Sam Picart

Sam Picart (Kansas City, MO) began his dance training in street styles at the age of 15 and began ballet training at 18 under his aunt Jennifer Picart-Branner, formerly of the Frankfurt Ballet. Sam received a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts in 2013 and in 2016 he was the chosen winner of Ellen's Dance Off competition and was a featured guest on the show. Sam's training also includes the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Programs in NYC and The Académie du Domaine Forget with Rubberband Dance in Canada. Sam has been a guest artist, lecturer, and choreographer for multiple universities as well as taught as an adjunct faculty member. He has worked with notable choreographers such as Mandy Moore, Camille A Brown, Victor Quijada and Iyun Ashani Harrison. He continues to perform solos around the world and has been featured at multiple MLB games, The Harlem Globetrotters halftime show, and has done commercial work for Microsoft and SYTYCD. Currently, Sam hosts and teaches conventions for Showstopper Dance Competition and tours as a teacher, choreographer, and performing artist internationally.

Andie Stitt

Andie Stitt grew up in Kansas City where her dance training began at the age of four. She trained under many professional dance educators at studios, conventions, camps and workshops. In high school Andie assisted with nationally ranked companies such as Pulse Dance Conventions, Tremaine Dance Conventions and Monster’s of Hip Hop working hand in hand with their professional master teachers such as Nappytabs, Brian Friedman and Dave Scott. Andie graduated from Wichita State University with a performance dance major as well as later completing a Kinesiology degree to further her knowledge of the human body. During her time in Wichita, Andie was employed by Arts Partners; bringing dance to at risk and low income children in the community. She has completed contracts teaching for both Wichita State University and The University of Kansas working with pre-professional dancers headed into the commercial dance world. She specializes in all things technique as well as injury prevention, alignment and culture building. Andie guest teaches and choreographs for over 150 studios and teams across the country each year. She also enjoys teaching and adjudicating for different conventions and talent competitions. Andie is the founder of “Dance on with Diabetes”; a support group for dancers living with Type 1 Diabetes. Andie is known for her explosive energy, the ability to make all dancers feel excited and welcomed and her creative insight for technique in all styles of dance. She is honored and humbled to have the opportunity to continue growing her passion for dance. 

Cathy Patterson

Cathy Patterson grew up dancing at The Institute of Performing Arts/Dance Factory in Topeka, KS. She graduated from University of Kansas with a degree in Human Biology (pre-med) with a concentration in dance. Cathy trained extensively in ballet, contemporary/lyrical, modern, jazz, and tap - studying under professors Janet Hamburg and Scott Morro. She also spent time living in LA and studying under distinguished industry professionals such as Doug Caldwell and Sally Whalen. Cathy has performed with the Scott Morrow Dance Theatre, the LA based tap/hip hop company – Rhytmatix and worked commercially for The Fine Living Channel and HGTV. Cathy previously owned a 700-plus student dance studio that performed at the highest level in regional and national competitions. Currently, Cathy is the owner and artistic director of Point B Dance (18+ dance studio) and the Point B Dance Company. She has choreographed and produced over 45 professional stage shows for her company including B Human, PhoBia, Rhapsody in B, as well as the annual Point B Dance Carnival. She also is a frequent guest teacher, choreographer, and adjudicator for studios across the country. She is proud to be the technique coach for the Baker University Dance Team, and finds enjoyment in teaching yoga and group exercise utilizing her 200-hour Yoga certification and AFAA Group Exercise certification. Cathy has had the pleasure of judging at the Prestige National Talent Competition, West Coast Dance Explosion National Finals, Dance Masters of America, StarQuest, O.N.E. Love Movement in Kansas City, and other competitions across the country. Cathy enjoys teaching dancers of all ages and is certified with the Youth Protection Advocates in Dance which promotes healthy and safe dance environments for children. Cathy is inspired by strong technique coupled with artistic choreography blending the athletic and artistic parts of dance.

Ellen Mulvihill

Ellen Mulvihill is a New Jersey native who is currently based out of New York City. After receiving her degree in dance performance from Oklahoma City University, she went on to travel and perform with both RWS Entertainment Group and Holland America Cruise Line. Here, she was able to showcase her talents as a featured dancer, aerialist, dance captain, and swing all while traveling the world. Ellen’s credits also include Oklahoma! (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), The Astaire Awards (The Joyce Theater, NYC), Broadway Bares (Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC), Cabaret in Concert (Classic Theatre of Maryland), Step One Dance Company workshop cast, Fashion Ad Campaigns, and choreography showcases at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Joyce Theater in New York City, and Steps on Broadway. Ellen has had the privilege of working with amazing choreographers such as Benji Schwimmer, Bo Park, Brian Nicholson, Jesse Robb, Kellen Stancil, Sarah O’Gleby, and Talia Favia to name a few!

In addition to performing, Ellen has found a deep love for teaching and choreographing. This passion allows her to connect and give back to the upcoming generation of dancers!