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 twenty years. She attends dance conventions annually to continue her dance education and has attended the Dance Life Teacher Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is also a third-grade teacher and has a B.S. in Elementary Education. 

 Kiala Rae Velde (assistant director) has been dancing for over 30 years. She has been at NLDA for 13 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. She resides in Perham, MN with her husband, daughter and son. 

Katelyn Colliton (assistant director)  

This is my 8th year teaching dance and my 20th year with NLDA—it has truly become a second home. I'm currently pursuing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health with a focus on Psychology, and I’m passionate about the connection between movement and mental well-being.

Dance has always been a constant in my life, supporting me both mentally and physically. Teaching allows me the opportunity to share that gift with my students and help them discover the same joy and strength that dance has given me. Watching them grow not only as dancers but as confident, expressive individuals is what makes this work so meaningful.

Pagie Royer (instructor)  

She has been dancing for 14 years and is now in her 3rd year of teaching at NLDA. Her journey began as a student and intern, which sparked her passion for teaching and sharing the art of dance with others.

Outside of the studio, she loves spending time outdoors with her dog and staying active through exercise. Dance has always been a meaningful part of her life, and she’s excited to help her students grow, gain confidence, and fall in love with dance just like she did.

Alexa Osterman (instructor)  

She has been dancing for 13 years and is now in her 3rd year teaching at NLDA. Throughout her dance career, she had the incredible opportunity to compete at Grand Nationals three times, an experience that helped shape her love and dedication to the art.

Outside the studio, she is working toward her future career as a dental hygienist. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends—many of whom she met through dance—along with going to concerts and soaking up the sun at the lake in the summer.

Teaching keeps her passion for dance alive and gives her the chance to share everything she’s learned from so many amazing artists over the years. She values hard work, connection, and helping each dancer grow not just in technique, but in confidence and love for the art.

Greta Nelson (instructor)  

Greta Marie Nelson began her dance journey at just three years old and has been passionate about it ever since. She earned her BFA in Dance with a concentration in Commercial Dance from AMDA College of the Performing Arts in 2024.

Known for her strong work ethic, creativity, and infectious energy, Greta brings a genuine and uplifting presence to both the stage and the studio. She strives to share love and light with everyone she meets, whether teaching, performing, or connecting with others in the dance industry.