2025 Directors of the Year CURRENT Standings
What are Directors of the year?
Each studio's SUPERStar points are added all year long together!
At Nationals, the 15 studios with the most SUPERStar points are crowned Directors of the Year.

The TOP TWO Directors will be called DOUBLE PLATINUM Directors of the Year
The next 8 Directors will be called PLATINUM Directors of the Year
The next top 5 Directors will be called GOLD Directors of the Year

Last competition updated:
Autumnfest Clogging Championships 2024

See Dance and Clogging Rankings Below

 

Dance Directors of the Year

2024 Double Platinum Level

Kimberly Nelson  - Step In Time 60310 Points

I started dancing at the age of three and new ever since then I wanted to be a dance teacher and have my own Dance Studio. When I turned 20 I decided it was time to do just that. I had a registration in Payson and I started with only three students and it has grown to over a hundred. Most of my dancers are on competition teams and they also compete solos/duets/trio's. We love competing at America on Stage and I am so honored to be a Director of the Year. I couldn't have done it without my awesome dancers and my assistant coach Miss Brenna. In my spare time I love hanging out with my husband and 2 daughters. I also enjoy a great shopping spree and vacationing where ever is warm!
Jana Shaw 
- Shaw Dance  39995 Points

Dance has been and is a very important part of my life. I believe that students can learn things about themselves, others, and even other educational subject areas through dance that they could not learn in any other setting. I believe that dance should be a positive experience for all participants, regardless of whatever innate talents they may or may not have. Our philosophy is to build versatile, well-rounded dancers, while building the self-esteem and confidence of the individual.

2024 Platinum Level

Shanna Cook 
- N-Step Dance Academy  37565 Points

Shanna began dancing at a very young age, studying Tap, Ballet and Jazz; later gymnastics and cheerleading. After a severe injury to her hip and ankle, she was told she could no longer do gymnastics. Determined, she decided to try clogging. She loved clogging and was a natural, she had the opportunity to go to Nashville several times and perform on the Grand Ole Opery stage, she got to meet the staff of Hee-Haw and solute her hometown. She also worked with Merrill Osmond where she performed in TV specials, music videos, stadium of fire, and other performances for our troops abroad, Top Ten Honored Americans and other once in a lifetime opportunities. She also studied Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballroom and Lyrical styles during this time. Shanna began teaching dance and clogging when she was 15 years old. She has more than 25 years of teaching experience. Her dances have won many overall awards, and she has been recognized for her creative choreography. She loves teaching and developing dancers, as well as teachers. She has been the owner of N-Step Dance Academy for 17 years and loves working with the children of Tooele County.
Lindsey Camp 
 - Sunshine Dance Cedar  36270 Points

Lindsey Camp grew up dancing in the Color Country Dance Studio specializing in Jazz, Contemporary and Clogging. She opened her studio in Cedar City many years later and has been training students to get them most out of the talent, enjoying seeing them on stage wining several awards and Overalls.
Chansey Eames 
- Straight Up Dance  34580 Points

“There is no greater joy than teaching our younger generation a talent, self discipline, accountability both to themselves and teammates, motivation, and confidence. These are attributes that will shape who they become. It’s amazing to watch the different dancers and see how they grow. I have never had a more fulfilling experience in my life.” – Chansey Eames In college, Chansey represented her school as the Dance Sterling Scholar and attended Snow College in the Dance Major Program on Scholarship. She later attended SLCC in Business Management. Chansey has toured/performed in DisneyLand, Carnival Cruise Lines, and throughout the Mexican Riviera.

Chansey continues to attend workshops annually so she can stay current on new dance styles and technique and is CLI certified.
 
Anne Weichers
- American Expression of Dance 32020 Points
Anne Weichers, Artistic Director of AED Dance studio for the past 29 years.   She has a BA from BYU where she was a member of the BYU Cougarettes and Cheer Squad.   Anne has choreographed for many High Schools,  Community Productions and studios through the west.   Anne loves sharing her passion for dance with the dancers in her community and adores her amazing students. Anne's strength comes from the amazing friendships she has with her dancers, fellow teachers, and dance friends throughout the world. She loves to see the light shine in each person as they catch the excitement of being on stage. She shares this love of dance with her two amazing daughters and can't wait to see what the future holds!  


 
Karissa Molen 
- Intensity Dance  24750 Points

Karissa Molen is the Owner/Director of Intensity Dance Team (IDT) in Heber City, Utah. She trained in Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Contemporary genres of dance from the time she was three years old through her college years. At the request of two of her younger cousins, she started teaching two classes of eight girls total in 2012 while she was earning her degree in Dance (BFA) from Utah Valley University. IDT has grown from 8 dancers in 2012 to over 300 dancers in 2019-2020. There are now 10 championship competition teams, 32 additional non-team classes, 5 Instructors and 2 studios! With IDT, Karissa wanted to provide an opportunity for dancers to receive instruction from highly qualified instructors in different genres of dance with the opportunity to perform/compete without the high expense or too much required time in the studio.
Karissa loves to hike, go sky diving, try new adventures and meet new people.She loves Disneyland, the beach, holidays (especially Christmas) and is a lifelong, loyal BYU fan. She is always ready for a party and loves to spend time with her family. She is the aunt to 3 beautiful little girls and can't wait for them to start taking her dance classes.
Karissa is so grateful for the America On Stage Competitions which provide a great atmosphere for all dancers to progress and succeed. She is honored that IDT has been awarded numerous A.O. S. Team Overall Grand Championships since 2012 and thankful for the A.O,S, Open Dance Nationals Studio Overall Grand Championships that IDT has been awarded in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Natalie Story 
- N & B Dance Factory  23060 Points
As dance teachers we love seeing a dance come together. We love seeing what we choreograph come alive on stage! We love creating a routine or dance vision in our head that is amazing when it’s performed! We love watching our students grow and develop! Our dance studio was awarded director of the year, and that’s because we have such an amazing staff!!! I truly love and appreciate Miss Bree, Miss Abbie, Miss Jerica, Coach Kylee, Coach Sarah, Miss Mckell and Miss Michelle so much! Our assistants and subs are the best: Coach Terika, Miss Jayda, Miss Jacey, Miss Ragen, Miss Hannah and Coach Hannah!
What a great dance family we have! We love what we do!As dance teachers we all know we have the best job ever! And how Awesome is Greg and America On Stage! We love AOS!!!
Cherese Emery 
- Move Dance Studio  22200 Points

Move Dance Studio

 

 

 

 

 
 

Jackie Frazier 
- R&R Company  17715 Points

“There is nothing that's worth working towards more than the confidence and pride when our girls shine.”
It has always been and always will be about the kids; their confidence, their growth, their joy, and the love they bring to my life. The kiddos, all of them, are what have built us into what we are today. At R&R Art Center we strive to CREATE, curating artistry, confidence, skill, and passion in each and everyone of our students, from age 2 to 99. I’ve been privileged to be a part of this community; a body of moms, volunteers, staff, teens, contractors, and spouses whose desires are as great as mine, building children from the inside out, while refining their technique and developing their art.
I’ve not only had the privilege of placing AOS' Director of the Year the last two years, but since 2019, I have also taken to the stage myself. After two kids and a 15 year break from competing, I've had the amazing opportunity to compete right alongside the kiddos that inspire me everyday. Our staff family shares my passion for not only the art of dance and the creativity in movement, but the drive for emotional enhancement of our students. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for their support and dedication. We work together not only as a studio, but also as a team on the dance floor.
I started dancing at the age of 5 in a small town in Idaho, enjoying my high school years as a Pi-rette. I started teaching and choreographing in 2007 and received my master's degree in teaching in 2011. I opened my first studio in 2010, rebranding to a center filled with a preschool, dance, cheer, and tumbling program in 2014. I am honored to be spotlighted today, and grateful for the everyday experience and privilege of coaching my young students in multiple styles of dance. I am proud to state that what began as a small seven student dream in a master bedroom of a daycare, has now blossomed into a fully functioning community art center with standards for love and artistry above the rest.

 

2024 Gold Level

Madison Kingsbury - Idaho Rhythm  17340 Points
I am Madison Kingsbury and I am the Competition Director of Idaho Rhythm. I have been in a leadership role at IDR for 4 years and have been teaching for 8 years. I have received many awards and accolades over the years, and I am honored to be receiving Director of the Year on behalf of not only myself, but all of the teachers and staff members at our amazing studio! Idaho Rhythm has been in the dance world since 1983, and has been a staple in the local community. We believe that lessons in the classroom are lessons for life and have a 360 degree vision of building great kids, not just great dancers. My greatest passion and privilege is watching these great kids learn and grow and improve. This award is not just a testament to how hard our studio works to provide quality lessons, but how awesome, talented, and dedicated our kids and families are! I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my love for dance with the next generation, and grateful to AOS for building such a wonderful tight knit village of dancers!
Colleen Bills
- Hot Shots Dance Studio 17105 Points

Hot Shots Dance Studio
Wendy Gardiner  
 - Dance Unlimited Rigby Studio Dance Company (TSDC) 15450 Points

Ciera and Amanda are from Prineville, Oregon where they are the founding Directors of Legacy Dance Company which opened in 2016. Amanda has been teaching for 17 years and Ciera has been teaching for 10 years. Collectively, they opened LDC with a goal to provide their small community with a place for everyone to dance. Their competitive program, Legacy Elite, has won many titles at both the State and National levels, and they’ve been recognized as an ADCC Studio of Excellence. Ciera previously taught dance in Colorado at A Dance Place, before moving back to Oregon. In addition to Directing at LDC, she is also a Middle School Special Education Teacher. Amanda coached high school dance team for 14 years winning many state titles, receiving the Coach of the Year Award, serving on the DDCA Board of Directors from 2017-2021, and is also a Certified Performance Judge for the organization. 
 
Julia Penate 
- Legacy Dance  15095 Points
Julia has studied and taught many styles of dance: jazz, ballet, modern, hip hop, Latin American folkloric, Arabic, Polynesian and ballroom. Her true love is ballroom. She also has a great love for choreography and has co-directed many musical theater productions including Annie, The Lion King Jr, The King and I, Hello Dolly, Seussical, Guys and Dolls Jr, Mulan, Beauty & The Beast, Into the Woods, and Aladdin Jr.

She has won many awards with the dance studio she owns and directs, Legacy Dance Studio, including many 1st place awards in jazz and ballroom, first place in the Utah Team Match championships in elementary ballroom, “Platinum” placement in jazz competitions, and received “Judges Choice” and “Top Technique” awards. As a ballroom competitor she has placed as a national finalist in Amateur Cabaret, Pre-Champ American Rhythm, and Gold Mambo and Swing.

 
Krista Briggs  
 - The Studio Dance Company (TSDC) 15080 Points
TSDC
 
 
2024 Dance Final Standings
Points Studio Director
60310 Step In Time Dance Kimberly Nelson
39995 Shaw Dance Studio, Inc. Jana Shaw
37565 N-Step Dance Academy, Inc. Shanna Cook
36270 Sunshine Dance Cedar Lindsey Camp
34580 Straight Up Dance Academy Chansey Eames
32020 American Expression of Dance Anne Weichers
24750 Intensity Dance Team Karissa Molen
23060 N & B Dance Factory Natalie Story & Bella C
22200 Move Dance Studio Cherese Emery
17715 R & R Company Jackie Frazier
17340 Idaho Rhythm Dance Co. Madison Kingsbury
17105 Hot Shots Dance Studio Colleen Bills
15450 The Studio Dance Company (TSDC) Wendy Gardiner
15095 Legacy Dance Studio Julia Penate
15080 Dance Unlimited Rigby Krista Briggs
14790 American Falls Studio Ashley Ames
14555 Center Stage Dance Academy Deidre Jenkins
13035 Center Stage Performing Arts Kim DelGrosso
11575 Dance Image Academy Coach D Dannielle Manus
11465 Diva Dance Company Wendy Schild
10845 Dance Force dance studio Brook Jensen
10555 Impact Dance Center Adrian Goto
10065 MCD Dance Academy Marnie Shook
9950 Ground Control Studio Adison Hillstead & Hailey Hillstead
9800 Dance It Amy Reinke
8775 Innovations Dance Academy Blayke Liechty
8630 Lake Dance Steps Raquel Lake
8480 Dynamics Studios Kimberly Hobbs
8400 Dancerz Edge Brittany Stott
8255 STARS! Katrina Wyckoff and Caddie Welling
7605 Legacy Dance Company Ciera Hensley & Amanda Heine
7330 Showtime Dance Company Lindsey Oman & Heidi Hurdsman
7325 Shine Studio Cindy Wood/Megan Dietrich
6970 Dance Allegro Academy Jessica Seymour
6280 Studio 17 Courtney Blaser
5995 Dance Magic Studios Nicole Mikkelson
5755 Starstruck Dance & Tumbling Brandy Christensen
5705 Beaver Dance Academy Danielle Fails
5605 Express Yourself Dance Drew Feltner-Mua'e
5195 T & T Dance Studio Tawna & Taura Marriott
5140 Dance Force Terah Bushnell
4915 Xtreme Heidi Monfredi, Hannah Cox, Makaisha Gillins
4815 Daje Dance Academy Shari Auna / Brooklin Pace
4635 Studio B Dance Company Natalie Brisighella
4615 Dancer's Edge Rexburg Kelsie Carter
4610 Dance Works Studio Mekesha Wanner
4420 Lime-Light Dance Studio Natasha Baker
4410 ECHO School of Dance Echo Waldron
4360 2 ONE Productionz Scott Watts
4145 Eternal Motion Sarah Vuittonet-Aguilar
4065 Limited Edition Studio Sharon Wall / Nicole Wall
4020 Precious Gems Dance Studio Brittany Hoyt
3955 Jr Jam Dance Studio Debbie Kishpaugh (Kristen LeGore Studio Manager)
3835 The Barre Dance Academy Amber Adams
3830 Empact Athletics Kensley Moss
3820 Linda Fenton Dance Studio Brittani Bailey
3735 Color Country Sunshine Dance Parowan Heather Mineer
3565 Color Country Cloggers/Sunshine Dance Parowan Heather Mineer
3545 Nebo Dance Academy Nikkii Sperry
3525 Crescendo Dance Studio Chelsea Crabtree
3500 Stomp it Out Cloggers McKenna Flores
3375 Dance Fusion Michelle Summers
3290 Synergy Mandi Stefanoff
3285 Ultimate Dance Experience Kelsey Harrison
3280 Backstage Dance Center Anne Sakolsky-Basquill
3240 Thompson Lane Entertainment Rosalyn Korany
2930 Cottage Dance Academy Kirsten Boehme
2745 Morgan Academy of Dance Kalie Wessman
2660 Pure Talent Dance Studio Jenny Pickering
2520 Pure Heart Dance Becky Bradshaw
2470 Instep Dance studio Tasha Jackson Timberlee Wood
2350 In Motion Dance Studio LeAndrena Hadlock & Wendy Francis
2270 T & T Dance Tawna & Taura Marriott
2190 The Vibe Dance Studio Kenny McMoore
1995 Red Rock Dance and Performing Arts Jenna Corry
1970 5678 Dance Company Deonna Wells
1920 Methods of Movement Susan English & Mindy Rooney
1895 Inspire Dance Academy Natalie McQuiston
1840 Piute High School Dance Company Carol Springer
1830 The Dance Club Sheryl Dowling
1715 Wyldfire Dance Studio April Craig
1625 LaShars Dance Studio Jennifer Dean
1580 Just Dance Brittany Ann Dyches
1530 Starlite Dance Academy Sandy Dringman-Peterson
1415 Mining City Dance Co. Kathy Rowe
1400 American Academy of Innovation Tera Thorne
1400 None
 
1350 Tooele Elite Athletics Miranda Valladares
1170 Fired-Up Dance Academy Carene Boersma
1100 Provo High Dance Jocelyn Smith
1080 Delta Dance Studio Briana & Maggie
1055 Backstage Dance & Tumbling, LLC Amy Bertram
965 Lil' Utes Cheer Squad Tamra Yazzie
945 Fullout Athletics Stephan Clower
945 Hidden Springs Dance Academy, LLC Tawnya Halleus
920 Complexity Jessica Balcer
880 Dance Unlimited Christina Shell & Tamra Nefzger
855 Sorella Dance Company Niqole Riding and Tiffany Patten
825 The Spot Dance Studio Andrea Williams-Rhodes
770 Synergy Dance Academy Meghan Honey- S.Mortensen
750 Red Riot Simone Griffin, Autumn Gleave
745 Helper Rush Cheer Kayla Haycock / Shianne Cooper
735 Vision Dance Center Lisa Bunker
720 Interstellar Recreation Madysson Jungenberg
670 Encore Dance Academy Sara Filippe
665 The Rhythm Dance Academy Trinity Vincent
650 Caribou TwiStars Cheer Crystal Peterson & Kylie Mecham
640 Studio 56 Dance Center Amy Moore
630 Castle Country Athletics Isabelle Chavez
620 Creative Motion Dance Academy Trina Mittelstadt
600 Elite Studios Keri Payne
590 All About Dance Studio Amanda Wherry
570 Energy Dance Chalee Rawlings
560 Surge Dance Studio Bryea Sorensen
545 Discovery Dance School Kristen Combs and Chelby Vogt
535 Dance Extreme Arielle Kessler
535 Utah COPA Suzanne J. Balser
505 DIAMOND DIVAS Kim York
485 Rocky Mountain Dance Trisha Wilstead
450 Expressions Dance Amy Simkins
450 Tanglewood Studios Shayell McBride, Kari Marble
440 Star Valley Dance Amanda Culpepper
410 Steps PAC Susan L Crowther
390 Grace Valley Dance Company Kaitlyn Vent
380 Power Music and Dance Studio Kelli Costello
375 Sassy Chatty Dancers Kyanna kempton
340 Canyon Dance Academy Heather Jensen
330 Elite Dance Academy LLC Aubrey Ann Johnson
300 Artistic Dance Project Mady Beighley and Janalyn Memmott
300 Academy West Amy Drage
295 Elite Academy NaCole Brown
290 Little Steps Dance Jennifer and Laureasa Ricci
275 The Dance Centre Charity Duersch
275 TDS - The Danz Studio TeriLee Hammond
275 The Pointe Academy Megan Warnick
265 jazz n place dance studio Chelsey Befus
240 No Sweat Dance Company Trisha Duke
220 Front & Center Dance Valerie Dansie
185 Rhythm Nation Tap Company Wendy Isaacson
180 Elite Academy Leslie Mulford
180 Encore Productions Cami Rose
175 The Dance Factory Gina Underwood
175 Utah Dance Artists Tammisty Katz
150 West Pointe Studios Donna Clinger
140 The Winner School Kellie Barber
140 Empowered Dance Misty Peterson
140 Sol MVMNT & Technique Karra Forbes
140 Danceology Tracy Curvelo
140 Front & Center Dance Academy Alexis Levie
130 Motions Dance Studio Hannah McKarcher
125 Kickin' It Dance Co Tammy Westberg/Brook Sellers
120 Dance Academy Jill Trane
110 M-C Mellissa Coon
105 Elite Academy Studio Arial Larsen
100 Dance N' Toes Brooke Cherry
95 Shannon Keightley Shannon Keightley
90 Hollywood Dance Studios Holly Davis & Kelsey Alley
90 Shantel's Voice Studio Shantel Bingham
75 Aspire Dance Academy Cassie Warner
60 Dancers Edge Studios Michelle Pecora
60 Living a Dance Life Kenny
60 Tawny Crane @ Center Stage Tawny Crane
60 Devotion Dance Academy Diana Anderson
60 The Company SLC Amber Strong
55 Ultimate Dance Experience Kelsey Phillips
55 Intrigue Dance Company Misty Anderson
55 Utah Dance Artists Cicily Oldham
55 Divine Dance Studio Samantha Daniels
50 Livin’ a Dancelife Kenny Dancelife
50 Sky the Limit Dance Academy Barbara Clark
50 Independent Kaylee Hawney & Avery Hauck-Hynen
30 VaDels Dance McKensie Allen
30 The Dance Company Hilary Murray
30 Studio 1 McKenna Lynch
30 Dance Illusion Lisa Preece
30 Project Dance Conner Trost
30 None Lea Tucker
30 None Keesha Hempel
30 Legacy Dance Academy Carmen Heap
30 Dance Impressions Mallorie Johns
25 Fierce Dance Studio Trisha Cuvelier
25 Groove The Academy Allie Short and Kim Boulton
25 Heart N Soul Dance Studio Diane Rosenbaum
25 no studio ally taylor
25 Synergy Academy Kristen Evans
15 GG4L Cynthia Orcutt
10 The Dancer's Edge Kyleigh Dye

 

Clogging/ Power Tap Directors of the Year

2024 Double Platinum Level

 Bethany Hulse  - Extreme Rhythm  224015 Points
I’m Bethany Hulse. Owner and Director of Extreme Rhythm Cloggers. Lucky enough to be Mom to 4 amazing kids and one very patient husband. This season Extreme Rhythm is celebrating 20 years of adventure and dancing. We are blessed with the absolute best staff and families ever. So thankful they are willing to share their love of clogging with our students. We love America On Stage and all that it does to build a community of cloggers. Looking forward to another year of competition.
Maria & Greg Tucker  - Rocky Mountain Express  215350 Points
Maria and Greg direct Rocky Mtn Express. Maria has been teaching for 25 years, Greg 27 years, and just celebrated our studio’s anniversary recital. Maria: I graduated from BYU with a teaching degree and a dance minor. I had my dream teaching job lined up, but then suddenly switched gears and decided to focus on teaching dance instead... and I’ve never looked back! I absolutely love my job, mostly because of the people that come with it. Oh, and I’m also a major movie star because of dance- (you can ask for my autograph next time you see me You just never know where clogging can take you, and I am living proof! Love this life we have.

2024 Platinum Level

Kandice Anderson
 & Cambria Gibson
 - K&C's Fab 5  160425 Points
Kandice and Cambria are in their 10th year as a studio, but they have been friends for much longer than that! Cambria and Kandice first competed a short duet together 20 years ago and won the short duet MVP. They love thinking back on how their studio began and how it has grown and changed over the past 10 years. There have been many personal and team MVP’s won, but more than winning they have seen their students fail and get back up, cheer on competitors, and become a proud part of this amazing clogging family with America On Stage. K&C’s FAB 5 studio not only teaches clogging, but offers friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Their studio would not be successful without their amazing teachers and behind the scenes help. Thanks Emileigh Hillstead! The students and parents at K&C’s FAB 5 studio are truly the best!
 

LaChere Vawdrey 
 
& Emily Wright- LaChere's Fab 5  137120 Points
LaChere was born and raised in Morgan, Utah. She, along with her 4 FABULOUS SISTERS have been clogging since the beginning of time… well…their time at least! She, along with her husband and dance partner, Randy Vawdrey , moved their family to Pocatello, ID 18 years ago. Since living in Idaho, LaChere has blessed her students with her talent and love of dance!! Her positive example, keen ear for the perfect rhythm and music, her high expectations of precision and a knack for helping each student rise to their full potential through hard work are just a few of the things that have inspired so many of her dancers. With a growing studio and the everyday demands of life, LaChere has added new teachers and staff members that have the same expectations to help make the studio better than ever. Recently, LaChere has welcomed her dearest friend, emerging dance teacher and “all-around” dedicated right hand man, Emily Wright, as a partner to the growing studio. We truly have been blessed with the best staff, the most dedicated students and super supportive parents ever!! LaChere, Randy and each member of the FAB 5 family have worked diligently to instill in each of the students and our dance family the importance of always “SHINING THE LIGHT”!!
We love our FAB 5 FAMILY!!

Tara Osborn  - Foothill Cloggers  132585 Points
Tara Osborn is the owner/director of the Foothill Clogging in Genola, Utah. After being away from clogging for ten years, her love for clogging brought her back. She decided to try and share her love of dance with all those around. Foothill loves competing with America on Stage and performing as much as possible. In the past 16 years they have toured as a studio to California 3 times, Branson Missouri 2 times, and a cruise to the Bahamas.
She is extremely grateful to have strengthened her studio in ability and size over the last 16 years to a full time business. Now 160+ dancers strong. She is blessed with so many amazing dancers, families, and friends in her life due to this amazing thing we call clogging. Tara says her most favorite thing about clogging is being able to share it with Jenna, her daughter. If she is not clogging or working on her studio, she prefers to spend her time hanging with her family, being a booster mom, scrapbooking, or riding a horse. Tara and her husband own a small ranch where we work together with our two boys and one daughter.
 
Adison & Hailey Hillstead  - Ground Control  83830 Points
Hailey is the owner of GCS taking care of all the behind-the-scenes business legwork and together Adison and Hailey direct Ground Control Studio out of Twin Falls, Idaho both instructing, choreographing and coaching students. Their dream has been to expand their studio to include more dance space and dance styles- something they were finally able to achieve in 2019! Ground Control Studio now has clogging/power tap, ballroom and hip hop programs with almost 100 students and an amazing staff!
The Hillsteads also choreograph theatrical routines for the local TFHS show choir JIVE! and produce two large musical productions a year on top of their studio’s annual dance show featured every May at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Twin Falls. Hailey Hillstead’s love for theatre keeps her busy acting, singing and dancing on stage in local musicals each year- and she also runs a wedding floral business of her own on the side, while Adison Hillstead, A.O.S. Hall of Fame and Ring of Glory inductee, tours with the ALL THAT all-male clogging group throughout the year. Little Lexi Hillstead is turning 9 this year and loves dancing ballet. Their combined love for the outdoors and travel is what this little family enjoys most when they’re not already singing, laughing and dancing together.
The Hillsteads and Ground Control Studio are excited to bring their new ideas and hard working teams to the stage for another year of fun! Thank you, America On Stage!
Vickie Neilson 
 
& Ashley Fewkes- NRG  67620 Points
NRG has been established for 19 years... It is staffed and ran by family. NRG has so much love and cherishes all their dance families and students so much. The families we have met along the way have been such a blessing in our lives. Vickie Neilson runs ALL behind the scenes from tours, registeration, shoe orders, make-up and we all know the list goes on and on. Ashley Fewkes runs the students lol choreography, music and etc. She also has 2 daughters that help her out tremendously and do an incredible job. Presley Fewkes who is 13, she is a cheerleader at North Layton Jr High and 2019 MVP Female freestyle title holder and EvVah Fewkes who is 11 and In Student Government at her school is 2018 MVP Rookie winner. Together they are quite the team. Vickie has been in the clogging business for years it goes way back to Brian and the Steele Family Cloggers. She loves those memories. Her Husband is Frank Neilson, they have been married for 43 years and together they have 5 children, 20 grandchildren and just recently in September joined the Great Grandma and Grandpa club and loving it. She has been doing daycare for 35+ years. I think it's safe to say she adores children. Ashley has been clogging since the age of 8 and teaching since 11. She has been married to her "Clogging" sweetheart Preston Fewkes for almost 15 years. They have 4 children. Presley 13, EvVah 11, Tyce 9 and then 2 year old Madden. Ashley has also been a cosmetologist for 16 years. Vickie and Ashley love clogging and love owning a studio to be able to share their love for dance with all their amazing hard working and so very talented students. Thank you to America on Stage for all they do for the clogging world and love they give for all of us to share our talents. A very BIG Good luck to NRG this season, we love you!!!
Amber Henrie  - NextStep  53800 Points
Amber Henrie is a member of the All Star All-American team in freestyle, solos, short duet and long duet. Amber has been clogging for 20+ years and teaching for 12 years. Before starting NextStep, she previously taught for Pride & Passion Studio and Extreme Rhythm. Amber is an award winning dancer, instructor and choreographer. She has had the opportunity to perform and compete all over the world including Disneyland, Nashville, Las Vegas, New York City, London, Serbia, Romania and more. Amber graduated from BYU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Dance. She is married to a very supportive husband, Austin Henrie, and they have 3 awesome kids (Claire, Jack and Tucker). Amber has a passion for dancing and teaching. She strives to help her students see the best in themselves, and to build confidence on and off the stage.
 
Jamie & Ryan Moore - J4C and Moore 51800 Points
“ Just 4 Clicks and Moore!” Clogging studio just started their 5th year this season. Jamie teaches and choreographs along with her daughter Sarah. Ryan does the behind the scenes stuff like fixing shoes, putting floors together, computer I.T, etc. Jamie grew up clogging with Hay Day Cloggers In Kaysville, Utah and then danced a couple years at Steele Family. She took a break from clogging when her and Ryan got married. They have 4 wonderful kids. Jamie came back to clogging when Nicole Moyes started “Just 4 Clicks” studio and asked her to teach. She taught there for 8 years and opened her own studio when Nicole’s studio closed. It has always been Jamie’s dream to own a clogging studio and to teach! She is so thankful for the support of her family and dance family. We are thankful for the friendships and support of other studios and love being a part of America On Stage
Madison Kingsbury - Idaho Rhythm  50625 Points
I am Madison Kingsbury and I am the Competition Director of Idaho Rhythm. I have been in a leadership role at IDR for 4 years and have been teaching for 8 years. I have received many awards and accolades over the years, and I am honored to be receiving Director of the Year on behalf of not only myself, but all of the teachers and staff members at our amazing studio! Idaho Rhythm has been in the dance world since 1983, and has been a staple in the local community. We believe that lessons in the classroom are lessons for life and have a 360 degree vision of building great kids, not just great dancers. My greatest passion and privilege is watching these great kids learn and grow and improve. This award is not just a testament to how hard our studio works to provide quality lessons, but how awesome, talented, and dedicated our kids and families are! I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my love for dance with the next generation, and grateful to AOS for building such a wonderful tight knit village of dancers!

2024 Gold Level

Kasandra Parker  - InStep Clogging  44635 Points

Hi! I’m Kasandra Parker - director of In Step Clogging in Rigby, Idaho. This is our 12th year as a studio! We are loving what we’re doing and loving all the students we get to interact with!
I’m blessed to have fantastic teachers and amazing clogging families who make this worth it!!
My favorite place to relax and chill weekly is my date nights with my hubby. And the ultimate is when we get to do that on a warm sunny beach!!
Shaundalee/Melissa Morgan  - Idaho Xpress 34460  Points
McKenna Flores  - Stomp It Out  32955 Points

McKenna is the owner and director of stomp it out cloggers. Ever since she was little, she knew she wanted to be a mom and have a clogging studio just like her mom and aunt. McKenna grew up dancing with her mom at Clogging Express, then her aunt and uncle with Rocky Mountain Express. She started her studio in her parents basement at age 16 as a way to pay for her own clogging tours. After high school, she continued her studio while attending BYU and dancing on the BYU folk dance team. Upon graduation her studio has grown, and she continues to have a passion to help others find a love for clogging, performance, and helping develop self confidence. It’s her dream come true.
Krista Hasler  - DoubleTap Dance Company 30775 Points
Krista Hasler is the director of DoubleTap Dance Company in Boise Idaho. Krista Hasler started dancing at 4 in her fathers basement studio.  Her love for clogging and folk dance took her to 13 foreign countries as she represented the United States at festivals starting at age 12.  She taught in her dad’s studio and at BYU-I under her dad Charles West while she was a student there.  She took a brief 15 year break from competing, teaching, and performing but still always looked for any opportunity to let loose on the dance floor. She pursued her Masters degree at BYU in Social Work and worked as a clinical therapist with teenagers in residential treatment. She married Will Hasler who was also a folk dancer and clogger and his support has made the studio possible. 6 years ago her daughters asked her to teach them and that is how DoubleTap Dance started. 12 little friends came for clogging in the garage. Now 55 students come every Tuesday for “garage clogging.” It has organically grown by word of mouth and is the most incredible hobby job she could imagine! Thank you to America on Stage for providing our studio with opportunities to truly work our very hardest and to feel pride and accomplishment in our talents as we showcase them on stage! .
Leah & Dan Coffman 
 - Starz Unlimited  26705 Points

Dan and Leah Coffman of New Plymouth, ID have owned and directed Gem Cloggers Dance Studio since the Summer of 2006. Since then it has been a whirlwind of tapping away by hundreds of cloggers including their own five children. (The Gem Cloggers are now beginning their 30th year!) 

Leah began her clogging life as a teenager taking classes during the infancy of Gem Cloggers while it was first getting off the ground. She has been there from practically the beginning, all thanks to her amazing Aunt Kari, the creator and founder of Gem Cloggers, who recruited her into the newly formed studio. After years of learning and clogging competitively, Leah was given the opportunity to teach and then eventually own and direct the amazing Gem Cloggers!  

Dan has been clogging ever since he caught the bug during his time dating his girlfriend and future wife, Leah. He has been teaching classes from Rec to Competition ever since, and also occasionally dances and competes with the studio’s top team, the Diamonds. 
 
2025 Current Rankings
Points Studio Director
8650 Extreme Rhythm Bethany Hulse
8245 Foothill Cloggers Tara Osborn
7895 Rocky Mountain Express Maria Tucker
6020 K & C's Fab 5 Studio Kandice Anderson & C. Gib
2715 NextStep Amber Henrie
1385 High Country Conservatory of Dance Michelle Meehleis
1270 Starz Unlimited Brandi Gollinger
1120 Just 4 Clicks (and Moore!) Jamie and Ryan Moore
690 In Step Clogging Kasandra Parker
460 Stomp it Out Cloggers McKenna Flores
180 Gem Cloggers Leah & Dan Coffman
100 LaChere's Fab 5 Studio LaChere Vawdrey

 


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