COME TO DANCE,
WALK AWAY INSPIRED!

KAR Dance Convention 2026 | Experience the hottest new choreography styles this season at our convenient one-day event!

Where
Riverside Convention Center
3637 Fifth Street
Riverside, CA 92501
 
Host Hotel
Marriott Riverside Convention Center
3400 Market Street
Riverside, CA 92501
888-236-2427 or 951-784-8000
ROH $179 per night plus tax

Reservation cut off October 7, 2026

*Additional Parking charges
Book a Room
When
November 8, 2026
8am – 5pm

Faculty Members

Anthony "Kanec" Carr
Musical Theater


Born and raised in the Bronx, the Birth Place of Hip Hop, internationally accredited dancer/choreographer/actor, Anthony “Kanec” Carr, has shared his talent through various mediums including television, film, and stage.


He trained vigorously at New York City’s prestigious School of American Ballet, while simultaneously attending the Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS). At the age of 17, Soon thereafter, his raw talent and intense technical training, in combination with his natural knack for performance Kanec found himself performing with multi-platinum selling recording artists Justin Bieber, Missy Elliott, Usher, Chris Brown, Cardi B & TLC, to name a few. He has also been a featured dancer in multiple movies and television shows (Step Up 1& 3), FAME, Hairspray, Justin Bieber 3D Movie, Glee) and performed on many high profile stages such as the Grammys and the Oscars as well as all of the other musical Award Shows!


Along with performing, you can find Kanec Choreographing for artist like Neyo, Eric Bellinger, Daddy Yankee, Televised Events on The “CW”, So You Think You Can Dance, & more.…  


Caley Carr
Tap


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.



Melany Mercedes
Latin Jazz Fusion


Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Melany Mercedes Skydancer is a powerhouse Salsa On2 dancer, educator, and choreographer whose career is defined by cultural authenticity and technical mastery. With a global footprint spanning over 45 countries, she has trained thousands of dancers and served as an elite guest judge, solidifying her reputation in the international Latin dance community.

Melany first captured the national spotlight as a trailblazer on “So You Think You Can Dance,” where she made history as the first On2 Salsera to reach the Top 10 female finalists. This momentum led her to the big screen, where she appeared as a Principal Dancer in the critically acclaimed musical film adaptation of “In The Heights.”

Beyond the stage and screen, Melany has become a vital creative force for some of the biggest names in music. Most recently, she served on the Emmy-winning choreography team with Charm La’Donna for Bad Bunny’s groundbreaking Super Bowl Halftime performance, as well as associate choreography with Parris Goebel for Karol G’s historic turn as Coachella’s first Latina headliner and present World Tour.


Whether she is teaching a masterclass or choreographing for stadium stages, Melany brings a profound depth of knowledge and an unwavering commitment to representing Latin culture with grace and power.


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.



Julian Stokes
Hip Hop

Julian Stokes born and raised in Wilmington, NC. He has always been an athletic child, and until college dance became his main focus. He Has studied at Studio 1 Dance Conservatory and was part of the Debbie Reynolds scholarship season 3 and also he is a part of Rob Rich’s family The Richfam. Julian is hardworking and always smiling trying to be the best he can be in any environment and to always give good energy. He has worked on MTV movie awards, BET experience, Assisted Choreographers on Jobs, Zenarts performances, and numerous music videos with artists and company productions like Keyshia Cole, Toni Braxton,Tauren Wells, The Rock, KeKe Palmer, Faith Evans, Charlie Puth, Chris Brown, Asher Angel, Fefe and Leroy and more. He Has been trained in numerous forms of hip hop such as Dancehall, house, partnering, whaacking, Afro, old and new school grooves, and etc. He also has a foundation in Contemporary and ballet, but loves all forms of dance but Hip Hop is home!

Madeline Underwood
Contemporary



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. 


She moved to California her senior year of high school to train at the Brea Space in their Launch program under the direction of Krista Miller. Since moving to California Madeline has appeared on “This is Us”, toured the country with  “Hits the Musical”, is a member of Jaci Royal’s company Royal Flux and toured the US and Europe dancing for Lindsey Stirling. She is currently wrapping up the “Snow Waltz” tour with Lindsey and looking forward to many new projects in the new year!


Your Dancers
Will Thank You!

Convention Price List / 6 Classes + Showcase at only $205

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

Pro:tégé audition at the door — $60

$20 Parent Observer Band

Register Now