Kercheval Dance Faculty
FEATURING COLLEGE DEGREES, EXTENSIVE TRAINING & REAL DANCE EXPERIENCE.
TRACY HALSO GAP
Artistic Director | Instructor
Bachelors In Dance Oklahoma City University
Tracy graduated Summa Cum Laude from OCU, the “best preparatory dance program in the nation'' according to Dance Magazine. Her professional performance experience includes productions and parades at numerous theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, Kings Dominion, and Dorney Park. She has studied and performed with dance companies, including Dance Magazine's "Original Jazz Company" Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Tulsa Ballet, American Spirit Dance Company, and Oakland Dance Theater. While studying at OCU, she performed in the televised Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular with all-stars Carrie Underwood and Garth Brooks. In addition to her performance experience, Tracy has an extensive background in dance pedagogy. She has judged for Dance Masters of America and taught all styles of dance all over the country. Her true passion is to share the art of dance with students of all ages. Tracy's enthusiasm and knowledge enhance her classes so students can celebrate the mastery and imagination of dance.
"have courage and be kind"
ADAM GAP
Studio Director | Instructor
Bachelors in Business Merrimack College
Adam has traveled the world while performing for Royal Caribbean International. He has showcased his enthusiasm on stage with audiences at Cedar Fair Theme Parks nationwide and The Belagio in Las Vegas. He studied and performed all styles of dance with the American Spirit Dance Company. His dance education includes nationally recognized Oklahoma City University, Grand Valley State University and numerous intensives with world-renowned choreographers. Adam has judged and taught on the national dance convention circuit, as well as for universities and private studios. In addition to his dance achievements, Adam graduated with honors from Merrimack College in Boston with his Bachelors in Business Administration. Adam creates a welcoming and positive environment for students to grow through dance, developing tools to succeed in the arts and all facets of life.
"Practice the way you want to perform"
SAMANTHA BLACKBURN
Associate Director| Ballet Director
Certified STOTT Pilates & CLI Certified In Dance
Samantha grew up in Taylor, MI and trained under the direction of Patricia Squire Lorenz & Leif Lorenze. She has studied extensively in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, and Modern, with her main focus in Ballet. Samantha was chosen to be a trainee with Ballet Austin, as well as perform with Charleston Ballet Theatre. She has had the opportunity to attend multiple summer intensives including: Joffrey Midwest, Joffrey New York, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ballet Met Columbus, Ballet Austin and Milwaukee Ballet. Her dance career has given her the opportunity to work with inspirational choreographers from all over the world. Samantha enjoys sharing her passion of dance with her students, especially for classical and contemporary Ballet.
"practice makes almost perfect"
COURTNEY CHAMPAGNE
Instructor | Kore Development
Bachelors In Dance Western Michigan University
Courtney grew up dancing in the metro Detroit area. She trained with American Ballet Theatre and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York. She received her professional training from Western Michigan University, where she was also a teaching assistant for several semesters. Over the years, she has been privileged to work with many talented choreographers and perform for numerous events at the Music Hall Center for Performing Arts. As a company member of MoreDances, she performed works by Ali Woerner, Jeff Rubedal, and Janet Clayton-Reid. Courtney is a certified Pilates instructor, and has extensive training in STOTT Pilates. Courtney plays prominent role in designing costumes, hair, and makeup for our Kercheval Dance Team.
"find meaning in your movement"
MADDY PETZ
Instructor | Kore/Akro Co-Director
Bachelors In Dance Wayne State University
With a BFA in dance from Wayne State University, she performed extensively within the department including works created by Twyla Tharp, Pilobolus and Meg Paul. She has received two Copperfoot Awards for her choreography, in addition to being a finalist for the Maggie Allesee Choreography Award. Musical theatre performance is also one of her great passions; her most recent project including choreography, and performance in the ensemble of Mamma Mia The Musical, under the direction of Scotty Arnold. Currently, she is dancing for professional companies Take Root Dance, and Dance Among Women, all while continuing to create and present work of her own in the Detroit area. Maddy has been dancing nearly her entire life, and has always maintained an energetic, vibrant, presence on and off the stage. Striving to uphold a positivity throughout her day to day life, she finds great joy within the rehearsal and creative process that dance has to offer.
"how you do anything, is how you do everything"
Lexi Watson
Instructor | Kore/Akro Co-Director
Bachelors In Dance Oakland University
Lexi Watson is a recent graduate from Oakland University with a Bachelor's Degree in Dance. Throughout her time there she trained under artists such as Greg Patterson, Stephanie Pizzo, Ali Woerner, Thayer Jonutz and Jodie Randolph. While completing her degree, Lexi signed a contract with the Detroit Lions and joined the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders for three seasons. Along with dancing in front of 65,000 fans at each home game, she also had the opportunity to perform with artists such as Lil Jon, Mike Posner, New Kids on the Block, and Brothers Osborne. Lexi has a passion for training young dancers and sharing her knowledge with the next generation. She is excited to join The Kercheval Dance Family!
"Work hard with feeling"
Adam Early
Instructor | Competition Consultant
Bachelors in Dance Central Michigan University
Adam Early started dancing at Superior Motion Dance Company, where he was a standout soloist. He earned a scholarship to Interlochen Arts Academy and later trained in New York City at Broadway Dance Center. Adam danced with Think/Dance Collective, performing in innovative works like "Open Heart Surgery." He also studied dance at Central Michigan University, where he choreographed and performed with Orchesis Dance Theatre.
As a choreographer, Adam has worked on productions such as My Fair Lady and Thoroughly Modern Millie. His passion for teaching blossomed while training young dancers in Mt. Pleasant, and he has since brought his award-winning choreography to dance studios across Metro Detroit.
Mr. Bob
Family Relations | Front Desk
ESQ. | CPA
Mr. Bob is here to help. Whether its with your schedule or making sure your dancer makes it out to your car safely. Mr. Bob will be happy to assist you.
MISS CATHIE
Student Relations
Registered Nurse
Ms. Cathie is present in the studio lobby during most classes for ages 4 and under. She assists with students needs and will be happy to answer any questions throughout the dance season.
Olivia Audia
Instructor
Bio coming soon
We are so excited to have Miss Olivia at Kercheval Dance!