Kayla Kellen

Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, Kayla began her dance career at the age of 6 at Barbara Jean’s Dance Studio. She studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Pointe, and danced competitively while assistant teaching. In addition to her in-studio training, Kayla also traveled to numerous conventions and workshops, including The Beginnings Workshop in New York, and Dance Olympus, where she was selected to be a VIP. Kayla’s love for dance and performing also led her to the theatre. She began choreographing musicals at the age of 12, and held several leading roles, which include: Ulla in The Producers, Sharpay in High School Musical and High School Musical 2 and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Her roles and choreography earned her several nominations and top honors at the Iowa Community Theatre Association Awards for three, consecutive years. In addition to competitive studio dance, Kayla was also a member of her high school’s competitive dance team, serving as captain her senior year and earning multiple awards as a team member and soloist. After high school, Kayla studied in the BFA Musical Theatre program at the University of South Dakota. Since then, she has owned, directed, and taught at studios in Sioux City, while also coaching and choreographing for area high schools and college teams. As a coach, Kayla led her teams to a total of twelve state championships, six academic awards, four community service awards and the
Character Counts Team of the Year Award. Currently, Kayla is the owner of A Class Act Dance Center in South Sioux City, Nebraska. She continues to spread her love of dance by traveling to choreograph and guest teach. During competition season, you will find Kayla on tour as a judge with several dance competitions.