MEET THE A-TEAM
MEET THE FACULTY
Alex Isenberg embodies the spirit of the steel city, fusing Pittsburgh’s grit with artistic expression. Alex is a dancer, actor, choreographer, creative director, and educator! He studied at Georgetown University and Allegheny College, earning a Biology degree and a Dance/Movement Studies minor, before diving into a magnetic career that spans music videos, indie films, hit TV shows, black box theaters, and the iconic Lincoln Center. Alex has shared the stage with icons like Madonna, Channing Tatum, Jax, and Liza Minnelli. His creative reach touches Paris Hilton, Olivver The Kid, Galantis, Samsung, Vogue, and more. Alex has taught at world-famous studios including Broadway Dance Center and Millennium, shaped by the mentorship of legends Brian “BT” Thomas and Kellen Stancil. He and his wife Hannah co-direct Isenberg Entertainment, where they mentor, train, and educate the next generation of performers with energetic guidance and industry wisdom. In 2026 Alex will serve as coach, choreographer, and coordinator for Team USA at the 2026 Dance World Cup in Dublin, Ireland.
Sam Marszalek is a Pittsburgh, PA native based in NYC. She holds a BFA in Dance and Strategic Communications and an AA in Musical Theatre from The Ohio State University, where she trained with artists from Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Limón Dance Company, Martha Graham Dance Company, and Merce Cunningham Company. Her artistic journey has taken her abroad for international training in Denmark and into choreography and dance filmmaking, where her work earned awards including Distinction in Dance for her piece Familiarity in the Unknown.
Since that time Sam has adjudicated for national dance competitions, worked with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s education and mentorship programs, teaches at Broadway Dance Center in New York and performed with Whirlwind Dance Company and Table 29 Creative. Most recently, she completed the Professional Semester at Broadway Dance Center and continues to actively submerse herself into many opportunities the professional dance world in NYC has to offer.
Britney Hall is a professional dancer, certified personal trainer, and dance instructor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Alexandria, VA she grew up training and competing at Strictly Rhythm Dance Center. Movement, training, and storytelling have been vital parts of her life since the age of 6. She attended Columbia College Chicago where she studied Commercial Dance. Shortly after, she moved to LA to pursue her professional dance career. In Los Angeles she signed with Clear Talent Group where she has had the opportunity to tour with artists, work in commercials, music videos, short films, award shows, and more. Some of her dance credits include Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Paulina Rubio, Bad Bunny, Netflix, Freeform, The Grammy's, Dancing with the Stars, Nickelodeon's "Victorious", Disney, Super Bowl Commercial ft Drake. Kendrick Lamar, Big Time Rush, Big Time Rush, Nick Carter, Kids Choice Sports Awards, What Not to Wear, Netflix's "One Day at a Time", The Helene Fischer Show, Cierra Ramirez, and Helene Fischer. During her journey, she has had the opportunity to assist top industry choreographers including. Britney teaches and travels all over the US teaching masterclasses and setting award-winning choreography.
Pete Simpson is a native of Puerto Rico, now living in Orlando, Florida. He began his career at the age of 16 after being scouted by an Emmy Award winning Broadway Producer. Since that time, Pete has gone on to train and work professionally, teaching, coaching and consulting for over 15 years. Some of his favorite credits include ABC, Food Network, Disney Channel (televised specials and commercials), Royal Caribbean cruise lines, CATS The Musical and Tokyo Disney. Pete has taught, coached and choreographed in Florida, New York, New Orleans, Hawaii, Toronto and Tokyo as well as throughout the United States. He is certified to teach by Acrobatic Arts and, while versed in most styles, predominantly teaches contemporary, musical theater and dance team classes. Pete’s objective is to bridge the gap between pre-professional and professional dance. His goals include helping share industry tips, tricks and insight with dancers to elevate their performance quality and appeal while upholding a strong technical foundation. Pete currently serves as Head Coach of Stetson University Cheerleading.
Emily “E” Anastasia is a professional performer and educator, currently residing in New York City. Originally from South Florida, she graduated from Miami Art Charter School’s dance department as well as Florida State University School of Dance. While studying at FSU she focused on pedagogy, photography, kinesiology, and cultural studies. Additionally, she enhanced her dance studies in Paris, France. She has taught dance to all levels from beginner to professional in Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. Emily’s, or “E”s, professional work includes dance films, regional theaters, and music videos with artists like Carmit Bachar from the Pussy Cat Dolls and Lana Love from The Voice. She is very excited to come back to her roots and watch these dancers shine at competition.
Megan Baltar Walser is a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and judge based out of southern Florida. Her passion for the art of dance shines through every performance and critique. Trained in a variety of styles and known for her high-energy choreography, Megan has worked with studios and companies across the country, inspiring dancers through her creativity, choreography and stage experience. Currently affiliated with Performance Edge Dance Complex, she brings a professional, insightful, and encouraging presence to every judging panel she joins. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University at Buffalo and a Masters degree in Sport & Fitness Administration/Management from Canisius College. Her journey in dance touches classical foundations, commercial crossover, choreography and adjudication - equipping her to support, challenge and elevate dancers at all levels.
Cori brings over 23 years of diverse dance experience, from classical ballet to the competitive and professional stage. She began her training with a strong foundation in ballet before transitioning into the competitive dance world, training at a nationally ranked studio. After high school, Cori continued her dance career at Appalachian State University, where she was a member of the App State Dance Team and served as a team captain, all while earning her degree in communication sciences with a minor in dance. Following her collegiate career, Cori took her talents to the NFL, where she danced professionally for the Carolina Panthers for two seasons. Her passion for dance has since led her to train and mentor dancers between the age of two and eighteen, helping them refine their technique, performance quality, and overall artistry. She specializes in preparing young dancers for collegiate dance teams and NFL cheerleading, equipping them with the skills and confidence to excel at the next level. Beyond dance, Cori is a certified personal trainer dedicated to helping others achieve their fitness and wellness goals. She shares healthy recipes, effective workouts, and lifestyle tips online, inspiring her audience to live their healthiest, most confident lives.
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January Fitzgerald is a highly respected choreographer, educator, and adjudicator with an extensive career in the professional dance industry. A versatile performer trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and tap, January has worked with numerous touring companies, collegiate dance programs, and pre-professional studios across the country. Her choreography has been featured on regional and national stages, recognized for its musicality, innovation, and storytelling. After dancing in a studio setting and attending college, January cheered for the NFL Carolina Panthers. As an educator, January is deeply passionate about mentorship - helping dancers understand both the artistry and discipline required for long-term success in the performing arts. With over two decades of experience in teaching, performing, and choreography, January brings a refined eye, professional integrity, and a genuine love for the art of dance to the judging panel of American Dance Championships.
Mery began her dance training in the Dominican Republic, learning Ballet from the age of 4. From there her family relocated to Denver, CO where she continued and expanded in dance through Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Pom, Contemporary, and Lyrical. She is an alumni of Starstruck Academy of Dance and the Elite Dance Company. Her love for dance never faded as she continued her dance journey attending Utah State University pursuing her degree in Fine Arts. She danced with some of the best choreographers in the industry including Tina D’Amato, Cory Finn, and Joe Loera amongst others. Additionally, she began training dancers that have moved on to college dance teams, and beyond to work with today’s top artists, films and Broadway. Since working in the industry, Mery has been able to broaden her experience in dance instruction and concentrate on the fundamentals of dance as well as advanced technique to hundreds of dancers across the country.
Hannah Isenberg is a multifaceted artist whose creative roots span from Toronto, Canada to her second home in Pittsburgh, PA. Hannah’s career bridges the worlds of dance, choreography, adjudication, music, acting, design, and photography. Her diverse talents have taken her to over 30 countries and includes touring with The Walt Disney Company and Disney Cruise Line, taking the stage at Escapade Music Festival alongside artists like Afrojack, Dada Life, and Dillon Francis, and appearances across film, television, talk shows, podcasts, and live productions throughout North America. Certified through the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (C.D.T.A.), Acro Dance Teacher Association (A.D.T.A.), and Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (Y.P.A.D.), Hannah was an early contributor to Y.P.A.D.’s adjudicator training program - cementing her commitment to safe, professional, and inspired dance education. Hannah co-owns Isenberg Entertainment, a creative production company offering performance education, corporate and private event production, artist development, and audition services. They currently have alumni working around the globe with Disney, Jojo Siwa, Petey Pablo, Galantis, Legoland New York, Celebrity Cruise Lines, and more. She currently serves as a coach, choreographer, and coordinator for the 2026 World Performers USA at the Dance World Cup in Ireland this summer.
Melissa “Sissa” Strain is a commercial theatre creative based in New York City. Originally from southern Louisiana, she trained from a young age in many styles of dance, theatre, acrobatics, and circus arts. She furthered her training at Indiana University and The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Dance and Kinesiology. Performing has afforded Sissa the opportunity to travel the world! Some of her favorite credits include: In The Heights feature film, Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Syracuse Stage, Guys & Dolls at The Fireside Theatre, Elf the Musical at The Argyle Theatre, Pilobolus, Porsche Shanghai, MGM, RWS, Choice Hotels, Southwest Airlines, FX's American Horror Story: Freakshow, AMC's Roots, and HBO's The Righteous Gemstones! She is the Director of Operations for the Commercial Dance Intensive which trains and empowers young dancers to be successful in their journey to be a professional dancer, has been a member of Dance Masters of America for over ten years, and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
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