instructors

 Kendal Ware (director) received a minor in Dance Performance and a major in business management from Minnesota State University Mankato. She was a member of the University Repertory for three years and performed in numerous shows. She has owned and operated NLDA for eleven years. She attends dance conventions annually to continue her dance education and has attended the Dance Life Teacher Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is a CLi Certified Instructor. She is currently attending Bemidji State University to obtain a B.S. in Elementary Education.

 Kiala Rae Velde (assistant director) has been dancing for over 24 years. She has been at NLDA for 7 years and previously worked in Las Vegas at the Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts, which was named the top dance studio in Nevada.  She has studied dance at Minnesota State University Mankato, University of Nevada Las Vegas and Point Park University in Pittsburgh.  She worked with Donny Osmond while residing in Las Vegas. She has earned top choreography honors at many dance competitions throughout Nevada, California and Minnesota. She continues her education in dance by attending conventions. and is also a CLi Certified Instructor. She resides in Perham, MN with her husband, daughter and son. 

 Jackie Brakke (instructor) has been studying ballet for many years. Jackie grew up in Colorado where she had many opportunities to dance with many different walks of life. Jackie took a few classes from Emily Sasson who specializes in hip-hop. Jackie has danced in many ballets and was also an elite gymnast and went to nationals with the windsor all-stars. She was accepted into The Julliard School at the age of 17. She has an Associates Degree from Aims Community College in Colorado. Jackie resides in Nevis and has three daughters. Jackie is a CLi Certified Instructor. This will be her fourth year teaching at NLDA.   

Katelyn Colliton (assistant director) has been dancing with NLDA from the beginning. She was one of Kendal's first students in 2006. Katelyn was an NLDA intern for 3 years during high school. She was on our elite competition team. She is currently in college pursuing a degree in elementary education but loves to teach and choreograph with our students.