Denise Hawkins
Owner & Director
- Denise founded DDA in 1993 and has been dancing since the age of 3
- Captain and 4 year member of Olathe South Golden Girls
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Middle School Education with minors in French and Social Studies from the University of Kansas
- Outstanding Professional Dance Teacher Award
- Charter Member of IDEA – International Dance Entrepreneurs Association
- Professional/Amateur Teacher of the Year - Rainbow Dance
- Al Gilbert Tap Master Recipient
- Multiple performance and choreography awards
- Winner Best Dance Studio in Johnson County - multiple years
- Continuing education in dance and studio management include classes
at Dance Teacher Summit, Energize Studio Owner Conference Chicago, UDMA Orlando Conference, IDEA Business Summit, DanceLife Teacher Conference Las Vegas and Phoenix, KAR Las Vegas Dance Educators Summit, and the Studio Owner University Amelia Island Florida.
Jeni Coe
Competition Team Director
- Miss Jeni has been dancing since the age of four and has been a part of the Denise’s Dance Academy staff since 2001
- She was a two-year member of the Wichita South East High School Drill Team
- Miss Jeni trained and performed in Wichita at The Wichita Children’s Theatre and Dance Center, Wichita State University and Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita under Kris Anderson, Denise Celestin, Jill Landrith, Nick Johnson, Aubrey Watson, and Kathryn Esposito
- She has a Master’s Degree from the University of Kansas in Elementary Education as well as math and dance minors
- She has worked with many of the award winning groups at DDA as well as has received choreography and top teacher awards
- Miss Jeni is the Competition Teams Director
- Miss Jeni is also a kindergarten teacher in the Olathe School District
Kristen Gelvin
Instructor
- Officer on Olathe South Golden Girls dance team senior year
- Dancer at Johnson County Community College for two years 2006-2008
- 2007 Super Star kicks first in the nation
- 2007 Second place collegiate hip hop UPA
- Dancer at Avila university in 2009
- 2009 3rd in the nation for collegiate hip hop and 6th in the nation for collegiate jazz at UDA
- In charge of the hip hop competitive teams at DDA
- Has choreographed many routines nationally and regionally that have received special awards, overall placements, and choreography awards.
Melissa Charest
Instructor
- Instructor and Ballet Mistress at DDA since 2006
- Dancing since childhood - has trained throughout the country in ballet, pointe, jazz, musical theater and tap
- Has been teaching dance since 1992 at various high schools and dance studios in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, and Kansas
- Performed professionally in the Atlanta area for 6 years with the Christian Dance Company, Praise in Motion, under the direction of former Atlanta Ballet dancer, Kathy Thomas-Law and Rhonda Oltjenbrun
- Ballet Mistress at En Pointe School of Dance in Atlanta, GA for 6 years
- Auditioned and was offered a position as a dancer for Walt Disney World 1990
- Graduate of The University of Florida with both a Bachelor and Master of Education Degree
- Captain of University of Florida's Color Guard and Dance Team
- Resides in Olathe with her husband and has 3 adult children
Shelley Roberts
Instructor
- Grew up dancing in Overland Park at Patty Beller Dance Studio and Overland Dance Studio in multiple genres: tap, jazz, ballet, musical theater
- Participated in Dance Masters of America competitions and conventions
- Member and choreographer for the Olathe North Eaglette Dance Team
- Performed at various venues, festivals and parades in the metro and in New Orleans, LA
- Graduated from Emporia State University degree in Education
- Working as a Recreational and Competition Team teacher at Denise’s Dance Academy since 2008
- Currently teaching elementary school in Olathe School District
Lindsey Dougherty
Guest Instructor
- Started dancing at the age of 3. Danced competitively at a studio and then did high school dance team at Olathe North High School. I was captain my senior year of high school.
- Danced at Johnson County Community College for 2 years and was captain my 2nd year.
- Through different experiences dancing at Johnson County Community College and then my two years studying at Kansas State University, I taught cheerleading/dance camps for younger girls and boys, I coached a recreational cheerleading squad, and I did some choreography for JCCC after leaving there.
- After college I was an assistant coach for the Olathe North Eaglettes Dance Team
- I received my Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and my Master's in Special Education from Emporia State University.
- I started teaching elementary school in the Olathe School District in 2017. I taught general education for 3 years (4th grade- 2 years and 1st grade- 1 year) and have been an elementary special education teacher ever since then.
- I started teaching at Denise's Dance Academy during the summer of 2018. I started out teaching recreational classes. I currently teach national teams for jazz and lyrical.
- I love watching the progress of dancers from their dance technique to their confidence in themselves as a dancer and a person.
Carissa Hobbs
Instructor
- I have been dancing since I was 2 years old and am from Southern California
- I grew up dancing at Murrieta Dance project for 15 years
- I was on my high school dance team all 4 years
- Member of the dance team at Cal State Fullerton all 4 years and brought home two UDA national championships in Divison 1 Jazz
- Instructor for USA dance staff for 3 years
- Dance Instructor at Downey Dance Center for 5 years in all styles of dance
- Currently dancing professionally in Kansas City
- I could not be more excited to start teaching at DDA !!!
Amber Morgan
Instructor
- Trained in tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and ballet for 15 years
- DDA Competition Teams dancer for 8 years
- Company En Pointe dancer for 5 years performing all over the KC metro
- Performed in the Kidz Roc show in Branson, MO
- Performed in 3 Rock Chalk Revue musicals at KU
- Performed in the Senior Showcase for the KU dance department
- Received a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a MBA from the University of Kansas
Ally Mcgill
Instructor
- Former DDA dancer and member of the DDA Competition Teams
- Member of Blue Valley West's Crimson Cat Dance Team 2012-2016
- Graduated from University of North Dakota with a nursing degree in 2020
- Currently working on completing her Master's Degree to become a nurse practitioner
- Has a passion for dance and is excited to share that with others!
Amy Hulse
Instructor
- Amy grew up dancing and competing in the Kansas City area. She actually began her dance training right here at DDA!
- Upon moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas to attend college, she began teaching dance at 19, and realized that her true passion was teaching.
- Now well over a decade later, teaching and choreographing remains her dream job.
- She served as the resident choreographer for Sound Alive Show Choir, the Har-Ber High School Theatre Program and Ramay Middle School Dance Team.
- In addition to dance, Amy is a RYT-200 Yoga Instructor, with the hopes of building strong, well-rounded, confident dancers and performers.
- Amy has won multiple choreography accolades and choreogaphed multiple award-winning competition routines!
Anna Price
Instructor
- I am so excited to be back at DDA, this time as an instructor after dancing here for 11 years.
- I was a member of the Blue Valley North Dance Team for 4 years and served as a team captain for 2 of those years.
- In college, I was heavily involved in the University of Kansas Rock Chalk Revue, performing for 4 years, choreographing for 3 years, and directing for 2 years. I also choreographed for several sorority events during my time at KU.
- I’m a proud graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in Marketing and Sales, and I currently work as a Content and Design Manager at KES Studio in Kansas City.
- Outside of dance, I love staying active by trying new workout studios around KC, walking my dog, and taking classes at Dance Fit Flow.
- Teaching at DDA for the past few years has been such a joy. I’m passionate about helping dancers grow their confidence, skills, and love for movement!
Lauryn Fatula
Instructor
- I was involved in recreational teams, competitive teams, and travel teams during my 13 years at Denise’s Dance Academy.
- I trained primarily in jazz, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, ballet, and jazz character. I also participated in tap and musical theater for some time.
- I was a 2 year member of the Chisholm Trail Thunder dance team.
- I danced on the Olathe South Golden Girls dance team for one year.
- I then continued dancing on the University of Central Missouri Mulekickers dance team for 2 years.
- Currently, I am working towards obtaining my bachelors in criminal justice with a minor in psychology through UCM. I will be graduating in December 2023 with plans to continue my education by doing a masters of social work program.
- In May of 2023 I welcomed my beautiful daughter into the world. I look forward to when she will be old enough to start classes at DDA and join the forever family!
- I am so excited to be back at my second home and sharing my love of dance with others. I can’t wait to teach, watch dancers shine on stage, and make new memories!
Katie Charest
Instructor and Social Media
- Graduated in 2025 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BA in Dance and a BAHR in Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, with minors in Business and Leadership and Communications
- Through her dance major, she primarily trained in modern dance and was able to create three choreographic works (2022-2025). One of which was chosen to be presented at the 2024 American College Dance Association North-Central Conference in St. Olaf, Minnesota.
- Katie has performed at three American College Dance Association conferences (2022, 2024, 2025) and helped run the tech for the conference in 2023.
- Started dancing at DDA in 2006 and danced with us for 15 years! She trained in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Musical Theater, and Modern.
- She had the honor and privilege to come back and teach at DDA all four summers of college, and is so excited to be on staff now!
- Outside of being a dance teacher, she is an Events Account Coordinator at Augeo Affinity Marketing
- She loves to help her students learn and grow and always wants to be their biggest cheerleader!!
Juliann Phillips
Instructor
- Trained at Denise’s Dance Academy for 9 years in jazz, lyrical, jazz character, contemporary, and ballet
- Danced on the Blue Valley High School dance team for 3 years including being a captain senior year
- 2 year member of Company En Pointe at DDA
- Performer at the Kidz Roc show in Branson twice, Harlem Globetrotters halftime, the Royals Fan Fest, Downtown Disney at The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, and BBBS RISE! Rooftop Crawl
- Performed in and directed Greek Life productions and competitions at the University of Arkansas
- Attained both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Economics/Spanish and Agricultural Economics/Rural Development from the University of Arkansas
Raylin Schneweis
Instructor
- I am so thrilled to be teaching at DDA!
I have trained in almost all forms of dance, but especially ballet, pointe, jazz, and lyrical at Midwest Dance Mechanix and for the Maize South High School Dance Team in Wichita, KS, my hometown!
In recent years I’ve worked for Believe National Talent Competition traveling across the country as a Retail/Registration Associate, Tabulator, and Backstage Manager.
Graduate of Kansas State University with a Degree in marketing and now work at a local marketing agency in KC.
I firmly believe dance has shaped every aspect of my life, and it is my goal to give the next generation of dancers the confidence and resources to be successful wherever their path may lead.
Hattie Roberts
Instructor
- Former DDA recreational and competitive dancer for 12 years
- Olathe South Golden Girl alumni
- Trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre
- Performed at various venues including T-Mobile Center, Kidz Roc in Branson MO, and Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando FL
- DDA instructor for both recreational and competition teams since 2017
- Graduated From JCCC Cosmetology school in 2018
- So incredibly passionate about teaching the future generation of dancers!
Val Wayne
Instructor
- Val started dancing in the Royal Academy of Dance program based in Mexico City since she was 5.
- At 16 years old she auditioned to be part of CENART at the National Arts Center where she would dance for 4 years.
- Around that time she would start her teaching journey at dance at various studios while going to college for a Bachelor's in Psychology.
- Taught at DDA several years ago before moving to Las Vegas.
- Has been teaching the last 5 years in Las Vegas.
- Teaching dance has always been a big part of her life, being able to combine both has been extremely rewarding.
- Proud new mom to a precious baby girl!
Kristina Haas
Instructor
- Started dancing at the age of 3 in Overland Park at Legacy School of the Arts
- Pre-professional training during childhood, focusing in ballet, jazz, contemporary, pointe, musical theatre, modern, tap, and hip hop
- Multiple local/regional awards in high school for her musical theatre choreography
- Went to KU where she started teaching at Dance Gallery and choreographing musicals in the area
- Was able to do an independent study in Contemporary/Modern with the KU School of Dance, where she spent a whole semester focused on storytelling, improv, contemporary/modern movement, and learning to find inspiration from multiple different sources
- Graduated with a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering in 2022, and then moved back to Kansas City
- Professional dancer with KC Contemporary for 2 seasons, and choreographs musicals in the KC area
- Teaches adults at Dance Fit Flow and continues to do freelance gigs as a professional dancer
- Now works full time as an electrical engineer helping build hospitals, labs, and other healthcare facilities
- Loves to inspire the next generation of dancers, helping them find their own voice and grow confidence as performers!
Kaitlyn Woicke
Instructor
Grew up in Olathe, Kansas, and began dancing at the age of three.
Miss Kaitlyn joined the competition program at DDA, where she trained in multiple styles and danced for 10 years.
She was a member of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Dance Team and served as captain during her senior year.
She was selected as a member of the Kansas State University Classy Cats for four years and was part of the program’s first-ever national championship team at DTU in 2022.
Miss Kaitlyn served as the Junior Varsity and Varsity Dance Team Coach at Olathe West from 2023–2025.
She graduated in 2023 with a degree in marketing and currently works at Netsmart as an Event Coordinator.
Miss Kaitlyn has taught and choreographed numerous routines at DDA over the years and is thrilled to be back at her second home.
Ashton Thomas
Instructor/Guest Choreographer
- I am so excited to be teaching at Denise's Dance Academy.
- Graduate of Kansas State University Member of the Classy Cats dance team all four years.
- My senior year, I had the privilege of serving as captain.
- As much as I love dancing and performing, I have truly found my passion in teaching and coaching.
- Coached the dance team at Manhattan High School for two years
- Former Assistant Coach of the Olathe East Talons
- On staff for Dance Team Union traveling around the country teaching various camps and masterclasses, as well as working regional and national events.
- Retired member of the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders!
Jennifer Morgan
Instructor
- Denise's Dance Academy Alumni
- Trained in tap, jazz, lyrical and ballet for 15 years including competition teams
- Performer in Kidz Roc show in Branson, MO.
- 5 year member of Company En Pointe which included many specialty performances for holidays and other events.
- Undergrad and graduate degrees from KU where I was able to continue performing in musicals, at events, as well as shows for the dance department each year.
- I am delighted to continue my love for dance through teaching here at Denise's and being a part of this family!
Nicole Charest
Guest Instructor
- Graduated from Oklahoma City University with her major in Dance Management and a minor in Business Entrepreneurship.
- Featured Performer in several shows including the Miami Heat Halftime, Harlem Globetrotters Halftime, Kidz Roc in Branson, MO, the Royals Fan Fest, Mary Kay Seminar, JAZZ! A KC Holiday Tradition, Broadway Revue, and Home for the Holidays.
- Currently resides in Colorado with her husband.
- She has a strong passion for teaching and loves watching young artists grow!
Robyn Nameth
Administrative Assistant
- Been a part of the DDA family since 2005 when my daughter Claire started dancing here (She graduated in 2016)
- Graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
- Resides in Butler, MO with her husband
- Currently does alterations, rhinestoning, and works the front desk at the studio.
Ashley O'Quinn
Instructor
- Dancing since childhood in multiple style-jazz, tap, lyrical, pom, ballet and hip hop
- Favorite dance styles-jazz, pom and hip hop
- Former Recreational and Competitive dance team member at Denise's Dance Academy
- Member of Johnson County Golden Girls Dance Team 2005-2007
- Member of Avila Glitter Girls Dance Team 2007-2008
- Choreographer for national and regional hip hop, jazz and pom routines at DDA
- Graduate of Avila University w/ Bachelors of Radiologic Science
- Graduate of Saint Luke's Diagnostic Sonography Program
- Currently mom of DDA dancer and high-risk OB sonographer
Lauren Hammond
Social Media and Guest Instructor
- Graduated from the Honors Program at the University of Kansas
- Bachelors Degrees in both Microbiology and Spanish as well as a Global Awareness Certificate.
- Earned an A.A.S. in ASL-English Interpretation from Johnson County Community College.
- Currently a Doctoral Candidate for a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of South Florida
- Lauren has been teaching at DDA for 8 years.
- Started dancing at DDA in 1994 and trained with us for 14 years.
- Founding Member of the Company en Pointe Ballet company and won many Top Overall awards for both Solo and Group performances as a member of the DDA Competition Team.
- Danced at The University of Kansas while earning her degrees.
- Participated in Master Classes from top teachers around the world focusing on both dance performance as well as teaching and mentoring. As a teacher, she has had both groups and soloists recognized with overall awards and was honored with a Teacher Award from the Star Systems Competition.
- Performed around the country including at The Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney at The Walt Disney World Resort, Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs, The Sprint Center before the So You Think You Can Dance Tour and for The Harlem Globetrotters halftime, The Kansas City Zoo, Yakov's Theater prior to the Chinese Acrobats in Branson, Mo, The Johnson County Fair, as well as numerous Nursing Homes and Charity Events across the Kansas City Metro.