Christopher Davis grew up dancing, choreographing, and doing theatre in his hometown of Colorado Springs, CO. He moved to Los Angeles upon graduating high school in 2016 to pursue a career in professional dance and choreography. He had a successful career working with several drag queens from RuPaul's Drag Race, Adam Lambert, Alyson Stoner, Sam Tsui, SZNS, and doing commercials for Dream Hotels and Lincoln Cars. When the pandemic began in 2020, he shifted his efforts to content creation and began posting dance & choreography videos on TikTok and Instagram, eventually gaining over a million followers in less than a year. Chris is now actively working in the music industry, all while continuing to share his passion and knowledge of dance to the up-and-coming generations by teaching, choreographing, and working for SPOTLIGHT! This is Chris's third year on the Spotlight staff.

Claire is a dancer, choreographer, and instructor who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with an emphasis in choreography and performance, from Brigham Young University-Idaho. There she gained experiences in teaching philosophy, kinesiology, studio management, modern, jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and more. Claire grew up in San Francisco, California, where she competitively danced for 16 years. Teaching children is one of her passions, with having experience teaching ages 3-17 for 12 years. Claire has choreographed for studios in both California and Idaho, along with pieces for collegiate dancers at Brigham University-Idaho. She completed her first season as a dancer with the Idaho Ladyspurs Dance Team for the NAL and is currently training with Fuse Dance Collaboration. Claire currently lives in the Boise area where she works for Spotlight Dance Cup as a Client Engagement Specialist and Show Director.

Born and raised in Beaumont, TX, Crystal has been dancing since the age of three. While obtaining her B.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Dance Science, Crystal performed with the Brazos Dance Collective until she graduated and moved to Houston, TX, where she co-founded Encompass Dance Collective. Crystal was able to perform and choreograph for EDC and had works selected to perform in festivals throughout the region. She was also the co-director of two competitive teams, the performance coordinator for two dance studios, and most importantly, a dance teacher, which she has now been for the last decade. Crystal relocated to Los Angeles in 2020 where she found herself back in the studio as a Studio Director and Competition Director for the past 4 years. This will be Crystal’s first season with Spotlight and she is so ready for this next adventure!

Danielle discovered her love for dance after enjoying a performance of the Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker at the age of 2 years old and began her training shortly after at Just Off Broadway in Cincinnati, Oh. Her early career includes winning the Cincinnati Arts Association award in Dance, representing Ohio Dance Masters as Teen and Miss Dance in the Dance Masters of America national title competition, and performing in local productions such as Awaited: A Christmas Show, and in a full circle moment performing for 7 years in the Cincinnati Ballet Nutcracker. Danielle moved to New York City at the age of 18 upon accepting a position as a Radio City Rockette and has enjoyed a ten-year career dancing with the company. Her career with The Rockettes has included The Christmas Spectacular and the inaugural New York Spring Spectacular, as well as special events with various artist’s such as Mariah Carey at MSG in her CBS Christmas Special, Pitbull on America’s Got Talent, and Michael Buble in his Christmas Special. Other specialty performances with The Rockettes include The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the New York Knicks halftime show, The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting and the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Special. During her time with the company, she has had the privilege to work with choreographers such as Linda Haberman, Warren Carlyle, and Mia Michaels. Other credits include Jerome Robbins Broadway (Theater Under the Star’s, ensemble). Danielle has been teaching since the age of 15, and when not performing she continues to share her passion for dance by teaching and judging across the country.

Erika is a professional dancer, choreographer, and instructor. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where she performed for years in the award-winning show "Le Rêve - The Dream” at Wynn Resorts. She played multiple roles in the show, including the featured lead female character, "The Dreamer,” and one of the ballroom dancers. Erika was also the show's dance captain! Having this prominent title allowed her to be part of the creative process, working side-by-side with brilliant choreographers like Maksim Chmerkovskiy from "Dancing With The Stars," & Emmy-winning choreographer Marguerite Derricks. This past holiday season you might have seen Erika in the music video "Christmas Show" with Straight No Chaser. Not only did she (& her cute pup, Neptune) get to dance in the video, but she was also the associate choreographer on the project. Other choreography credits include being a guest choreographer for the San Fransisco 49ers Gold Rush Dancers, Stiletto Entertainment on behalf of Holland America Cruise Lines, and many studios and dance teams around the U.S. Before "Le Reve," some of Erika's favorite credits include dancing in the Broadway National Tour of "Peter Pan," starring Cathy Rigby, numerous music videos & films for Nickelodeon, NBC & Stars Encore, as well as industrials for Playstation, Honda, and Apple. In addition, dancing for Universal Studios Hollywood, and shows aboard Holland America Cruise Lines has allowed her to dance all around the world. Currently being an Event Manager & Show Director for both Leap NDC and Spotlight Dance Cup keeps her busy traveling all across the United States, and back to the dance competition world where it all started!

Jessica Graves Davis has a B.F.A. in Dance from Western Michigan University, where she studied ballet, jazz, modern, and tap. Jessica lived in Los Angeles and has danced and acted professionally for over 20 years in film, television, and on the stage. She has worked with such artists as Jennifer Lopez, Conan O’Brien, and many more. She is most recognized for her work in the film Willy’s Wonderland starring Nicolas Cage, in the role of Siren Sara, where she worked as a dancer, actor, and stunt performer. Jessica danced with The Honey Taps while living in Los Angeles. She has also worked with various other companies in LA, including The Top Hats and has danced in numerous productions at Universal Studios Hollywood. Jessica now resides in Georgia, where she continues to teach young dancers at Southern Arc Dance. She has previously served on the Board of Fostering Dreams Project, an organization that teaches dance to foster youth. She truly believes dance can help make a difference in the lives of foster and at-risk youth, and that being able to express yourself in art enables you to have goals and dreams.

Lauren Ashley is a native of Chicago, and has been dancing since she could walk. She received prestigious training at Lou Conte and Joel Hall Dance Center, as well as attending the Chicago Academy for the Arts High School on a dance scholarship. She has had the pleasure of training under legendary teachers such as Joel Hall, Anna Paskevska, Randy Duncan and Kirby Reed. Totaling 32 years of extensive training, she is well versed in ballet, tap, pointe, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, modern, hip hop and ballroom. Lauren has performed with well-known companies and artists such as the Joffrey Ballet, Lil’ Wayne, Mariah Carey, James Brown, and many more. Teaching for 16 years, she comes highly requested as a master teacher. Lauren is the proud owner of Lauren Ashley Dance Center. She has brought many competitive teams to receive choreography awards, high place awards and national titles. Some of Lauren’s students have recently been spotted dancing for Vanilla Ice in Las Vegas, The Houston Rockets, Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders, Dixie Stampede in Branson, touring with Brad Ross: International Star Illusionist, Kenny Rogers: The Toy Shoppe and many more. Lauren has been judging regional, national and international competitions for 17 years and is now a Show Director for Spotlight Dance Cup. She loves being able to continue her passion for helping dancers grow and constantly evolve.

Madison is so excited to be part of the Spotlight Events team after growing up on the other side as a competitor at 6 years old. Being back in this world feels full circle. Now, with her background as a wedding and corporate event coordinator, she gets to bring her eye for detail, timing, enthusiasm, and organization into each competition weekend. She aims to create smooth, memorable experiences for dancers and their families, and is truly grateful to make the competitions feel special from the inside, just as she felt as a little girl receiving her first diamond award. 

Mackenzie is a Denver-based performing arts professional, mover, and creative with over 15 years of experience in acting, dance, and theater, including 5+ years in leadership and directing roles. Professionally trained across all dance styles, she has spent more than a decade choreographing for competitive teams, recitals, and full-scale theater productions. As an accomplished dance educator, Mackenzie has led students of all ages and levels in technique, performance quality, and creative expression, developing confident, dynamic artists both on and off the stage. Professionally, Mackenzie currently serves as the Head Coach of the University of Denver Dance Team and Dance Production Assistant for the University of Colorado Boulder Dance & Theatre Department. She has also held roles such as Director of Dance for the City of Westminster, and Choreographer and teaching artist across many Colorado Studios. She has also done choreography for theater performances of Aladdin, Moana, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, and more. Across these roles, she has excelled in directing, casting, rehearsal coordination, event production, and community engagement balancing sharp organizational skills with fearless creative vision. 

Marissa is a Seattle native who trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater at Burien Dance Theatre, joining their Company at age 15. She went on to study and train at Western Washington University, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree and performed in a number of university shows throughout her time there. Marissa has been a dance instructor for 15 years, as well as a former studio owner. Her favorite styles to teach are Jazz Funk and Contemporary - both of which she has choreographed award-winning routines for - and she is currently working as a freelance choreographer and dance team coach. Marissa is super excited to be a part of the Spotlight team and looks forward to meeting you!

Michael holds a BA in Dance from Point Park University and an MA in Arts Management from the University at Buffalo. He has served as an Assistant Company Manager and Development Assistant for Garth Fagan Dance Company in Rochester, NY. Recently, he worked as a Coordinator for Legends Global at three of Louisiana’s most highly prominent entertainment venues: Caesars Superdome, Smoothie King Center, and Champions Square. His dance and performing credits include Graham 2, Spectrum Dance Theater, Amy Marshall Dance Company, Jessica Gaynor Dance, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America Cruise Lines, August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble (Dance Magazine’s Top 25 to Watch in 2012), Lightwire Theater, and Aquamob Nola in their production of Drowned by Dawn. He has worked with and/or performed works by Sidra Bell, Donald Byrd, Camille A. Brown, Kim Bears Bailey, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Kyle Abraham, David Parsons, Eva Sone, Nathan Trice, Tony Bordonaro, Omar Roman De Jesus, Melanie Lewis, Tiger Martina, Jason McDole, Ahmad Simmons, Annalee Traylor, and Kiesha Lalama. In addition, he's performed as a guest artist for Nick Cave’s Soundsuits, Olympic Ballet Theatre, Seattle Men’s Chorus and Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas. 

Michelle’s dance career began shortly after training as a competitive gymnast for 11 years. She danced at The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, where she earned a spot on the Senior Jazz Company and taught within their hip-hop program. During college, Michelle was part of her university’s hip-hop team and danced professionally with Ascential Dance Theater. She has danced in a commercial for Bellco Credit Union, danced back-up to rapper Trina, performed at Wings Over the Rockies featuring Tommy Davidson of In Living Color and currently co-choreographs & dances in a Madonna tribute show, performing around Colorado.

For eighteen years and counting, Michelle has continued to teach, coach, choreograph, and perform. In 2012 Michelle graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree backed by ACSM in Exercise Science and Business Management and has since utilized this training to develop successful dance programs. She has established a highly sought after acro program and developed jazz curriculum within Flatirons Dance Academy. Michelle recently founded Mountain Range High Schools Dance Team, building the program from the ground up and is proud to say in the second season, the team has earned a NDA Regional Championship. Additionally, Michelle is the head coach of the Colorado School of Mines Dance Team, where in only one season, has transformed the group into a competitive team and recognized athletic program within the community.

President, Founder + CEO of Spotlight Events, Inc., Michelle has been in the dance world all of her life, with years of dance training, performing, and professional choreography experience. She comes from a family of 7 children, all of whom started their training in their mother’s dance studio.

Michelle has directed her own successful dance studio for a number of years and has served as the Dance Program Director of a private performing arts school. She has taught all dance genres and still shares her talent for teaching and choreography. As a competitor and choreographer, Michelle has won numerous awards on a Regional and National level. She is also a recognized dance and talent adjudicator.

From a business management perspective, Michelle possesses a vast business background in finance, marketing, organizational and employee management and is a recognized leader in the dance industry. She served as Vice-President for a $2.5 billion dollar financial institution for over 10 years and has served on the board of directors of a private performing arts organization.

Michelle has held the positions of both Vice-President and President of the Federation of Dance Competitions, and was instrumental in its transition to the Association of Dance Conventions and Competitions (ADCC), of which she served as Board President for two years. She presently serves on the board for Dancers Against Cancer.

Michelle was honored as an “Idaho Business Review’s 2015 Women of the Year” and recognized for her outstanding business and community service achievements and accomplishments.

In addition to her dance background, Michelle is also an accomplished musician, including voice, piano and saxophone, and is active in her church organization. She is the proud mother to three beautiful and artistically talented children, all professionally engaged in the performing arts world.

From Wisconsin, Nikita Ruffolo grew up training and competing for 16 years. After graduating high school she was accepted to Troy University on a dance scholarship. There she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance and Minor in Business. During her years at TROY, she has trained with and performed works set by Dante Puleio, James Boyd, Dominique Angel, Brynt Beitman, Thang Dao, Kavin Grant, Nicki Loud Hodges, and many more. In addition to performing in all concerts on the Troy University stage, Nikita was selected to perform during Ballet Fest in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and in the New Works Concert at the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham. Over the last several years at the Alabama Dance Festival, she has been awarded numerous summer intensive scholarships, these scholarships included awards from American Dance Festival, Peridance Center, Gus Giordano, and Montgomery Ballet. Post graduation Nikita’s choreography has been chosen by the Drapinski Dance Company to perform in The Catharsis Series Choreographer’s Festival in Orlando, Florida, in Dothan, Alabama at The Impact Project presented by Alabama Dance Works and Mike Schmitz and was chosen to perform in Pietrasanta, Italy at the DAP International Dance Festival.  Nikita is now back home in Wisconsin working as a Sales & Venue Specialist and Show Director for Spotlight Events while choreographing and teaching young artists of the next generation.

Nikki has always been a performer at heart, in spite of enduring a traumatic curtain-call moment as the “Little Red Monkey” in her first dance recital at age 3. However, she pushed through and eventually went on to major in Musical Theater at the University of Northern Colorado. She's performed on stage at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Japan, Holland America Cruise Lines, the Hollywood Bowl, Shrine Auditorium, Mark Taper Forum, and on many of the greatest stages across the U.S. in the Broadway National Tour of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

After shifting to mostly on-camera work, Nikki has acted in numerous television shows, feature films and national commercials. Notable credits include Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square, Nickelodeon’s Knight Squad, Pitch Perfect 3, NBC’s Game of Silence, The Vampire Diaries, Criminal Minds, The Purge tv series, and A Bad Mom’s Christmas, to name a few. You may have also seen her as Rapunzel in a national Capital One commercial. 

Nikki also does stunt work for film and television. That means there’s a good chance you’ve seen her stunt doubling some of your favorite actresses in tv shows and movies and would never know it’s her.  ;-)  

When she’s not working on stage or in front of the camera, she also works as an Intimacy Coordinator for film and tv, and owns a nation-wide Christmas caroling company called The Tinseltones by Tomlinson. She’s looking forward to helping make this season of Spotlight Events one of the best, and working toward none of your little dancers having their own “Little Red Monkey” moment!

Rachel is so excited to enter her Spotlight Era! A native of Kansas City, Rachel has been dancing since she was a little girl. As you say it, “She got it from her momma”. She has her degree in Dance and Theatre from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, and has been professionally performing for 10 years. Her resumé spans from her early days at Six Flags in St. Louis and Chicago to Silver Dollar City. She has also worked for Dublin Worldwide Entertainment in Branson! Her favorite style of dance is Ballet and Irish. She loves to read and spend time with her three cats. If you hear someone singing along to Taylor Swift, it’s Rachel. We’re excited for a fun season!

Rachel was raised in Fort Collins, Colorado and has been dancing since the age of three. In 2015, she moved to Phoenix where she began teaching and choreographing for several studios across the valley. She has gained recognition and is a well sought-after choreographer. Her passion for dance grew as she began performing with several professional companies. She is a company member on DXX Tap, directed by Brendan Kellam, and is a dancer and choreographer for Tap 24.7, a professional company under the direction of Suzy Guarino-Hall. She has worked with many well-known choreographers such as Sarah Reich, Gregg Russell, Suzy Guarino-Hall, and Jenefer Miller. Rachel has taught on faculty for Tapapalooza, Tap Vibe Challenge, and Wing It Tap Intensive. Rachel strives to not only teach tap but also share her passion for dance and performing arts with young aspiring dancers. She has a strong love for the competitive dance world and loves getting to travel and connect with dancers around the country! Outside of teaching, Rachel is an Event Manager and Show Director for Spotlight Events as well as the Lead for Event Staff, Show Directors, and Event Managers. This is her eighth season with Spotlight Events and she is excited to see what the future will hold!

Stacy Paydo kicked up her heels as a world-famous “Radio City Rockette” for 19 seasons.  As a Rockette, she performed on “The TONY Awards”, “The Rockefeller Center Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting”, the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”, “The Today Show”, “The Chew”, “The Wendy Williams Show”, “The Meredith Vieria Show”, “Michael Bubble’s Christmas Special”, Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas One and All” televised tour at Madison Square Garden, and the “NY Spectacular” Directed and Choreographed by Mia Michaels.  In addition to performing, her Assistant Choreographer work was televised on “The Today Show”, “Live with Jimmy Fallon”, and Google’s 2023 Holiday Commercial featuring the Rockettes. 

Her professional career began at the age of seven being named the “Star Search National Dance Champion” after appearing on the hit TV show seven times.  Other credits include Princess Cruise Lines, industrials for Ocean Pacific and Diet Pepsi, “The Jerry Lewis Telethon”, the EDGE Scholarship show in Los Angeles, & Disney’s Pediatric Aids Benefit with Paula Abdul.  

Ms. Paydo is a graduate of Arizona State University where she studied Business and Dance.  She is a 20+ year UDA veteran as a master teacher, former head instructor, summer material choreographer, and adjudicator.  Dance Team choreography credits include the UDA NDTC opening number (ESPN), the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” performance for the 800 Spirit of America Dance participants (NBC), and numerous Top 5 placing Finalists teams at UDA/USA/NDA College and HS Nationals. 

Students of Stacy’s have gone on to have successful careers of their own appearing on “So You Think You Can Dance”, working at Disney, performing in Wicked, and becoming Rockettes themselves.  She is a veteran judge with numerous reputable dance competitions most notably Spotlight Dance Cup where she currently serves as VP-Event Operations Director. Her industry expertise has led her to be interviewed by “Dance Magazine” and you may have also caught her on an episode of “Dance Moms”.

Stéphen “Swizz” Banks is a show director and creative producer with a passion for building positive, professional environments where performers feel supported, confident, and inspired to do their best work. With over ten years of experience across dance competitions, live events, and theatrical productions — and five years as a professional dancer in Los Angeles — he brings both leadership and lived performer perspective to every show.

Trained in hip-hop, Latin ballroom, and jazz/jazz funk, Swizz understands the demands placed on dancers both onstage and behind the scenes. He has worked with and hired industry-respected choreographers and professional dancers, creating and supporting wholesome, educational environments for performers of all ages that prioritize growth, respect, and encouragement. Known for his calm leadership style, clear communication, and attention to detail, Swizz excels at guiding teams through fast-paced show days while maintaining a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. As a show director, he prioritizes organization, adaptability, and collaboration — ensuring events run seamlessly while honoring the energy, artistry, and preparation dancers bring to the stage.