Dena Cronholm has trained in dance all her life, exploring ballet, hip hop, pom, flamenco, contemporary, lyrical and children’s work, but she specializes in tap and jazz. She’s been privileged to study under many dance masters and assist Laurie Johnson for several years on Tremaine Dance Conventions in Denver, Dallas, Orlando and Las Vegas. Her education includes a Master’s degree and Colorado teaching license.
During her dance career, Dena helped found the University of Denver Dance Team, trained in flamenco and salsa dancing in southern Spain and performed for two years on a professional dance team. Dena spent several years coaching and choreographing for a high school dance team which won first place at nationals under her care. Her legacy there includes a scholarship program, the Community Dance Project and an annual staff talent show. While there, Dena received the Norse Choice Award, an honor given to outstanding educators by student body vote.
As a dance educator with 18 years of experience throughout Colorado, Dena has contributed to program development and implementation, including co-creating a Creative Movement curriculum for infants and toddlers and co-directing the award-winning Belliston Academy Performance Company. Most recently, Dena choreographed a flash mob for the Wish of a Lifetime foundation, helping grant a lifelong wish for a senior citizen. When she’s not dancing, Dena’s teaching Spanish at MSU Denver or enjoying time with her husband and children. Dena is thrilled to serve America’s young dancers for her second season with Rainbow and KAR.

Jordan Leitson comes from Cleveland, OH and brings over 20 years of dance experience. He is currently the Co-Owner and Co-Artistic Director of Jordan Center Dance. He was the first worldwide recipient of the prestigious Al Gilbert Memorial Tap Scholarship. Jordan has studied at Point Park University, Alvin Ailey, Steps on Broadway, Dance New Amsterdam, Broadway Dance center, UNLV – Ballet Seminars, and Florida Youth Ballet. He has performed in Disney World, Jazz on Tap Festivals in Atlanta, The David Lynch Show, Doug Benz’Cinderella (danseur and Geppetto) and performances with The Next Project at New York’s City Center Theater and in Maui, Hawaii. He was also featured in Stepp Stewarts Off Broadway hit Red Hot Broadway. Jordan specializes in contemporary, lyrical, tap, ballet and jazz technique and choreography. He has judged and taught for many outstanding dance competitions and conventions around the country. He enjoys teaching and inspiring dancers to be the BEST they can be.

Michelle Richey received her education in dance from Long Beach State in California and CSUF. She worked for United Spirit Association (USA) for 6 years as a songleading head coach. For over 10 years, Michelle made her home at Disneyland Park, performing in both parades and live shows such as the “Queen Mary” and the “Spruce Goose” show. Michelle has performed for many superstars including Milton Berle, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Jackson, and Frankie Avalon. Some of her choreography credits include Grease, Anything Goes, Cabaret, Oliver, Peter Pan, Bye Bye Birdie, Godspell, The Wiz, and Beauty and the Beast. Michelle also was the proud owner of MKR Productions. 

Michelle’s choreography and students have been the recipients of countless regional and national titles. Many of her students have performed on TV and in music videos, received dance scholarships to major universities, and have become nationally ranked choreographers themselves. Michelle judges for competitions and is in her 12th year of being a faculty member of KAR Dance Convention. She was also honored to be one of the judges for the very first KAR Live event in Australia. 

Michelle’s warm heart paired with her vast experience and thoughtful approach to teaching dance makes her a truly exceptional part of the KAR Dance Convention faculty.

Patrick 31, began his dancing career at a very early age growing up and training at his Mother's dance studio in Bowie Maryland. His professional career started right out of high school with off broadway shows and national tours of the Broadway musical "Footloose" choreographed by AC Ciulla. He then went on and was a backup dancer for 2 years for Toni Braxton's Las Vegas show "Revealed". He has backup danced in music videos and shows for artists such as Toni Braxton, Amerie, Mario,Lupe Fiasco, Cassie, and Corbin Bleu to name a few. He was featured in the major motion picture "Step Up 2 The Streets" choreographed by Jamal Sims. His television debut was a 4 episode stint for ABC's "One Life To Live" and performed on NBC's "The View". Pat has also performed with Rasta Thomas' "Bad Boys Of Dance". Pat has been on the KAR Convention faculty for 6 seasons. He is extremely passionate and loves nothing more than working with young artists and passing on his knowledge and love for dance.

Patrick Pulkrabek grew up in Hutchinson Minnesota where he studied Ballet and Jazz. He graduated in 2003 from Perpich Center for Arts Education, the Arts High School. He received his BFA in dance from Cornish College of the Arts in 2007. Patrick joined Spectrum Dance Theater with artistic director Donald Byrd as a company member in early 2008 to 2012. He has performed many lead roles by world famous choreographers including Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Gus Solomon Jr. and Donald Byrd, and has performed many full length ballets including the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Coppelia, and many more. Patrick has worked with the 5th Avenue theater in Seattle and was featured as "Dream Curly" in Califormia Music Theater's revival of Oklahoma! Patrick started teaching at Allegro Performing Arts Academy in Kent, WA in 2006, and since has won multiple awards regionally as well as nationally. Some of Patrick's students have gone on to pursue their own dreams and have worked professionally as a featured character in ABC Family's "Bunheads" as well as a Top 3 finalist on "Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition". His students have also attended Tisch School of the arts, University of Arizona, University of Idaho, and Chapman University. His love and passion for dance is infectious and he loves sharing his passion and knowledge with everyone he meets.