is a Ballroom Champion and a Certified Dual Gold Star Instructor. He and his partner were ranked Third in the World in American Smooth and American Rhythm. They also competed in Showdance and Theatre Arts.
He was the Principal Dancer for the American Dance Montage tour of the United States, South America and Japan. Owner of Elegance In Dance, The 50+ Dancesport Challenge, The Dayton Dance Festival, Dayton Dance Challenge, former owner of the Indiana Challenge and the Florida State Dancesport Championships. Terry has choreographed for The Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park and appeared on ESPN, Championship Ballroom Dancing, and PBS.
Terry has won numerous Top Teacher awards in the U.S. and overseas. His students have won National Titles and World Titles. He is a registered Professional Competitor, Pro/Am Teacher, registra, Emcee, Music Director, and Competition Organizer with the National Dance Council of America.
