"Kari Thomas is a wonderful, enthusiastic studio owner who is dedicated to providing top-notch, quality dance education to all her students. She inspires all of her dancers and trains them to not only be well rounded technical dancers, but to have the extra performance edge that captures the attention of the audience! Her dancers perform with their hearts and their love of dance shows whether they are in the classroom or on stage. Dance Elite is a very respected and valued customer of ours and we look forward to working with Kari and her dancers annually. I would highly recommend this studio to dancers and parents who are searching for great dance education in a positive and family-friendly enviroment."
Kari Anderson
Owner/Director Dupree Dance
Kari and I met dancing alongside one another in a grade school Christmas concert. A mutual passion and love of dance was the catalyst that sparked a lasting friendship. Throughout the years, Kari's passion has continued to grow and inspire dancers of all ages. Dance Elite is the culmination of many years of intense training, hard work and the desire to share her love of dance with others. Today, I continue to collaborate with Kari and have had the pleasure of working with many of her students. As a professional dancer, it is rewarding to know and work beside a dance educator who truly has each student's best interest at heart and who is just as excited about dance today as when we met.
Amy Klingler, Radio City Rockette

Faculty


Meet the Dance Elite Staff



Kari Thomas


Owner/ Teacher/ Choreographer

Kari Thomas Kari has studied ballet and tap since the age of 4. She has been teacher certified in the classical method of Cecchetti Ballet. Kari has studied jazz at Gus Giordano Dance Center, IL. She has also attended numerous dance conventions including: Dupree, Tremaine, NYCDA, and Broadway Dance Center, New York City. Kari was the choreographer for the Howard County Juniior Miss Program for 13 years and has also been the contestants chairperson. She has worked with numerous physical education classes in the county, choreographed dances for local cheerleaders, and is the Amtag dance teacher at Western Intermediate School. Kari, along with Dance Elite, has been involved with "Walk a Mile in my Shoes", "Relay for Life", "Haynes Apperson Parade", "4-H Fair Talent Show", "Walk for Diabetes", and trim- a- tree for "We Care". Many of Kari's dancers have been awarded scholarships for their dancing in jazz, hip hop, and tap. Many of the Dance Elite alumni have continued on to colligiate level dance programs.

Kristen Cottrell


Student Teacher

Kristen Cottrell Kristen has been training with Kari since age 7. She was an assistant teacher in 2009- 10 season and is now teaching a 5 year old ballet/ tap class and an 8- 10 year old jazz. Kristen has received many gold awards for group work at regional competitions.

Carly Ogle


Teacher

Carly Ogle Carly is a first year dance minor at Ball State University. She trained with Kari for many years. Carly taught a 9- 12 year old ballet/ tap/ jazz combination class in 2009- 10 and has assisted in many other classes. She has received manygold awards for solo and group work at regional competitions. Carly set choreography for many solo pieces for the 2010- 11 competition season.

Shelby Revils


Student Teacher

Shelby Revils Shelby has trained with Kari and danced competitively since age 6. She has received many gold awards for solo and group work at regional competitions and numerous dance scholarships. She is teaching a 9- 12 year old ballet/ tap/ jazz combination class and a 7- 9 year old jazz class.

Next Event

Apr 13 - Apr 15, 2012

Competition for Kickin' It and VIPs - To Be Announced
BravO! Dance Competition at Zionsville High School

Downloads

Registration Form

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Contact Us

Address:

151 Rainbow Drive
Kokomo, IN 46902

Phone:

(765) 438-2304

Email

danceelitekokomo@gmail.com

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