Hosts and Judges 

Aaron and Dr. Nina Cash

Meet Aaron and Dr. Nina Cash, a dynamic couple leaving their mark in various spheres of life. Dr. Nina Cash recently concluded a remarkable 30-year career in higher education, training, and workforce development. As a retired associate dean embarking on an encore career, Nina has become a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie at the age of 57, earning a spot in their highly anticipated 60th-anniversary issue coming out in May 2024. Nina's "encoreer" takes her around the globe, gracing print ads and commercials for clothing, beauty, skin care, health, fitness, travel, and hospitality brands.

Originally hailing from Australia, Aaron Cash, a versatile actor, dancer, and choreographer, now proudly calls America home. His illustrious career includes work with legends such as Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharp, Cher, Prince, and Michael Jackson. Aaron is also an original Australian Tap Dog and the co-creator of the globally acclaimed production, Ballet Revolucion, performed at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall for Queen Elizabeth's 60th Jubilee. Broadway has hosted his one-man show, "Last Dance the Forgotten Masters," and his screen presence extends to iconic films like Titanic and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as television shows like Will and Grace. He has also served as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, Australia.

When not traversing the world for their respective careers, Aaron and Nina devote their time to volunteering for organizations and causes that positively impact people, animals, and their community. Stuart Haskin, Executive Director of Project Get Safe, acknowledges their commitment to community service, citing them as inspirations through their non-profit work, personal achievements, and a shared passion for life.

Judges 

James Fauntleroy

From Inglewood, California, 4x Grammy Award winner James Fauntleroy is perhaps best known for co-writing seven of the songs from Bruno Mars 2017 multi-Grammy-winning album 24K Magic, including Song of the Year, That’s What I Like - having become the first [pure] songwriter to ever bring home a Grammy for Album of the Year. Fauntleroy has co-written and produced songs for and with other notable artists including Beyonce, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Mariah Carey, Nipsey Hussle, Drake, Usher, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Travis Scott, Sza, Joe Jonas, Jordin Sparks (No Air), Britney Spears, Brandy, Kelly Clarkson, Pet Shop Boys, Timbaland, Diddy, Ashanti, Teyana Taylor, Anderson .Paak and inexplicably many others.

Additionally, Fauntleroy co-founded the 1500 Sound Academy. Students come from the area (Inglewood, CA), all across the nation, and around the globe to learn about engineering, producing, branding, publishing/business, songwriting from expert guest speakers and a curriculum that includes practical information along with the musical and technical lessons.

Alongside music, Fauntleroy has a background in 3d modeling, web design, and coding. In 2022 he collaborated with Disney for their 100th Anniversary to design the Disney 100 Mickey Mouse: Icon of Wonder - expressed as both a 12ft statue and a special edition run of smaller replicas.

Aubrey Anderson-Emmons

Aubrey is a student with a love for fashion and thrifting. Widely known for her impressive nine-year portrayal of Lily on the Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Award Winning television sit com, Modern Family, Aubrey continues to act on stage in school and regional productions in everything from Shakespeare to contemporary musical theatre. She is also passionate about music and in addition to writing original solo songs, she sings and plays guitar in a rock band. You can follow Aubrey and her band on Instagram and TikTok: @aubreyandersonemmons @October.theband

Hilde Byrne

Born and raised in Norway, Hilde started her career as a dancer in European productions of West Side Story, Cats, and A Chorus Line. At the same time, she was learning the skills for costume design and creation. After arriving in the United States, Hilde taught for several ballet schools, then ran her own school for five years. In 1995 she joined Long Beach Ballet, teaching the pre-ballet and children’s groups while honing her skills as a costume maker. In 2006 she took over as the main costume designer for Long Beach Ballet and San Pedro Ballet, with productions including Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Coppelia, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker, to name a few. Hilde branched out in 2013 and opened Made by Miss Hilde in Long Beach. Her designs now include film and theater and can be seen in movies and on Broadway.

Justin Rudd

Justin Rudd arrived in Long Beach in 1997. He is very involved in the community and runs the non-profit Community Action Team (CAT). Some of the programs, contests, and events he organizes include: the monthly 30-Minute Beach Cleanups; Operation Santa Paws; the $1,000 National Kids Spelling Bee; the $1,000 National Adult Spelling Bee; the Great American 4th of July Kids Bike Parade; the Interfaith Blessing of the Animals; the Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest; the National Bulldog Beauty Contest; Operation Easter Basket; Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade; Long Beach Turkey Trot; Teen/Miss/Ms./Mrs. Long Beach & Southern California pageants; Long Beach Touch-A-Truck, and Camp Justin!