Stage 8 Dance Brands
Ambassadors
Passion is what it takes to be a Stage 8 Dance Brands Ambassador. We are looking for new talent to show their love for dance! Stage 8 Dance Brands has a multi-part audition process. Ambassadors are selected based on their application, dancing, and interview. The 2026-2027 Ambassadors will begin their duties with Stage 8 Dance Brands on June 1, 2026.
Stage 8 Dance Brands Ambassadors must be between the ages of 13 - 22 for the 2026-2027 event season, have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, and must provide a copy of their report card and fill out this application. Dancers must be registered in their program's DanceBug account for Ambassador Auditions one week prior to the event where they are auditioning. There is a $40 fee to register.
Audition Locations:
The Dance Connection - Dubuque, IA
Stage 8 - Las Vegas, NV
Dance 1st - Houston, TX
Stage 8 - Nashville, TN
What is a Stage 8 Dance Brands Ambassador?
Stage 8 Dance Brands Ambassadors represent our company while learning important lessons in professional development and gaining skills that will help them in whatever path they choose to take in their futures. Our ambassadors are featured throughout the season on our social media, create content for us and our partners, become a part of our media staff at events, assist our faculty at Dance Connection conventions, and so much more!
For questions or more information, please email molly@stage8dance.com
Meet Our Current Ambassadors:
Molly Williams
Lead Ambassador
Years Dancing: 20
Favorite Style of Dance: Jazz
Fun fact: I took singing lessons for 10 years throughout middle school, high school, and college!
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: I love that every aspect of what we do at Stage 8 Dance Brands is with the dancer in mind and for the betterment of the dance industry. What is best for dancers and what new opportunities we can bring to help them grow are always at the forefront of our minds, and I love seeing that growth in the dancers who compete at our events year after year. It's a work of heart, and there is nothing greater than witnessing the joy of a dancer at a Stage 8 Dance Brands event!
Sophia Griffeth
Prima Dance All Stars
Years Dancing: 10
Favorite Style of Dance: Lyrical
Fun fact: I am studying business this year at The University of Tennessee!
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: I love that it is a brand created by dancers for dancers that always inspires and motivates all dancers to be their very best!
Kyria Barnette
Dance Etc.
Years Dancing: 13
Favorite Style of Dance: Lyrical because you can be authentic and truly live it up on stage!
Fun fact: I love teaching and creating choreography. I choreograph all the solos I compete!
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: I love how they have created a platform for young dancers to grow in confidence and connect with others who share the same passion. Being part of the Stage 8 family means constantly being inspired and supported by a community that truly understands what it means to live and breathe dance.
Eliana Agostini
Dance Mania All Stars
Years Dancing: 16
Favorite Style of Dance: Lyrical/Contemporary
Fun fact: I hope to work in the medical field after college and attend medical school.
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: I love Stage 8 Dance Brands because it is made by dancers for dancers, and the experience at competitions truly reflects everyone's love for dance!
Paisley Akers
Dance Etc.
Years Dancing: 15
Favorite Style of Dance: Jazz
Fun fact: I will be dancing on the University of Kentucky Dance Team this year!
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: I love that they are constantly raising the bar. They're never complacent; they are consistently improving their competitions to make the experience better and more memorable for dancers year after year. You can tell that they genuinely care about the dancers and the future of the industry, and it is inspiring to watch them continue to grow their brands while staying true to their motto: "By Dancers, For Dancers."
Ella Goetsch
Project N Dance Studio
Years Dancing: 12
Favorite Style of Dance: Contemporary
Fun fact: I am very interested in healthcare and hope to pursue something in the medical field in the future.
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: I love how welcoming every staff member is and the support system you will always have!
Lerato Fridge
Dance Mania All Stars
Years Dancing: 12
Favorite Style of Dance: Hip-Hop
Fun fact: I am a stroke survivor.
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: I love that when I go to a Stage 8 Dance Brands event, I always have the best time ever!
Leah Bull
Star Steppers Dance Studio
Years Dancing: 10
Favorite Style of Dance: Lyrical
Fun Fact: I also dance on my school's dance team and compete Varsity track! I won my district and medaled at regionals this year as a freshman in both triple jump and high jump!
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: I love that The Dance Connection has a convention to learn and grow in movement quality and technique. I love meeting new friends there before the competition. I also love that they partner with Rebel to award teams with matching Rebel Dream Bags and have even given Rebel costume spending awards!
Ashley Jelken
5678! Dance Studio
Years Dancing: 13
Favorite Style of Dance: Lyrical
Fun Fact: I love nature and spending time outdoors! Visiting state and national parks and exploring hiking trails are some of my favorite hobbies.
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: I love the fun and unique competition experiences that
Stage 8 Dance Brands provides. From the Dance Battle, to the title competition at Nationals, and even connecting dancers with college coaches. No matter where you are in your dance journey, Stage 8 offers events to help you learn and grow.
Noelle Grove
Dance United
Years Dancing: 12
Favorite Style of Dance: Hip-Hop and Contemporary
Fun Fact: I mostly spend my time dancing and coaching, but in my free time I love to bake!
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: What I love most about Stage 8 Dance Brands is how they use their brands to support and influence dancers. They motivate, inspire, and work with so many dancers from all over to help better the dance world. It really is so much more than just dance!
Taylor Cooper
Strut Performing Arts
Years Dancing: 13
Favorite Style of Dance: Contemporary
Fun Fact: My twin brother and I were born two months early!
Favorite thing about Stage 8 Dance Brands: What I love most about Stage 8 Dance Brands is the community it has and brings together. I love all the new and friendly faces I get to meet!