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

Moving bodies while moving souls, Kira immersed myself into the dance culture twenty-eight years ago. Studying relentlessly, I moved through Dance Connection Scottsdale, Ballet Arizona, Ballet Etudes, Edge Performing arts California and Millennium Dance Center mastering all styles and movement as well as incorporating a fierce history in theater arts. Professionally, dance led her to the Phoenix Suns Dance Team, Royal Caribbean Broadway Revue, Superbowl XXX, Miss Dance of Arizona, Ballet Arizona’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and various Industrials. Her performance credits also include a back-up dancer for Ricky Martin’s, “She Bangs”, MTV’s “N-Synce Reunion Special,” “Broadway Review”, model/dancer for Matrix Hair, and local commercials for Toyota and Fiat. However, Kira’s true passion has always been teaching and choreography. Currently, she is one of the most sought after Master Dance Teachers in Arizona who is currently teaching and choreographing for some of the industry’s top dance students.

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

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

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

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

Skylar Joy Schultz is a performing artist who grew up in from Racine, WI. She received her BFA degree in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has worked with Keigwin & Co, Jess Hendricks, Troy Powell, Garfield Lemonius, The Dizzy Feet Foundation and Capezio’s 125th Anniversary Show choreographed by Mandy Moore. This Spring Skylar will be relocating to Las Vegas, NV to pursue a career in the dance industry.