Teacher & Choreographer
Through her roles as dance instructor and choreographer, Kayla has discovered a passion for sharing her love for the craft with others and fostering a community where individuals feel inspired and well-equipped with the skills and mindset they need to pursue their dreams. Kayla enjoys working with students of all ages and is passionate about creating works that empower, inspire, and bring joy to the community.
My Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher and artist, I see dance as a vital means of expression and connection, and I believe dance is a powerful tool to communicate with others, which words cannot. Dance has taught me what it means to fully embrace personal expression, creativity, athleticism, discipline, and authenticity, and as a teacher, I strive to provide a safe space and training where students can get the most out of their personal dance journey. I understand that each student’s relationship with dance may be different, but it cannot be denied that dance can push people to discover more about themselves.
As a teacher, safety, wellness, and trust are my top priorities. This is ensured through safe dance spaces, respect for work/life balance, integrated strength training, education, and clear communication between dancers and the parents of students.
I enjoy working with students of all ages and am passionate about removing the barrier that limits adults’ ability to take dance classes. A person’s dance journey can start at the age of 3 or even the age of 65. What matters is that dance is for everyone!
Recent Accomplishments and Projects
"I'm So Grateful for Change": Iowa Choreography Festival
This summer, Kayla debuted her first piece of choreography for the Iowa Choreography Festival titled "I'm so Grateful for Change." This piece was special as she got to collaborate with local musician Abigail Phelps and be mentored by Deanna Stanton, a well-known choreographer and principal dancer at Ballet Arkansas.
Theatre in a Box:
Co-Author
As an intern at the Des Moines Community Playhouse, I had the honor of being a co-author for a new and upcoming initiative that brings theatre into the K-2nd Grade classroom. Combining theatre and literature learning objectives, students get to use creative play and theatrical storytelling to help practice and implement standard learning objectives.
After School Arts Program: Teaching Artist
Des Moines After School Arts Program (ASAP) partners with Des Moines Parks and Rec each summer to host a summer arts camp. Kayla was delighted to be a teaching artist for the camp in 2025, where she got to teach dance and movement activities to around 200 students from the ages of 5 to 14. Students had fun exploring movement outside through yoga, colorguard flags, and more!
Wizard of Oz: Urbandale Community Theater
After getting to help choreograph musicals for her high school's theatre department, Kayla leaped towards the opportunity to choreograph a full musical for UCT. She enjoyed working with a large cast of all ages and getting to bring the familiar story of the Wizard of Oz to the live stage!
Dance Instructor: Iowa Ballet Academy, Dance Vision, Midwest Dance Collective
Since 2023, Kayla has been teaching at various dance studios in the Des Moines metro during her summers when not at school. She's taught classes in the styles of tap, jazz, musical theatre, ballet, and lyrical to students ages 3 to 16. Additionally, she has enjoyed choreographing competition tap solos for students and is interested in choreographing more for studios as she moves ahead.