MEET THE TEAM
In the performing arts world, Alex Isenberg emerges as a multifaceted artist, displaying his versatility as a dancer, actor, choreographer, and creative director! Alex has been incredibly fortunate to run the gamut of performances, from stage to television - domestic to international. He’s danced with artists such as Madonna, Channing Tatum, Liza Minelli, and Jax. He’s appeared on stage or on the silver screen alongside names like Heather Graham, James Corden, Laverne Cox, and Cheryl Burke. While scrolling the channels or catching up on a show, you may have seen him on Dance Moms or as the spokesperson for the most recent SmileTrain campaign.
As a teacher and educator, Alex is so thankful to have learned from legends and master teachers - truly pushing him to be the best teacher he could be. He was taken under the wing of Brian “BT” Thomas (Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul, P!nk) early in his career, and garnered priceless lessons and mentorship, propelling him into crafting his style of teaching. Alex is Y.P.A.D. trained and holds safety to the utmost priority in and out of the classroom.
Lately, Alex and his wife, Hannah, direct and facilitate a mentorship program through their company, Isenberg Entertainment, that educates, trains, and prepares aspiring young professionals for a career in the arts.
Ashley Rogers is a professional dancer living and working in Atlanta, Georgia.
At 18, she moved to Los Angeles where she began her dance career, which has included television, film, commercials , professional dance companies, tours, theme parks and music videos.
Her work has included LA, New York, Canada, Las Vegas, Nashville, Adia, Australia and Atlanta. She graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts majoring in ballet and modern dance, and also trained and competed from a young age.
Ashley has worked under the direction of Bloc Talent Agency, Go 2 Talent Agency, and is now signed with Xcel Talent Agency out of Atlanta, GA.
Cori Hurm is a professional dancer and personal trainer living in Winston-Salem, NC and has over 23 years of dance experience in many different fields and disciplines.
In her pre-professional years, Cori found her passion for dance competing at a nationally-ranked studio in North Carolina, studying under many big names in the industry. Cori graduated with a minor in dance from Appalachian State University, where she served as captain of the dance team. She went on to dance and perform as a professional NFL cheerleader for the Carolina Panthers for two seasons.
Cori continues her love for dance today preparing young dancers for their future in collegiate dance teams & NFL cheerleading. Cori is also a certified personal trainer, and you can find her sharing healthy recipes, workouts & wellness lifestyle tips online!
Hannah Burkholder is a multifaceted artist from Toronto, Canada - now equally calling Pittsburgh, PA her home. She has toured with the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Escapade Music Festival (Afrojack, Dada Life, Dillon Francis), and appeared in various national TV commercials and specials across Canada, USA and Europe. She recently choreographed the opening show for the 2023 Universal Womens Network: Women of Inspiration Awards in Toronto, Canada and Easter Seals Ontario Dancing with the Stars events, and produced Cyndi Tryon: The Wondrous World of Hypnosis, currently on stages around the world. She performs as one half of the alt-pop duo Savage Patch Kidds as a vocalist and songwriter. Hannah has received certifications under 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.), where she served as an early contributor to their adjudicator training program.
Hannah was named a 2023 Woman of Inspiration by the Universal Womens Network for her work in arts and entertainment. She is the co-owner and director of Isenberg Entertainment, providing performance education, corporate and private event production, artist development, audition preparation and more. Hannah looks forward to passing on her knowledge to the next generation and wishes every dancer the best of luck!
THE A-TEAM
Your on-site American Dance Championships staff is here to help in any way we can!
January Fitzgerald has been a valued member of the dance industry for over 20 years as an educator, choreographer, adjudicator and performer.
January has performed in television specials, commercials, and many stage performances nationwide. She is an NFL alumni of the Carolina Panthers cheerleading team where she performed at Super Bowl 38 in Houston, Texas.
January has been recognized for her exceptional contributions in senior living life enrichment, earning prestigious accolades for her dedication and outstanding work. In addition, January is a popular inspirational speaker for both secular and faith-based women’s groups. Her messages are heart-warming and inspiring. January encourages dancers to embrace their personal strengths with confidence and grace.
Jamal Shuriah is a multi-threat performer based in New York City. He is well-versed in many styles of commercial dance, theater, vocal, tumbling and stage combat. Jamal studied at the University of Hartford where he obtained a BFA in Musical Theatre and is a member of the Actor’s Equity Association.
During his career in the industry, Jamal has been fortunate to travel the world as an entertainer. Some of his credits include: American Idiot International Tour & UK Premiere, performing main stage with Disney Cruise Line, Dance Captain for both RENT and Saturday Night Fever at Ivorythorn Playhouse, Broadway Bares (2015, 2022), Style NYFW, and Assistant Choreographer of The Falling Season (Masta Ace, directed by Todd Underwood). He has had the opportunity to perform on many notable stages including the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater, New London Barn Playhouse, Pantages Theater, Tennessee Theater and more. Jamal can be seen on the big screen in HBO’s “We’re Here” as a featured dancer, with Audra McDonald in “Hello Again”, POSE, Love Abridged, and RITZ Holiday 360.
Jamal continues to share his love of the arts on stages and televisions worldwide and encourages all young performers to give it their all each time they step into the room!
Pete Simpson, a Puerto Rico native, began his dance training in Central Florida at the age of 16 after being scouted by an Emmy-Award-Winning Broadway producer at an acting convention. Despite his late start, he found success as a competitive dancer. Since then, he has been dancing professionally, teaching, coaching and consulting for 15 years.
Pete’s talent, energy, work ethic and deep understanding of aesthetics has allowed him to work with incredible talent as a dancer, creative, adjudicator and consultant. He has traveled worldwide with the Walt Disney Company (Disney Cruise Line, Tokyo Disney Resort), named Dance Captain for Royal Caribbean’s CATS The Musical (Mr. Mistoffelees), and featured on ABC, Food Network, and Disney Channel televised specials and commercials. Pete’s work has been published in print, web editorials and the SS2012 Oscar de la Renta “Ready-To-Wear” Fashion Show. Pete’s class objective is to bridge the gap between pre-professional and professional dance by sharing tips + tricks to elevate the dancer’s performance quality and appeal without sacrificing technique! Pete aspires to inspire dancers everywhere. His start was unconventional, but his experience can serve as an example to all.
Sissa Strain (she/her) is a commercial theatre creative based in NYC. 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, on faculty at Broadway Dance Center, a 10 year + member of Dance Masters of America, a founding member of the Choreographers Guild, and a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
