Meet the teachers!
Celebrate our 16th year with us!
Together, our instructors have over 80 years of teaching experience.
MISS KRISTEN BACK
Owner/Director of K & Co.
Kristen has been sharing her passion for dance for over 25 years by teaching competitive and non-competitive students ages 2 to adult. Aside from teaching in the studio, she has also taught for area preschools, and choreographed musical theatre productions for area high schools, competitive dance team dances, and solos for competition and pageants. Kristen studied and received her teaching certification with Dance Masters of America, through the University of Buffalo in New York. Kristen has been dancing for over 35 years, and is trained in many areas of dance including ballet/pointe, tap, jazz and lyrical. She has studied under many professional dancers, taken classes with Tulsa Ballet, and danced competitively on an award winning dance team. Kristen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Oklahoma State University and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Rogers State University. She also has over 20 years experience in dance studio management and show production. Kristen is married and has three beautiful little boys.
MISS ASHLYN - (Dance Team)
Competition Director
Ashlyn’s dance journey began at just three years old, and it’s been a lifelong passion ever since. By the age of eight, she was performing as part of a competitive dance team—a commitment she continued through high school. At ten, she began assisting in dance classes, gaining hands-on experience that would shape her teaching style. She officially began teaching at sixteen and has been sharing her love for dance with students ever since. For over 20 years, Ashlyn has attended conventions yearly, both as a student and an instructor, continually developing her skills and staying inspired by the broader dance community. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration & Honors from Rogers State University. Ashlyn is passionate about creating a positive and uplifting environment where students feel empowered to grow, express themselves, and develop a true love of dance, just as her teachers once inspired in her.
MISS BETHANY - (Combo Classes)
Bethany discovered her passion for dance at just five years old and hasn’t stopped moving since. She began teaching while still in high school and now brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the studio. Bethany has taught a wide range of styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. She has worked with students of all ages, from toddlers to adults. While she enjoys every class, her heart is especially drawn to teaching young dancers, where the joy and energy are unmatched. As a former competitive dancer, Bethany was a member of multiple award-winning teams, earning several national championship titles throughout her career. Her goal in every class is to create a positive, encouraging space where students can build confidence, grow in skill, and most importantly, have fun.
Bethany holds an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education from Rogers State University. For over a decade, she has worked at Claremore Public Schools as a Special Education Paraprofessional, first at the elementary level and now at the high school. She finds the work both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Outside of work, Bethany loves spending time with her daughter, Mia, who shares her love of dance. When they’re not at the studio, you’ll likely find Bethany cheering Mia on at horse and livestock shows. Watching her daughter pursue her passions is one of Bethany’s greatest joys.
Despite her busy schedule, dance remains a central part of Bethany’s life. She hopes to inspire every student she teaches to find the same lifelong love for dance that she has.
MISS KAYLA - (Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Ballet)
Kayla began dancing at age 2, and she has been dancing or teaching in some capacity ever since. She has a bachelors in business administration, Human Resources. Her focus as a teacher is to create an environment where students feel safe to challenge themselves and expand their artistic capabilities.
MISS ASHLEY - (Ballet)
Ashley began dancing at the age of 3 and has loved it ever since! She grew up attending several studios and dancing competitively in Loveland, Colorado. After high school, she began teaching students and choreographing both in Colorado and at James Madison University. While at JMU, she was a member of the Associate Dance Ensemble and Contemporary Dance Ensemble. In addition, she choreographed several pieces which were presented at various dance concerts. She earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors in dance and psychology in 2017. Recently she was a member of the Oklahoma State University Dance Company while pursuing her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. Since graduating in 2020, she has been working as a mental health counselor in Tulsa. She is so excited to continue her passion of dancing and to share that love with the students at K & Co!
MISS SARAH - (Combo Classes)
Miss Sarah has grown up dancing at K & Co., and she was trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theater, and Pointe under multiple teachers. She has several years experience working with children, and has done her teacher training under Miss Kristen.
MISS DELAINEY - (Lyrical, Tap)
Miss Delainey grew up dancing at K & Co. for seventeen years and now works as a teacher for beginner tap, lyrical, and jazz. She’s been teaching for four years and is moving on to her fifth! Her goal in every class is to inspire students to reach for their goals, never give up, and find a new confidence in themselves. With a joyful attitude, an optimistic outlook, and a hard-working spirit, she is sure to push and motivate students in a positive environment to achieve their goals as well as so much more!
MISS TRINITY - (Combo Classes)
Miss Trinity has been dancing at K & Co. since she was 5, and she began teaching this year! Miss Trinity is currently taking classes for Fashion Design at Clary Sage College.
MISS ZOE - (Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical)
Bio coming soon!
MISS ABBY - (Hip Hop)
Bio coming soon!