Ryann Alvarez trained at Murrieta Dance Project in Murrieta, California under the direction of Erin Babbs. She is well versed and has trained in all styles of dance, and is best known for her work in the styles of jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. She has also been commended for her work in the exploration of the creative fusion of these styles. During her extensive training, Ryann was consistently awarded scholarships as well as regional and national titles within the competitive dance industry. 

Ryann is represented by MSA Talent Agency, one of the most exclusive agencies in Los Angeles, where she has danced alongside some of the industry’s best. Along with performing, Ryann developed a passion for teaching and choreographing, which she began at the age of 15. She was honored to travel with KAR to Australia in 2018 to teach hundreds of dancers in Perth and Sydney for some of the best studios in the country. Recently, she was the recipient of KAR’s Choreographer of the Year Award in 2021 and 2022, as well as the Antoine Olds Achievement Award in 2022. Currently, Ryann continues to teach and choreograph across the USA from coast to coast. Her students are constantly recognized for winning countless regional, national, and international awards. 

In every class Ryann teaches, she hopes each dancer will feel inspired and challenged in both their movement and musicality, while keeping an open mind and dancing from the heart.

Caley Carr is a tap choreographer who hails from Southern California. Caley made his television debut on Fox’s hit show So You Think You Can Dance, where he is still recognized as the tap dancing, mustache adoring surfer. Commercially, he has also been spotted on creditcards.com and can be seen in Ty Dolla $ign featuring Post Malone’s music video for the hit single “Spicy”. Most recently, Caley’s work is featured in the upcoming film “The Performer”, in which he was the choreographer as well as the double.

Another credit of Caley’s includes choreographing for NBC’s World of Dance. Caley performed with Derek Hough in his “Kairos” music video and in his “Singin’ in the Rain” recreation performed at Hollywood Night Under the Stars hosted by George Clooney. Caley has spent time as a company member in “Rhapsody in Taps” under the direction of Linda Sohl-Ellison, and has also spent multiple years as a company member of “Tap Sounds Underground”, directed by legendary Gregg Russell.

Caley has toured with Grammy Award Winner Tim Kubart as his tap dancing sidekick. He has also toured with Postmodern Jukebox (widely known by the acronym PMJ) in a rotating musical collective founded by arranger and pianist Scott Bradlee. Caley was also published in Dance Magazine as one of the “Top 25 Breakout Stars of 2018” and was featured in a Q&A article in the magazine’s “Tap Issue”. 

Caley brings not only his wealth of knowledge and experience, but also an energy like no other to all of his classes on the convention tour.

Gabe De Guzman stands as a beacon of dedication, talent, and passion in the dance world. Initiating his journey at the age of 5, Gabe's trajectory in dance has seen him evolve from a prodigious talent to an internationally acclaimed dancer and educator.

Gabe's exceptional talent has found him sharing stages with music industry icons such as Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, P1Harmony and the global sensation BTS. Notably, he was one of the chosen few to perform at the 49th Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside the legendary Missy Elliott and Katy Perry.

His choreographic genius shines through in acclaimed television shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" (SYTYCD), CBS’ "Come Dance With Me," and numerous specials on Disney, Nickelodeon, and as well as on the basketball court as a recurring choreographer for the LA Clippers Spirit. Additionally, his footprints in the acting realm include notable appearances in projects like "Boo, Bitch" (2022), "Goliath" (2021), "He's All That" (2021), and "The Little Mermaid Live!" (2019).

Having taught on renowned platforms Gabe brings a combination of technical expertise and heartfelt mentorship to his classes. Recognizing the pressures and challenges dancers face, he emphasizes personal evolution, encouraging every dancer to transcend their boundaries and find their unique expression.

With Gabe, it's more than just dance—it's a transformative experience. Whether it's the intricate detailing of a movement or the exhilarating energy of a dance battle, his classes promise growth, inspiration, and a celebration of the art of dance.

Join us at KAR Dance Convention as we proudly present Gabe De Guzman as our Faculty for the 2025 season. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey of rhythm, movement, and soulful expression.

Karli is so excited to be joining the faculty at KAR this year! She recently graced the stage in Hamilton on Broadway, adding to an impressive lineup of credits. She originated roles in Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ (OBC) and served as Dance Captain/Swing and understudy for Nini in Moulin Rouge! The Musical (OBC). In the First National Tour of Hamilton (OTC), she covered Peggy/Maria as Dance Captain/Swing. Her national tour experience includes leading as Alex Owens in Flashdance The Musical and debuting in Revolution in the Elbow... Off-Broadway. Karli's performances in West Side Story include Carnegie Hall and, internationally, Australia, where her portrayal of Anita earned her a Helpmann Award nomination. She starred regionally as Cassie in A Chorus Line, Phyllis in 42nd Street, and performed in The Music Man and The Pajama Game. Additional notable credits include Children of Eden at David Geffen Hall.

In film and television, Karli has appeared in Up Here (Hulu), IF (Paramount), Kiss of The Spider Woman (upcoming), and performed in the opening numbers for the 75th-77th Annual Tony Awards (CBS). She is proudly represented by CESD.

Guest Faculty

Robert Green is a passionate and enthusiastic musician, dancer, teacher, and choreographer from Raleigh, NC. Robert got his start in the arts by way of music, playing violin for 12 years. In this time he received many prestigious awards for violin performance which landed him on scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, double majoring in Music and Dance. After traveling and simultaneously training in Hip-Hop, Ballet, and Jazz, Robert got noticed by some of the industry’s top choreographers. Robert went on to travel the country assisting industry legends such as Laurieann Gibson, Brian Friedman, Tabitha and Napoleon D’Umo, and many more. In 2013, Robert followed his heart and took a giant leap of faith by moving out to Los Angeles to pursue an entirely new career in the dance industry.

In 2015, Robert was one of 12 guys selected to dance around the globe on Taylor Swift’s record-breaking 1989 WORLD TOUR. Robert broke the internet by sharing the viral video of his tear-jerking phone call to his mother, breaking the good news. He has since gotten the opportunity to dance for the industry’s top artists including Justin Timberlake, Selena Gomez, The Weekend, Mary J. Blidge, Ricky Martin, Pitbull, Ellie Goulding, as well as the chance to choreograph for Tove Lo and Charli XCX. Robert has always had a passion for teaching and has recently been sought out to teach in London, Russia, France, China, and two of the most popular dance conventions, Monsters of Hip-Hop and The Pulse on tour.

Robert Green uses his extensive musical background to enhance his student’s musicality, stage presence, and star quality. He looks forward to growing and sharing his passions with as many artists as possible!

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!!!

Born and raised in Maryland, Ciara Hines began her dance journey at the age of two. Immersed in the convention and competition world from a young age, she developed a passion for dance that shaped her into the dancer she is today.

 Ciara is trained in all styles of dance and appeared on Season 17 of America’s Got Talent. She is a respected dance instructor and competition judge, committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of dancers. 

Her versatility extends to on-screen appearances, including features in short films and documentaries. With a passion for movement and storytelling, Ciara Hines continues to leave a lasting impact on the dance world through performance, education, and social media.

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.

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.

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 S9 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 is from Jamestown, North Carolina where she grew up a competitive dancer. She performed on stages across the eastern region of the United States. She was featured on Season 7 of Dance Moms as a member of the Candy Apple Team. She was also featured in Bloch dance wear’s “Dance with Confidence” campaign shot by Jordan Matter. 

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.