Liz McGiffin – Master of Ceremonies
Meteorologist at NBC4
Liz McGiffin is a meteorologist at NBC4 in Columbus.
Liz earned her degree in atmospheric science, and minored in math at University of Missouri. She started doing TV weather at the local NBC affiliate while she was a still a student, and made her first on-air appearance her sophomore year. Her career has taken her from Missouri to Oregon and how to the Buckeye State, where our crazy weather keeps her busy!
Liz grew up golfing, swimming, dancing, and being involved with as much as possible! As far as dance experience goes, Liz grew up doing just about everything that her dance studio offered including ballet, modern, jazz and tap.
While she was living in Oregon, Liz started taking west coast swing dance classes. She hasn’t had a chance to learn about other partner dances, but loves the opportunity to get connected to people through dance.
Liz is a member of the American Meteorological Society, and has served on several committees including ones that help to plan part of the annual conference. She loves giving back to her community, and her family hosts an annual golf tournament that raises money for Head For The Cure.
Anna Trebunskaya – Judge
World famous Anna, dancer, choreographer, actress and TV personality
Anna Trebunskaya was born and raised in Chelyabinsk, Russia in a family of professional ballroom dancers, so the transition to the dance floor was a natural progression of her heritage. She began her journey as a dancer at the ripe young age of six, winning her first ballroom dance competition a year later. When she was 17, Anna moved to the United States with her parents to further pursue her career as a professional, world class dancer. She won her first US title of Amateur Standard Youth Championship in 1997.
In 2000, Anna became a professional competitive dancer and instructor and shortly thereafter moved to California to partner with dancer Jonathan Roberts. From 2001 to 2006 they achieved many high placements in prestigious competitions around the world. Anna was the 2004 USA Rising Star Latin Champion, ranked 6th in the U.S., 24th in the world and placed 2nd in the Blackpool Rising Star Latin championship.
In 2006, Anna teamed with Pavlo Barsuk for two years, capturing 3rd place in the Professional Latin U.S. final, 2nd place in the Rising Star Professional Latin UK Championship and 4th in the Rising Star Professional Latin Blackpool Dance Festival. In the same year, Anna made her Dancing With The Stars debut during Season 2, partnering with NFL legend, Jerry Rice, coming in runner-up. For nine more seasons, she was a staple on the show.
In addition to her television appearances, Anna continues to perform in various live stage shows all over the country. You can see her headlining productions such as Dance to the Movies, Ballroom with a Twist, Forever Tango, and more.
The Russian beauty has been featured in numerous media outlets including Shape Magazine, Life & Style, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, TV Guide, Runway, InTouch, People, US Weekly, and many others. She has also made appearances on ABC’s Shark Tank as an endorsee of Posture Now, the infomercial for Total Gym, Hell’s Kitchen, a special celebrity episode of Family Feud and was a celebrity curator on Opensky.com. She has also been on ESPN’s Mike & Mike Show teaching Mike Greenberg to salsa.
Also an entrepreneur, Anna and her mother Irina together own the You Can Dance studio in Hermosa Beach, CA. Anna currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, actor/writer/filmmaker Nevin Millan, their daughter Amalya and son Kaspyan.
Kimberley Mitchell – Judge
Kimberley Mitchell Studios
British and American National Latin Dance Champion. Travels the country as a Judge for National Dance Council of America competitions.
As a Consultant Kimberley works with dance studios across the country, educating their staff and students virtually and in person.
Being the Dance Director for Fred Astaire Columbus, she has familiarized herself with the franchise curriculum, and can now add her own flare and knowledge to support in building the Ohio region.
She also has the great privilege to have two children, Ava and her Husband.
Joseph Morrer – Judge
Musician and Comedian
Joseph Moorer has been performing in Columbus since 2003. He then joined The Conspiracy Band in 2009, and an improv comedy group in 2013. You can find him covering your favorite songs, taking a picture of you having a good time, making you laugh at an Affirmative Distraction improv show, or being a loving father to his daughter Emerald.
Last year, he and Amy Ross of The Crystal Ballroom Dance Centet added “ballroom dancing” to his resume. This year, a new entry. “Special Guest High Judge of Ballroom Dancing Competition and Performance” (self proclaimed). And he’s not going to make it easy for you, Vince Workman! #TheMoorerYouKnow