Meet the Team
Meghan Burgess Harvey, Owner and Executive Director
Meghan Burgess Harvey currently lives in Charleston, SC, and is the founder and executive director of Ignite Dance Competition. She founded Ignite Dance Competition with the idea of putting dancers and teachers first while creating a space for dancers and teachers to learn and grow together. This includes no early morning starts or late-night awards, teacher and studio awards, and opportunities for dancers to continue to train with our esteemed panel of judges each weekend. After leading multiple competition teams to regional and national victories and judging and teaching across the United States, Meghan understands the stress, time, and effort that goes into a competition weekend. Ignite is designed to leave your dancers feeling inspired and recognized, your teachers recharged, and your families asking to join us again next year.
Employees
Ruthann Burgess, Chief Financial & People Officer
Ruthann Burgess, Chief Financial & People Officer
Ruthann Burgess, Chief Financial & People Officer
Ruthann Burgess has a deep-rooted passion for dance that began in her youth and was reignited when her daughter took to the stage competitively. After a distinguished 38-year career in corporate finance and accounting, where she held senior roles in financial management, processes, and strategy, Ruthann recently retired from the corporate
Ruthann Burgess has a deep-rooted passion for dance that began in her youth and was reignited when her daughter took to the stage competitively. After a distinguished 38-year career in corporate finance and accounting, where she held senior roles in financial management, processes, and strategy, Ruthann recently retired from the corporate world.
Now, as the CFO of Ignite Dance Competition, she combines her extensive expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, and organizational leadership with her love for the arts. Ruthann is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of the company, seamlessly merging her professional background with her passion for dance.
Emily Hopkins, Marketing & Communications Manager
Ruthann Burgess, Chief Financial & People Officer
Ruthann Burgess, Chief Financial & People Officer
Emily Hopkins is excited to serve Ignite as the Marketing and Communications Manager. Originally from Wilmington, DE, Emily grew up as a competitive dancer. She attended the College of Charleston and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management. After interning with Ignite in 2021 during thei
Emily Hopkins is excited to serve Ignite as the Marketing and Communications Manager. Originally from Wilmington, DE, Emily grew up as a competitive dancer. She attended the College of Charleston and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management. After interning with Ignite in 2021 during their first season, Emily went on to work in corporate marketing for three years while continuing to tour with Ignite as a member of their crew. She is thrilled to take on this role combining her passions for dance and marketing.
Madeline Paden, Event Manager
Ruthann Burgess, Chief Financial & People Officer
Madeline Paden, Event Manager
Madeline Paden grew up in York, SC and began dancing at the age of 3 at her mother's dance studio, where she was a competitive dancer. Madeline currently lives in Spartanburg, SC with her husband and their 3 fur babies. Graduating from USC Upstate, with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, she has worked in corporate events for over 3 years.
Madeline Paden grew up in York, SC and began dancing at the age of 3 at her mother's dance studio, where she was a competitive dancer. Madeline currently lives in Spartanburg, SC with her husband and their 3 fur babies. Graduating from USC Upstate, with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, she has worked in corporate events for over 3 years. Madeline is so excited to be a part of the Ignite team and she cannot wait to mesh her love for dance and events together!
Competition Judges + Convention Teachers
Dana Generette
Dana Generette
Dana Generette
Dana Generette is a graduate of Winthrop University with a
Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She is a native of Sumter, SC where she trained for 16 years in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. Dana has won numerous dance scholarships and received high honors while performing all throughout the south
Dana Generette is a graduate of Winthrop University with a
Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She is a native of Sumter, SC where she trained for 16 years in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. Dana has won numerous dance scholarships and received high honors while performing all throughout the southeast region. While attending Winthrop, she was chosen to perform in several Winthrop Dance Theatre pieces and had the opportunity to attend
and perform at the American College Dance Association Regional Conference. She also served as captain of the Winthrop University dance team. While finishing her degree, Dana was selected to perform professionally as a Carolina Panthers Cheerleader.
Dana’s current role is Artistic Director, choreographer, instructor, and adjudicator. She travels and teaches at different studios in the southeast. She has completed Dance Teacher Certification from UNLV and certification in Progressing Ballet Technique. Dana hopes that sharing her love for dance and knowledge of the arts will help inspire her students to become artist who never settle.
She believes that mindset training is just as important as dance training, and having a strong sense of focus and discipline will allow her students to accomplish their dreams. This is Dana’s 5th season with Ignite and she is excited to see all the wonderful talent grace the IGNITE Stage!
Lindsay Giedl
Dana Generette
Dana Generette
Lindsay Giedl is a choreographer, teacher, and dancer. She was a founding member of CADE:NCE – Contemporary African Dance Ensemble: New Conscious Explorations under the direction of Tamara Thomas. A graduate of The University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, she can be seen in the indie film “The Last of RobinHood”, “Hone
Lindsay Giedl is a choreographer, teacher, and dancer. She was a founding member of CADE:NCE – Contemporary African Dance Ensemble: New Conscious Explorations under the direction of Tamara Thomas. A graduate of The University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, she can be seen in the indie film “The Last of RobinHood”, “Honey 4”, as well as Corey Smith’s music video “Honky Tonkin’ in My Blood”.
Lindsay was the 2020 recipient for the PANDEMIC ATLANTA Choreographer search
with the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Her work was selected to participate in the Fall for Fall Dance Festival, a new socially distanced dance festival in
2020 and 2022. Lindsay was also the 2020-2021 recipient of the Kristel Rose Tedesco
Residency with Mathematics-in-Motion. Lindsay currently resides as the Dance Director at The Studio Athens and is an Adjunct Professor of Dance at The University of Georgia. She is a guest teacher for Roswell Dance Theater and Ballet Hispanico’s Professional Studies & Adult Program. In addition, she is on faculty with Ignite Dance Competition and Convention and is also a 500 hour Registered Yoga
Teacher. In 2023, she had the honor of working as the Rehearsal Assistant for the UGA x Martha Graham Dance Company Project and is currently choreographing for the UGA Theatre & Opera
Department. Lindsay is in her ninth season with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City and is currently the Administrative Director/Faculty of the Summer Programs – Joffrey South and Joffrey Colorado.
Rep: Aligned Stars Agency | @lindsgiedl | lindsaygiedl.com
La'Brece Knox
Dana Generette
La'Brece Knox
La'Brece Knox began dancing at the age of twelve years old. From there, he joined the competition team at New Attitude Performing Arts Center. You can see him taking the stage on America's Got Talent and becoming a quarterfinalist and finding new heights as a dancer. He then moved into doing contract dancing at King's Dominion and Cedar P
La'Brece Knox began dancing at the age of twelve years old. From there, he joined the competition team at New Attitude Performing Arts Center. You can see him taking the stage on America's Got Talent and becoming a quarterfinalist and finding new heights as a dancer. He then moved into doing contract dancing at King's Dominion and Cedar Point Roller Coaster Capital of America. There he was able to receive amazing and intense training with Debbie Allen, Twitch, and Wildabeast. La'Brece now is working as a dance instructor at Dance U and travels frequently for master classes and guest choreography.
Jasmine Edney
Dana Generette
La'Brece Knox
Jasmine Edney, a Columbia SC native, is the Owner and Artistic Director of Beyond Words Dance Academy and Beyond Words In-House Dance Convention. She's been dancing since the age of 3. There is debate among her family members as to whether she learned to dance before she learned to walk! That lifelong dancing spirit is evident in her teac
Jasmine Edney, a Columbia SC native, is the Owner and Artistic Director of Beyond Words Dance Academy and Beyond Words In-House Dance Convention. She's been dancing since the age of 3. There is debate among her family members as to whether she learned to dance before she learned to walk! That lifelong dancing spirit is evident in her teaching style, which is becoming a popular hit among studios in the southeast. Jasmine has the dance experience that makes her an asset, offering her teaching talents in jazz, tap, contemporary/lyrical, modern, musical theater, and hip hop.
Jasmine graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She was a competitive dancer for 17 years and has spent the last 18 years teaching across the United States. Jasmine has studied under some of the most well-respected names in the dance profession such as Jason Parsons, Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, “Nappy Tabbs,” Chris Judd, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Shiela Barker, Justin Giles, William Starret, Debbie Roberts, Kimberly Langley, Angie Baker, Anne Richardson, and Charlie Connolly. In addition, Jasmine has traveled, assisted teaching, and helped with choreography with dancers including Shiela Barker, Kimberly Langley, Charlie Connolly, and Christopher Robbins. Jasmine has been involved in several dance companies, dancing for the following: Carolina Dance Center, South Carolina Performing Arts Center- Company One, and Palmetto Center for the Arts. Through that time, Jasmine received countless special awards and scholarships from dance conventions such as: New York City Dance Alliance, SHOCK the Intensive, Pacific Coast Dance Fest, Apollo LIVE, Ailey II, Savion Glover IMPROV, Jazz Dance World Congress, and Broadway Kids to name a few.
Jasmine continues to judge for national dance competitions and choreograph for studios in the southeast. She looks forward to continuing to share her passion for dance with future students in the upcoming years.
Jennifer Loterzo
Jennifer Loterzo
Jennifer Loterzo
Jennifer grew up in Midlothian, Virginia where she began her early dance training at the age of 3. She is a graduate of George Mason University, with a B.A. Honors Degree in Dance and Studio Management. While at GMU, she was on the Masonette Dance Team and a member of the GMU Dance Company. Jennifer studied under Susan Shields, James Lepo
Jennifer grew up in Midlothian, Virginia where she began her early dance training at the age of 3. She is a graduate of George Mason University, with a B.A. Honors Degree in Dance and Studio Management. While at GMU, she was on the Masonette Dance Team and a member of the GMU Dance Company. Jennifer studied under Susan Shields, James Lepore, Linda Miller, and Elizabeth “Buffy” Price. During her time at GMU, she realized her passion for becoming a
dance educator. Upon graduation from GMU, Jennifer became the owner and artist director of Dance and Theatre Unlimited, in Powhatan, VA from 1998-2004. In 2004, Jennifer moved closer to home and became the owner and artistic director of Premiere Dance Academy in Chesterfield, VA. This will be her 27th year as a studio owner and dance educator, teaching ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, acro, lyrical, and hip hop to all ages. She has won many awards for her
outstanding choreography and teaching excellence. Jennifer was recognized in the November 2015 national publication of Dance Studio Life Magazine for her methods of incorporating dance history into the class room. Jennifer has a love for being a lifelong learner and is continually taking dance classes and attending dance educator workshops. Jennifer is a certified instructor in Alixa Flexibility (Module 1), as well as certified with Acrobatic Arts
(Module 1, 2, Aerials and Back Handsprings, Acrodance Adjudicator, and Acrodance Preschool) She is also an alumni of Karida Griffith’s Tap Teacher’s Lounge. She is truly honored to be a part of the Ignite team for her third year! When Jennifer is not in the studio, she loves spending time with her husband, Tony, and their 2 children.
Kristen Felton
Jennifer Loterzo
Jennifer Loterzo
Kristen, a Fort Wayne, IN native and graduate of UGA, has been dancing and performing for over 25 years. Beginning her training at the age of 6, Kristen’s mother always knew she was a natural-born performer. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, cheerleading, acrobatics, and classical voice/musical theatre. Kr
Kristen, a Fort Wayne, IN native and graduate of UGA, has been dancing and performing for over 25 years. Beginning her training at the age of 6, Kristen’s mother always knew she was a natural-born performer. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, cheerleading, acrobatics, and classical voice/musical theatre. Kristen was a member of the nationally recognized UNLV Rebel Girls
Competitive Dance Team. While attending the University of Georgia, she was a three-year member/captain of the UGA Dance Dawgs. Kristen also performed at UGA Football games as a member of the Red Coats Marching Band dance line, The
Georgettes.
From 2012-2017, Kristen performed as an Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader. She led two seasons as Captain, was the 2017 Pro Bowl cheerleader representative, and awarded Cheerleader of the Year. In her last season, she performed at Super Bowl LI and married the love of her life!
In her 9 years as Faculty at the Greater Atlanta Christian School of Ballet, Kristen started their Tap, Hip-Hop, and Acrobatic/Tumbling programs teaching various genres to kids ages 2-18.
She has also worked with the GAC Spartanettes program for many years and became the Director of the competitive dance company from 2020-2022. Winning numerous choreography, costuming, and entertainment awards, Kristen is the Owner/Director of Kreative Movement Academy of Dance. A place where she can mentor those who aspire to dance at any level, from beginner to the collegiate and professional levels.
Cameron Corbett
Jennifer Loterzo
Cameron Corbett
Cameron Corbett is originally from Wilmington North Carolina, where she began dancing at the early age of two. She attended the University of North Carolina Charlotte and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Choreography, Performance, and Theory. She currently teaches in the Winston-Salem area, where she teaches numerous styles of dance and
Cameron Corbett is originally from Wilmington North Carolina, where she began dancing at the early age of two. She attended the University of North Carolina Charlotte and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Choreography, Performance, and Theory. She currently teaches in the Winston-Salem area, where she teaches numerous styles of dance and is a choreographer. Cameron’s extensive teaching experience comes in various styles and she finds passion in the artistry that is within the dance industry. She is excited to share her passion for dance with young dancers, and she is passionate about creating a positive experience for all dancers!
Aliah Butler
Jennifer Loterzo
Cameron Corbett
Aliah is a graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. She was a proud member of the ECU Club Dance Team in 2015 and earned double platinum and overall ratings with her team at
Showstoppers and NYCDA. She is a native of Clinton, NC where she trained for over 12 years in classical ballet, acrobatics, jazz
Aliah is a graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. She was a proud member of the ECU Club Dance Team in 2015 and earned double platinum and overall ratings with her team at
Showstoppers and NYCDA. She is a native of Clinton, NC where she trained for over 12 years in classical ballet, acrobatics, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary,
and hip hop at Quisan's Dance Academy (QDA), under the artistic direction of her mother, Quisan Parker. Aliah was a member of the National Champion QDA Dance Company for 10 years earning multiple platinum, high platinum, and overall high score awards. She has taught recreational and competitive
classes for the past 9 years and as a competition dance instructor, her students have earned numerous platinum, high platinum, diamond, Most
Entertaining, Overall High Score awards, and regional and national championship titles. In addition to her studio training, she has studied throughout the east coast with many dance "greats" including Frank Hatchett (Broadway Dance Center), and "So You Think You Can Dance" finalists Kameron Bink, Caitlin Finney, and Kent Boyd, just to name a few. She has also had the honor of performing at Madison Square Garden in NY for U.S.
Dance Days and at Disneyland in CA. In addition to dance training, Aliah has several years of voice and theatre training. She enjoys coaching young girls in pageants to be their best selves and has held several titles including Miss NC High School 2014, Miss Black NC Talented Teen 2015, and Miss Black Talented Teen USA 2016. Although Aliah has a love for many styles of dance, her specialties are jazz, acrobatics, conditioning and contemporary.
Karson Vick
Meredith Parks
Karson Vick
Karson Vick was born and raised in Raleigh, NC where she grew up training with the
Triangle Academy of Dance. While there, she focused formally on ballet/pointe while
also training heavily in jazz, lyrical, musical theater, and acro. She gained serval lead
rolls with the Carolina Youth Ballet and performed heavily with Carolina Ballet.
Once g
Karson Vick was born and raised in Raleigh, NC where she grew up training with the
Triangle Academy of Dance. While there, she focused formally on ballet/pointe while
also training heavily in jazz, lyrical, musical theater, and acro. She gained serval lead
rolls with the Carolina Youth Ballet and performed heavily with Carolina Ballet.
Once graduating, Karson began working extensively with the Walt Disney Company and
Universal Studios. Following her time there she joined Feld Entertainment’s, “Disney
Live” and “Disney on Ice,” completing three states tours, one Japan tour, and one Africa
tour.
For approximately eight years, Karson performed, choreographed, costumed, and
managed work for a Performance and Production Company. Throughout her
professional career she has performed on several film sets, music videos, modeling
opportunities, and receiving choreography recognition.
In 2020, Karson received her certification from the National Academy of Sports
Medicine.
Karson still actively performs, teaches, and provides personal training to many clients.
Jack Beaule
Meredith Parks
Karson Vick
Jack Beaule is a choreographer and dance educator based in Greenville, South Carolina. He attended the Greenville Fine Arts Center for high school, where he participated in the dance and technical theater programs. After graduating, he pursued his BFA in Commercial Dance at Pace University in New York City, where he received instruction f
Jack Beaule is a choreographer and dance educator based in Greenville, South Carolina. He attended the Greenville Fine Arts Center for high school, where he participated in the dance and technical theater programs. After graduating, he pursued his BFA in Commercial Dance at Pace University in New York City, where he received instruction from esteemed faculty members including Rhonda Miller, Scott Jovovich, Lauren Gaul, and Jess Hendricks. Currently, Jack serves as the Assistant Company Director of Dancers Corner in Greenville, South Carolina, where he also instructs in ballet and contemporary dance. He has produced three evening-length dance performances in Greenville between 2019 and 2022 and intends to expand his repertoire in this area. In addition to his responsibilities at Dancers Corner, Jack actively engages in guest teaching and choreography engagements at various studios.
Meredith Parks
Meredith Parks
Meredith Parks
Meredith Parks began dancing at the age of three and is now the Director of Southside Ballet, where her love of dance was cultivated. Meredith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education. She has performed with The Chamber Ballet, Lost Colony, and The Charleston Ballet Theatre. She served
Meredith Parks began dancing at the age of three and is now the Director of Southside Ballet, where her love of dance was cultivated. Meredith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education. She has performed with The Chamber Ballet, Lost Colony, and The Charleston Ballet Theatre. She served as a Dance Educator in both the public school and studio settings. She has presented at state and local arts conferences and taught master classes in SC and VA. Meredith strongly believes in continuing education and holds certifications in Acrobatic Arts, PBT, American Ballet Theatre NTC, and Danscend. She is overjoyed to join the IGNITE team this season!
Kelsie Jayne
Meredith Parks
Meredith Parks
Kelsie graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. She has traveled all over the nation performing in both commercial and concert style dance works. She spent several seasons performing at Cedar Point in shows such as Luminosity and Vertical Impact. Kelsie also had the oppo
Kelsie graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. She has traveled all over the nation performing in both commercial and concert style dance works. She spent several seasons performing at Cedar Point in shows such as Luminosity and Vertical Impact. Kelsie also had the opportunity to perform at California's Great America in Ed Alonzo's The Second Greatest Showman. Between contracts, she was dancing in Chicago for Chicago Dance Crash, Moonwater Dance Project, and Peckish Rhodes Performing Arts Society. She has also had the experience of opening shows for artists such as Andy Grammar, Colbie Callait, Hinder, and even basketball legend, Lebron James. Her choreography has been featured all around the country as well as internationally through various performance companies.
Brittany Caldwell
Brittany Caldwell
Brittany Caldwell
Brittany Caldwell has spent her life blending her passion for dance with a love of learning. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Chemical Engineering, she went on to earn her master’s in Exercise Science, focusing on performance enhancement, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
Now based in Charlott
Brittany Caldwell has spent her life blending her passion for dance with a love of learning. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Chemical Engineering, she went on to earn her master’s in Exercise Science, focusing on performance enhancement, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
Now based in Charlotte, NC, Brittany owns a beverage brand, Go Brazee Energy, and directs the Tap & Hip-Hop program at Brenda Cranford School of Dance in SC, where her own competitive dance journey began. She spent seven incredible seasons as an NBA Dancer for the Charlotte Hornets, serving as captain for five years and choreographing for multiple entertainment teams. She also backup danced for several artists, performed in halftime shows, and even took her skills to the ice as an AHL hockey dancer for 3 seasons.
With a love for street jazz, tap, and hip-hop, Brittany is passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers. Her goal is to encourage and equip performers to dream big, work hard, and create their own paths in the dance world.
Allyson Vasquez
Brittany Caldwell
Brittany Caldwell
Meet Allyson Vazquez! She has been dancing and competing for 10+ years at both national and regional levels, and has won regional titles as well as national titles. She is trained in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Lyrical. Ally is an alumna of The Carolina Dance Team at the University of South Carolina, who rece
Meet Allyson Vazquez! She has been dancing and competing for 10+ years at both national and regional levels, and has won regional titles as well as national titles. She is trained in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Lyrical. Ally is an alumna of The Carolina Dance Team at the University of South Carolina, who recently won 3 back to back national titles at the National Dance Alliance Collegiate Championship, in Division 1A Team Performance. She is currently on staff at Beyond Words Dance Academy as Senior Company Director in Columbia, South Carolina.
Madison Vickhouse
Brittany Caldwell
Madison Vickhouse
Madison Vickhous is from Virginia Beach, Virginia where she received training at Denise Wall's Dance Energy, The Governor's School for the
Arts, as well as received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Magna Cum Laude from Shenandoah Conservatory. With 24 years of training, she is well-versed in Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap and Hi
Madison Vickhous is from Virginia Beach, Virginia where she received training at Denise Wall's Dance Energy, The Governor's School for the
Arts, as well as received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Magna Cum Laude from Shenandoah Conservatory. With 24 years of training, she is well-versed in Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop. Madison has performed with companies such as The Richmond Ballet, Virginia Stage Company, and the Bolero Project. She has also traveled globally as a soloist performing in China and Sweden. She has also performed and choreographed for numerous local artists' music videos and worked on television and film in series such as The Walking Dead. Madison is an Equity Membership Candidate and enjoys bringing her professional knowledge and experience to aid her students. In addition to
working professionally, Madison is a highly requested choreographer and instructor who is dedicated to her work and students in her training programs. She has judged regional and national competitions for 4 years and looks forward to spreading her knowledge and encouragement to all artists!