Ryan’s true passion is in teaching and choreographing. He has taught on numerous conventions including LA Dance Magic, Dance Olympus, Co Dance, 3D Dance Network Inc., OnCue LA, Global Dance Convention (Australia), The Streetz, Dance Raw, Encore, HYPE, and the Tampa Bay Tap Festival in Florida. Although known for his tap, Ryan excels in all forms of dance. Using his versatility, he infuses and creates a unique and up to date style that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

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

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

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

Dancing since the age of three, Donna has trained in the areas of ballet, pointe, jazz, and tap. Her first professional endeavor was her performance with Pasadena Ballet Theater's version of The Nutcracker at the age of 12. Donna attended Orange Coast College and was selected to be a member and captain of the National Champion Dance Team. While attending OCC, she performed in an Usher music video, "Pop Yo Collar", and was featured with Paul DaSilva for Dance Spirit magazine. With an extensive technical background and incorporating the hottest "LA style" movement, Donna has been training amazing dancers. Her students have gone on to be represented by Hollywood's top agencies performing with artists such as Hillary Duff, Vanessa Hudgens, Shakira, Black Eyed Peas, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Derek and Julianne Hough and also winning prestigious titles such as the Music Center Spotlight Awards Grand Champion. Donna's students, Pauline Mata and Jordan Casanova have been featured as one of the top 20 finalists on the hit Fox TV show "So You Think You Can Dance" and Jordan has also toured in the 1st National company of "Wicked The Musical". Well known and sought out master teacher, Donna's unique style, training methods and upbeat energy excites dancers to learn, strive to be the best they can be and leave class motivated. Donna's choreography has been winning numerous regional overalls, national titles and has received multiple nominations in the 'Industry Dance Awards'. Donna had the pleasure of being the assistant choreographer for the 1st National Tour of Finding Neverland, working under Mia Michaels.

Mario Velez Jr. is a professional hip-hop choreographer and dancer\performer. Mario has toured and worked with artists such as Omarion, TLC, Rock Steady Crew, Fergie, My Chemical Romance, Brandy, Boyz II Men, Doug E. Fresh, Paula Abdul & many others! He has also toured with the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters! Mario is currently performing and choreographing for the National Recording Artist, Jasmine Hormez and for Automatic Response Dance Crew which was featured on the show’s first season of “ America’s Best Dance Crew!”. He has also done work with the NBA and WNBA Phoenix Suns Dance Team, The Seattle Supersonics, The Warrior Girls , The Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Mercury Hip-Hop Squad. He has trained dancers that have worked with artist such as: Lady GaGa, The Jabbawockeez, Jason Derulo and pricipal dancer David Hallberg from ABT, and many others. Mario has also started an exciting and very passionate Dance Studio called Diverse Elements. His diversity also includes choreography for shows, Splash and Bottoms UP in Las Vegas NV, and Jubilation in Reno, NV. This was all possible because of his long time partner and wife Melissa Velez. Mario has one saying that he lives by-"Hip-hop is not just rapping and music, it is a culture, a way of life!"

Andrea Woodward is the owner of Hermitage Dance Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, where she has been training, inspiring, and educating dancers since 1997. Andrea is certified by Dance Masters of America and holds a B.S. degree from Cumberland University. Along with her dance training and certifications, Andrea is also licensed in Strong Nation Fitness, Zumba, and Zumba Toning.

Andrea has won countless awards for her stylistic and emotional choreography, as well as her students’ technical ability. In 2014 she was nominated for Choreographer of the Year at the Industry Dance Awards. She has also won Teacher of the Year and Choreographer of the Year numerous times over the years at Kids Artistic Revue Nationals. Andrea has been on KAR Dance Convention’s faculty since 2011.

Along with teaching in the studio and on the convention circuit, Andrea continues to choreograph for a variety of events, including awards shows such as the Nashville Women Who Rock Awards, in which she was also the recipient of the “Inspiring Arts” award. She has also served as the choreographer for the Opening Number for several National Finals events. Some of her student success highlights include dancers on So You Think You Can Dance, convention tour faculty, NBA dance teams, recording artists and more. Andrea is passionate not only about teaching, but also the business side of studio ownership and sharing what she’s learned with the dance community. 

Andrea hopes to bring a challenge and fresh perspective to every student, allowing them to leave behind their image of perfection and dive deeper into their artistry.