Thomas Tu Nguyen is an award-winning choreographer, coach, educator, judge, and three-time Dance Worlds Champion with over a decade of experience in competitive dance. A USASF Certified Coach & Athlete, he is recognized for developing technically strong, confident athletes and creating innovative, championship-caliber choreography in Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical, and Contemporary.

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies with a minor in Dance from South Dakota State University. He has coached high school and all-star programs, taught dancers of all ages, and serves as a contracted choreographer with BCM for competitive teams across the United States. His work has helped programs achieve historic milestones, including first-time state podium finishes and national finals appearances.

An active performer and international judge, Thomascontinues to compete while sharing his expertise through choreography, education, and adjudication. Whether in the studio, on stage, or at the judges' table, he is passionate about inspiring excellence, fostering artistry, and helping dancers reach their highest potential.

Brennan Benson is an accomplished professional dancer, award-winning teacher, and coach with extensive experience both on stage and in the studio. A graduate of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Brennan has performed soloist and principal roles with St. Paul Ballet, Minnesota Ballet, and Minnesota Dance Theatre, with favorite roles including Prince Désiré in Sleeping Beauty, Franz in Coppélia, and the Sugar Plum Cavalier in The Nutcracker. He has also appeared as a guest artist with Virginia Youth Ballet, been featured on PBS’s South Dakota Symphony Young People’s Concert, and most recently performed as The Astronomer in Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy. Brennan has received teaching and coaching recognition from both YAGP and Universal Ballet Competition and is passionate about helping dancers strengthen their technique, artistry, confidence, and performance quality through individualized coaching. In addition to his dance expertise, Brennan is a NASM-certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and performance coach, bringing a strong understanding of conditioning, injury prevention, and sustainable athletic development to his work with dancers.

Nancy Giles Watkins, FCCA is a Permanent Examiner, Liaison Officer and National Executive Board Member of the Cecchetti Council of America. She was President of the Cecchetti Council in 2008 and 2009 and also served as Assistant National Registrar, Eastern Michigan Registrar and Summer School Coordinator at Hope College. She began her training with Marjorie Randazzo, continuing at Joffrey Ballet in New York City. She accepted a scholarship and continued her training in the Professional Program at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. In 2006, Nancy was the winner of the Margaret Marsh and Sylvia Hamer Memorial Scholarship, representing the United States during the Cecchetti Society’s Summer Seminar in England. She is the former owner and Artistic Director of La Danse in Canton, Michigan. Nancy currently teaches at Ballet Chelsea in Chelsea, Michigan.