ABOUT
Rooted in a shared legacy of competitive dance, education, choreography, adjudication, and business leadership, our mission is to elevate the dance competition experience. As a family of professionals who have lived every angle of this industry, we are committed to creating an environment where excellence is recognized, creativity is celebrated, and every dancer feels valued. By blending our deep industry knowledge with thoughtful production and genuine care, we strive to deliver a premier, inspiring experience for dancers, teachers, and families at every level.
OUR TEAM
Meet the passionate individuals who drive Ascend Dance Experience forward.
TAMMY POORBAUGH
Founding Director
Tammy brings a lifelong passion for performing arts and decades of industry expertise to Ascend. As a proud mother of two daughters who danced competitively for over 20 years, Tammy has spent countless hours behind the scenes at competitions, gaining invaluable insight into what makes an event truly special for dancers, teachers, and families alike. Tammy is a seasoned professional in the beauty industry. She has owned and operated a very successful hair salon, and she combines her creativity and customer care to make everyone feel great. Tammy’s experience also extends to the world of dance costuming, where her eye for detail and understanding of performance aesthetics have made her a trusted resource for studio directors and dancers. Through Ascend Dance Experience, Tammy is excited to create a competition environment that celebrates artistry, encourages growth, and leaves every dancer feeling inspired.
ERIC POORBAUGH
Founding Producer
Meet Eric, the cofounder and producer who seamlessly blends over 30 years of extensive software development and a personal connection to the world of dance. For more than two decades, he's been a dedicated dance dad, experiencing firsthand the passion, dedication, and triumphs of the dance community. Eric's unique combination of technical experience, along with an understanding of the dance landscape, has been instrumental in shaping our competition into an innovative and supportive platform. His commitment ensures that every aspect of our event, from registration to performance, is meticulously crafted for an exceptional experience.
LAIKEN POORBAUGH
Media & Design Director
Laiken has been immersed in dance since age two and entered the world of competitive dance by the age of five. Dance has been a lifelong passion and constant presence in her life. She held multiple lead dance and acting roles in theater productions, including The Little Mermaid, Grease, and West Side Story. Her performance experience also includes dancing at The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and participating in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii. Laiken is currently pursuing a degree in Digital Media at Duquesne University and is a proud member of the Dukette Dance Team, performing each year at NDA Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL. With a strong passion for both dance and media, she thrives on combining these two creative outlets to tell powerful visual stories. Her years of experience as a dance teacher have further fueled her love for the art form and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of performers. Laiken is excited to expand her role in the dance industry by contributing her talents to the production and media side of competitive dance.
ALEXANDRA KROPP
Competition Director
Alexandra began her twenty-three-year-long dance career as a student at a local dance academy in her home city of Pittsburgh, PA. She began to study competitive dance at the age of four. As a competitive dancer, she competed in thousands of competitions, receiving many titles and highest scoring awards. She had the privilege to study under the Joffrey School of Ballet and other well-achieved choreographers. She performed as a dancer in the stage productions of The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and The Beast, Modern Millie, and 42nd Street, and choreographed the stage production of Alice in Wonderland. She was featured in both the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, and the Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, DC. She has also performed several times at The Magic Kingdom in Disney World. She is a passionate teacher and award-winning choreographer in Pittsburgh, PA. She has abundant expertise on the judging panel, having adjudicated for world-renowned dance competitions across the country. She is thrilled to expand her role in the industry by contributing her experience to the ownership and production side of competitive dance.
MAX KROPP
Stage Operations Director
With over a decade of hands-on experience in the competitive dance world, Max brings a unique blend of logistical expertise, leadership, and backstage efficiency to our team. As a skilled contractor and project manager by trade, Max is no stranger to working under pressure, building systems quickly, and ensuring every detail runs smoothly behind the scenes. His ability to coordinate moving parts, problem-solve in real time, and adapt to high-energy environments makes him an invaluable asset to our competition’s stage operations. Whether managing backstage flow or troubleshooting last-minute challenges, Max ensures that every performer and studio has a seamless and professional experience.