We would just like to take a moment to say thank you so much from Team AXIS. We are excited to have you experience our fun, innovative competition. AXIS is dedicated to creating great memories that will leave you inspired and driven to be the best dancer you can be. We know you are passionate, dedicated and work really hard all year, which puts a smile on our face. So we promise that you will leave with that same smile!
Come and Experience AXIS Dance Competition - where Passion meets Talent!
Linda Diamond
Competition Director
Linda Diamond has over 22 years of dance competition experience as the Director of one of the largest workshop/competitions in the country. Previous to this major accomplishment Linda owned and operated a very successful dance studio in Ohio that won multiple national titles. Many of her students went on to become professional dancers performing on Broadway and other major stages across the world. Linda is looking forward to leading Team AXIS.
Jason Davies
Associate Director
Jason has had a career in the dance world that has spanned almost twenty years. At age 17 he moved to New York performing in such productions as Wicked, Footloose, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. He was a featured dancer on Saturday Night Live in multiple episodes. Jason then set his sights on Las Vegas, performing in Le Reve and Recycled Percussion (Americas Got Talent). He has performed with artists such as Taylor Swift and The Foo Fighters. He is absolutely thrilled to be a part of AXIS Dance Competition.
Summer Rich
Summer began her professional career at the young age of 9, and at the age of 15 she was the youngest dancer in Las Vegas to perform in the multi-million dollar production “EFX”. Her career has taken her around the world performing in such productions as The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Little Mermaid (Japan), Tap Girls and Norwegian Cruise line to name a few. Besides her successful dance career, Summer is an accomplished aerialist and has performed in Japan, Las Vegas and New York. She is really excited to be apart of Team AXIS!
Trent Nelson
Audio Engineer
Trent has over a decade of experience as an audio engineer, starting his journey at just 14 years old under the mentorship of a church leader. Since then, he has contributed his expertise to organizations like the YMCA (NAYDO), McDonald's, Georgia-Pacific, and many others. Trent is deeply passionate about audio, striving to ensure presenters and performers sound their best on stage. Beyond his work in audio, he is an avid dancer, specializing in West Coast Swing and other partner dances. He holds a deep respect for dance as a medium for building character and confidence. Trent is thrilled to bring his skills and enthusiasm to AXIS Dance Competition!
Kelly Long
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kelly began her career as a dancer for Celebrity Cruiselines getting to tour over Europe, Caribbean, and Alaska. After moving to Las Vegas she has appeared in many shows including: "Jubilee- The Showgirl Spectacular", "Sirens of Treasure Island", "Legends In Concert", and "Show In The Sky" to name a few. Her favorite TV credits include: "TOP Chef- Las Vegas"- BRAVO, Wipeout"- ABC, "World Series of Poker"- ESPN, "Descontrol"- Telemundo. She currently is the Dance Captain at "Flashback Tina Turner" and manages large entertainment events throughout Las Vegas. Kelly is looking forward to being a part of this awesome AXIS team and seeing all the incredible talent across the country!
Jordyn Starkovich
Jordyn was a member of the Pre-Professional Program at Allegro Performing Arts Academy in Kent, Washington, where she traveled and learned from numerous industry professionals. Upon high school graduation, she moved to Idaho to pursue a Media Communications and Marketing degree from Boise State University while dancing on the nationally-ranked Mane Line Dance Team. Jordyn performs at all Boise State sporting events and competes at the national level, performing for 30,000+ fans. Jordyn is excited for the opportunity work with Axis Dance Competition!
Brittney Bennett
Brittney grew up as a competitive studio dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada. After high school, she went on to dance competitively for Arizona State University. Brittney was awarded the Captain position her Junior and Senior year. In 2013, her team received 2nd place in the D1A dance division at UDA College Nationals with a routine that she co-choreographed. This achievement awarded her team to represent Team USA at the ICU World Championships, where they received the gold medal. Brittney has spent her years after college traveling the country teaching at studios and choreographing for many high school and college dance teams. She currently co-owns a choreography business, coaches the Arizona Aces Worlds Team, and is a faculty member of the Dance Team Project and AXIS Dance Competition.
Lilee Mclean
Lilee is from Boise, Idaho and recently graduated from High School attending Idaho Fine Arts Academy as a dance major. Lilee has extensive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary & Musical Theater. She won scholarships for summer intensives with Idaho Dance Theater and Boise State University. Some of her highlights include dancing for Dance The Magic on Broadway in New York City, NY and the Dance The Magic Disneyland parade in Anaheim, CA. She has danced half time performances for the Harlem Globetrotters and Boise State University. She is currently traveling as a A- squad assistant for AXIS Dance Convention. Lilee's is thrilled to be a part of the AXIS team!
Ashley Smith
Ashley grew up as a competitive dancer in Orlando, Florida. She graduated from Boise State University where she was on the Mane Line dance team for 3 years. She was named captain her last 2 years. She was also on the first Arizona Aces Worlds Team in 2021. Ashley plans to dance professionally!
Helena Skibbe
Helena grew up in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and graduated from Seneca Valley High School. She was a public affairs officer in the ROTC and is currently studying business management at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She is thrilled to be apart a team AXIS!