KJ DANCE LEGACY ALUMNI
KJ Dance intentionally designed this program to support the bonds and friendships made among fellow KJ Alumni while providing the opportunity to be a part of something GRAND! The KJ LEGACY ALUMNI represent former students, from the last 4 decades, who trained under the direction of KJ’s founder, Kristy Blakeslee, Artistic Director Audrea Cowan and the KJ faculty.
As KJ Dance continues to grow and evolve, the desire to link our alumni dancers together for a common purpose has become an exciting reality.
The mission of our alumni connection is to grow as a KJ Family and bridge the generations of KJ dancers together! Our alumni community cultivates growth as we continue to build #THEKJWAY legacy among the past, present, and future dancers of KJ!
WHAT'S NEW
- Abby Castora began her first season with Ballet Jazz Montreal
- Katie Drablos produced and choreographed "Only the Best", a show with 23+ artists, benefitting the HNC Living Foundation.
- John Cartin helped choreograph halftime at Super Bowl LVIII
- Amanda Lenox joined the board at Bruce Wood Dance Company
- Ashton Benn and Madison Goodman stunned audiences in performances at The Juilliard School and USC Kaufman.
- Caroline Castora made her on air Debut
These just name a few...check back for more updates on our amazing KJ Legacy Alumni. Your dancer could be next!
KJ DANCE LEGACY ALUMNI
KJ Dance intentionally designed this program to support the bonds and friendships made among fellow KJ Alumni while providing the opportunity to be a part of something GRAND! The KJ LEGACY ALUMNI represent former students, from the last 4 decades, who trained under the direction of KJ’s founder, Kristy Blakeslee, Artistic Director Audrea Cowan and the KJ faculty.
As KJ Dance continues to grow and evolve, the desire to link our alumni dancers together for a common purpose has become an exciting reality.
The mission of our alumni connection is to grow as a KJ Family and bridge the generations of KJ dancers together! Our alumni community cultivates growth as we continue to build #THEKJWAY legacy among the past, present, and future dancers of KJ!
WHAT'S NEW
- Abby Castora began her first season with Ballet Jazz Montreal
- Katie Drablos produced and choreographed "Only the Best", a show with 23+ artists, benefitting the HNC Living Foundation.
- John Cartin helped choreograph halftime at Super Bowl LVIII
- Amanda Lenox joined the board at Bruce Wood Dance Company
- Ashton Benn and Madison Goodman stunned audiences in performances at The Juilliard School and USC Kaufman.
- Caroline Castora made her on air Debut
These just name a few...check back for more updates on our amazing KJ Legacy Alumni. Your dancer could be next!
ALUM OF THE MONTH
To give a closer look at the history, memories and legacy of our KJ Alumni, we're honored to share an "Alum of the Month". Tune in to our social channels each month to find out who it will be and dive deeper into their journey.
APRIL
AUDREY LAWSON
Audrey Lawson, formerly Spurlock, is KJ's April Alum of the Month! From dancing at KJ since she was 2 years old, to helping Kristy open and run KJ Frisco, she's likely a familiar, loving and friendly face to dancers, parents and beyond.
KJ has been in Audrey's life since the beginning and one of her favorite memories includes countless Nationals rehearsals, running laps outside and all. She also credits KJ for giving her the power and tools to walk confidently into any room, while building meaningful relationships along the way. Since leaving KJ, Audrey has been crushing it across various industries and recently welcomed her baby girl, Hope, with husband Cody. We're always so proud to call Audrey our alum, make sure to click on her graphic to learn more.
AUDREY LAWSON
From dancing at KJ since she was 2 years old, to helping Kristy open and run KJ Frisco, Audrey Lawson is likely a familiar, loving and friendly face to dancers, parents and beyond.
APRIL
KJ has been in Audrey's life since the beginning and one of her favorite memories includes countless Nationals rehearsals, running laps outside and all. She also credits KJ for giving her the power and tools to walk confidently into any room, while building meaningful relationships along the way. Since leaving KJ, Audrey has been crushing it across various industries and recently welcomed her baby girl, Hope, with husband Cody. We're always so proud to call Audrey our alum, make sure to click on her graphic to learn more.
JANUARY
HALEY SMITH
Kicking off 2025 with Haley Smith, a KJ alum of 15 years! Haley started at KJ when she was just three years old and it was such a gift to watch her grow!
During her time at KJ, some of Haley's favorite memories include company trips to LA, NYCDA Nationals in New York City and endless concert and convention weekends. Haley was also a recipient of the Shirley Williams scholarship, rooted in kindness, humility and hard work. Following KJ, Haley attended the University of Oklahoma where she danced on the Pom Squad. From dancing on the UDA Nationals stage to cheering in stadiums like AT&T, Hard Rock and the Cotton Bowl, she is so proud of the journey she charted while at OU. Haley now resides in Dallas where she works in Marketing and is a teacher at Pure Barre. You may also even see her helping out around the studio now and then as well, make sure to tell her hello!
HALEY SMITH
Kicking off 2025 with Haley Smith, a KJ alum of 15 years! Haley started at KJ when she was just three years old and it was such a gift to watch her grow!
JANUARY
During her time at KJ, some of Haley's favorite memories include company trips to LA, NYCDA Nationals in New York City and endless concert and convention weekends. Haley was also a recipient of the Shirley Williams scholarship, rooted in kindness, humility and hard work. Following KJ, Haley attended the University of Oklahoma where she danced on the Pom Squad. From dancing on the UDA Nationals stage to cheering in stadiums like AT&T, Hard Rock and the Cotton Bowl, she is so proud of the journey she charted while at OU. Haley now resides in Dallas where she works in Marketing and is a teacher at Pure Barre. You may also even see her helping out around the studio now and then as well, make sure to tell her hello!
FEBRUARY
HANA BLACK
Most of you may know her as miss Hana, however Hana Black, formerly Alford, used to walk the halls of KJ herself and is the February alum of the month!
After graduating from KJ, Hana attended SMU where she double majored in Dance and Business Management, with a minor in musical theater. Post grad, Hana made her way back to KJ where she is now in her fifth year of teaching. Some of Hana's proudest post-KJ accomplishments include dancing with Zion Dance Project and coaching and directing the Grapevine Faith Lionettes. When not dancing, you can likely find Hana spending time with her husband Luke, who's she's expecting a baby boy with! We are so excited to continue to watch this KJ alum shine as she continues her dance career, enters into motherhood and teaches the sweetest KJ students!
FEBRUARY
HANA BLACK
Most of you may know her as miss Hana, however Hana Black, formerly Alford, used to walk the halls of KJ herself and is the February alum of the month!
After graduating from KJ, Hana attended SMU where she double majored in Dance and Business Management, with a minor in musical theater. Hana was involved in everything from Dance to student ministry and greek life at SMU, and loved every minute. Post grad, Hana made her way back to KJ where she is now in her fifth year of teaching. Some of Hana's proudest post-KJ accomplishments include dancing with Zion Dance Project and coaching and directing the Grapevine Faith Lionettes. When not dancing, you can likely find Hana spending time with her husband Luke, who's she's expecting a baby boy with! We are so excited to continue to watch this KJ alum shine as she continues her dance career, enters into motherhood and teaches the sweetest KJ students!
MARCH
KATEY FINAZZO
MARCH
KATEY FINAZZO
This alum needs no introduction, we're so excited to celebrate miss Katey as the March alumni of the Month. From her student days to now being one of our fearless leaders, we love her so much!
Katey Finazzo, our Pulse director and teacher, started at KJ when it first opened and remained a student through high school, and even started teaching in Middle school. Post KJ, she went on to dance at OCU and then continued on to dance in LA where she starred in countless commercials and series, and was a part of Soul Escape for 3 years. Her resume and skill is beyond impressive, and we're lucky to have her training our dancers today. Go Miss Katey!
This alum needs no introduction, we're so excited to celebrate miss Katey as the March alumni of the Month. From her student days to now being one of our fearless leaders, we love her so much!
Katey Finazzo, our Pulse director and teacher here, started at KJ when it first opened and remained a student through high school, and even started teaching in Middle school. Post KJ, she went on to dance at OCU and then continued on to dance in LA where she starred in countless commercials and series, and was a part of Soul Escape for 3 years. While there she met her husband, who most of you know as Mr. Cory, and they later moved back to Dallas where they started their family. Her resume and skill is beyond impressive, and we're lucky to have her training our dancers today. Go Miss Katey!
OCTOBER
NATASHA WAKIM
This month we celebrate an 11 year KJ alum, Natasha Wakim! Natasha loved her time at KJ, especially her time assisting in classes, helping the younger generation grow in dance.
After her time at KJ, Natasha graduated from Sam Houston State University with an Mif.A. in Dance and Oklahoma City University with a B.S. in American Dance Pedagogy. She has extensive experience both performing. teaching dance, and serving as an arts admin and we can’t wait to see all of the other amazing feats she’ll accomplish!
After her time at KJ, Natasha graduated from Sam Houston State University with an Mif.A. in Dance and Oklahoma City University with a B.S. in American Dance Pedagogy. She has extensive experience both performing. teaching dance, and serving as an arts admin and we can’t wait to see all of the other amazing feats she’ll accomplish!
NOVEMBER
CAMERON KLIKA
Say hi to Cameron, November's alum of the month! Registered Nurse and OU Grad, Cameron KIika (formerly Patterson), is a 15 year grad at KJ!
Whether it was laughing until she cried in LA with Mrs. Kristy and the girls, making super challenging dances and getting to perform them, or just spending time in the studio, Cameron forever cherishes her time at KJ. KJ taught Cameron how to stay true to herself while also fighting hard to never give up, which are invaluable tools she'll never lose thanks to KJ! Cameron has two sweet kiddos, and you may even see her around the studio with her daughter, Campbell, who just started R&R...make sure to say hello!
DECEMBER
CHRISTIAN BERGIN
Rounding out the year with KJ Alum, Christian Bergin! Although his time at KJ was short, he left a memorable impact on his fellow dancers and staff!
From Red Night to convention memories, Christian recounts his time at KJ as nothing short of special. Post KJ, Christian attended UT Austin for dance and has been busy ever since. In addition to helping those with disabilities find movement and dance, he also traveled to 4 different continents! Most recently, he started Matanzas Movement Collective, centered around helping individuals rediscover their passion for dance, feel safe and accepted, and just move their bodies. We are so proud of Christian and can't wait to watch him shine continually! Check out more on MMC below if you or a loved one is in the Florida area!
Learn about MMC!
JANUARY
ABBY & CAROLINE CASTORA
After dancing at KJ for 14 years, Abby and Caroline are taking the real world by storm. Whether they're performing on stage professionally in NYC or shining bright on air as a meteorologist, we're so proud of these two. Click on the graphic to catch up with the Castoras.
FEBRURARY
ERICA MELLON
Erica Mellon danced at KJ for over 10 years and exudes character, competence and compassion. This Texas Pom Alum can now add another feather to her cap as she recently graduated from SMU Law. Click the graphic to read more on Erica's Journey.
MARCH
JOHN CARTIN
Choreographer & creative producer, John Cartin, trained under Kristy for 3 years and returned to teach at KJ for numerous years following. He credits KJ for instilling a confidence, discernment and work ethic in him that led him to where he is today. His stunning experience and performance credits are expansive, from artists like Taylor Swift and Marc Anthony to Netflix’s Matilda. John has created for Cirque du Soleil and Dragone including the shows Echo, Fuzion, Messi10, and One Night for One Drop featuring Hans Zimmer. Most recently, John’s work could be seen in the 2024 Super Bowl LVIII halftime featuring Usher, Alecia Keys, Lil John and Ludacris. This is just scratching the surface. At this core, John is passionate about creating, and we’re so lucky to call him a KJ Alum. Learn more about John by clicking the graphic or the buttons below.
Visit John's Website
Follow John on IG!
APRIL
DELANEY WALKER
Delaney Walker, our April Alum of the month, danced at KJ for 4 years and left a lasting impact. After graduating from KJ, she joined the Pom team at Oklahoma City University where she earned a national title at NDA nationals this past year. Click her graphic to learn more about her time at KJ and how she's using those skills to propel her career forward one and off the stage!
MAY
CATHERINE LIEPINS
Say hi to May’s alumni of the month, Catherine Liepins! After dancing at KJ for 11 years, this Chapman graduate is pursuing a career in Dance in LA and has already made a splash. She’s danced in TV shows, music videos, films and live stage performances. In her free time, she teaches dance to share her passion with the younger generation. Catherine’s time at KJ shaped her into the person she is today, and she cherishes the friends & mentors she still has to this day! Head to social or click her graphic for more!
JUNE
It’s grad season, which means we have 4 special alumni to celebrate this month…our 2020 KJ grads, ASHTON BENN, MADISON GOODMAN, SOPHIA BORGARELLO AND TAYLOR WENZEL.
These dancers that collectively spent 30+ years at KJ are all graduating from their respective universities this year and we could not be more proud. From USC Kaufman and Juilliard to Arizona and Texas A&M, they’ve used their beauty and brains to reach new heights. Some of their favorite memories include KJ staples like playing the Grinch, competing at conventions and performing in annual KJ concerts and Giving Galas. Click on the graphic to find out what these new 2024 College grads are achieving now!
2020 KJ GRADS:
ASHTON BENN
MADISON GOODMAN
SOPHIA BORGARELLO
TAYLOR WENZEL
It’s grad season, which means we have 4 special alumni to celebrate this month! Ashton, Madison, Sophia and Taylor collectively spent 30+ years at KJ and are all graduating from their respective universities this year. We could not be more proud!
From USC Kaufman and Juilliard to Arizona and Texas A&M, they’ve used their beauty and brains to reach new heights. Some of their favorite memories include KJ staples like playing the Grinch, competing at conventions and performing in annual KJ concerts and Giving Galas. Click on the graphic to find out what these new 2024 College grads are achieving now!
JULY
RACHEL ALEXANDER
This beautiful alum has been a part of the KJ fam for 26 years. Dancing for 12 & teaching for 6, Rachel has made KJ so proud. Not only was she a collegiate national champion with the Texas Tech Pom Squad, but she shined as a DCC for 4 incredible seasons.
KJ shaped her growing up and she now is repaying the favor to younger generations at KJ, heading up the Junior DCC program. Click her graphic to learn more about Rachel’s KJ journey + enroll below in the Junior DCC program today!
Join Rachel and Enroll in Junior DCC!
AUGUST
HALEY TRIPP
August welcomes Haley Tripp as the alum of the month! A 12 year alum of KJ, Tripp went on to graduate from SMU with a double major in mechanical engineering and Dance, and is still continuing her education.
After dancing with Bombshell Dance Project post graduation, she now lives in Baltimore where she professionally studies human movement control. Dance & movement are at the core of everything Haley does, and she credits the environment, leadership and friendships she made from KJ as a huge part of that success.
SEPTEMBER
THE KLENA SISTERS: KELLY, KAITLYN AND KIMBERLY
September is three times the fun with three legendary alumni of the month. These sisters spent a combined 40+ years at KJ and left a legacy we'll cherish forever!
As graduates from the University of Oklahoma and Southern Methodist University, these sisters continue to thrive beyond KJ. From killing it in the corporate world in the Media and Energy space, to shining as a mom of two and personal trainer, the Klenas thank KJ for helping instill confidence and tools to help them to succeed.
Kelly, Kaitlyn and Kimberly also still hold incredible friendships they made at KJ in their life today. Spanning across decades, these three sisters are grateful for memories with their KJ family from LA trips to nationals, to even their iconic Dad's dance where their Dad danced with all three girls!
"KJ Dance is a North Dallas staple of creativity, community and excellence that has been around for decades!"
- Lisa Gerving, KJ Legacy Alumni & PCA Music Teacher
"KJ Dance was a life changer for me. Started dancing pretty late in the game, but Kristy Blakeslee made me fall in love with performing. She gives so much to her students and faculty. It's a no brainer that KJ Dance is a force to be reckoned with. It has incredible teachers from all genres of dance. Teachers that, authentically, love to teach and give back to their students. Here I am almost 20 years later still performing and still teaching. Every time I go back to the studio I learn something new. Kristy has created an safe environment of constant growth and exploration. If you live in Texas you should be going to KJ Dance."
- John Patrick Cartin, KJ Legacy Alumni & Performer/Master Teacher, 45 Degrees - a Cirque du Soleil Company
"I grew up dancing at KJ Dance, and the staff and lifelong friends made are like family. Not only do I have some of the fondest memories from my experiences there, but it taught me discipline and confidence that have carried with me today. Kristy is an amazing role model for all her students and her passion for what she does is inspiring!"
- Courtney Rai, KJ Legacy Alumni & Event Designer
"KJ Dance moves beyond a dance studio and develops dancers to show strong character, competence, and compassion in every aspect of life. Staff members at KJ provide dancers and families with the tools needed for success outside of the dance class by teaching dancers critical skills in the area of social skills, team building/ team work, collaboration, time management, public speaking/performing, personal development, professional development and opportunities to engage with national master teachers, and exposure to a variety of genres of performance arts. As someone who grew up at KJ, the values and lessons that the KJ staff instilled in me have been invaluable and applicable to all areas of my life, both personally and professionally."
- Sarah Gorsky, KJ Legacy Alumni & Elementary Special Education Teacher
“KJ was a great experience for me because it helped me to establish my confidence growing up. Even though dance didn't work out for me on a professional level, I feel that I learned so much at this studio - discipline, grace, and determination- these things carried me through drill team in high school, and even juggling sorority life/nursing school in college!”
- Courtney Kercher, KJ Legacy Alumni & Neonatal ICU Nurse
“Lifelong skills learned at this school and lifelong friendships built with the other dancers. The girls I trained with here are the closest friends I have going into my 30's and we aren't stopping now!”
-Amanda Lenox, KJ Legacy Alumni & Psychotherapist and Dance Faculty, WestChester Dance Academy
"Some of my favorite childhood memories are from dancing at Tap N Toe. I met my best friend in Kristy's company there when I was in the 4th grade. She is still my best friend today. Kristy & her staff teach so much more than dance. They are so loving & supportive of all of their dancers & families. I always recommend KJ to friends looking for a place for their kids to dance."
-Shay Geyer, KJ Legacy Alumni & Owner/Interior Designer IBB Design
"KJ is the #1 place for a diverse, educational and fun dance education in the DFW area! I have taught at studios all around the US and KJ Dance Designs has it all! I am honored to be from such an amazing studio!"
-Katie Drablos, KJ Legacy Alumni & Dance instructor, performer, choreographer, Barre instructor, Hedge Fund Employee
"KJ is where I learned to become a strong confident caring passionate and independent woman. I owe my love of dance community and people to the 10 amazing years growing up at KJ!"
-Brenna Adkison, KJ Legacy Alumni & professional dancer in NYC
"Dancing at KJ was one of the best decisions I've made. The faculty and lifelong friends shaped me into the person and dancer I am today, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities for growth that KJ provided me."
-Hana Alford, KJ Legacy Alumni and SMU Dance Alum
"Dancing at KJ is among the fondest memories in my life! The friendships I made during my time there are timeless! Kristy & all of the teachers at KJ are some of the kindest and most nurturing people you will ever meet! They are blessings to anyone fortunate enough to have them in their lives!"
-Natalie Loftin Bell, KJ Legacy Alumni & Founder & Performer in Ladies Liberty Show Troupe, LLC., Zumba teacher and Mommy of 2.
"KJ is the reason for where I am today!"
-Meredith Madden, KJ Legacy Alumni & Magic Assistant and Showgirl
"KJ helped to shape me into the Dancer that I am today. I'm so grateful for the lifelong friendships and memories that I made with my time at Kj!"
-Tessa Brennan, KJ Legacy Alumni & Dance Teacher, Gateway Church staff member, Dallas Stars Ice Girl Alum
