COME TO DANCE,
WALK AWAY INSPIRED!

KAR Dance Convention 2024 | Experience the hottest new choreography styles this season at our convenient one-day event!

Where
Rhode Island Convention Center
1 Sabin Street
Providence, RI 02903
 
Host Hotel
Hilton Providence
21 Atwells Ave
Providence, RI 02903
401-831-3900
Double $169 per night plus tax

Reservation cut off 11/1/2024

Self-Parking $29 per overnight
Daily Self-parking $12
Book a Room
When
November 17, 2024
8am – 5pm

Faculty Members

Alexandria Kessinger
Jazz

Dance has always flowed through Alex Kessinger’s veins. Raised in Southern California, she began her journey as a dancer at the age of 4 at her mother’s studio, West Coast School of the Arts. Alex started working as a dancer and child actor at the age of 6, where she developed her portfolio through numerous commercials, print work, and feature films like Disney’s The Santa Clause 3. While building her professional career, Alex also trained as a competitive dancer, winning impressive awards and national titles along the way. After winning a national title in the United States in 2011, she was chosen to represent the US at the international competition Spotlight in Australia, where she won the gold. 


After her competitive dance career, Alex furthered her education at Chapman University, where she was one of the few students awarded both a talent scholarship and a scholastic scholarship. She graduated Cum Laude from Chapman in 2016 with a BFA in Dance Performance and a minor in Theater Technology. 


Currently, Alex works as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer to dancers across the country. Some of her achievements as a dancer include dancing with Jojo Siwa, assisting Michael Rooney on national commercials, performing on television shows such as GLOW with Marguerite Derricks, working as a digital backup dancer in Paula Abdul’s tour “Straight Up Paula”, and dancing in and choreographing for various music videos. Most recently, Alex became a full time faculty member on The Dance Xperience Convention.


Alex’s teaching philosophy involves creating a safe environment for dancers to feel comfortable in exploring their capabilities while challenging themselves to be better, bigger, and stronger with every step.



Chryssie Whitehead-Disbrow
Musical Theater

Living by her favorite quote, “Be who you needed when you were younger,” Chryssie Whitehead joins the faculty of KAR Dance Convention with a wealth of industry experience spanning 25 years. Originally from the Southern Strutt dance studio in South Carolina, Chryssie is delighted to return to her roots as a convention dancer, eager to pay it forward to the next generation.

Chryssie's journey in the performing arts began immediately after high school when she danced for the iconic Rockettes. Since then, she has built an illustrious career in film, television, and Broadway as an actress, dancer, and singer. After studying musical theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), Chryssie made her Broadway debut in the revival of A Chorus Line, playing Kristine. Her additional Broadway accomplishments include roles in Chicago and Company (Lincoln Center with Neal Patrick Harris). Chryssie’s favorite regional roles include Bombalurina in Cats, Lola in Damn Yankees, and Cassie in A Chorus Line.

Her credits in film and television are equally impressive, featuring work in the West Side Story film, Grey's Anatomy, Switched at Birth, Castle, The Mentalist, Warehouse 13, Private Practice, Grimm, and the romantic comedy Revenge of the Bridesmaids with Raven Simone.

Transitioning to the creative side, Chryssie has directed and choreographed professional and educational productions such as Chicago, A Chorus Line, Rent, All Shook up, Into the Woods, Shrek, Grease, How 2 $ucceed in Business, and Beauty and the Beast. As a dedicated educator, she currently directs showcases and teaches on the musical theatre faculty at AMDA College and Conservatory for the Performing Arts in NYC, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps.

Beyond her commitment to teaching and performance, Chryssie co-founded www.BroadwayArtsCommunity.com, a performing arts mentoring & coaching company. She's currently touring with a show she wrote based on her life’s journey, aimed at spreading hope and normalizing conversations around mental illness.

We are thrilled to welcome Chryssie Whitehead to our faculty at KAR Dance Convention, confident that her wealth of experience, passion for mentoring, and unique insights will inspire our students. Learn more about Chryssie at www.chryssiewhitehead.com.

Courtney Thurston
Contemporary


Courtney Thurston grew up in Clifton, VA just outside of Washington,  DC. She has trained at schools such as The Rock School, The Joffrey Ballet, ABT, The Washington Ballet, and Broadway Dance Center. Some of her childhood works include: Debbie Allen’s production of “Alex in Wonderland” and ABT’s Christmas special “The Nutcracker”.  

Courtney graduated from Pace University located in New York City with a BFA in Commercial Dance and Pedagogy. Her work includes body doubling Julianne Hough for an endometriosis commercial choreographed by Marinda Davis. She can also be found on the big screen, where she danced in a movie titled “In The Heights” which premiered in the summer of 2021! Her past works include assistant choreographer for the “Sugar Bowl” halftime show, and assistant choreographer alongside Mia Michael’s for many different events and performances around the country. She has been a main dancer in ads for Canon Camera, McDonalds and Degree. Courtney was also featured on the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” season 10.

Since graduating, Courtney has developed an interest in psychology. She studied abroad to receive her 200hr yoga teacher training . She has been certified in mindful mediation coaching and is in the process of receiving her positive psychology certification. She shares her passion of  dance and wellness by traveling the country teaching at different studios and events! 

Patrick Cook
Tap


Patrick Cook is a highly skilled professional dancer with a distinguished career spanning multiple facets of the entertainment industry. Trained by leading choreographers since the age of 11, Patrick has showcased his talents in both the vibrant dance scene of Los Angeles and the dynamic concert world of New York City.

Patrick's resume includes performances with superstars such as Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, BTS, Harry Styles, Ne-Yo, Ciara and Paula Abdul. Notably, he co-choreographed and danced in Justin Bieber's music video "Life is Worth Living" alongside choreographer Emma Portner. His versatility extends to touring with Daniel Ezralow's acclaimed dance company, Ezralow Dance, where he performed in the celebrated shows "OPEN" and "PEARL" across China and the United States.

Patrick’s film credits include roles in critically acclaimed productions such as ViceLA LA LAND, and Spirited, showcasing his ability to blend into both dramatic and musical cinematic environments.

His live performance credits are extensive, including tours with Taylor Swift on the Red Tour (2013-2014) and with Paula Abdul on the Total Package Tour (2017). In addition to his work on stage, Patrick has appeared on numerous television shows, including GleeLate Night with James Corden, The Talk, The Good Trouble, All RiseTwo and a Half Men, and NBC's Superstore.

Passionate about nurturing the next generation of dancers, Patrick teaches in Hollywood, CA to bring excellence in performance and education.


Will Simmons
Hip Hop


William “Big Will” Simmons is a professional dancer and award winning choreographer who has danced and worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. He started training in Ballet and Tap at the age of 5, and then fell in love with Hip Hop at age 7 at Team Millennium in Fullerton, California. He auditioned for ABDC Season 5 Winners Poreotics junior team, Miniotics in 2009, where he began his foundational training of Popping. He then joined MSA Talent Agency and has been working professionally ever since.

Will danced on Ellen with Miranda Cosgrove, Justin Bieber’s Purpose Tour in L.A., Macy’s Glamourama U.S. Tour, and in Just Dance Disney Party. Further strengthening his Hip Hop foundation, he joined a team called GRaVy Babies and trained under many noted choreographers including Nappytabs, Dave Scott, and Kinjaz in his early years.

Prominent names in the industry he’s worked with also include Chris Brown, Jason Derulo, Missy Elliott, Janet Jackson, Prince, Lil Nas X, BTS, and TLC, for which he is currently a tour dancer. One of his most memorable moments was working with Childish Gambino in the iconic “This is America” video. He’s choreographed for various summer tours, and was the main choreographer for his role as a Mouseketeer on Disney’s “Club Mickey Mouse”, and most recently was a choreographer for NBC’s newest dance show, “Dancing with Myself”.

Will is currently a teacher at Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, California. He continues to have sold-out workshops as he fulfills his passion of traveling the world, teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers.

Will’s goal in every class is to elevate the potential of every single student while leading with their love of dance.



Your Dancers
Will Thank You!

Convention Price List / 6 classes + showcase at only $235

6 Classes

$185
 Jazz
 Tap
 Contemporary
 Hip Hop
 Musical Theater
 Audition Workshop

6 Classes +
Protege Performer Audition +
1 Parent Observer Band

$255
 Jazz
 Tap
 Contemporary
 Hip Hop
 Musical Theater
 Audition Workshop

$20 Parent Observer Band

Register Now