Instructors
Kari Kohls-Bruch
Kari is the director/owner of Kari’s Dance Academy and the national award-winning Starfire Dance Company both based in Emporia, Kansas. She travels extensively instructing master classes and setting choreography throughout the United States. Kari has served as a faculty member for Dance Caravan, Dance Olympus, Starlight Productions/ Company Dance, Nexus and her own dance intensive, Midwest Movement. She has choreographed many opening numbers for national dance competitions and pageants, as well as her personal favorite, Tanzsommer, an international performance held in Germany, Austria, Italy and France. Kari currently serves as a judge for a variety of regional and national competitions and considers herself honored to present her opinion to those who commit to the art of dance.
Barry “BYB” Youngblood
Barry has danced/performed and worked with J.Lo, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Paula Abdul, P.Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre, Nelly, LL Cool J, Donnie Osmond, Brian McKnight, and the Queen of England. His television credits include The Ellen Show, The Today show, MTV awards, BET awards, VH1 awards, Miss America, Regis & Kelly, Discount Mugs and The Goldbergs. Barry’s has been a featured dancer in Movies such as “The Wedding Year” with Sara Hyland, “Disjointed” with Kathy Bates, “Bringing Down The Houze” with Steve Martin, and Queen Latifah. He has choreographed industrials/commercials for Nike, Reebok, Skechers, Cadillac, and Sega. Barry has toured the world nationally and International teaching and choreographing. In 1993-1995 he toured with the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Live Stage tour all over the world. He is a Master Teacher/Choreographer/Dancer and the Creative Director of Hollywood Dance Jamz.
Leslie Rutledge-Syring
Leslie received her formal training under Kari Kohls- Bruch with the Starfire Dance Company, and is currently on staff as a choreographer. She also trained under some of the best in the business including Judy Rice, Barry Youngblood and the late Gregg Russell. Leslie was a featured performer at Tanzsommer, The International Festival of Dance, traveling through Germany, Austria and Italy. She can be seen in Hanson music videos and performed at the Grand Opening of the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Leslie traveled as an assistant to Barry Youngblood for many years, is honored to be a member of the Company Dance Hall of Fame and was part of the Global Dance Convention in Sydney, Australia. She spends most of her time setting competitive material, for which she has won numerous awards, and teaching Master Classes for studios around the country. She loves to share her passion with this next generation of dancers and she wishes to instill the hard work and perseverance she was taught growing up in the amazing dance industry.
Darian Bruch
A 2020 graduate from The University Of Kansas, Darian earned two degrees; a BS in Exercise Science and a BA in Dance. She has received multiple honors and scholarships with her dance/cheer performances including National Performer of the Year. Darian has had the opportunity to perform in various shows/productions including the opening for New Kids On The Block and singer songwriter Nico Santos and rapper Kontra K. A four-year member of the KU Rock Chalk Dancers, Darian represented KU at Pro Action Dance and served as choreography captain. She was an instructor for NCA for eight years where she served as an HI for the organization. Darian was also selected as a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader in 2020 and cheer for them for four seasons including cheering at international games and two Super Bowls. She is currently on three teaching staffs at prominent dance studios and actively travels throughout the United States setting choreography for various competition groups and dance teams. Sharing her love of dance and cheer to others is her biggest passion.
Andie Stitt
Andie Stitt grew up in Kansas City where she began dance training at the age of 4. She trained under many dance educators at studios, conventions, camps and workshops. Andie graduated from Wichita State with a BFA focused in dance, kinesiology and choreography. She has completed contracts with Wichita State University Dance Department, as well as The University of Kansas Department of Dance as a guest professor. During her time in Wichita, Andie was also employed by Young Audiences affiliate program Arts Partners bringing dance to at risk and low income children in the community. Her daily life consists of traveling to guest teach or choreograph 150+ pieces across the country annually. Andie choreographs for teams such as the NFL Chiefs Cheerleaders, Dancers For Cancer and National performance programs all over the country. Andie is also the founder of “Dance on with Diabetes”, a support group for dancers living with Type 1 Diabetes. Andie is a technique guru with a knack for taking dancers of all levels to the next level. She is honored and humbled to have the opportunity to keep growing her passion for dance.
Johnny Hackett
Johnny Hackett, a native of Owasso, Oklahoma, began his dance journey at a young age. At twelve years old, he joined South Tulsa Dance Company where he fell in love with dance, and then later attended the Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education to further his dance studies. After high school, Johnny attended The Juilliard School in New York City and graduated in the class of 2021 with a B.F.A. In August 2021, Johnny moved to Lisbon, Portugal to join Quorum Ballet, and in September he will be moving to Germany to join Staatsballett Nürnberg for the 2024/2025 season.