COME TO DANCE,
WALK AWAY INSPIRED!

KAR Dance Convention 2023 | Experience the hottest new choreography styles this season at our convenient one-day event!

Where
Columbus Convention Center
400 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
 
Host Hotel
Hyatt Regency Columbus
350 N High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614-463-1234
Queen/Queen Single/Double $169 per night plus tax
Triple $194 per night plus tax
$219 per night plus tax

Reservation cut off 9/15/23
When
October 15, 2023
8am – 5pm

Faculty Members

Joe Joe Grooves
Hip Hop

Joe-Joe Grooves – since receiving his BFA in Dance Performance in Jazz from East Carolina University in 2004, he has become an accomplished professional commercial dancer who’s worked with major artists such as Paula Abdul, Jennifer Hudson, Katy Perry, KeKe Palmer, Latin Popstar Chayanne, Sugarland, Tisha Campbell Martin, Nicki Minaj, Aloe Blaqq, and MC HAMMER. As well as well known choreographers such as Richard Jackson (Lady Gaga), Laurieann Gibson (Keri Hilson, Katy Perry,) Tyce Diorio (Paula Abdul, SYTYCD), Micheal Rooney (Paula Abdul, Kylie Minogue), Anthony Thomas (Janet Jackson), Chucky Klapow (Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, and High school Musical) , Kennis Marquis (Tamar Braxton, LL Cool J, and Britney Spears) and Tricia Miranda (PULSE, Nicki Minaj, and the FB COMPANY) just to name a few.  

He's been on 3 Major world tours traveling across the US, Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, the Carribean, and Mexico. At the beginning of 2018 he was a part of the 60th Grammy awards performing in an unforgettable and electrifying performance with Kendrick Lamar and U2. In 2019 he was a part of the BET Awards with Jay Rock & Jamie Foxx. He got to play the part of the infamous MC SKAT KAT from Paula Abdul's music video "Opposites Attract" for Paula's live concert, Motion Capture work for the FACEBOOK company (Happy Friends Day Dancer) as well a BUD LIGHT commercial that’s shown all over Canada and became a new member of the dance phenomenon iLUMINATE from America's Got Talent, as well as worked with well known brands such as PUMA, NIKE, and UNDER ARMOR

Most recently Joe-Joe got the opportunity to “shake his shimmy” for THE Nicole Kidman and cast of the new movie “Being The Ricardo’s”. Currently he’s on tour with the legendary r&b duo, The Isley Brothers and the Latin Pop sensation CHAYANNE! Making it his 7th tour to date!  He’s definitely living the dream and life to the fullest!!!

Nancy O'Meara
Pro:tégé Director


Nancy O’Meara is a noted dancer, choreographer, director, and mentor within the dance industry. She was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, where she developed a strong technical background training in all genres of dance. Her fast paced and powerful choreography is well known and has been sought after for decades.

Nancy is currently the go-to choreographer and movement coach for the majority of Hollywood Records Artists. She has performed with and worked with recording artists and actors including Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, LL Cool J, Usher, Paula Abdul, Reba McEntire, Mike Myers, Martin Short, Vanessa Williams, Bea Miller, Enrique Iglesias, Queen Latifah, John Legend, and the tour cast of High School Musical.

Nancy’s choreography and creative direction can also be seen on Carly Rae Jepsen, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat, Big Time Rush, Aly and AJ, Greyson Chance, Owl City, Charlie Puth, and 10 world tours with multi-platinum selling artist and Latin superstar Chayanne.

Her television choreography credits include Hannah Montana, American Idol, The American Music Awards, So You Think You Can Dance, The Teen Choice Awards, The Kids Choice Awards, The Billboard Music Awards, The Grammy Awards, Suite Life of Zack and Cody, iCarly, The Tonight Show, SNL, Regis and Kelly, Good Morning America, Ellen, The MTV Awards, The BET Awards, and The Latin Grammy Awards.

Nancy’s choreography can also be seen in top music videos for Miranda Cosgrove, Hilary Duff, Vanessa Hudgens, Jesse McCartney, Ashley Tisdale, Jack and Jack, Matthew Koma, Grammy Award Winner Elvis Costello, Paula Abdul, and many others.

Her feature film dance credits include The Wedding Planner, 13 Going on 30, The Country Bears, Forrest Gump, Austin Powers: Goldmember, and Clerks II. Nancy has performed in a variety of specials including The Grammy Awards, The MTV Movie Awards, The American Music Awards, The Academy Awards, The Billboard Music Awards, and The Latin Grammy Awards. She has also appeared on televised programs including The Tonight Show and Ellen.

In addition to bringing her expertise to the KAR Dance Convention Faculty, Nancy is also a vital part of KAR’s Pro:tégé Performer Program.



Michelle Richey
Jazz


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.



Faliceano Turk
Musical Theater


Faliceano Keith Turk was brought into the world of entertainment at the age of 8 with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Facliceano learned most of his Hip Hop skills, dance technique, and vibrant performance quality from life’s courses of ups and downs. His hard hitting energetic style keeps his students at the top of L.A.’s lists in major competitions, shows, and projects, far and wide. He and his wife, Summer Turk, have partnered to create K.A.S.T. (Keith and Summer Turk) Academy of the Arts, which continues to earn a multitude of top scoring high point honors, countless title awards, and national recognition. 

K.A.S.T. is a leading entertainment academy that has been featured on many shows and televised competitions. The academy is known for its high success rate of athletes and dancers. Faliceano’s choreography can be seen on shows such as Ellen and So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation. His training has led his students to dance for The BET Awards, Target commercials, AGT, and Disney. With a student success rate of 90.4%, dancers travel from far distances to train at K.A.S.T.

From choreographing a Bollywood Bhangra for artist Sukshindar Shinda of India, to landing a nationwide commercial alongside his good friend D-trix (of ABDC/Quest Crew), Faliceano has also grabbed the attention of directors to score a part in the award winning Broadway Musical, Wicked. Meeting with and auditioning for artists such as Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Missy Elliot, and Madonna, Faliceano continues to push his students to land jobs while educating them on the dance industry. He teaches in the styles of Hip Hop, Jazz, African Dance, Lyrical, and more. 

Faliceano says “Dance with no limits. Leave the floor buzzing with your name on it.”


Madeline Underwood
Contemporary

Originally from Jamestown, North Carolina, Madeline grew up as a competitive dancer, training in all styles and performing across the eastern United States. She gained national attention as a featured dancer on Season 7 of Dance Moms as a member of the Candy Apples team, and later appeared in Bloch Dancewear’s “Dance with Confidence” campaign, shot by renowned photographer Jordan Matter.

In her senior year of high school, Madeline moved to California to train at The Brea Space in the Launch program under the direction of Krista Miller. While there, she has appeared in music videos, assisted numerous online dance classes, and continued building her professional resume.

Her performance credits include a role on This Is Us, touring the country with Hits the Musical, and dancing with Jaci Royal’s company, Royal Flux. Most recently, Madeline completed the U.S. and European legs of Lindsey Stirling’s “Snow Waltz” tour and is excited for the new projects on the horizon. She is thrilled to be teaching at KAR Convention and sharing her passion with the next generation of dancers.

Ki'Leigh Williams
Tap

Ki'Leigh Williams, a midwestern native from Indiana began her professional dance career at the age of 10 performing with the off-broadway show, Tap Kids. Growing up in a dance studio allowed her to learn styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip-Hop.  After graduating high school, Ki'Leigh attended Point Park University receiving her Bachelors in Forensic Science while teaching Tap & Hip-Hop for their community classes and International Summer Dance Intensive. After graduating, Ki'Leigh moved to to reconnect with movement on the West-Coast. The rest is history! Ki'Leigh has taught tap & hip-hop styles in spaces such as Movement Lifestyle, Millennium Dance Complex, Point Park University and Motus The Company.  She's also been blessed to move on projects with Usher, Adam Levine, Big Boi, Jesse McCartney, AlunaGeorge, Cirque Di Soleil, Disney +: Encore, & Remy Martin.

Your Dancers
Will Thank You!

Convention Price List / 6 classes + showcase at only $255

6 Classes

$205
 Jazz
 Tap
 Contemporary
 Hip Hop
 Musical Theater
 Audition Workshop

6 Classes +
Protege Performer Audition +
1 Parent Observer Band

$275
 Jazz
 Tap
 Contemporary
 Hip Hop
 Musical Theater
 Audition Workshop

$20 Parent Observer Band

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