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
Santa Clara Convention Center
5001 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054
When
October 27, 2024
8am – 5pm

Faculty Members

George Lawrence
Contemporary

George Lawrence II was Born in San Diego CA and raised in Atlanta, GA. He started his training where he studied Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Ballet, and Hip-Hop.  In 2010 he decided to further his technique at Dance Makers of Atlanta in in Atlanta Ga. In 2011-12 he studied dance at the State University of New York Purchase Conservatory. After the completion of his freshman year, George made the hit show So You Think You Can Dance Season 9 and went on to be top 10 and do a 30 city tour.  Once the tour completed, at a young age of 19 he moved to Los Angeles California to make a living for himself. In the most recent years he has been featured in things such as: Lorde’s Dance World Tour, Valley Girl, Teen Beach 2, Ted 2, La La Land, Jersey Boys, DWTS, the VMA’s, the Emmys ,the Academy Awards, choreographing and dancing on the new fox show The Big Leap, and just recently danced in the movie Spirited with Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell, and Octavia Spencer. 


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.

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.



Patrick Cook
Theater Jazz


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.


Sloan-Taylor Rabinor
Jazz Funk


Sloan-Taylor Rabinor is a celebrated dancer and emerging fitness expert, joining the KAR Dance Convention as our newest faculty member. Raised and trained in Phoenix, Arizona, Sloan's dancing prowess shone through early on when she bagged her first national title at the age of 17 at The Pulse dance convention. This victory marked the beginning of her illustrious dance career, leading her to assist esteemed choreographers such as Brian Friedman, Laurieann Gibson, Wade Robson, and Mia Michaels.

In 2009, Sloan relocated to Los Angeles, where her exceptional talent catapulted her into a role as a backup dancer for the pop music sensation, Lady Gaga. She debuted in the 2009 VMA performance and has since danced in three of Gaga's world tours - The Artpop Ball, Born this Way Ball, and Monsterball. Her notable appearances extend to music videos such as GUY, Applause, Bad Romance, and Telephone.

Sloan's dynamic portfolio extends far beyond one artist. She has displayed her talents alongside a constellation of stars, including Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Rosalia, Panic at the Disco, Kelly Clarkson, Halsey, Fletcher, Gwen Stefani, and Avril Lavigne. With Selena Gomez, she is seen in the music video Come and Get it, while her performances have been featured on a wide array of shows, including Ellen, X Factor (UK), Oprah, AMA’s, Grammy's, Billboard Awards, and VMA’s. Her versatility was evident in her appearances on Glee, where she portrayed a hardcore Cheerio, thrilling audiences with her compelling Janet Jackson mashup.

While forging a successful career in dance, Sloan has also pursued her passion for fitness. She achieved her yoga and Pilates certifications between tours, even having the privilege to train Lady Gaga in these disciplines. Presently, she is studying to become a health coach and personal trainer, aiming to harmoniously blend her passions for dance and fitness.

Now a valued faculty member of the KAR Dance Convention, Sloan is eager to impart her rich experience and fervor for dance and fitness. We eagerly anticipate the inspiring journey our students will undertake under her expert guidance.


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