ABOUT DANCE FORCE XPRESS
Dance Force Xpress was created in 2011 as an outlet to Michigan’s growing community of talented dancers, instructors, and choreographers.
Our competitions take place at several state-of-the-art facilities in Michigan. Those looking for a new competition venue will find Dance Force Xpress to be a valuable experience, with some of the lowest registration rates, and highest prize amounts at any regional event! Performers will take home ribbons, pins, medals, and trophies, as well as usable feedback and great memories of our family-friendly event.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our team!
OUR TEAM
Dance Force Xpress is a family-run business based in Shelby Township, Michigan. Our staff is recognized for being friendly, enthusiastic, and welcoming - providing a positive and safe atmosphere for our dancers.
DANIELLE
Owner, Event Director
With over 30 years of experience in dance performance, instruction, judging, choreographing, and directing of camps, clinics, and competitions, Danielle has developed Dance Force Xpress with one goal; a positive and affordable experience for Michigan's dancers, dance families, studio owners, instructors, and choreographers.
Having trained at both a small local studio in her early childhood, as well as a large competitive studio in her teen years, Danielle understands that talented dancers come out of every studio. Her judging experience includes judging for professional dance team auditions, middle school and high school dance and pom team auditions, regional junior cheerleading competitions, State level dance and pompon competitions, and more. She has instructed classes for the past 16 years for students as young as three years old.
In 2014, Danielle married everyone's favorite backstage manager, Mr. Mike. They welcomed their first son in 2016, and their daughter in 2019. Being born and raised in Michigan, Danielle enjoys connecting the dance community across the state with the growth of Dance Force Xpress!
MELISSA
Event Coordinator/Emcee
With an extensive background in pom and dance, Melissa not only enjoys her role with DFX because of the constant exposure to new routines and the all around competition atmosphere, she also loves to be on the mic and isn't afraid to be in front of the crowd!
"My most memorable events are the ones when a spectator (usually a grandpa or dad) approaches me and says, "Wow, this was a really fun day!", and thanks us for putting on a great event. We're all reminded to keep a professional, yet fun and approachable, presence as event staff. When we get to take a quick 'stretch break' if we're ahead of schedule, it's awesome to play a fun song, turn around, and see spectators not only stretching, but many of them dancing in the aisle!"
Married in 2013, Melissa and her husband Brian reside in Goodrich, Michigan, with their daughter, son, and puppy "Panda".
SHANNON
Special Awards/Judging Coordinator
Shannon has been with Dance Force Xpress since from the start, and is well known as everyone's favorite Special Awards Judge! Shannon's passion for dance is undeniable, and her goal is to help produce well rounded and confident dancers. As a strong member of our judging panel, Shannon changed roles in 2020 to focus on presenting meaningful Special Awards and keep the audience engaged throughout the weekend as the emcee.
Shannon has been part of the dance industry for over 30 years. Hailing from Dearborn Heights, Mi, she studied various disciplines, performed for the Detroit Pistons & Rockers, choreographed local productions and has taught both competitively and recreationally at multiple studios through out the metro Detroit area. She has transformed competitive Tap Dance programs into platinum, & overall winning pieces that also won entertainment & showstopper awards in a matter of months. Her group, trio, duo and solo pieces have won high awards as well as overall awards at competitions throughout the U.S. and has received choreography awards for entertainment value, intensity and technique. Shannon has worked as a dance and cheer coach, pompon coach, dance instructor, choreographer and competition judge for over 15 years. Her students have gone on to study with Alvin Ailey, earn college degrees in Dance Education, become members of the Detroit Tap Repertory and even become dance teachers! Shannon enjoys age appropriate choreography that pushes the envelope in a creative way. She currently teaches dance at multiple studios in metro Detroit.
JENNY
Merchandise Sales/Relations
If you have ever stopped by the DFX sales table, you have most likely had the pleasure of meeting Jenny! The 2021 season will mark Jenny's 10th year with Dance Force Xpress.
As a full time teacher, Jenny joins us on competition weekends and brings her energy and enthusiasm! She is a familiar face on our team, and the dancers, directors, and spectators are always comfortable checking in with her if they are in need of any additional information.
KELSEY
Backstage Coordination
Kelsey is one of our outstanding Backstage Coordinators. Need to know what number we are on, where your dressing room is, or are you searching for an extra bobby pin? Kelsey to the rescue! It takes an entire team to make our days run smoothly, and Kelsey is an important part of our team. She keeps everyone organized and on schedule, and is always willing to make a dressing room run when we are on the hunt for a quick change performer.
Kelsey is a full time pediatric nurse, and we value her time with us on competition weekends.
OUR JUDGES
The Dance Force Xpress judging team combines experience and passion from a variety of individuals who share a common goal - helping dancers to learn and grow!
Our judge's backgrounds range from professional dancers and choreographers, to former coaches, to fitness industry leaders - and everything in between.
Judges biographies are provided at each DFX event.
"I am so proud of being part of the DFX family. Being a judge for DFX is not only fun, but also so rewarding. I love seeing all of the creativity and hard work on the stage. The dancers are truly a gift to watch."
- Jill C.
"Dance studios are typically your home away from home, so it's only right that DFX accomplishes that goal of making you feel right at home as a judge."
- Michael M.
