Harley Abrams is nine years old and a native of Lithonia, Georgia. She began formal dance training at the age of two at Triple 7 Dance Studio and is currently a member of the Junior Company. She trains extensively in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip-hop and tumbling. In addition to dancing, Harley also enjoys acting. She was cast as a 'Munchkin' and 'Citizen' in The Wiz, presented by Triple7 Dance Studio, for two years in a row. When Harley is not performing, she devotes much of her time to academic studies; she's a high-achieving scholar! Last fall, Harley was inducted into the National Jr. Beta Club at her school, where she serves as Treasurer. Harley is also a member of her school's step team and is a proud safety patrol. Recently, she's been recognized as 'Best Reader', 'Most Creative','Best Speller' and Citizen of the Month. Harley's future plans are to become a professional dancer and performer. She'd love to one day perform on Broadway and meet Beyonce! Harley is excited to be a KAR Protege and looks forward to developing her craft while serving others.

Amanda Aikens from Long Island, NY started dancing at the age of 3 years old. Amanda started competing at the age of 5. She dances and competes in tap, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and tumbling. Amanda won Miss Teen dance for Car 2022 dance tour. In addition, she won Miss Teen for On Stage dance tour and was the top scoring for open routine. In total Amanda has competed in 4 competitions for the year, placing in first for 3 out of the 4. Her favorite style of dance is Jazz and hip-hop.

Lindsey is 12 years old and is currently in 7^th grade at Edgar Middle School in Metuchen, New Jersey. She started dancing at the age of 3, and at the age of 7 joined the competitive dance company at the Jill Justin Dance Alliance located in Edison, NJ. Lindsey trains in many genres of dance, however, her favorites are tap, jazz, contemporary, and lyrical. Over the years, Lindsey has won numerous 1^st place overall awards, convention scholarships, and titles. She is so thankful to be able to share her passion for dance through the KAR Protégé Program.

Kaedyn Imani has been dancing since she was 3 years old and has been at her current dance studio KAST ACADEMY OF THE ARTS since she was 6 years old. She has trained in all styles such as jazz, contemporary, hip hop and tap. She is currently a 14 year old sophomore attending Christian Brothers High School where she is on the 10 grade class council, she is a Lassalian Ambassador and is the captain of the Varsity cheerleading team. Through dance she has has won many awards, scholarships, recognitions, titles and first overalls and was crowned Miss Teen dance at her regional KAR dance competition.

Valeesa Anderson is a St Louis, MO native; she is 14 years old and has been training in dance for 10+ years while on a competitive team for 7 years. She has trained at DK Dance Productions from the beginning and is proud to be considered a leader among her peers. Valeesa is a well-rounded and focused dancer who loves challenges and always sets goals to aim for and with her faith and relationship with God she believes they can be achieved. She trains in several styles of dance, such as, ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling. Over the years, Valeesa has won many awards in addition to receiving various amounts of scholarships. Here's a list of some of these awards: crowned title winner, "Miss Platinum" 2019 in STL, won Talent on Parade 2019 National Solo Champion in STL, held title of "Miss Showbiz" 2019 & 2021, announced Rainbow's regional Teen "Dancer of the year" 2020-2021, voted Hollywood Vibe "Dancer of The Year" STL in 2019-2020 and 2021-2022, received an invitation to be one of Revels Dance Convention "Pro Reveler" for Season 7 in 2022-23, selected as KAR Protege' Performer 2022, crowned "Elite Miss Teen Dance America" at KAR in 2022, and won many 1st overalls at various competitions. Valeesa is a teacher assistant at DK and has been for 4 years now, which allows her experience to help develop and mentor others. She is also a part of the National Honors Society for Dance Arts and loves working together with dance friends to give back to the community. Valeesa inspires and dreams to be a professional dancer and besides her passion for dance she also loves to sing, draw, and read.

I am from Houston TX. I started dancing when I was 6 years old. From a shy little girl I have gained my confidence through my love for dance. I have been competing for the past 4 years. In this past year as a junior performer I have learned so much and really challenged myself. I pushed myself and was determined to grow in my acro skills and my technique. I train at J-Dance Company in South Houston I train in jazz, contemporary, hip hop and ballet. My favorite type of dance is Jazz! In 2018 I performed with the Houston Ballet in “The Nutcracker” and in 2021 I was recognized as a All-Star and got to compete with amazing dancers . In 2021 I also won Miss Junior title . Dance is how I get to express myself and get to really show the fun and sassy side of me. Outside of dance I love fashion and love to bake.

I have been dancing since I was 6 years old. Up until I reached the age of 10, I had only done ballet at Li's Ballet Studio. After joining Zoetic Movement, I was exposed to and started to develop a passion for styles like contemporary, jazz, tap, and lyrical, while still training in ballet. I joined Zoetic Movement's competition team when I was 11 and have been the team's captain consecutively for 2 years now, this year being my last. Early last year, I discovered a love for hip hop as well and have been attending and training in classes taught by different instructors in LA with a range of different styles. I'm extremely honored and grateful to have been chosen to be a part of the Protege Program. Dance has always been more than just a hobby to me, it's a lifestyle.

Taylor is 12 years old.  She began dancing at the age of three at Perfect Pointe School of Dance and joined the competition team at age 6.  She’s danced competitively in all styles including ballet and is on her second year dancing on pointe.  Her team has traveled to YAGP finals for three years and placed top 24 in the world in 2023.  She currently holds the title of Ms Junior Photogenic at Kar nationals 2022. Also winning regional title in 2021.  Taylor can be seen in fun commercials such as Disney, Old Navy, Xifinity to name a few.  Taylor loves to travel and spend time with her friends in and outside the studio.  When she’s not dancing, she’s home with her family and dog coconut.  Taylor’s friends and family call her Tay Tay, a name given to her as a baby by her older brother Jayden.  She aspires to be a professional dancer and hopes to live in New York one day.  She’s excited to share her passion of dance with others and can’t wait to share the stage with you in 2023!

Adiyah is 10 years old. She has been dancing since she was 5 and started her competitive dance journey at 6 in Texas at Next Step Dance Performing Arts under the owner/director Michelle Stafford, where she took 1st Overall at every competition she competed her solo. After a year on the company team, she moved back to California and joined K2 Studios competitive dance team under the owners Kenzie Fischer and Kierra Fletcher. Within her first year of competing with K2 she was the 1st Overall and Title Winner at 3 of the 5 competitions they attended.  As years progressed Adiyah continued to place in the overalls as well as win convention scholarships, in addition to holding multiple titles and currently holds the 2022 Showstoppers National Championship Title for her duet. Adiyah loves her family, who are huge basketball fans, but also loves entertaining people through dance. Merging her two passions of family and dance together, she was able to move into the professional dance world in 2022 where she auditioned and made the dance team for the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks. As a 2022-2023 Los Angeles Sparkids professional dancer, Adiyah was able to perform in front of tens of thousands of fans while giving back to the community of female professional athletes. Later in 2023 Adiyah signed with MSA talent agency and has been blessed with many opportunities including modeling for Nike, appearing on multiple episodes of the Emmy Award winning Abbott Elementary tv sitcom on ABC, dancing on a Ring Pop commercial, modeling for Weissman Dancewear Solutions and more. When Adiyah isn’t dancing she enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her brother, Kobron, is her biggest fan and she is his! She loves watching him play basketball, which is his passion, loves her family movie nights where her Dad spoils her and her brother with all you can eat candy, and loves their annual Christmas Pajama parties where her extended family comes together in an epic way!! Adiyah is beyond happy and honored she is apart of the KAR Protege family where she knows she will continue to learn, grow, and become a better dancer and person both personally and professionally. She is excited to kick off the Protege 2023-2024 season having the privilege of taking class and dancing along side so many talented dancers, amazing teachers and choreographers!!

Bella is a 13-year-old Jersey girl. She has been dancing at her home studio, New Jersey Center of Dance, since she was 2 years old. Bella loves all genres of dance, but prefers fast, fun, and challenging choreography. Bella always jumps on the chance to take classes as she believes there is always an opportunity to learn something new. She has been dancing in the convention circuit since she was 8 years old and can often be found assisting. Bella is a multiple regional and national title winner at various dance competitions. But for Bella, the real win is the growth she makes as a dancer each year and the friends she makes along the way. Bella recently started assistant teaching at her home studio and hopes to one day have her own studio. Bella prides herself on being a strong role model in the dance community and loves to share her passion and positivity with other dancers. She is so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the KAR Protege family. Bella believes everyone can dance—you just have to take the first step! In her spare time, Bella enjoys spending time with family and friends, and getting as much beach time as she can!

I have been dancing at The Dance Authority(TDA) in Omaha, NE for 13 years. I am currently a 15 year old sophomore attending MWHS. I have been on the competition team at TDA for 10 years and elite company for 2 years. I hope to continue dancing in college and aspire to be a choreographer. Dancing is a major part of my life, when I am not at the studio, I am practicing and learning new skills in my free time. Dance has taught me many life skills, like working as a team, responsibility, dedication, how to set goals and how to balance school and dance. I have a 4.0 gpa and am taking a full load of honors and AP classes as well as earning college credits. I am willing to take on this rigorous schedule because school is very important to me and dance is my passion.

Jaycee is a 12 year old dancer from Jacksonville, IL. She has been dancing at Sara’s Studio of Dance since the age of 2 and competing since she was 5. Jaycee trains in all genres of dance but especially loves contemporary as it lets her truly express herself and jazz because she can show off her sassy and fun side. She has won numerous Titles, many awards, scholarships and National Championships. Jaycee loves everything about dance and performing and hopes to one day do it professionally. Jaycee is truly looking forward to being a KAR Protégé this year and cannot wait to make new friends and learn from amazing choreographers and instructors. When Jaycee is not dancing she enjoys spending time with friends, cheerleading, and cooking with her mom.

Lily Bauman began dancing at the age of three. Her competition career, and her love of tap began at the age of five with very her first tap solo. Lily trains at Karen’s School of Dance in Michigan and is a part of their nationally ranked competition company. She trains in all styles of dance, but tap, jazz and contemporary are her favorites. She has won numerous overalls, titles, and scholarships throughout her dance career. Some of her proudest accomplishments are performing in The Nutcracker with The Moscow Ballet at Fox Theater, her Dancer of the year title at KAR in 2022, modeling for Cosi-G dancewear, being chosen as a KAR 2023 Protégé and being crowned Michigan’s Fall Fest Overall Cinderella Teen. Lily loves to perform and wants to be on Broadway one day! When Lily is not dancing, she is taking care of her many animals, baking, reading, or dreaming of her next trip to Disney!

Willow Beardsley is an 11 year old from New Albany, Indiana where she has been dancing at DanceWorks since the age of 3, under the direction of Ann Colin. She trains in all styles of dance but she especially enjoys lyrical, jazz and acrobatics. Willow has won many awards, titles and scholarships including; 2 time Rainbow National Grand Champion and she is your current Rainbow National Rising Star Junior Dancer of the Year!

Gavin is a 17 year old dancer from Wayne, NJ. His formal training spans across all genres, making him particularly well rounded. He equally enjoys Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theater, Tap, and Hip-Hop. Growing up near NYC has allowed him to train with various professional choreographers and facilities in the tri-state area. He started seriously training over the past 7 years and is grateful for the experiences and mentors he has gained along the way. While he intends on pursuing a career as a performer and choreographer, he currently is looking forward to the next step in his journey as he is in the process of choosing a BFA program to continue his study of dance.

Alia is 12 years old. She has been dancing competitively at The Talent Factory for the last 7 years. She is a member of the Showstoppers team, and competes in contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, jazz, and tap. Alia and her studio participates in the Dance of Hope each year from the Let it Be Foundation. The foundation supports families that have been diagnosed with cancer or life threatening illnesses. Alia loves working with the community and showing her support as much as she can.  She also has won several Overall placements for her solo and duet, earning numerous scholarships, and most recently she has won Title. When Alia is not dancing she enjoys traveling with her family, drawing, and going to the beach with her friends. She is very passionate about dance and cannot wait to continue meeting new people  for this year and grow as a dancer as a returning member of the Protege family.

Jolie has been dancing at the South Carolina Dance Company for 9 years and on the competition team for the past 8 years. Jolie is the SCDC Studio Ambassador and an assistant instructor. She has taken class from world renown choreographers at SCDC such as Todd Flanagan and Krista and Autumn Miller, and other popular choreographers such as Ryan Kirby, Chandler Brown, Kenichi Kasamatsu, Kelsey Nelson, Mckenzie Simmons, and Rockette Tiffany Billings. She has also attended national dance conventions. Jolie is the 2022-23 Cover Model for Encore DCS. Jolie was crowned 2022 Teen Miss Encore Extreme, 2021 KAR Miss Teen Dance, and selected as a 2022 Jump VIP Runner Up. She has won many regional first place awards at KAR and other dance competitions. Jolie is a French immersion and honors high school student. She is very excited to be a KAR Protégé and looks forward to the year ahead!

Leia Lani is 11 years old and she has been dancing since she was 3 years old.  She began competitively dancing at the age of 5.  Leia Lani found her studio home at Outlet Dance Complex in Annapolis, Maryland.  She is proud to have earned numerous awards and scholarships from various competitions.  Leia Lani has performed in a youth theatre production of Aladdin with Centerstage Academy for the Arts.  She has also danced at the historical Lincoln Theater in Washington DC with DC Black Broadway in an adaptation of The Wiz called “The Giz.”  She also participated in the Spirit Explosion Halftime Show for the former Washington Redskins.  Leia Lani has had the honor of studying under Jesse Beaudoin, Sammy Brennan and Pat Brennan.  She has also had the honor of attending master classes at Outlet Dance Complex with Derrick Schrader, Phil Wright, Mario Valez, Gabrielle Odom, Jeremy Hudson, Shannon Atkins, Tillie Glatz, Monica Warr and Karina Eriksson.  Leia Lani has also participated in the studio fundraisers to benefit Dancers Against Cancer, which provides support and inspiration to dancers and their families who have been affected by cancer.  In her spare time, you can find Leia Lani on the pageant stage or playing with her two dogs Nahla and Dream.  Leia Lani plans to turn her passion for dance into a career as a professional dancer and choreographer.  She is so excited to make new friends and to dance with you this season!

Paisley Grace Blackis a just turned 9 year old in 3rd grade who has attended Dance Force for the last seven years. She trains in all forms of dance, but especially enjoys hip hop, jazz and acro. Her motto in life is “to be better, we must do better”

Alyssa is 15 years old and has been dancing for 9 years. Currently she trains in all forms of dance, with lyrical being her favorite. Alyssa has studied with various teachers in Southern Mississippi but has found her home at Studio E Dance Co. in Long Beach. She has attended countless conventions and competitions across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. She has won numerous awards and scholarships, including a Groove Perfection in 2020. She has studied Ballet and Modern Dance at the Mississippi School of Arts the past two summers and is currently enhancing her Pointe Technique at the Diamondhead School of Fine Arts. Alyssa enjoys designing and creating her own unique dance costumes with her mom. She plans to continue dancing in college. Alyssa is excited to have been chosen as a Protégé Performer and is looking forward to the experience.

Tatum Bonjean lives in Central Illinois and has been dancing for 8 years. She started dance as a recreational sport and quickly fell in love. Driven by her passion for dance, she joined the competition team when she was 5 years old. Tatum has competed in several different styles of dance, attended multiple competitions and conventions and traveled to many new places. Tatum looks forward to advancing her skills, confidence and love for dancing on stage.

Kylee was born and raised in Southern California. From the very young age of 1 years old she has enjoyed music, dancing, and singing. At just 20 months old she asked to go to dance class. Her journey began taking ballet and tap. Her very first performance was just shy of turning 3 in her dance studio’s recital. It was that recital tap dance that had her fall in love with performing. Kylee at the age of 11, now trains in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and tumbling at her studio. Kylee has had a solo since the age of 5 years old, with many top overall placements as well as winning scholarships for her solo performances, and standing out at conventions. Kylee’s favorite styles are tap, hip hop, and jazz funk. She looks to learn and excel more in all styles to continue to grow in her dance education.

Hi my name is Addison Brill. I have been dancing at Karen's School of Dance in Highland, MI for 13 years and competing for 11 years. Over the years, I have won multiple titles and awards. I love how dance allows me to express myself. I like all styles of dance but my favorite styles are lyrical and musical theatre. My passion for dance goes beyond performing I like to teach and mentor younger kids to also find their passion for dance. In the future I will be a Rockette, And I have a desire to perform on Broadway. I am excited for another season of being a KAR Protege and being with my KAR family. I love forward to seeing you soon!

Lillie Brown is the 13-year-old daughter of Ted and Sissy Brown of Jacksonville, Illinois. She is a homeschooled 7th grade student. She has been dancing since she was two years old, and has won many regional and national awards. In January, she placed in the Top 10 at the Illinois State Fair Talent Show for her lyrical performance. She dances at Legacy Dance and Tumbling Complex in her hometown, and she also trains with the Springfield Ballet Company and has performed in the Nutcracker Ballet for the past 3 years. In her spare time, Lillie enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her older brother Dalton. She also enjoys participating in pageants, and is the reigning Junior Miss Morgan County.

Kaylyn Brunck is 13 years old and the daughter of Jerry & Chrissy Brunck. She is currently a 7th grader at Hillsboro City Schools. Kaylyn is a member of the Midwest Elite Dance Center’s competition team located in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been a member of the Midwest Elite competition team for three years. Some of her most recent awarding accomplishments include: winning 1st overall at Talent on Parade, Revolution, and Starquest. Kaylyn was also crowned Miss Teen Emerging Dancer at Starquest. She is proud to be on the nationally ranked competition team which won eleven national titles in Pensacola last summer. Kaylyn has also participated in her studio’s productions of Grease, Hairspray, and Annie. Kaylyn is honored to be named a Protege’ Dancer for the 2022-2023 KAR dance convention.

Brielle is 11 years old. She has been dancing at Creative Dance Studio since the age of 5. She participated in recreational dancing for 1 year and has been a member of the Creative Dance Company competition team for 5 years. Brielle has received training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap and hip hop. She has won convention scholarships, All Stars invitations as well as overalls for her solo and duet/trio performances. She holds multiple titles to include Miss Petit Dance, Petit Dancer of the Year Finalist, Miss Junior Dance, Miss Junior Dance Runner Up, and Junior Dancer of the Year Finalist. Brielle loves to dance any chance she can. She has participated in our annual town Christmas show, Dancers Against Cancer campaign, Breakthrough Intensives and grand opening events for local businesses. She aspires to turn her passion for dance into a career one day as a classically trained ballerina in New York. She is looking forward to auditioning for NOCCA in January 2024. She has been inspired by some of the best teachers and choreographers. Brielle is a President’s Excellence Honor Roll recipient, and she enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as shopping and traveling when she is not dancing.

Frankie Bustos is 12 years old and resides in Orange County,CA. Frankie began dancing at the age of 2 . She began competing at the age of 5 and has gone on to win several awards and scholarships . She trains in several types of dance including,ballet,tap,lyrical,contemporary,jazz,hip hop and ballroom. Her favorite style is jazz .She is excited to be training at South County Dance Company where she has called home for the last two seasons .A professional model and actress since she was a 10 mo old, Frankie has appeared on TV , commercials, print and runway . She is a trained actor with a love for the arts. The feeling she gets through training and performing has shifted her passion from acting to dance . She loves the ability to express herself in a different art form .Frankie loves school. She enjoys reading during her free time, going to musicals, hanging out with friends, and dancing. Frankie’s goal is to continue dancing through college while she works towards her goal of a career in broadcasting. Frankie is so excited to be a 2023 Protégé. And looks forward to the memories and friendships she will make in the next year.

Andrea is a competitive dancer from Houston Texas who has been dancing since the age of 8 . Andrea trains at J Dance Company in all genres of dance and her favorite style of dance is hip hop and jazz . She has won numerous scholarships and awards from different dance conventions , regional and dance competitions. Andrea inspires to be a professional dancer in the future. She’s exited to be a Kar Protege and is looking forward to all that is to come .

Addison is 14 years old from Lancaster Ca. He showed a talent for dance at a very young age. At the petition of friends and relatives, his family enrolled him in dance classes at AV Dance Studio 81 at the age of 5, where he found his dance family in his wonderful and supportive instructors and teammates. Dance quickly helped transform him from being painfully shy and introverted to finding joy and confidence in himself. Addison began competing in dance at age 6 and has won several titles, scholarships and Judges awards. For Addison, more important than awards and titles are the connections he makes in the competition and convention circuit, the deeper bonds he makes with his teammates, learning from amazing judges and choreographers; to build on his skills, and the thrill of getting to perform on stages. He has been learning and enjoying many different styles of dance for years; including Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theater and Ballet as well as complementary skill classes such as Technique, Conditioning, Barre, Acro and choreography. Addison’s favorite styles of dance are Hip Hop and Lyrical. He has a strong love for the arts and displays it by also taking singing lessons, piano lessons as well as drawing and painting as a hobby. Addison is looking forward to being part of the KAR protege’ program this year and knows he’ll have an experience he’ll never forget.

Savannah Carson is an accomplished 11 year old dancer who has the drive and passion to continue to grow. She has taken ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip hop at Hart Academy of Dance in La Habra, CA since the age of 3.  She has also attended conventions and workshops put on by Velocity Dance Convention, KAR convention, Dancemakers, Nuvo, The Space,  Lux Five Point and more.  Her accomplishments have earned her scholarships and top placements at numerous regional and national events.  In 2022 alone, Savannah won top diamond junior soloist at Spotlight nationals, Junior MVA+ at Velocity, Runner Up Miss Junior Dance KAR nationals, along with so much more. She is a brand ambassador for Honeycut Dancewear and is featured on The Dance Shoppe instagram often.  She has won the Reflections program for choreography in dance at FJUSD for three years now which led her to be sent onto the state honors.  Not only is Savannah a talented dancer, but she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She has two big sisters that are her best friends, and she loves to play with her dog, Edison, too.

Kenly Carver is a 10 year old dancer from Valencia, California. She began dancing at the age of 2 and has been training at Studio 1 Dance Academy for the last 6 years. She trains in all genres but especially loves contemporary and jazz where she can showcase her expressive dance style. Kenly has won multiple national solo titles, scholarships and title competitions including KAR Miss Petite Dance and Rainbow Petite Dancer of the Year. She is so excited to meet new friends and choreographers and hopes to inspire other dancers by being a KAR Protege. Kenly aspires to be a professional dancer and choreographer one day.

Emilia Cassella is 10 years and and started dancing at only 2 1/2. She joined the competitive dance team at age 4 and performed her very first solo “cry baby boy”at only 4 years old. She was instantly recognized for her broadway style performances and big personality. Emi dances all genres of dance but jazz, lyrical and acro are her favorite. Emi has won over 15 regional titles and 5 national titles including dancers inc, groove dancer of the year, dance xplosion.  Emi was also recognized as velocity maximum artist 2 years in a row. Emi loves participating in all conventions and meeting new dancers. She loves learning from all the amazing talent out there. In her free time Emi also loves to sing and act and play with her siblings and 2 dogs. She also trains martial arts and has a goal to become a black belt like her mom, dad and 3 siblings. Emi looks forward to a future in which dance will always play a big part of it. In Emi’s words

Emma is from Clarksville, TN and has been dancing at Dance Force since she was 3. When she’s not in her own classes, you’ll find her assisting other teachers. She enjoys helping others and sharing her love for dance with younger students. Emma enjoys taking classes and meeting new friends at dance conventions. She has won Petite and Junior National Miss Masquerade and Junior DOTY for Masquerade. She is also is a Platinum Dance Apprentice, 11 & under Platinum Grand Champion, Pro-Reveler for Revel Dance convention, and Tremaine National Teen 1st Overall soloist. Outside of dance Emma enjoys graphic design and spending time with her family. Emma is excited to be a KAR Protege and looks forward to dancing with you this season!

Allison is a 13 year old dancer who has danced since she was 5 and competed at 8. She trains in all styles, but is the most comfortable with Jazz because she loves to show her brassy and charismatic self, and Hiphop because it allows her to find her own style and movement in the genre. Allison has won many overalls and scholarships from many convention/competitions. She loves learning from new choreographers that have different styles and hopes to be in that industry when she is older. She is ecstatic to learn from her peers and amazing choreographers here at KAR and is ready to dance!

Hannah Grace ColinHannah Grace Colin is a dancer, actor, model and singer/songwriter who is not a stranger to the big stage. Most known for starring in Season 8 of the Lifetime’s hit TV show Dance Moms. Hannah has been dancing since 18 months at DanceWorks and has performed with Jojo Siwa, Eden XO and Darryl McDaniels from Run DMC. Hannah made a splash into the music industry in 2021 with her original hit debut song “Control”, with the follow up original single “Goodbye”. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends, shopping and riding her skateboard. Hannah is also an advocate for her social media movement: KINDness Wins - Teaching others how to overcome bully with kindness.

Hello my name is Emily, I have been dancing since the age of 3. Dancing has brought so much joy and positivity to my life. It’s given me so many opportunities as well as allowed me to express myself. I would love to, and to help introduce dance to others, and not only in my community, but others around the world and show them how it can bring them joy and positivity.

Ethan is a 17 year old high school senior with a passion for movement and self-expression. He currently attends AV Dance Studio 81 where he studies jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap, hip hop, acro, and modern dance. He is known for his high energy and enthusiasm on stage, always giving his all in every performance. Ethan has participated in numerous dance competitions and workshops, consistently impressing audiences with his technical skill and artistic expression. He is dedicated to improving his craft and is always seeking new opportunities to grow as a dancer.

Tabbi Courts is a sophomore at Ohio Virtual Academy. She started dancing at the age of four. She loves to travel to different states to experience different dance styles and education. She has won many regional and national awards and titles. She has auditioned and won the opportunity to assist with several different dance conventions over the past couple of years. Tabbi is currently on the performance and convention team at Just Off Broadway in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her dream is to open her own dance studio in the future to share her love of dance to others. She is excited and honored to be part of the KAR Protégé program this year. KAR has always been her favorite dance competition.

Giuliana is fourteen years old from New Jersey.  She has been dancing since the age of three and a part of the elite company team for Trademark Dance Academy since the age of ten. Giuliana has won numerous scholarships as well as overalls for her solos and her duets. She holds multiple titles currently. She is an honor student at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy and has the opportunity to graduate with a bachelors degree. Her school has given her great opportunities such as taking classes with the cast of the Broadway show Moulin Rouge. Traveling to new places like Italy/Switzerland and experiencing new cultures. Giuliana believes there is always more to learn and enjoys taking new classes with different choreographers and making lifelong friends through dance. She’s had the honor of studying under Marinda Davis, Jill Wolins, Manny Castro, Alex Wong, JayJay Dixonbey through intensives. Every year she enjoys performing in The Nutcracker with the prestige Atlantic City Ballet. She also was chosen to model for the UDMA fashion show. Giuliana hopes to turn her passion for dance into a career. She would love to be accepted onto the Ohio State or Minnesota dance team for college. She is honored to be chosen as a 2023 Protege and is so excited to continue to grow, learn and dance with you. She can't wait to inspire other dancers.

Lane is a 13 year old competitive dancer from Santa Barbara, CA. She discovered her passion for dance at the age of three and has been performing ever since. Lane trains at Momentum Dance Company in Santa Barbara where she has been a company member for the past four years. In addition, she is a mentee in the Void Mentorship Program at The House Dance Complex in Agoura Hills, CA. Lane is also a junior mentee at I Am Force in Los Angeles, CA. Lane trains in all styles of dance including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, lyrical, ballroom and flamenco. She has won numerous scholarships and achievements on the competition dance circuit. One of her greatest dance memories is performing flamenco in Jerez, Spain. Lane loves all things dance and is thrilled to be a 2022/23 KAR Protégé!

Aria has been dancing for several years and currently a member of Nor Cal Performing Arts. She one first place overall for her solo at nationals for KAR at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She was also first runner up for title of her division. Along with her competition team, she is part of the Golden State Warriors dance team on the youth dance group, the Junior Jam Squad.

Gage is 14 years old and has been dancing competitively at Dance Deluxe under the direction of Alexis and Arielle Jennings since the age of 6. Gage won his very first nationals at the age of 7 in the beginner level! Since then, he has competed in the highest level of competitive dance. While Gage trains in all styles of dance, he competes in many styles including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, ballroom, and musical theater. He is on the elite competition team, hip-hop company, as well as the ballroom company at his studio. Gage is lucky enough to train with Intricate Training for Dances and Master Ballet Academy as well. Gage has won multiple convention scholarships, holds multiple titles, and has won 1^st overall with his solos, duos, and group numbers both regionally and nationally. Gage has been a Showstopper All-Star every year since the age of 9. Gage has also had the opportunity to perform as the Nutcracker Prince in the Youth American Ballet Company’s “The Nutcracker”. Aside from dance, Gage loves hanging out with his friends, his siblings, and loves to swim. Gage is an honor roll student and participates in multiple honors courses at school. Gage has high hopes of turning his passion for dance into a career as a dancer and choreographer. 

My name is Ava and I am 8 years old. I have danced since I was 2 years old and I have loved every moment of it. My favorite styles of dance are Musical Theater, Jazz, Contemporary, and Lyrical. I also really enjoy helping my friends learn dance. I want to be a Dance teacher when I grow up.

Hi y’all, I’m Layla from Houston, Texas. I’m 13 years old and have been dancing since the age of 3. I love my city but also love traveling and getting to meet new people, making new friends, working with new teachers and mentors. I’m always looking forward to conventions because I know I’ll get just that! I’m currently a pre-pro dancer and convention team member at Athletistry Performing Arts Center. I’m a junior assistant for Michelle Leagens’ @PowerIntensives and love being able to teach and work with the younger kids. I recently had the opportunity to work with Ashkan Image to model for Weissman Dance, it was surreal working for a company I’ve been wearing dance costumes since I was 3! I love being part of the dance world, working with so many people, making new connections and all the opportunities that dance has brought me thus far. I’m so excited and happy to have been chosen as a KAR PROTÉGÉ, I can’t wait to dance with y’all! 

My name is Caitlyn Dean, I am 10 years old and I am from San Diego, CA. At the age of 4, I started dancing at Signature Dance Academy and joined the competitive team just a couple years later. I haven't looked back for a minute and dance has become a true passion of mine! I enjoy all styles of dance and my favorites are lyrical and jazz. I also enjoy sports and spent a couple of years playing soccer and t-ball (I have a sporty/athletic side too). My other interests include arts and crafts, riding my bike and spending time with my friends and family.

Cooper Dean is 9 years old and is from Poway, CA. He is a third grader at Creekside Elementary School and loves being social and thrives in the learning environment with his peers. His favorite subject is reading and he enjoys being a part of the talent show every year. Cooper is also a Junior on the Competition Team at Signature Dance Academy. Cooper has two sisters that also dance and he looks up to them immensely. As a toddler, Cooper spent many hours at the dance studio watching them and as young as 2 years old, he started to take class! He was reluctant at first, but it didn't take long before dance developed into his greatest passion. Currently he dances 6 days a week and his love for music and dance lights up a room! In the future, Cooper strives to be a dance teacher and would be honored to be a judge for KAR one day.

Eliana is an 8 year-old 2nd grader from Florissant, MO. She began dancing in 2017 at the age of 2. She has been trained in acro, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, jazz, musical theater, jazz, and tap. All of her training has taken place at DK Dance Productions where she has recently begun her 3rd season in the performance company. She is avid learner and strives to work hard and do her best. Eliana loves being on stage. Her favorite part of performing is bringing enjoyment to those watching.

Annabelle is 11 years old. She has been dancing at Pinnell Dance Centre since the age of 2 and dancing competitively since the age of 4. She is a member of the Junior Production lyrical, jazz, contemporary and hiphop lines. She is also a member of the studio’s ballet company. Annie has won convention scholarships as well as overalls for both her solos and her duets. She holds multiple titles currently and was a 2021 Showstoppers Allstar. Annie enjoys serving her community through dance and sharing her passion with others. She has performed for nursing home residents and with the non profit New Vision Dance Company as a guest student artist. Annie has also participated in both the annual studio ballet show, which raises donations for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and the annual studio Christmas Show, which raises food for the local food pantry GRIN. Annie loves learning new things! Aside from being an honor roll student, she is the youngest member of the Westerville School’s Gifted of the Visual Arts Program Dance Division. She attends conventions, takes master classes and uses online curriculum. Annie also loves attending dance camps hosed by The Ohio State University’s nationally acclaimed dance team. She’s had the honor of studying under Lauren Adams, Sarah Grooms, Devin Buchanan, Carlos Neto, Andrew Turtletaub and Seth Stewart through Pinnell’s guest intensives. When Annie isn’t dancing she loves reading and drawing and can be found at the lake with her dog Callie, 3 siblings and mom and dad. Annie hopes to turn her passion for dance into a career one day. She’s so excited to learn and dance with you!

Ella is a 14 year old from Orange County, CA. She has been a competitive dancer since the age of 6 at Dance Star Academy Of Performing Arts (DSAPA) in Yorba Linda, CA. Ella trains in all genres of dance but her favorite-styles are Jazz and contemporary. She has won many 1st place overalls, Titles, Scholarships and Opportunities. Ella believes in hard work and always strives to be the best she can be. Other than dancing, Ella loves Modeling and Acting. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with friends and family. Ella says" I am honored, thankful and so excited for this opportunity to learn, grow and be a part of protege program this year.

Ainsley Reagan is a dynamic 16 year old dancer from Roswell, GA who is living in the Los Angeles area to further her training and pursuing a career in the dance and entertainment industry. AInsley started dancing competitively at age 5 and conquered the competitive dance arena with awards and titles in both solo and group performances. She is versatile and trained in a multitude of genres and styles and loves learning new ones. She is currently attending and training at The Brea Space in Brea, California to learn as much as she can and perfect her technique. She has much experience in on stage performing and assisting choreographers and conventions, as well as working on music videos, tv and film. She is also skilled at acting and vocal performances and once was a competitive gymnast. Her passion for dance started early in life and has continued to grow with each experience afforded her. She has been in such productions as Dance Moms, Cloak & Dagger, Little. And Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. She has worked with award winning choreographers on concept videos, music videos and showcases. When not performing and training, you most likely will find Ainsley on the beach, shopping or reading a book. Ainsley is excited to leap into new adventures and is ready to take on whatever comes her way.

My name is Madison Duda and I am 11 years old. I love to dance, sing and act. My favorite styles of dance are jazz, musical theatre and ballet. When I grow up I want to be a Radio City Rockette or perform on Broadway.

Hello, I'm Samantha Ephraim! I'm 10 years old and currently in the 4th grade. I was born and raised in San Diego, California. My love and passion is dance as I love to express my feelings through dance. I have been dancing since I was 4 1/2 years old at Signature Dance Academy and dancing competitively since I was 6 years old. I love to train in all styles of dance but my favorite styles are lyrical and tap. In my free time, I love arts and crafts, drawing, playing board games, playing with my sisters and everything that involves space and the planets. I am honored to be a KAR Protégé and excited for the opportunity to learn and grow from amazing and talented choreographers in the industry. I look forward to meeting new friends and I'm excited to be part of the KAR Family and what's to come!

Ella Lin Espinosa (first name: Ella Lin) is 13 years old and lives in Newport Beach, California. She began dancing competitively at the age of six. Ella Lin trains in all styles of dance, including pointe, at West Coast School of the Arts (WCSA) in Costa Mesa, California, but her favorite dance styles are musical theater and jazz. Ella Lin loves WCSA’s amazing teachers, including some of the best choreographers in the area like Paula and Alex Kessinger, Carlee Puffer, and Chalatorn Ujamas to name a few. Liked and appreciated for her cheerful nature and kind personality, Ella Lin was voted as WCSA’s 2021 Miss Congeniality. Some of the dance awards Ella Lin has received are Hall of Fame 2021 Entertainment Award for Musical Theater Solo, NUVO 2020 BreakOut Artist Runner Up, NUVO 2019 Die Hard Dancer Scholarship, and Showstopper 2019 All Star Dancer in which she performed in the "America Loves to Dance" Awards at Disneyland Hotel. Ella Lin was also selected as a Faculty Assistant for the 4-day Hollywood Dance Experience convention over summer 2022, working with master teachers like Autumn Miller, Katy Tate and Nancy O’Meara. Aside from dance, Ella Lin is an active youth environmental advocate and a partner of an environmental campaign called www.skiptheplasticstraw.com, with the goal to reduce the use of single-use plastics like straws, as well as promote ways to lead a sustainable life through recycling and beach cleanups. Ella Lin has been featured on VoyageLA.com, ABC News and NIKE's YouTube channel for her environmental work. She is also on the Captain Planet Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee. In her free time Ella Lin enjoys kayaking, playing the ukulele and visiting Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. Her favorite food is Mac and Cheese. Ella Lin’s very first KAR competition was when she was eight, during which she won first overall and was crowned 2nd runner up Miss Petite for her very first hip hop solo. Five years later she can’t believe she was selected as a KAR Protege Performer, and is excited to make more memories with KAR.

Mackenzie Farnham is 15 years old.  She dances at Signature Dance Academy in Poway and has been competitively dancing since she was 4 years old.  She loves to work with kids and helps with assisting dance classes with her teachers whenever she can!  She dances a minimum of 4 hours a day 6 days a week, but is also at the studio helping out on top of that.  She works hard in everything she does and knows how to keep a good balance between school and dance.  Mackenzie is eager to learn new things and is always up for a challenge!  She puts 110% into everything she does.  Some things that Mackenzie has done during her dance career is: Danced alongside her DAC family, has attended multiple KAR Conventions, and danced and made a video with Derek Hough and Haley Ebert and the DAC family for the Industry Dance Awards.  Mackenzie has a twin brother, and an older sister and brother.  She has lived in New York for 5 years of her life!  While there, she also pursued her love for dance!  Mackenzie is so excited to work with the Proteges this year and learn many new things.  One day, she hopes to be able to share her love for dancing with the younger generation and possibly be a professional dancer and teach at Conventions!

Molly is 9 years old and from Michigan. She has been dancing since she could walk and started competing at the age of 5. Her favorite styles of dance are hip hop and contemporary, she loves to be fierce and emote! Molly got her first taste of professional dance by working with Nickelodeon and getting to dance for JoJo Siwa’s video UNI. She wants to continue growing and working in the industry. Her long term dream is being a well know choreographer and owning her own pre professional studio one day.

Mya is the oldest of 5 siblings and loves the California life where sandy beaches and snowy mountains are an easy option. Mya Is very proud to be a KAST Academy of the Arts competition dancer where her 4th season has just begun. Mya’s favorite style of dance is hip hop and tap is a close second. Her favorite number she has competed, thus far, was Black Widow.

Indiana Foley made his stage debut at three days old in the arms of his mom, a dance teacher. He started dancing as soon as he took his first steps. Training with Pacific Dance, Indiana has been a competitive dancer since the age of 3 and has won numerous overall awards, regional titles and a national title.He is trained in various genres of dance. Tap and ballet are his favorites. His professional credits include promotional print and commercial work for Cedar Faire/Knott's Berry Farm, a spot on ABC's "Kids Say the Darnedest Things" with Tiffany Haddish and two seasons as a principal for American Ballet Theatre's "Nutcracker"

Kelsey Elise Franklin began her dance journey at the tender age of 3 years old. What started off as adorning cute little pink tutus and shiny black tap shoes on Saturday morning quickly, evolved into something much greater.  A teacher quickly took notice of her innate coordination and keen rhythmic abilities and suggested that she move to the “big kid” class and the rest was history!

 

At the age of 7, Kelsey joined her first competition team and has been dancing competitively since that time, earning numerous overall placements, special awards, and scholarships in both the regional and national competition circuits.  Although she has embraced all genres dance (jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary and hip-hop), ballet is her favorite, and she hopes to one day perform with a renowned ballet company.

 

Kelsey is currently 12 years old and a member of the Adage Dance Center Company Team in Pomona, CA. When she is not dancing, you can find her busy working hard to maintain her 4.0 GPA, playing with her dog Huey, or hanging out with her big sister. Kelsey also enjoys going to church with her family, and volunteering with various organizations that allows her to help and serve others. Kelsey lives by the motto “I am my biggest competition” and consistently strives to be better a version of herself daily.

12yrs old. 11th year of dance 10 of those competing I enjoy choreography dances

Chloe is 19 years old and is a competitive dancer for 13 years. From Seattle, Washington and trains in styles of jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, hip hop, jazz funk, contemporary, modern, and musical theatre.Training at the Dance Academy of Puyallup I am so excited for this opportunity to continue training with amazing dancers and my peers. I am currently a dance instructor and choreographer at DivaDance in North Phoenix and I look forward to the year ahead.

Dacey I Gaona is an energetic, outgoing, and passionate tiny 9 year old dancer. She trains in all forms of dance but enjoys Musical Theatre. She started dance, at the age of 3 1/2 with JDANCE CO in South Houston, TX. By the age of 5 years old she joined the competition team. At such a young age she found her calling for "Dance". In 2019, she was casted as a Joker Doll & Angel for the Stanton's Welch's "The Nutcracker" with the Houston Ballet Academy. In December 2020, along with several of her teammates, performed on abc13 Houston Mayor's Holiday Show. In 2021, she won several National Titles and Championships. They are: Elite Miss Petite Nexstar, Miss Petite 8Nationaltalentcompetition Title and lastly Miss Petite Synergy. 2022 has been a busy year for her as well. First convention of the year at Showstoppers, she won Jr Dance Battle Champ. Outside of her dance world, she enjoys playing soccer, swimming and anything girly!

Amelia Gaudreau is from Nashville, TN, and is currently in the sixth grade. Amelia has grown up in a musical family and has been dancing, singing, and acting since the age of four. She got her start at Hermitage Dance Academy under the direction of Studio owner and Choreographer Andrea Woodward. She was a company member at HDA for five years until making a move to Franklin, TN to join DC Dance Factory under the direction of Stephanie and Darrell Campbell. She is currently a member of the Pre-Teen team in her fifth year at DC. In addition to dancing and school, Amelia is also a voice-over artist. You can hear Amelia’s voice on various TV, radio spots and International animated series, including American Airlines, UNICEF, Bobby and Max, and various Children’s Music CD’s. Amelia was recently featured singing and playing the piano in a conceptional music and dance video for Kerosene Creative Productions entitled “Peace” under the direction of Allison Little. Amelia also takes piano and voice lessons When not performing, Amelia enjoys spending time with friends, pets (three dogs and two lizards), family, shopping, and playing games with her little brother Larry (5). She is excited to be joining the KAR team for this upcoming season and looks forward to the adventure, improving her dance skills, and making new friends!

Rosemary Gaudreau hails from Nashville, TN, and is currently a sophomore in high school. Rosemary has grown up in a musical family and has been dancing, singing, and acting since the age of five. She got her start at Hermitage Dance Academy under the direction of Studio owner and Choreographer Andrea Woodward. She was a company member at HDA for six years until making a move to Franklin, TN to join DC Dance Factory under the direction of Stephanie and Darrell Campbell. She is currently a member of the Senior team in her sixth year at DC. Among her many career highlights, Rosemary had the privilege of performing with the New York and Nashville Cast of the Broadway Production “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” where she played the role of Annie Who. She and the cast performed for six weeks in 2016 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Rosemary most recently participated in a video shoot for Kerosene Creative Productions where she was the featured dancer for a conceptional music and dance video entitled “Peace” under the direction of Allison Little. Rosemary takes both piano and voice lessons and is often found writing her own music on her piano at home. When not performing, Rosemary enjoys spending time with her friends, three rescue dogs (Poncho, Sally, and Savannah), her parents, and two younger siblings Amelia (12) and Larry (5). She is excited to join the KAR team for this upcoming season and looks forward to meeting new friends and building on her dance skills and technique.

I have been dancing since tge age of two. I'm trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop. My awards 2022-KAR Protégé, 2022-23 Pro-REVELER, 2022 Hollywood VIBE TEAM Scholarship, 2022-23 NUVO Indianapolis Junior Scholarship Winner, 2022-23 24seven Chicago Junior Scholarship Finalist, 2021-22 Hollywood VIBE Detroit Junior Regional Dancer of The Year, KAR title regional winner, 2021-22 Mini Scholarship Winner at NUVO, JUMP, 24Seven, and Radix, 2021 & 2022 NYCDA Lansing MINI Outstanding Dancer, 2021-22 Junior Velocity MVA Cleveland. Junior solo winner Velocity Cleveland 2021-22, Mini Solo winner NYCDA Lansing 2021-22.

I’m Adelaide Glenn and I’m 13 years old from Katy, Texas. I started dancing when I was 3 when my mom put me in a ballet class. When I was 5, I took a hip hop class and that’s when my teacher asked if I’d like to audition for the competitive team. I’ve been competing with my dance family, Republic Edge, under the guidance of Christina Sefara, ever since! I love the feeling of performing in front of crowd. It makes me so happy to share my love of dance with others! I’ve been so blessed to have won several regional competitions, received multiple convention scholarships, and hold many regional miss dance titles as well as a national title. I’ve even modeled for a dancewear line! I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned and for any opportunities that come my way! I’m always happy to share what skills I have with others, and I’m hoping to become a dance teacher one day! When I’m not dancing, I love being with my friends, shopping, and creating fun videos.

Elliana is 10 years old and dancing is one of her many talents. She has been dancing competitively with Republic Edge in Cypress, Texas since she was 4! She is very hard working and once she puts her mind to something, there’s no stopping her. She took a short break from dance to dabble in other areas, but ultimately came back to what she truly loves doing most… dance!! Elliana also enjoys playing basketball, soccer, teakwondo, drawing, singing, and she wants to add acting into the mix too. This girl is blossoming into the most beautiful dancer and she’s so excited to be a new Protégé!

Leighton has been dancing since the age of 4. She’s 9 years old, in the 4th grade, on her studio’s pre-professional competition/convention team and is a representative on her school’s student council. Leighton is passionate about learning and discovering new styles of dance. Leighton looks forward to her dance journey for many years to come.

My name is Berlynn Gonzalez. I’m currently 15 years old and i’m from corona, California. I started dancing competitively at the age of 10 and i’ve been in love with it ever since! At the age of 13 i started training at OCPAA in Anaheim, california. It was here that I decided I wanted to take dance more seriously so I tried out for their pre professional program called OC pro. I am now on year 2 of being apart of OC pro and i’m so extremely grateful for the opportunities it’s brought me. I learn from some of the best. Through dance I’ve been able to accomplish a lot. From winning titles, winning competitions, receiving scholarships, to having the privilege of being apart of assistant programs and now this! i’m ecstatic to have this opportunity with KAR. KAR was one of the first conventions/ competitions I had ever been to. I cant wait to share the dance floor with you and I hope to see you at a KAR convention this year!

Thirteen-year-old Bostyn Guarine, from La Jolla, California, began studying dance at age three. From there, she began competing at age 7, when she discovered her love of being on stage. Since 2015, Bostyn has been dancing at The Element Dance Center where she trains in tap, jazz, lyrical, and ballet. Bostyn’s favorite style of dance is tap and she has won several regional and national awards competing as a soloist, in duos and in group routines. In 2019 she was crowned runner up for Miss Junior Dance America. Bostyn is also very active in the Cinderella pageant system, where she began competing in 2019, at the age of nine and won the California State Miniature Miss title. She continued on to win the International Miniature Miss Photogenic title in 2020. The following year, Bostyn won the California State Miss title in 2021 and in 2022, she was named Second Runner-up Miss Teen Dance America. In addition to her dancing, Bostyn was a vocalist and performer in four California Cinderella music videos. Currently a DAC princess, Bostyn is cofounder and CEO of Bracelets for Life, a nonprofit business, making and selling bracelets for a cause.

Ellie Guillaume is a 12 year old contemporary dance major attending The School for Creative and Performing Arts in Lexington, Kentucky. Her love for dance began when she was 3 years old. She continues to grow as a dancer at Limelight Dance Company with her competitive team. Ellie is extremely grateful for this opportunity to travel and learn from experienced dance choreographers as well as share her passion with others.

Sophia Hagmann is 14 years old from Newport Beach, California. She competes at West Coast School of the Arts and has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She started competing when she turned 5 and fell in love with it. While she trains and enjoys all styles of dance, she connects the most with contemporary and jazz. She is always looking to take any class that she can learn and develop her skills. She is a freshman this year where she also dances on the high school dance company and works on the student government. Sophia is honored to be a part of the KAR Protégé program this year and so excited to grow as a dancer and mentor!

Lilly is 12 years old and dances with Sloan’s Dance Studio in West Frankfort, Illinois. Lilly has a love for all things dance. She enjoys learning new styles and techniques, as well as working with choreographers and teachers from all backgrounds. Lilly has just discovered her passion for the art of choreography and plans to pursue a career in choreography and dance performance. Lilly has won multiple titles, with her favorite being named a KAR Protégé for 2022. Lilly is excited to have to opportunity to meet and work with so many new dancers during the KAR Convention tour. When she is not dancing or in the gym, you can find Lilly working on an art project or playing with her pet cats.

Tatum Darlene Harman is a 10-year-old dancer based out of Santee, California. 

Addison is 17 years old and has been dancing since the age of 1, competitively since the age of 6. She is apart of her dance studio, Universal Dance Academy’s competitive company. For her this consists of several solos, duo/trios, and groups. Addison has played the lead role in the last two of UDA’s productions “Cinderella” and “Little Shop of Horrors”. Aside from KAR, Addison travels with Revel as a Pro Reveler and NRG as a National Prodigy. This has been a huge opportunity within Addison’s dance career and has truly pushed her to be the dancer she is today. Within both of these competitions, her roles and tasks include assisting classes and working competition as well as representing the competition with the utmost respect on social media. Learning the art of assisting has also impacted Addison’s role at her studio, investing herself into the many little kids that look up to her the most. Aside from dance, Addison has a passion for school and learning new things constantly. Along with being enrolled in 5 ap classes, Addison has maintained above a 4.0 GPA her whole High School career thus far. Addison aspires to further her education and dance career someday, but still keeping in touch with those who love her. Her family is made up by mom (Amy), dad (Rick), and brother (Bradyn). Addison’s brother is in the Air Force and this long distance relationship has taught her the importance of communication which trickles down into her everyday life including dance. Addison’s love and passion for the art touches the hearts of all that watch her and she is a true inspiration to all!

Madison (“Maddie”) is 11 years old and originally from Chicago, IL. She moved to Huntington Beach, CA at 5 years old where she has been dancing at the Dance Studio of Orange County ever since. Maddie trains in all genres of dance but her favorites are hip hop, jazz, and lyrical. She started competing at age 8 and has won several 1st place overalls, titles, and scholarships. Maddie is known for her determination and spirit. When Maddie is not dancing, she loves hanging out with her friends and shopping. She is incredibly grateful for her dance instructors, teachers, friends and most importantly her parents and brother and sister for their endless support and love. Maddie is super excited and looking forward to her first year as a KAR Protégé

I have been dancing at the Jill Justin Dance Alliance (JJDA) in Edison, NJ for 9 years. I am currently 12 years old and in the 6th grade attending Woodbridge Middle School. I have been on JJDA’s company for 8 years. Dancing is a major part of my life. Dance has taught me many life skills, like working as a team, responsibility, dedication, how to set goals and how to balance school and dance. I train in all genres of dance but I especially love contemporary as it lets me truly express myself. I won KAR Miss Junior Dance in 2022 along with other awards and scholarships throughout the year.

Peyton is 10 years old. She started dancing at Platinum Performance Dance Academy, NY at the age of 1 and competitively since the age of 3. She competes in all forms of dance, her specialty is tumbling but her favorite form of dance is contemporary and hip hop. Peyton has earned many scholarships as well as won numerous regional and national overalls for her solos, duets and group dances. She holds multiple titles and earned  2023 Elite Starz Junior Dancer of the year from Rainbow Dance Competition. In her down time Peyton is a student teacher at her studio and loves sharing her passion for dance with her students. Peyton attends conventions, and takes trips into the New York City to take class at Broadway Dance Center. She also supports her local dance teams such as the Mepham High School Kickline and the Molly College Dance Team by attending their fundraising dance clinics.  When Peyton isn’t dancing she loves reading and drawing and hanging out with her dogs CC and Tito. Fun fact, Peyton has a twin brother Mason, who is 3 minutes older. Peyton would like to thank all her friends, teammates, teachers and family for always supporting and cheering her on. She can’t wait to dance with all the new friends she will make on this protege journey. 

My name is Ciara Hines, and I’m from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. I’ve been dancing since the age of 2 and competing since the age of 5. I have trained in all styles such as jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, contemporary, acro, and even contortion. Kar was my very first dance competition ever, and I’ve been competing at KAR ever since. I am extremely passionate about dancing. Expressing myself hasn’t always been easy; nonetheless, when I am dancing, I imagine myself being transported to a zone where I am unrestricted, stress-free, and unequivocally poised. Additionally, dancing taught me the value of hard work, perseverance and humility. I’ve been featured in documentaries/ short films such as “In Time” and “It Could Be You.” I was a special guest on CTV’s “Prince George’s Youth.” As well as being featured in multiple magazines such as “Dance Feature Magazine,” “CoreReader,” “Big City Kids,” and many more! I’ve also toured and danced backup at the Rock Your Hair concerts back in 2017 & 2018. All in all, dance is my everything and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

I am 8 years old and I am from Harrison, Ohio. I started dancing at Emerge Dance Academy around the age of 4. My top two favorite styles of dance are lyrical and jazz but I enjoy all styles . In my free time I enjoy swimming, camping, and listening to music.

K

Ella is 13 years old from San Diego, California. She has been dancing since the age of three. While she likes a variety of styles, her most favorite style of dance is contemporary because she loves the freedom of movements. Ella's favorite color is green and her favorite food is ice cream. She enjoys reading, writing and hanging out with friends in her spare time.

Mariah “Riah” Humphrey is a 15 year-old high school freshman. She trains in all forms of dance, but especially enjoys Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Tap. She started dancing at 18 months old, started competing at 3 years old, and won her first National Title at 5 years old. She is a accomplished dancer who has won several National Championships and National Titles over the years. In 2019 she was selected to the 2019-2020 TDX dance convention tour as a Lead Counselor. She got to assist and learn from some of the most amazing industry choreographers. Along with dance she enjoys performing in local theatre productions. She has performed in Aladdin, Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, Long King, The Grinch, and played Clara in The Tumbling Nutcracker. Riah is a current member of the tap company So-Cal Junior Hoofers Club, directed by Michelle Miner. She also belongs to a young women’s leadership group. The group strives to grow young leaders who positively impact their peers and their community. When she’s not dancing she enjoys playing soccer, roller skating, and driving her Jet Ski on the bay.

Gelli is a 12 year old born and raised in Southern California. She has been dancing since 2 years old and started competing at age 4. This is her 9th year as a competitive dancer where she trained for the first 8 years at Dance Precision under the owner/director Mrs. Edith Montoya. She also joined the hip hop group Global Mayhem under the director/choreographer  Mr. Jesse Trinidad. Currently she joined K2 studios this season as an elite teen competitive dancer under the owners Kenzie Fischer and Kierra Fletcher. Gelli has won scholarships at every convention she attended. She also won overalls and title winners throughout her dancing years. Gelli is equally invested at school. Aside from being a student leader for the school's student council, she maintains her academic excellence. She also joined several school plays and casted in Seussical Junior, Alladin  Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast. She volunteers to our  local parish and food banks. In her spare time, she loves to go shopping, hanging out with friends, dining with her family and going on trips locally and abroad. She also spends time playing with her goldendoodle. Gelli is excited to learn from the industry's best mentors and is very grateful for this amazing opportunity to grow as an individual and as a dancer.

My name is Ashley Jackson and I am 17 years old. I am from Carterville, Illinois and have been dancing since I was two years old. I enjoy training in all styles of dance especially jazz and lyrical. I started competing at the age of 7 and have loved being on the stage ever since. I have received many top overall placement awards on a regional and national level. I enjoy attending various national conventions and have received multiple awards, recognitions, and scholarships. I am currently a senior with high honors and on the varsity cheerleading team. I am so excited to be selected as a KAR protege and can not wait to tour with the amazing faculty and create unforgettable memories.

Addison has been a competition dancer since she was 5 years old. She began dancing competitively at Briana's Elite Dance Company, which then sold to Soul Inspired Dance Complex, where she is entering season 5 competition season. Contemporary is her favorite style, although she loves all styles. She currently is a Pro-Reveler at Revel Dance Company for the 2022-2023 season and has assisted at Trill Dance Convention in the 2021-2022 season. She is excited to work with KAR and can't wait to learn new technique while assisting other dancers to be their best self.

Emerson has been a competition dancer since she was 6 years old, one season at Briana's Elite Dance Company which transferred ownership to Soul Inspired Dance Complex. Emerson is now heading into season 5 of competition with Soul Inspired Dance Complex where she loves to compete contemporary. She loves all styles and loves to learn new moves. She has previously assisted for Trill Dance Convention in 2021-2022 season and is excited for this new opportunity with KAR Dance Convention. She was honored to receive the Miss Junior Dance title award for her solo "Skin" in 2022.

Kylie Johnsonis a 14 year old dancer who attends SCAPA (School for the Creative & Performing Arts)at Lafayette High School. Kylie has attended SCAPA since she was in fourth grade, as a contemporary dance major. She has been a part of Dance Attack Dance Co. since she was 3 years old until she was 13. She has also attended Dancers Studio under the direction of Laurie Fields, studying ballet, for 4+ years. Recently Kylie has shifted gears with the hopes to further develop her skills in various styles of dance. She currently attends LimeLight Dance Company, under the direction of Cara Terry Purcell, where she studies all styles of dance, and studies acro with Aleyna Grivatti Watts at Bluegrass Dance Training Center. In 2021, Kylie was honored with the offer to attend the Discovery Spotlight from Imagine Dance Competition. She has had numerous regional placements at various dance competitions, This past year (2021) she placed 2nd Overall in the teen division at Star Systems, and First Place Overall at Epic Dance Competition. Kylie has performed locally in Lexington, KY in various performances with SCAPA, Dance Attack and most notably with Ballet Under the Stars since 2013, for the past three years, Kylie has performed in lead roles in this program.

Alexis Jordan is 12 years old and has been dancing since the age of 5. At Karen’s School of Dance, she studies all genres of dance but lyrical and jazz are her favorite. She has won many titles, scholarships, and awards throughout her years of competing, including National Miss Junior Dance at KAR in 2019. Dance is her true passion. Alexis hopes to open her own dance studio in her future. She is looking forward to being a 2022 KAR protégé, as well as, a Hollywood Dance Experience assistant. When she is not dancing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing soccer, and shopping.

Ever since Anny Juvera was 3 years old, dance became the center of her world. She began her dance competition journey at just 4 years old and continues to stun judges to this day. Currently a sophomore at the San Diego of Creative and Performing Arts, Anny is steadfast about the discipline of dance. She enjoys learning all facets of dance from Ballet to Hip Hop but she counts Lyrical, Contemporary and Jazz as some of her favorites. “Watching her artistry unfold on stage moves me every time”, notes her mom. As a former martial artist, Anny knows hard work and effort is the key to success. “People who do not give up motivate me because I can relate. It’s about self-belief and knowing you can do it. I love seeing people succeed.” With Signature Dance Academy behind her, Anny Juvera humbly won the title KAR National Champion and most recently, was named KAR Protégé. “Being a KAR protégé means the world to me. It’s truly an honor and I can’t wait to begin this journey.” Her ultimate and only goal is to become a professional dancer and choreographer, eventually showcasing what she learned to students around the globe. When she’s not dancing, she loves spending time with family and friends or simply listening to music.

Elise Kim is 11 years old and is currently in the 6th grade. She was born and raised in Southern California. She has always had a love for dance, asking her mom to find a dance class starting at the age of 2. She has a huge passion for dance. She loves to take every opportunity she can to learn and grow as a dancer. She has been dancing since she was 3 and joined the competition team at the age of 6 winning multiple 1st overall placements, national titles, judges awards, and scholarships over the years. More than the titles, she loves the community that dance has brought into her life. She trains in all styles of dance but her favorites are Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Elise has competed at numerous competitions and participated in many different conventions, some of her favorites being in the KAR family. She is super excited and honored to be a KAR Protege for the upcoming season! She is so thankful for the opportunities KAR has provided and excited for all that is to come!

Aubrey Kirchner is 12 years old and in the 7th grade. She has been training at The Jill Justin Dance Alliance in Edison, NJ for the last seven years and her genres include ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, hip hop, modern, and lyrical. She has attended well known dance conventions and competitions such as ASH, Velocity, Nuvo, NYCD, Starpower, Dance Xplosion winning both group and solo National Championships and Scholarships in multiple genres. Her biggest accomplishments include her winning Jr Miss Starpower 2022, and Junior Miss DanceXplosion 2022 Nationals. In addition to her training at Jill Justin Dance Alliance, she also has the collegiate experience dancing with the Rutgers Junior Dance Team and being trained by Rutgers University Dancers and coaching staff and performs at Rutgers University football and basketball games.

Sarah is an 11 year old dancer from Mission Viejo, CA. She has been training at South County Dance Company for the last 2 years but has been dancing since the age of 3 and competing since she was 5. Sarah trains in all styles of dance but especially loves lyrical because it allows her to express her feelings through meaningful movement. She also loves musical theater because it allows her to really get into character, bringing out her fun side. She has won many awards and scholarships. Sarah loves everything about dance and performing on stage. She hopes to one day do it professionally and teach at conventions to help inspire other young dancers. Sarah is so excited about being a KAR Protégé this year and cannot wait to make new friends and learn from all the amazing KAR instructors and faculty. She loves dancing with her twin sister and sharing the same passion for dance. When Sarah is not dancing, she loves spending time with friends and family, and loves paddle boarding.

Zoey Kocaman is currently 10 years old, turning 11 on July 3rd. Zoey was first introduced to dance at the age of 4 by her close friend. Her parents enrolled her for dance and gymnastics classes at her local recreation center. Zoey found out she loves dancing. Soon after, she joined her current studio, Michelle’s Dance X-plosion in Castro Valley, California. Zoey’s dance choreographers and trainers are Michelle Barrios, Monica Barrios, Gabriel Barrios, Kara Richey, and Raina. She’s been participating in competitions and conventions for a long time. These companies include KAR, Spotlight, AOM, and Starbound. She has won many top overall awards for her group dances, placing for her solos, and got into finals for 2020-2021 Starbound Nationals. This year, her small group tap, “Jive Bunny”, is very successful, winning top first place in many competitions. Zoey specializes in tap at her studio and participates in higher level tap dances.Zoey dreams of taking her dancing to professional and starting a career. She desperately wants to teach others how to dance successfully and practices at home with her little sister Lilliana Kocaman. Zoey goes to school at Jensen Ranch Elementary. She’s graduating 5th grade this year and moving to Canyon Middle School. Other than dance, you could also find Zoey hanging with her friends, drawing or painting, and taking her frenchie puppy to the park with her mom, dad, little sister, and older brother. Zoey is thrilled to be dancing with you and looks forward to any activities that she is able to participate in.

Sierra Koops is a ten year old dancer from Murrieta, California where is a fourth grader. She was three years old when she took her first dance class but it wasn't until she started dancing at Murrieta Dance Project (MDP) in 2017, at the age of four, when she was ready to take it to the next level. Sierra began competing at the age of five and quickly learned that she wanted more dance in her life. She has been competing at MDP for the past five years. Sierra trains and loves all styles of dance but tap holds a special place in her heart. Sierra has been on numerous top overall small and large teams with MDP. She has earned top overall placements for her tap solo with a first overall at Showstoppers and fourth overall at Kar Regionals and Finals where she also competed for the Title Award during her last year as a Mini. Last season she received the opportunity to compete a tap duet and received several top 10 overall placements. Sierra is looking forward to all that this season will bring and furthering her dance education and experiences; she is excited about being selected as a Pro:tégé Performer. Sierra loves meeting new people who share her love of dance and is honored to be considered for the Elite Pro:tégé Program.When Sierra isn't dancing, you can find her skiing black diamonds at Mammoth or Big Bear, hanging out with her friends, and doing anything that requires creativity.

Age 17. Has been dancing competitively for 4 years. Member of Dance Expressions dance studio in Maumee, Ohio. Two time BTS Duet National Champion.

Colby is 15 years old and has been dancing since she was two years old, competing in her first competition at the age of three. Colby danced as a company member of Project Sky at Elevation Studios in Signal Hill under the direction of Alex and Robert Lee for 8 years before moving to West Coast School of the Arts where she has been a member of the mini, junior, and teen company under the direction of Paula Kessinger.  Colby has had great success at conventions and competitions being awarded scholarships at Nuvo, KAR, Countdown, NRG, Dancemakers and Velocity, she was awarded Miss Petite Dance, Miss Junior Dance runner up and an overall winner for her solos and trios. She is a SAG-AFTRA member and has been in many national commercials and print ads. Colby is a member of Varsity Song at Los Alamitos High School and an ASB member. She has been a part of National Charity League since 7th grade and has volunteered over 600 hours to local charities. When Colby isn’t dancing she loves going to the beach, seeing friends, going to Disneyland, spending time with her sister and brother and most of all snuggling with her two goldendoodles, Captain and Sailor. Colby would love to dance in college and is interested in being a dermatologist or physical therapist. She can't wait to dance with everyone this season!

Esme is eleven years old from Orange County, California. She is thankful she found her passion for dance at the age of four. She trains at Orange County Performing Arts Academy in all styles of dance, but her favorite by far are lyrical and hip hop. Over the years, she was awarded numerous first place overalls, titles, scholarships, and awards. This summer she is excited to train at Joffrey Ballet School. When she is not dancing, she enjoys reading, catching up on Netflix series, and playing with her bunnies. Esme is honored to be a Kar Protégé Performer and excited for the journey ahead!

Chloe Lim is a 13 year old dancer from Orange County, CA. She began dancing at Hart Academy of Dance located in La Habra, CA at the age of 8, and began competitive dance when she was 9. She has attended many competitions, conventions, master classes, and more. Over the past few years, Chloe has won numerous overalls and judges choice awards for her solos at both regional and national events, and has been awarded many opportunities, titles, and scholarships. Chloe trains in all genres of dance, and loves learning different styles/choreography from teachers at her studio, conventions, master classes, etc. When she is not dancing, Chloe loves to spend time with her friends, her parents, older brother Caleb, and twin sister Aubree. Chloe is excited and grateful to be a KAR Protege, and she can't wait to learn and meet new people.

Bella Kate Little is a sweet and determined 11 year old dancer from South Carolina. She is trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical, acro, contemporary, hip hop, and tap. She began dancing at the young age of 4 and entered the world of competitive dance by age 6.  She has won countless regional first place solo titles, awards, scholarships, as well as National solo titles.  She trains at South Carolina Dance Company and in early 2022, made her middle school dance team.  Her team won their first competition placing first in Jazz and Hip hop and Bella won first place in the solo division. Bella has accomplished so much and filled many dreams since becoming a competitive dancer. In 2019, at age 7, Bella won First Place Overall Soloist during her very first year competing a solo and won the title Miss Petite Dance at KAR Regionals, First Overall Soloist at Applause Regionals, and finished in at least the top 5 at every regional competition that year. She also finished in the top 10 for soloist and Miss Petite runner-up at KAR NATIONALS. In 2020, Bella won First Overall Super Soloist at Encore Regionals, First Overall Soloist and Miss Petite Title Winner at KAR Regionals, and many top 3 finishes. 

Bella’s dance career continued to catapult into the next dance season and in 2021 Bella went on to win First Overall Soloist at KAR Regionals, First Overall Soloist at Rainbow Regionals, First Overall Super Soloist at Encore Regionals, First Place Overall Super Soloist at Encore Final Nationals, 2021 Encore National Finals highest scoring dance in the 11 and under age division, finished top 2 at KAR Nationals and was named 2021 Miss Junior Dance America at KAR Nationals! 

That same year, Bella attended Encore Extreme Convention, won Overall Scholarship and was selected to be a dancer and member of the 2021/22 Dream Team. This opportunity let her work with some of the best instructors in the dance industry and allowed her to record several dance music videos. She also went on to win First Overall Soloist at two KAR Regionals and Dancer of the Year Finalist at Rainbow Regionals. Bella attended JUMP Convention and placed top 4 Overall Soloist and was named the prestigious Overall JUMP VIP scholarship winner. Bella also

Finished in the top 3 Overall for Soloist at KAR Nationals, won Encore Grand Finals 3rd Place Overall Super Soloist in the Elite Division, and 

2022 Encore National Discovery Spotlight  Scholarship winner. Bella attended The Dance Awards in 2022 and got to work with top choreographers from around the world. But her most beloved honor she was given was being chosen as the 2022/2023 DAC Jr Ambassador by the KAR commmunity and was able to travel to Hollywood in October to attend  the Industry Dance Awards show and DAC Benefit dinner.  It was here that Bella had the amazing opportunity to share her passion for this philanthropy and the ways that she raises money for its cause and how she brings awareness for Dancers against Cancer.  

After returning from California, Bella competed and attended Encore Extreme Convention and was chosen as an Overall Scholarship Winner, Junior Miss Encore Extreme runner-up, and a Dream Team finalist . She then attended KAR Convention in Atlanta and was chosen as a 2022/23 KAR Protégé winner. She is absolutely thrilled and so grateful for this new journey with KAR! 

Bella hopes that her deep love and passion for dance will lead her into a future that opens the door to becoming a professional dancer and dancing on Broadway one day!

Hi I’m Brayla and I’m 8 years old. I have been dancing since I was 2. I started competitive dance at the age of 3 and started solos at 4. South Carolina Dance Company has been my home for all of these years. I have won multiple National awards. Winning with my team, my solos and title competitions. Some that include National Petite Miss Kar 2021, National secondary 6-8 2022 and Miss Petite Encore Extreme 2021. I have been challenging myself since I was 5 doing multiple solos each year. I love training and pushing myself to learn new things. My teammates are amazing and encourage me with their talents. Some of my favorite choreographers I have learned from are Tony Catalanotto, Chandler Brown and Jenny Oehlwein. Mrs. Danyele at SCDC has had such an impact on me and my passion for dance. Not only has she helped give me my love for dance but taught me so much about giving to the dance community. I enjoy making bracelets and having lemonade stands to raise money for Dancers Against Cancer. Which I think is something amazing about being a dancer. I feel blessed to have a talent that I love so much. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss is “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is youer than you.” It’s great to be a dancer, a dancer like me.

Ardyn Lyngar is an 8 year old competitive dancer from Kearney, MO. She has been competing for 4 years and trains at Studio 320 Dance in Kearney, MO. Her favorite style of dance is jazz, because she likes to be sassy and focus on style. She was the 8 and under overall champion at Talent on Parade’s St. Louis nationals in 2022. Ardyn’s dream is to pursue dancing, acting, and singing as a career in the future.

Emma is a 10 year old competitive dancer from southern Illinois. She began dancing at the age of three, studying both tap and ballet. As her love for dance grew, she began adding other genres, such as contemporary, jazz, and acro, to her dance repertoire. While her favorite dance styles are jazz and contemporary, she also enjoys her studio skills classes like ballet, turns and leaps, and conditioning. Emma is an advanced tumbler and loves to incorporate her tumbling skills into her numerous competitive routines. She travels throughout the Midwest to not only compete with various dance organizations, but also to study under renowned choreographers. In just five years of competitive dance experience Emma has won numerous awards, titles, scholarships, and national championships. In addition, she has danced with the Moscow Ballet=E2=80=99s Great Russian Nutcracker, traveled to New York to compete in the Star Dance Alliance World Dance Championships, and apprenticed with prestigious artistic groups such as Platinum and Immerse Artists Experience. Dance has given Emma the opportunity to build her confidence, express her sassy attitude, and develop an outstanding work ethic. When she isn=E2=80=99t dancing, she enjoys making up her own dances With her friends and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. Emma is passionate about all things dance, and she is excited to be a 2022 KAR Protege

Mattison Martin is 13 years old from Tennessee. She has been dancing since she was 2 years old and started with a Tap class. Her love for dance took her from that one little tap dance at 2, to doing every style and competing by 8 years old. She loves Jazz and Hip Hop the best, and is known for her sass! Dance has always been her happy place. She is a natural born leader and dances to the beat of her own drum. She excels in school and outside of dance her favorite thing to do is sleep!

Noelle is 14 years old and has been dancing since the age of 5. She is currently dancing for Nor Cal Dance Arts in San Jose, California. She has had the pleasure of studying all genres of dance but enjoys contemporary, lyrical, and ballet the most. Competitive dance has given her many opportunities to grow; through winnings, scholarships, and intensives. Noelle has had the privilege of attending the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive in New York, Dance Masters of California title winner, The Camp 2021, and the upcoming 2022 Camp, YAGP (top 12 in Contemporary and Ballet). Noelle is a dedicated student of dance and enjoys new styles and techniques by various choreographers. When not dancing, she enjoys the balance of family and friends. She is excited to be a part of the KAR family this season and is looking forward to making new friends throughout this incredible journey.

Dancing since the age of 4, Lacey Mashburn has trained at South County Dance Company in the areas of jazz, musical theater, contemporary, ballet, tap, jazz-funk, hip-hop, and acro. She has trained with multiple choreographers such as Clarisse Takemoto, Sara Gentile, Nicole Hagen, Matthew Kubitz, Vickie Roan, Marlena Arellano, and Kelley Guise. Lacey has danced competitively for 8 years, winning numerous titles, scholarships, and awards. Most recently she was honored to win the junior National KAR Title in Las Vegas, the KAR Convention Scholarship, and the Hollywood Vibe Scholarship. Lacey loves competing and performing in all avenues of dance and dreams of dancing professionally one day. She had the honor of touring with KAR as a Protege in 2021 and is elated to be continuing her role as a KAR Protege for the 2022 season. This summer, Lacey will have the joy and privilege of assisting multiple choreographers at the 2022 Hollywood Dance Experience. She also looks forward to continuing her participation in the Entity Summer Intensive. Lacey is humbled and grateful for the opportunity to be a KAR Protege and is looking forward to incredible new experiences ahead.

Amiya Mason is 10 years old and was born in St. Louis, Missouri where she resides. She has been dancing at DK Dance Productions for 6 years, which she started her dance journey on the academy side for 2 years and transitioned to the competitive team the last 4 years. This year, Amiya loves competing her jazz solo, hip hop duet & group dances on the competitive stages and always shines with her energetic and fierce personality. Amiya trains in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, musical theater & tumbling; however, she enjoys jazz, lyrical and hip hop the most. Outside of dance, she plays basketball, piano and softball but dance is her first love.

Madi Mattson, 12 years old and a 7th grader in Lincoln, NE has been dancing competitively since 7 years old. Madi competes in tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. She also trains in ballet. Madi loves to attend conventions and travel across the country to learn from the best. She has been selected for many scholarships, titles, and awards in her six years of dancing. She looks forward to attending KAR conventions this next year!

Maggie Lynne McCool is 15 years old from Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Maggie is a dance major at the School for Creative and Performing Arts and dances at Emerge Dance Academy. She’s been dancing since she was 2 and has no plans on stopping! One day she hopes to be a wedding planner and be on a college dance team. With over 20 hours a week of dancing and over 8 different styles, she also dreams of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and to be a dancer on Broadway. Maggie leaves it all on the dance floor every single time. Her saying is “Show up. Show out. And leave some tax.” which comes from one of her mentors. On top of her dance life she is the National American Miss Indiana Jr Teen and was top 5 in the world for talent with her solo “Gimme! Gimme!” Maggie is a straight A Honor Roll student who takes prides in her school work. She is also apart of student council. Using her voice she speaks on mental health and her journey. Maggie loves to give back to her community. From a family of 6 with two sets of twins, she’s a smiling face you can count on. Maggie McCool can’t wait to dance with you!

Kate is 12 years old and is from Anaheim, California. Dancing is her passion. She trains at DSAPA in Yorba Linda and has been dancing since she was 4 years old. Kate started competing at the age of 7. She trains and competes in all styles of dance. Her favorite style is contemporary but loves them all. Kate has won many overalls and scholarships at competitions. She also loves to attend dance conventions and is always excited to learn from master teachers. She assists at her studio helping younger dancers and enjoys teaching. Kate lights up and is energized no matter what she is doing - competing, performing, learning or assisting. She plans to keep on dancing and hopes for a career on the stage. Kate is so excited and grateful to be a KAR Protégé Performer!!

My name is Taylor and I have been dancing for 13 years. I am currently on my school's dance team, where I am the Gold Team captain. My favorite style of dance is Jazz where I get to feel free, express myself and enjoy making people smile I am grateful for this opportunity and I cannot wait to work with the Dance KAR staff, dance with the amazing faculty and make lifelong friends and memories with the other talented Dance KAR Proteges.

Sydney is 11 years old.  She has been dancing competitively at Hermitage Dance Academy since the age of 7.  Sydney has received many overall placements for individual solo routines as well as group routines. She has won numerous convention scholarships and recently auditioned and was accepted into the Joffrey Jazz and Contemporary Summer Intensive for 2023.  She has attended programs that have given her the opportunity to shoot a music video as well as photoshoots.  Sydney loves any chance to grow as a dancer.  She loves attending conventions and takes as many master classes as her schedule allows.  Sydney is an honor roll student and is also an officer in the student council.  When she isn’t dancing you will find her doing arts and crafts and making bracelets.  She loves spending time with her dog Remington, her 2 sisters, and her mom and dad.  Sydney’s dream is to make her love of dance into a career.  She is so honored for this opportunity to be a KAR Protégé and looks forward to learning and dancing with you this season!

 

Bryce has been dancing at Dance Dynamics in Papillion Nebraska since he was 8 years old. His favorite genres are Hip Hop and Tap. In addition to competing he loves to assist classes at his studio and attend conventions. Bryce hopes to pursue Commercial dance and would love to dance on a tour someday

Savannah Miodowski is a 14 year old competitive and all-star world’s dancer and has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She trains at Linsey’s Cheer and Dance Center in Shelby Township, Michigan. Savannah has appeared in numerous commercials, dance costume catalogs, fashion shows, and was a contestant on America’s Got Talent. She has also performed several times with the Moscow Ballet at the Fox Theatre in Detroit and danced for Detroit Piston’s fans at Little Caesar’s Arena. As a competitive dancer, Savannah has won many regional titles and is also a two-time national champion. Her favorite styles of dance are jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. When she is not dancing, Savannah volunteers in the community as a member of the National Junior Honor Society. She also enjoys running on her school track team. During the summer months, Savannah is a Pro UDC dancer for the United Shore Professional Baseball League. Savannah loves attending dance conventions and is so excited to assist the KAR Faculty this season, as well as meet all the wonderful dancers in a city near you!

Maddie is 11 years old. She started dancing at 6 and competing when she was 7. She is a member of the Competition Team at Center Stage Dance Academy in Tennessee where she studies all genres of dance.  Besides competing and attending classes with CSDA, Maddie also takes extensive Ballet training at Nashville Classical Ballet Academy. Maddie has won numerous convention scholarships over the years. Her awards include multiple title winner at many regional and national dance competitions. With her full dance schedule Maddie is homeschooled. You may also see her assisting for Revel as a Pro-Reveler.  She is so excited to have this opportunity with KAR as a Prote'ge'! This is just the beginning of the best dance season and career as an artist. 

Presley has been dancing at Triple Threat Performing Arts in Livermore, CA since the age of 18 months. Her first dance competition was on the KAR stage at the age of 4 and since then has won multiple KAR regional and title awards, is a two time junior national champion, and just won the KAR Miss Junior Dance America title this year in Pigeon Forge, TN. Presley is also proud to be part of TTPA's five time national champion tap group as well. Presley enjoys traveling to many other competitions and conventions where she has won many overall awards, including Nuvo Breakout Artist and the Non Stop Dancer award at 24Seven dance convention. Presley trains in all styles of dance but her favorites are tap and jazz. Presley is in 7th grade at Stone Valley Middle School and in her spare time loves to go downtown with friends, do crafts, and spend time enjoying the outdoors, especially if it has to do with water! Presley is so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the KAR Protege family and is looking forward to using this platform to encourage others in their pursuit of dance.

Leilani is a senior at Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia. She started dancing at the age of 2 and a half. She enjoys all styles of dance and loves to learn new things from different teachers. She has competed in many KAR and Star Dance Alliance competitions and has won many awards. She is a student at The Dance Factory inc. in Austell Georgia under the direction of Ms. Debbie Daniel Wells. At the age of 9, Leilani got the opportunity to perform on stage with Maurice Hines, alongside the Manzari Brothers, during his production of Tappin’ Thru Life. Her dream is to become a performer and choreographer, hopefully working with various different artists, and one day open up a dance studio of her own.

My name is Allie Nguyen I am 14 years old I will be 15 on December 16th. I am an only child but have lots of cousins. I have been dancing since the age of 4 & competing since the age of 6. I’m also on the Diberville Darlings dance team at my high school. I perform with the team at football games & any other games we are asked to perform at. I’m in the 9th grade and want to be a criminal investigator. I enjoy dance, crafting & hanging out with friends & family. My favorite subject is math.

Vivian has been a competitive dancer since she began dancing at four years old, and has trained exclusively at California Conservatory of Performing Arts (CCPA) in all genres of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and break dancing. She has developed a wide range of acro skills, as well. In addition to earning a spot as a KAR Dance Convention's Pro:tege, Vivian has garnered other scholarships at several dance conventions over the past few years.

Aria O'Mara, now 11, was born in Reno, Nevada. She started dancing at age 3. At 7 years old, she joined Core Connection Dance Company's competition team. She has participated in all forms of dance, but currently focuses on ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop and tap. Aria loves the challenges dance presents; requiring flexibility, strength, endurance, memory, timing & flair. Her goal is to eventually attend Julliard and become a professional dancer and studio owner.

Kailah is an Elite and Convention team dancer for Midwest Elite Dance Center. She began dancing at the age of 7 and enjoys all types, learning new styles, and assisting in classes. She aspires to dance through college and become a paleontologist and teach dance classes when she’s grown up.

Nora is nine years old and grew up in Central Pennsylvania. She began her dance journey at four years old in a tap and ballet combo class, falling in love with it every day since. Although Nora trains in all dance styles, her favorites are contemporary and lyrical because they allow her to express her emotions and tell a story through movement. Even though Nora started her competitive dance journey only a year ago, Nora has accumulated many scholarships, awards, and, most of all, moments that have inspired her and shaped her to be the dancer she is today. Nora loves being at her dance studio- Lucky Star Dance Company, and as a homeschooled student, she enjoys training both in the mornings and evenings and would even sleep over if she could! Nora is beyond excited to be a KAR Protégé to not only grow as a dancer but to build friendships and be a part of such an inspiring and motivating environment.

Miley was born September 29, 2009At the age of 3 began her dance career at Onstage Dance Center in the city of Downey, CA and has been perfecting her craft with them to this very day. She hopes to further excel her skills and become a professional dancer and own her very own Dance Studio some day.

Hunter Patterson is a 15 year old dancer from Winchester, IN. He loves to dance and has been dancing since he was 2 years old. Hunter trains in many different genres of dance but his favorite style of dance is open because he can do any type of dance. In 2021 he was the National Solo Grand Champion for his age division at Rainbow National Dance Competition and ID National Dance Competition. He was also 2021 Ovation Teen Mister Applause in Charleston, SC, KAR’s Mr. Teen Dance of America in Pigeon Forge, TN and Rising Star’s Mr. Teen Star Entertainer in Pigeon Forge, TN. This past fall he was a Trill Assistant. Hunter enjoys performing in musicals. He loves to visit Disney World and hopes to dance for Disney one day! Hunter and his duet partner tried out for America’s Got Talent in 2019, they did not receive a call back but they did make it on TV as part of a promotional video that they recorded when they tried out.

Addyson is 11 years old and has been dancing at Pave School of the Arts in Orange County, CA since the age of 7. She is a member of the Junior PavePro elite team and trains and competes in all style of dance: jazz, lyrical hip hop, ballet, ballroom, tap, musical theater, contemporary, and acro/tumbling. She is nationally ranked as a top ten soloist at Hollywood Vibe Nationals in 2022, a top 30 Protege at Radix Nationals in 2022, and MVA top 5 at Velcoty Nationals in 2021. Addyson has placed top ten at all Break the Floor conventions this season (Jump, Nuvo, 24Seven, Radix) as well as Velocity. She most recently place First Overall at Radix and 2nd Overall at 24Seven this season and she has received Winner scholarships at all Break the Floor conventions and Velocity as well. She is a two-time back -to-back Title Winner at KAR and was chosen as a KAR Protege this season. She has been so honored to be an ambassador for Tiger Friday this year and has had so many amazing modeling opportunities. Addyson also plays the piano and violin and is active in her church's youth service program. She is the 3rd of five children in her family and loves to spend time with siblings and friends when she is not training. Traveling is one of her many passions and she is lucky she gets to combine her two loves: dancing and traveling as she pursues all the opportunities ahead of her. 

Candice is 16 years old, currently a junior in high school. Dance is her passion, she has been a competitive dancer since she was 9 years old, has competed in over 100 regional and national dance competition events over the years and won numerous national dance solo championships and titles. She loves to perform on stage, learn from master dance teachers and other dancers, and meet new friends from other dance studios.

Reese Pidgeon is 13 years old from San Diego, California. She started dancing at 2 years old and just fell in love. At 3, she began training at The Element Dance Center and competed her first solo ever. She continues to compete and train in Tap, Jazz, lyrical, Ballet, and Contemporary. However, she has found her love for Jazz and lyrical throughout the years! At age 5, Reese was cast as a bonbon in the Nutcracker for the California Ballet and at 7 she was told she was the youngest person ever to be cast in the family scene. She previously won KAR Ms. Petite Dance America as well as the National Solo Champion in Las Vegas, NV. She assisted a KAR convention in San Diego, CA where she had a blast. Reese is also part of the American Tap Company and competed in Germany in 2019 at the IDO World Tap Dance Championships, bringing home Silver & Bronze medals representing the USA. She also enjoys pageants and was crowned International Cameo Girl in 2020. Reese has been very supportive of DAC and did a TEDx talk which can be seen on YouTube. She is also involved with a philanthropic organization for young girls dedicated to volunteering their time and resources to various San Diego County charities. Reese is so grateful and excited to begin her journey traveling with KAR Protégé and assist in many talented cities. Outside of dance, Reese loves to hang out with friends, surf, go to the beach and movies. She plans to dance her way through medical school and become a pediatrician.

Olivia has danced competitively for the past 4 years doing every style she can possibly add. There isn't a variation she won't try. This past year school dance team and pom were also added to the list. There is nothing she likes more than to perform and teach others dance combos. It would be a dream for her to be accepted into your Elite Protege program. She has been selected as breakout performer often at various company conventions. Her accolades and awards on the stage are numerous first place and top three at elite level. She learns quickly and can pick up choreography fast with a great attitude.

Tara Prescott started dancing at the age of 3 and has been a competitive dancer since the age of 6. Tara has competed in Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Musical Theater, Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, Acro and Tap. Her favorite genre: Jazz. Tara is 16 years old and currently attends the Jill Justin Dance Alliance in Edison, New Jersey where she has been competing for the past 7 years. Tara has won numerous 1st overall awards, judges awards, a few regional titles and even more scholarships. She has also won a couple National Title Awards. In the summer of 2022 Tara attended the MSA Camp in LA and the MSA NY Intensive where she received instruction from some of the best choreographers in the industry. It was a very rewarding experience. As of Fall 2022, Tara occasionally attends classes in NYC. Tara is very grateful to be selected as a KAR Protégé Performer. She is also very excited about dance and cannot wait to experience her next journey in the dance world.

Hailey Rachel is 12 years old from Slidell, Louisiana. She trains at Creative Dance Studio and has been dancing for 10 years. She has been a member of the competition dance team for 5 years. Hailey trains in ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip hop and musical theatre. She was a student assistant this year at her studio and enjoyed helping students with dance. She is excited to be a part of the KAR convention protege program! 

Never did I imagine having to write a biography of my dance career at such a young age, but here I am, this is me. I'm an 8 year old little beast" in my dance teachers words, who is fairly new the the dance competition world and within these past years of dancing I earned a spot as a KARPROTEGE for the upcoming 2023 season. My training started only 2 yearsago with the amazing Houston based studio, J-Dance Company. I am passionate in all styles of dance!I can't really pick a certain one, because I love them all. Last year was my first year as a soloist and within that year I won multiple title awards and placed top in category.My goal for this upcoming season with KAR is to inspire all the little ones like me, to go out there and shine. I am so blessed to have earned this opportunity and I can not wait to learn from the best that KAR has to offer!

Kynzli is a 10 year old from Southern California. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old and started her competitive dance journey at the age of 8. Kynzli trains in ballet, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and acro. Although new to the competitive dance world, she has won several Regional Competitions, and Overalls. Kynzli is also very proud of her years spent as a cast member in Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker Production. When Kynzli is not dancing, she enjoys working on new tricks, baking cookies and choregraphing dances for her community friends. Kynzli’s dream is have a career in dance. Kynzli is excited to be a KAR Protégé and looking forward to a great year of training and new friendships!

Love, passion

Caitlyn is 14. She  has grown up with a passion for dance. She loves all genres including jazz funk, ballroom and Tap. She is currently training under Krista Miller, Autumn Miller, Alexis Rowland,  Todd Flanagan and many others at The Academy program, at The Space. She loves spending her summers doing intensives with Joffrey’s Cirque and  West Fusion, The Space intensive and MSA’s “The Camp”. She has found a new joy in participating in community events. Last winter, she danced and handed out gifts to children in need at St Joseph’s center of cancer prevention. She is an honor roll student and is starting a dual enrollment program to take college courses, while in high school. When Caitlyn is not dancing, she loves working on  her acting, public speaking and singing skills; all in hopes to continue her pursuit to be a professional performing artist someday .  She also enjoys playing piano,  ice skating and hanging out with her friends. Caitlyn is very thankful and excited to be a KAR Protege. She can’t wait for the opportunity to grow and share her love for dance with everyone.

Hi my name is Trey Rich and I am 16 years old. I live in Maryland and I’ve been a competitive dancer since the age of 10, but a professional dancer since the age of 12. I train in all styles of Dance and also teach recreational classes at my dance studio Outlet dance complex. I’ve had gigs on Nickelodeon, Disney, and NBC to name a few. My goal In life is to back up dance for top artists, and continue training.

Isabelle Irene Richards is a 17-year-old San Diego based dance artist. She is a senior who currently attends High Tech High school and Mesa college concurrently. She has attended The Element Dance Center for the last 7 years and teaches the pre mini,mini and petite classes . She strives to gain as many dance skills as possible and also trains with Malashock dance and The Brea space.She choreographed the California Cinderella Music Video, “Stand By Me” along with several other HTH dance team performances. She is the founder and CEO for her own non- profit organization that serves Wounded and injured service members. This organization is what has shaped her future aspirations of attaining her BFA in dance and to open her own Dance Therapy studio. Isabelle trains in all forms of dance, but especially enjoys Contemporary,Jazz, Lyrical and Tap. In 2020 Isabelle was recognized as the National KAR Senior Overall winner in virtual Las Vegas. In 2021 she won several overall senior Elite awards as well as Miss Senior Dance. For 8 weeks in 2021 she served as a dancer assistant to Angela Cifone and traveled all over the country working with younger dancers who were learning new skills. In addition to dance awards Isabelle was named the Navy Military Child of the Year award for her leadership, community service and resilience. She was nominated along with over 1000 other military children and received her award in Washington, D.C.

Harper is a 9 a year old dancer who has trained and competed in all genres of dance for the last 5 years. She especially enjoys musical theater, jazz and lyrical. She started training at Murrieta Dance project last year where she works hard 5 days a week to perfect her technique and artistry in dance. Outside of dance Harper has been featured in various campaigns and ads for top brands such as Disney, Old Navy, and Target. Her goal is to attend college at USC in Los Angeles, be a professional dancer, and forever pay it forward.

Tucker Riddle is an 9th Grader and honor roll student at Haleyville High School. He owns the title of 2021 Mr. Teen Dance for Kids Artistic Review Competition in Chattanooga, TN, 2022/23 winner of a Protege scholarship and regional scholarship winner for Kids Artistic Review. Tucker has been the recipient of many accolades and scholarships at other venues for North Alabama Dance Theatre such as New York City Dance Alliance, North Alabama Dance Festival, Dance Machine, and NUVO Dance Competition since joining the Blue Diamond Dancers. Tucker is also the 2021 Blue Diamond Dancer of the Year, an assistant teacher at NADT, 2022 captain of the Blue Diamond Dancers Competition Team, and teaches hip hop at Song and Dance Studio in Winfield, AL.

Brooklyn Ruiz is a 12-year-old seventh grader. She has danced for 7 years at Murrieta Dance Project in Murrieta, California. She takes ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, jazz funk, and hip-hop classes. Her favorite genres are contemporary and jazz. Brooklyn has attended and competed at many dance conventions including KAR, Adrenaline, Hollywood Vibe, Velocity, and Radix. She is looking forward to learning new things and meeting new friends through the KAR Protégé Program.

Carter Ruiz is 11 years old and is currently in fifth grade. He has been dancing since the age of seven at Murrieta Dance Project. He started with hip-hop classes and slowly started learning new genres. He now takes ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, lyrical, and hip-hop. Carter’s favorite genres to dance are jazz and lyrical. He loves to compete and perform on stage. He cannot wait to see what the KAR Protégé Program has in store for him. 

Bella is a 7 year old competitive dancer driven to grow and thrive in dance. She started competing at Dance Star Academy of Performing Arts in Yorba Linda, California since the age of 4. She is trained in all genres of dance such as jazz, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, hip hop, tap, and contemporary. Bella is determined to continue to challenge herself as a dancer and is a member of the Yorba Linda Academy of Ballet Training Team. Bella has always loved being on the stage whether it is for dance, to perform in plays, compete in pageants or singing with Voices of Hope choir on the stage of America’s Got Talent. Since the age of 3, Bella has enjoyed modeling and acting and can be seen in ads and commercials for Disney, Walmart, Chevy, Hello Bello and Penske. Recently, Bella has been cast for dance roles in both commercials and on television series and she hopes to continue to gain professional dancing opportunities. So thankful and excited to join the KAR Protege family and can’t wait to learn and grow with new dance friends!

I also play the piano and clarinet. I been dancing for 8 years now. So excited to be a 2023 Protégé!

Brooklynn is 11 years old.   She has been dancing and tumbling since she was 3 years old, and competing since age 4.  Brooklynn trains at Newtown Dance Academy and is a member of the Diamond competition team and ballet company.  Brooklynn has earned several scholarships and titles at conventions and competitions across the United States.  She enjoys traveling to new cities to dance with top choreographers and making new friends.  Brooklynn is well-rounded and strives to be her best in everything she does. She is an honor student at Missouri Virtual Academy. She has been featured as in a MOVA Student Spotlight and has been given the opportunity to student teach on multiple occasions.  When Brooklynn is not dancing, you can find her sketching, playing Roblox with friends and hanging out with her family.  Brooklynn enjoys teaching others and hopes to have a career in the dance industry in the future.  She is excited to continue dancing with all of you this season. 

Lydnsey Scott is 11 years old from Slidell, Louisiana. She trains at Creative Dance Studio and is a member of the competitive team. She began her love for dance at age one in a Mommy and Me class and continues today, making this her eleventh year of dance. She enjoys all styles of dance but her favorites are Musical Theater, Tap, and Ballet/Lyrical. She loves going to conventions and meeting new choreographers and other dancers. She also enjoys being a student assistant and a “big sister” at CDS. She is excited about the opportunity to work with the KAR family.

Maggie Sherrill is a 16 year old high school sophomore from High Point, NC. She began dancing at the age of 3 at Starz Elite Dance Center. She trains in all forms of dance and especially enjoys lyrical and jazz. Maggie has received many top overall placement awards on a regional and national level. She was a Regional KAR Title Winner and most recently won Miss Dance America at KAR Nationals in Myrtle Beach. Maggie enjoys attending various national conventions and has received multiple awards, recognitions, and scholarships. She has been featured in various lead roles within her studio including Clara in their annual Holiday Spectacular Presentation. Maggie also is a varsity cheerleader and active in student government. She enjoyed being a part of the 2021 Protégé team and looks forward to another season with her KAR dance family!

Larrysha Slaton is 15 years old and from Sacramento,California.Larrysha is a current dancer at Kast Academy of the Arts. Larrysha has been dancing with them for 5 years now. Larrysha has been training in different styles of dance, such as Hip-Hop,Tap,Jazz,Contemporary,and Musical Theatre.Larrysha is a very competitive dancer, and has won multiple scholarships and awards.Larrysha just loves to dance and loves challenges. She loves solos ,duets and and works very well with groups. When she isn’t dancing she loves spending time with her grandmother.She also loves to spend time with her siblings,nieces,and nephews.They think it’s awesome that Larrysha dances,she’s a star in their eyes.Larrysha hopes to turn her passion for dancing into a career.Larrysha is looking forward to participating as a protegé and is welcoming the challenges and opportunities coming her way.

Alyssa Stallings is 14 years old and has been dancing since the age of 3. She loves all styles of dance but Musical Theater is definitely her favorite. Alyssa is an ambassador for Ally Day photography. She uses her dance talent as a Dance Hope Cure ambassador to spread awareness about childhood cancer. Alyssa loves that KAR supports families that have been impacted by cancer. She enjoys spending time with her identical twin, 4 dogs, friends and family when she's not dancing. Her favorite thing about dance is meeting new people and showing off her personality. Alyssa knows that hard work and determination can lead to wonderful things and plans to keep working on her dance technique through studio classes, conventions and competitions.

Tessa is 14 years old and has been dancing since the age of 3. She loves everything about dance, from technique to entertainment. She is known as a Jazz Baby and lives for Hip Hop. She's been a part of the international Hip Hop team, representing America in the IDO World Hip Hop Championship. She's been part of the first Hip Hop group, 34th & Phunk, to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Hollywood Christmas Parade. She's been part of the Big Stage TV show with 34th & Phunk. Tessa strives to learn new tricks and polish her technique whenever the opportunity presents itself. She has won numerous titles, with her 2019 KAR National JR Miss Dance being one of her favorite dance moments. When she's not dancing, she's hanging with her twin sister.

Rebecca Suh is a 12 year old who strives each day to improve her dance skills. Her favorite place to be is the dance studio- a home away from home. Dancing since she was 3 years old, Rebecca trains in all disciplines at Dance Star Academy of the Performing Arts in Yorba Linda, California. She especially loves the fun and energy of jazz and hip hop, but the beauty of ballet has a special spot in her heart. Rebecca is known for her work ethic in class and her smiles on the stage. Competitive dance has awarded her with overall winnings, scholarships and opportunities. Her dance journey has taught her to stay humble and hungry to improve. With the support of her family, studio and friends, Rebecca looks forward to this incredible opportunity to meet dancers from across the country, share her passion for dance and train with the KAR family. She'll meet you on the dance floor!

Jessica Sutton is 8 years old and lives in Southern California. She has been dancing since she was a toddler and had her first solo at the age of 2! She started competing at 3 years old. Her passion for dance has continued to grow throughout the years and she wants a career in the dance world. She has won many Titles and accolades in the past 5 years, but winning the National Title of Miss Petite Dance America on the KAR stage has been her most exciting moment at a competition so far! She’s excited to be a part of the KAR protégé program and can’t wait to continue to learn and grow with her KAR family!

McKenna is 11 years has been dancing since she was 3 years old, and she lives and breathes for dance!! She has been competing since she was 6. She loves everything about dance, she has had the opportunity to dance a few years for The Lincoln Midwest Ballet in The Nutcracker, she was a little mouse and an elf. She also has been able to be a part of The Paper Ballet, which a paper artist brings dancers to life and makes beautiful paper outfits for them to be photographed in and then a show at the end of the season. She is excited to see how far she will go with her dancing career!! She hopes one day to dance in NYC and be a Radio City Rockette!

Mika Takase is a 10-year-old dancer who trains at Nor Cal Dance Arts in San Jose, CA. She started dancing at age 2 and has been competing for the past 5 years winning many titles, scholarships, and 1st overall placements. She is also currently a brand ambassador for Tiger Friday. While she loves learning all styles of dance, her favorites are jazz, contemporary and hip hop. When she is not dancing, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and playing with her dog Kiki. Mika is honored to be part of the KAR Protégé Program and excited for the opportunity to continue to learn and grow as a dancer.

Hannah is 11 years old from Orange County, CA. She began dancing at the age of 3. Hannah dances at South County Dance Company where she trains in all styles, her favorite being Jazz. She loves performing and expressing herself through dance. Hannah has received multiple convention scholarships and awards. She has been recognized with Judge’s Awards including Outstanding Showmanship and Best Technique. Hannah has won many overall awards and holds National Titles with her team. In addition to dance, Hannah participates in her school’s student council and is a member of the Unified Club which encourages inclusion of all students. Hannah loves pasta, fishing, and her two younger brothers. Hannah is grateful for her teammates and teachers who support and encourage her. She is honored and excited to join the KAR Protégé family and feels truly blessed by this opportunity!

My name is Alana Taylor, and I am from Saint Louis, Missouri. I dance at DK Dance Productions located in Missouri and have been dancing since the age of eight. I have experience in all styles of dance including, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, acro, hip-hop, and tap. My favorite style of dance is hip-hop and jazz. Through dance, I have had the opportunity to receive numerous awards, recognitions, scholarships, travel, teach and more. I love dance! I always see opportunities to grow and become my best self. When I am not dancing, I love to hang out with my family and volunteer at Faith Church teaching kids during Sunday school. I am so honored and grateful to be a KAR Protégé.

Sophia is a 14 year old competitive dancer who has been dancing for 10 years at Gotta Dance Academy in Southern California.  Currently she trains in all forms with Lyrical being her favorite.  Sophia was signed to MTA dance agency and is featured  in numerous music videos with artists such as Marshmello, Phantogram,Drake, Quavo and 2 Chains as well as TV commercials and shows such as Disney's "Zombies".  While she loves dancing professionally, her passion is in the studio so she's taken a break from working and is back full time training, competing and attending dance conventions.  Sophia has been awarded numerous Titles including her most recent Miss Teen Icon Thunderstruck 2022 and numerous dance scholarships.  She is thrilled to become a KAR Protege and is excited for the year ahead.

My name is London, I am 10 years old from St. Louis, MO. I started dancing at age 5 and began competing at age 6 at my second home DK Dance Productions (DKDPC). My first time on stage, I knew this was where I was meant to be. I am now on year 5 as a competitive dancer and couldn't love it more! I have the BEST teachers and I am forever grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities I've been presented. I have won numerous titles, scholarships, special awards and overalls both regionally and nationally but becoming a Pro:tege' is my absolute favorite title! I have trained in many styles of dance but lyrical is my life! When I'm not dancing you can catch me modeling at Weissman/ Dancewear Solutions or behind the lens of my amazing photographer New Beginnings Photography. Can't wait to kick it with my KAR fam this season! Be sure to follow me on Insta @lon_bunnn.

Hi my name is Erma Thompson, I've been dancing and training for four and a half years. I dance because it gives me an outlet to release all my emotions while also meeting others who share many of the same values and goals as me. Throughout the time I've been dancing I have danced at the Official World of Dance with A.I.M, later I competed at Starbound's regional competition in 2021 and got 1st overal in the intermediate teen division with my "If I Ain't Got You" solo, with the same solo I competed and at the Spotlight Westcoast Nationals and won 2nd overall 1st in category and last but not least the following year I competed my solo "1+1" at Countdown's regionals and won 1st overall and 1st in my category in the teen elite division.

Karmen Thronton is 17 years old and has been dancing for about 15 years. She has danced with Dk Dance Productions for about 11 years competitively, for 7 years and really enjoys the art of dance and being able to express yourself through movement. She trains in many styles like Jazz,Lyrical Hip Hop, Contemporary,Tap and more. Karmen loves to help out and share her talent with other dancers and help them build confidence with themselves.She is very excited to be a Kar Protege and can’t wait to tour!

Eisley is an 9 year old spitfire dancer that lives in the Kansas City area. She has been dancing since the age of 2 years old and has been competitively dancing since she was 4 years old. She enjoys training in many styles including jazz, tap, lyrical, musical theater, contemporary, and hip hop. When she hits the stage her sassy personality comes to life! She has received many awards for her style and showmanship. She has won in many overalls for her solos and duo and holds multiple titles. Eisley is a “Bulldog Buddy” at her school. She was selected based on high character, friendliness, acceptance, and being an overall great kid. She is truly a friend to all! When Eisley isn’t tumbling, turning, or improving she enjoys hanging out with her best friend, going on bike rides, and crafting. Eisley has a outstanding work ethic and is very passionate about all things dance. She is hungry for learning all she can about all areas of dance so she can turn her passion into a career one day.

My name is Emma Tompkins and I dance at Reed Performing Arts Company in Lees Summit MO. I’ve been dancing for 11 years since the age of two and my favorite styles are contemporary, open, and hip hop.

Kharter A Turk is a soon to be Varsity football player for a championship organization, As well as a competitive elite dancer at a champion winning academy. Kharter has been dancing on a competitive stage since he was about 6yrs old. His main style was Hip Hop. Soon thereafter he started to get into tumbling at around the same age. Around 12 years old his parents thought he should also play other sports. He started playing baseball for two seasons, in the positions of right fielder and third baseman. All while still dancing. Kharter found interest in football and fell in love with the sport. Kharter earned numerous awards on and off the field. Dancer of the year, several competitive titles , and scholarships. He also received an award from his JV football, for incredible leadership, hard work, athleticism and sportsmanship. Kharter is now training in all core styles of dance, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, musical theater, jazz and tap.

*Dancer of the year 2022*Grand champion 2021*Studies in various styles*Dancer ant KAST Academy*Studies under Keith and Summer Turk

Mya Michelle Urbina-López, was born on August 2, 2005, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On August 1, 2007, the family relocated and moved to Mississippi. Mya Michelle is a 17 years old high school senior and has been dancing for 15 years. She started dancing at the age of 3 with Dance Magic under the direction and instruction of Karen Frosch. In 2010, Mya joined the Dance Magic competition team, Rage Dance Company. In 2011, Mya Michelle had her first solo "Shake Señora”. In 2012, Mya continued dancing under the direction and instruction of Brent and Marissa Oplotnik with Rage Dance Center and the competition team Rage Dance Company. With Rage Dance Center Mya had to audition every year in order to keep her spot in the competition team. While at Rage Dance Center Mya had the opportunity trained through multiple master classes with a diversity of professional dancers like, Albert Cattfi, Patt Brennan, Angie Sellers, Patricia Oplotnik, and of course Rage Dance Center Directors Brent and Marissa Oplotnik. Andrei Ivanko was her acro/tumbling trainer and Alexandria Bannister was a huge and important part of her ballet/pointe training.By 2020, Mya continued her dance training under the instruction of Brent Oplotnik at Spotlite Elite Studio Directed by Robbyn Adams. On 2021, Mya started dancing at Gulf Coast School of Performing Arts trained by Brent Oplotnik and Iana Popova. Currently Mya Michelle is continuing her dance training at Nancy School of Dance under the direction and instruction of Nancy Ward, and a group of professional and excellent dance teachers. Mya has been awarded as a soloist and along with her company team in multiple regional and national competitions. She also performed in different event such as Christmas shows, parades and festivals. She also performed with her competition team at Downtown Disney in FL and the Clay Cooper’s Country Express in Branson, MO. She also performed at the Harlem Globetrotters game show. Mya also attended and was recognized in several dance conventions where she was awarded receiving different scholarships. To mention some of the dance conventions; she attended DMI, DTU, Showstopers, LAD, KAR, and many others. It has been 15 years of plenty recital showcases, fun and excitement. Dance built Mya’s confidence and the drive and passion for the art of dance. From a once shy girl to a confident passionate dancer young lady, who plans to continue in the dance industry doing what she loves most… dance.

Claire Van Dyken is a competitive dancer and has found a passion for dance since the age of 4. Claire is now 15 years old and is a freshman at Mt. Carmel High School. She trains at her studio Signature Dance Academy and her high school dance team Mt. Carmel Dance Troupe while continuing to excel in her studies. Her favorite subject in school is science and she loves designing and working on creative projects. In Claire's free time, she enjoys volunteering at local philanthropies as a member of the National Charity League, traveling with her family, baking, skiing, and spending quality time with her friends. Claire hopes to continue her passion for dance in her future.

Skylee is a 15yr old high school sophomore who trains in Southern California. She trains in all styles and is currently on The Talent Planet’s Elite team as well as OHHS Varsity Pom. She was formerly a TDX Protégé, a national Miss Teen Spotlight winner, KAR Regional Miss Teen Dance and has received several BTF convention scholarships. She was formerly signed with MSA where she enjoyed working in the commercial industry and can be seen in Jojo Siwa’s music video for “It’s Time to Celebrate.” She currently has been honored to assist Azuki Umeda with “Au.thenticity Dance” and is so excited to become a KAR Protégé!

Sydney is 16 years old. She began her journey in Dance at 3 years old with Webby Dance. From the first recital she was hooked on dance. Syd danced for several years with Corona Dance Academy and began competing with their competition team at the age of 9. In 2019, Syd joined K2 studios and found her home. She was able to continue her journey in dance through the pandemic and compete virtually, however nothing couldreplace the feel of performing in front of a live audience for Syd. Her dancing ability has been recognized at various dance conventions and competitions. She has won numerous scholarships, awards, and overall placements. Syd is Varsity Song-leader and competes on the Varsity Song Competition Team and is a member of her school’s Dance Company. Syd loves to attend master classes and learn as much as she can about the art of dance through many varied instructors. When Syd isn’t dancing, cheering on her school’s varsity sports teams, or working with other Dance Company members to choreograph dances for their recital, she loves spending time with her friends at the mall, at the beach, or just hanging out. Sydney hopes to one day have her own studio where she can share her passion for dance with the next generation of young dancers.

My name is Greyson, I am 8 years old and have been a competitive dance since age 4! I attend and compete for Take a Bow Dance Centre as well as Evolve Dance Complex. Since being a competitive dancer I have won multiple first place achievements as well as being a title holder at many competitions! When I am not competing I love taking convention classes from all of the different choreographers! My favorite style of dance is jazz!

Lola Zieleniewski, age 14, is an All Star Worlds dance team member, competitive dancer and an All Star cheerleader representing Linsey’s Cheer and Dance Center and Intensity Elite Cheer in Shelby Township, Michigan. Lola’s fun, energetic dance style and dynamic stage presence makes her shine as a performer. Lola specializes in jazz, acro, en pointe, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater and advanced tumbling. Lola has performed in the Nutcracker Ballet, has been featured in various magazines and trained with top choreographers and coaches from around the world. She is an accomplished dancer and All Star cheerleader who has won numerous National Championships, National Titles, scholarships and performed at several World Championships over the years. Lola has danced for the Detroit Pistons’ fans at Little Caesars Arena as well as being a proud dancer, choreographer and performer on the USPBL Dance Crew. Lola has been dancing since she was two years old and loves all kinds of music. In her spare time she loves to spend time with her friends, family and her two rescue pups (Paco and Pedro) as well as be involved with the National Junior Honor Society. Lola also volunteers to help coach tumbling and dance to special needs students at her dance studio. Lola is extremely honored to assist the outstanding KAR Faculty this season for the second year in a row as well as meet other wonderful dancers at the upcoming conventions.