Meet Kelli
Just a Glimpse
 |
|
The Whole Story
The Early Years
My first stage was on a platform in front of my Grandparents’ fireplace. I was just a little girl, but loved to dance and perform - tiny but determined. It was not until I was nine I realized I also loved to choreograph and teach. My first dance studio was that back porch of my Grandparents’ house. They closed it off just for me…so I could dream. And it was in these moments when my passion for Devine Dancers was first born.
I remember teaching dance to my cousins, stuffed animals, and pretty much anyone who was willing. I would teach my parents and siblings in our kitchen while I wrote down the steps on my Mother's refrigerator board and recorded choreography ideas in a journal. As a child filled with wonder, I hoped one day I could open my own studio: Devine Dancers. So, I made a personal pact to work hard, stay focused, and to never stop fighting for this dream. Nearly every evening I went into “the barn,” which was like a small gym in our backyard, to practice baton and dance. And here is where I developed my personal proverb: Don’t get mad. Get Better! As time continued, I took as many lessons as my schedule would permit, performed with competitive teams, and helped teach dance anywhere I could. So in high school I was, of course, highly involved in Cheerleading, Drill Team, and the Dance Team; where opportunities arose to further my training in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. I traveled around the U.S. performing and competing. Dance consumed my life simply because...I loved it. But, my eyes were set beyond these boundaries.
College & Beyond
After graduating, I attended Iowa State University; earning my B.A. in Performing Arts and Dance. Through this, I learned to better my technique and broaden my abilities, and most importantly, improve my skills as a teacher. My knowledge of dance history, instruction, and technique were sophisticated, but I also gained skills in theatre, music, art, and design. While working toward my degree, I took an internship where I had the amazing opportunity to work with Joel Hall in Chicago. During this time in college, I taught dance at a local studio, performed in numerous shows, and worked with two different dance companies.
After graduation, I moved to England with my husband. While overseas I was the director of Dance Factory and worked with, the widely respected, Ludus Dance Company. While living overseas, I was trained in the International Dance Teacher's Association (IDTA) curriculum. IDTA is a globally accepted system for proper instruction in dance techniques. Meanwhile, I enrolled in various courses to better myself as a performer, and had wonderful opportunities to learn recherché skills and techniques, such as Belly Dancing! It was an amazing journey, ultimately enriching my dance knowledge and overall character. Recently, I returned to the States and feel it is time to fulfill that pact I made as a little girl. Devine Dancers has been my dream, my passion, and my life.
Sharing My Passion
Though this journey began with my love of teaching dance, I now have a burning desire to change and improve the common dance system. First of all, I want to enrich my dancers with a unique and broad knowledge of dance and performance skills. I will offer all forms of dance, including: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Pointe, Modern, Partnering, Just Gents, Adults Only, Choreography, and Dance History. Additionally, I will offer other physically intensive arts such as: Tumbling, Cheerleading, Conditioning, and Baton. This will provide more opportunities for my students to grow in every direction they are pulled. Perhaps more importantly, I will develop amazing performers by teaching confidence, self-esteem, and discipline to my dancers. I hope to instill passion, dignity, and fortitude within each student; meanwhile, building a strong and unique bond between my dancers and their families - making one big Devine dancing family!
The doors to Devine Dancers officially opened June 1st 2009. I hope to share this endeavor with you.