Our Performing Arts Faculty & Staff
Get to know The Edge Dance Complex’s esteemed performing arts faculty and staff. Our dedicated team of experts is committed to nurturing talent and fostering creativity in every student, providing unparalleled guidance in their artistic journey.
Kelsey King - Owner & Artistic Director
At a young age, Kelsey began dance training extensively in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, and Pointe. Her prowess in strength, flexibility and stage presence soon garnered attention. Today, she leverages her professional-level certification from Dance Masters of America to provide the best dance education possible. She aims to impart the same level of excellence and passion to her students, ensuring they receive top-tier instruction.
She is the Head Dance Coach at Stevenson University, where she has lead their team to win their Division III National competition three years in a row!
Professional Choreography Work
Her award-winning choreography for individual and group performances has established her as a renowned choreographer and esteemed master teacher in studios throughout Maryland. She notably choreographed for dance troupes like the Broadneck High School Dance Company, the Anne Arundel County School system, and the Anne Arundel County Dance Ensemble.
Kelsey actively leads choreography for our Elite Dance Company.
Kelsey actively leads choreography for our Elite Dance Company.
Josie Dike - Assistant to the Director *All Genres*
Josie Dike is a 2022 graduate of The Edge Dance Complex and Elite Dance Company, where she trained under Kelsey King from the age of four. After spending her dance career at TEDC, she is thrilled to return to the studio that played such an important role in shaping her as a dancer and share her love of dance with the next generation.
Throughout her years of training, Josie studied ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, acro, and musical theatre, competing and performing in a variety of styles. During high school, she served as Dance Team Captain and was recognized as an All-State Dancer in 2022. She also discovered a passion for choreography, with her work being featured in the AACPS Dance Showcase. Her years of training and performance have given her a strong appreciation for both the technical and creative sides of dance.
Josie recently graduated from Salisbury University, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. During college, she was an active member of the Poms Dance Team and her sorority, where she served as President. She currently works as an elementary school teacher in Anne Arundel County, where she is working to create an encouraging and positive learning environment. She looks forward to carrying her passion for teaching into the studio, creating a space for her dancers to thrive.
Josie is so excited to return to The Edge Dance Complex and give back to the studio that shaped her. She hopes to help her students grow in their skills, confidence, and love of dance.
Throughout her years of training, Josie studied ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, acro, and musical theatre, competing and performing in a variety of styles. During high school, she served as Dance Team Captain and was recognized as an All-State Dancer in 2022. She also discovered a passion for choreography, with her work being featured in the AACPS Dance Showcase. Her years of training and performance have given her a strong appreciation for both the technical and creative sides of dance.
Josie recently graduated from Salisbury University, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. During college, she was an active member of the Poms Dance Team and her sorority, where she served as President. She currently works as an elementary school teacher in Anne Arundel County, where she is working to create an encouraging and positive learning environment. She looks forward to carrying her passion for teaching into the studio, creating a space for her dancers to thrive.
Josie is so excited to return to The Edge Dance Complex and give back to the studio that shaped her. She hopes to help her students grow in their skills, confidence, and love of dance.
Michael Gellert - Vocal Department Director
Mr. Gellert brings a diverse and extensive musical experience to our performing arts studio. Most recently, he was the director and musical arranger of Harbor City Music Company, a 110-voice women's a capella chorus and award-winning chapter of Sweet Adelines.
Performing Arts Background
As a Baltimore Opera Company chorus member, he secured several supporting roles, like Gregorio in Romeo and Juliet, Wagner in Faust, and the Marquis in La Traviata. He has performed in over 40 operas at the opera company, culminating in around 120 performances. Since Mr. Gellert began his private study in Baltimore and Gettysburg with Forrest Barrett in 1973 and with Todd Duncan in Washington, he has had a steady stream of voice students of all ages.
Kylie House - Office Administrator *All Genres*
Kylie is thrilled to return to The Edge Dance Complex, where her love of dance first began. A former TEDC student and proud member of the Elite Dance Company, Kylie trained extensively at the studio and earned numerous awards throughout her competitive dance career.
She recently graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree, where she was also a member of the UConn Dance Team. During her time at UConn, Kylie competed in Hip Hop, Jazz, and Gameday at UDA Nationals in the Division IA category. She also performed on the sidelines at UConn football games and both men’s and women’s basketball games. One of the highlights of her collegiate experience was traveling with the UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams during their March Madness tournament runs.
Kylie is currently an elementary school teacher in Anne Arundel County, where she is passionate about creating a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment for her students. She is excited to share her love of dance, help students build confidence, and inspire the next generation of dancers at The Edge Dance Complex.
Gabriella Pascoe - Office Administrator *All Genres*
Gabriella is excited to join The Edge Dance Complex family and become part of such a talented and supportive community. She is trained in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and tap.
Gabriella recently graduated from Salisbury University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. During her time at Salisbury, she was a member of the SU Poms Dance Team, performing at athletic events, showcases, and various university functions.
In addition to teaching dance, Gabriella is an elementary school teacher in Anne Arundel County. She is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging, and inclusive environment where every student feels supported, inspired, and confident as they grow both in and out of the classroom.
Gabriella is excited to bring the skills she has developed as both an educator and dancer into the studio. Using her experience to foster creativity, build confidence, and help each dancer reach their full potential.
Gabriella recently graduated from Salisbury University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. During her time at Salisbury, she was a member of the SU Poms Dance Team, performing at athletic events, showcases, and various university functions.
In addition to teaching dance, Gabriella is an elementary school teacher in Anne Arundel County. She is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging, and inclusive environment where every student feels supported, inspired, and confident as they grow both in and out of the classroom.
Gabriella is excited to bring the skills she has developed as both an educator and dancer into the studio. Using her experience to foster creativity, build confidence, and help each dancer reach their full potential.
Angie Gawitt - *All Genres*
Angie Gawitt’s journey at The Edge Dance Complex began right here in her hometown. Training under Kelsey King’s elite company from 2009 until her graduation in 2020, Angie built a strong foundation across ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and acrobatics. Her exceptional talent earned her a prestigious scholarship to study dance in Los Angeles, where she spent years refining her artistry on the West Coast. Throughout it all, she has continued to give back to her studio family as a dedicated instructor and assistant for nearly a decade.
Angie’s professional career includes incredible milestones, such as working closely with the Cirque du Soleil faculty for the Michael Jackson ONE show in Las Vegas and performing under contract for the Walt Disney World Corporation. Bridging her professional experience with higher education, she is also earning her Bachelor of Science from La Salle University, where she expanded her expertise into collegiate dance. Angie is thrilled to continue inspiring the next generation of dancers to reach their highest potential!
Dominique Cavagnet - Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Jazz Instructor
BIO COMING SOON!
Olivia Crawford - Acro Instructor
Olivia Crawford is a senior at Stevenson University majoring in Counseling and Human Services with a passion for supporting others and promoting mental wellness.
Olivia trained for nine years at The Edge Dance Complex, where she was a member of the Elite Dance Company. Throughout her competitive dance career, she performed in both team and solo routines, earning numerous awards and accolades. During her time at The Edge, she also danced with her middle and high school dance teams, serving as captain for both and helping lead alongside her coaches. Her achievements include All County and All State dancer as well as being a member of the Dance National Honors Society. As a member of the Stevenson University Dance Team, she competed at the College Classic, where her team earned the title of National Champions. Drawing from both her competitive dance experience and her studies in human services, Olivia understands the dedication, discipline, and resilience required to succeed in dance. She is passionate about helping dancers grow not only in technical skill but also in confidence, mental strength, and a love for the art of dance.
After graduation, Olivia plans to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work with the goal of becoming a therapist specializing in mental health support for dancers and athletes. She hopes to help performers navigate the unique physical, mental, and emotional demands of training and competition while empowering them to thrive both on and off the stage.
Olivia trained for nine years at The Edge Dance Complex, where she was a member of the Elite Dance Company. Throughout her competitive dance career, she performed in both team and solo routines, earning numerous awards and accolades. During her time at The Edge, she also danced with her middle and high school dance teams, serving as captain for both and helping lead alongside her coaches. Her achievements include All County and All State dancer as well as being a member of the Dance National Honors Society. As a member of the Stevenson University Dance Team, she competed at the College Classic, where her team earned the title of National Champions. Drawing from both her competitive dance experience and her studies in human services, Olivia understands the dedication, discipline, and resilience required to succeed in dance. She is passionate about helping dancers grow not only in technical skill but also in confidence, mental strength, and a love for the art of dance.
After graduation, Olivia plans to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work with the goal of becoming a therapist specializing in mental health support for dancers and athletes. She hopes to help performers navigate the unique physical, mental, and emotional demands of training and competition while empowering them to thrive both on and off the stage.
Mattie Jackson - Beginner & Petite Combo Instructor
Mattie Jackson has been an important part of The Edge Dance Complex community for the past 12 years and is excited to continue growing as both a dancer and instructor at the studio. She is currently a sophomore at Chesapeake High School and has been teaching at The Edge Dance Complex for the past two years.
Throughout her years of training at The Edge Dance Complex, Mattie has developed a strong passion for dance and a deep appreciation for the impact that dedicated teachers can have on young dancers. Her experience as a longtime TEDC student has given her a unique perspective in the classroom, allowing her to connect with students while helping them develop their technique, confidence, and love of dance.
Mattie has also been a key instructor for TEDC’s Princess Dance Camps, where she enjoys creating a fun, encouraging, and memorable experience for young dancers. She is passionate about working with students of all ages and helping them feel confident, supported, and excited to learn.
Throughout her years of training at The Edge Dance Complex, Mattie has developed a strong passion for dance and a deep appreciation for the impact that dedicated teachers can have on young dancers. Her experience as a longtime TEDC student has given her a unique perspective in the classroom, allowing her to connect with students while helping them develop their technique, confidence, and love of dance.
Mattie has also been a key instructor for TEDC’s Princess Dance Camps, where she enjoys creating a fun, encouraging, and memorable experience for young dancers. She is passionate about working with students of all ages and helping them feel confident, supported, and excited to learn.
Colleen Brubaker - Acro Instructor
BIO COMING SOON!
Berkley Lykudis - Assistant Instructor
Berkley Lykudis is a freshman at Severna Park High School and a proud member of the school’s Senior Dance Team. She has been dancing at The Edge Dance Complex for the past 10 years, where she has had the opportunity to train in a variety of dance styles and grow as both a dancer and performer.
As a young dancer and student-athlete, Berkley understands the importance of hard work, discipline, dedication, and confidence. She looks forward to creating a positive and encouraging environment for her students while helping them develop their technique, build confidence, and discover their own love of dance. Berkley is thrilled to continue growing within the TEDC community and is excited to inspire and educate the future dancers of The Edge Dance Complex.
Layla Czajkowski - Assistant Instructor
Layla is a freshman at Broadneck High School and is a member of their Junior Dance Company in addition to being a member of The Elite Dance Company at the studio. She has been a student at The Edge Dance Complex since she was 2 years old and has been trained in ballet, contemporary, lyrical, acro, hip-hop, jazz, and tap.
Layla enjoyed being an assistant teacher during the 2026 Princess Camp held by the studio and is looking forward to assisting with classes this season. She is so excited for every single step along her dance journey and is eager to be a role model for the next generation of TEDC dancers!
Layla enjoyed being an assistant teacher during the 2026 Princess Camp held by the studio and is looking forward to assisting with classes this season. She is so excited for every single step along her dance journey and is eager to be a role model for the next generation of TEDC dancers!
Kristy Cooke- General Manager
Since joining our dance family in 2009, Kristy has embraced various roles within our performing arts studio. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her participation in three American College Dance Festivals, an experience that equipped her with advanced leadership skills and innovative choreography ideas gleaned from interactions with dance professionals nationwide. As a dance teacher, she utilized this new knowledge to improve our students' dance education.
Educational and Dance Background
Kristy graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with a degree in Dance Education in 2013. Complementing her academic achievements, she completed two years of teacher training with Dance Masters of America at Buffalo University. She also earned certifications in teaching Zumba to both adults and children. Her extensive dance background includes years of performing with Essenza and being a former Anne Arundel Community College’s Dance Company member.
Jordan Browning - General Administrator
As General Administrator at The Edge Dance Complex, Jordan Browning combines more than two decades of dance experience with expertise in administration, organization, coaching, choreography, and studio operations. She supports the daily operations of TEDC while helping create a positive, organized, and welcoming experience for dancers and families.
Jordan has trained extensively in Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Tap, and Pom. Throughout her career, she has developed a passion for performance, teaching, coaching, choreography, and mentoring the next generation of dancers.
Jordan has served as the Assistant Coach of the Stevenson University Dance Team since 2018. During her time as a member of the team throughout college, she served as team captain from her sophomore through senior years. Her experience as a collegiate dancer and leader has provided her with valuable insight into teamwork, discipline, leadership, and the dedication required to succeed in dance. Jordan is proud to be part of The Edge Dance Complex and is dedicated to supporting its dancers, families, and staff while helping create an environment where every dancer feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Jordan has trained extensively in Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Tap, and Pom. Throughout her career, she has developed a passion for performance, teaching, coaching, choreography, and mentoring the next generation of dancers.
Jordan has served as the Assistant Coach of the Stevenson University Dance Team since 2018. During her time as a member of the team throughout college, she served as team captain from her sophomore through senior years. Her experience as a collegiate dancer and leader has provided her with valuable insight into teamwork, discipline, leadership, and the dedication required to succeed in dance. Jordan is proud to be part of The Edge Dance Complex and is dedicated to supporting its dancers, families, and staff while helping create an environment where every dancer feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.