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.
Jordan Browning - * All Genres
With over two decades of dance experience, Jordan is trained in various dance styles, including Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Tap, and Pom. She is currently the assistant coach of Stevenson University's dance team since 2018.
Dance Background
While Jordan has been a member of the Stevenson Dance Team throughout college, she became its captain from her sophomore to senior year. Her reputation as a dancer enabled her to become a guest instructor for the Bel Air Dance Academy, the Inferno Dance Camp, and our Extreme Dance Camp. She also choreographed for Oakdale High School's Dance Team.
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.
Olivia Winn, Instructor - All Genres & Company Assistant
Olivia Winn is a dedicated dance professional and behavioral health specialist with a passion for the performing arts and helping others thrive. She began dancing at the age of two, continued her dance career competing at the collegiate level where she and her teammates on Stevenson University’s Dance Team earned three consecutive National Championships.In December 2024, Olivia graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Human Services, combining her love for movement with a strong commitment to supporting individuals' emotional and developmental well-being. She currently works as a Registered Behavioral Technician, providing compassionate, evidence-based support to children with autism.Since January 2024, Olivia has also been part of the staff at The Edge Dance Complex, where she continues to share her expertise, discipline, and love of dance with the next generation of performers. Her unique background in both behavioral health and competitive dance allows her to foster not only technical excellence, but also emotional resilience in her students.
Samantha Oliver, Instructor - All Genres
Samantha Louise Oliver was born and raised in Annapolis Maryland, where she began dancing at her local dance studio —Dancers’ Dreams— at the age of four. She continued her training at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), earning her Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Dance. She worked as an apprentice with the AACC Dance Company under the direction of Lynda Fitzgerald and Rachel Scarringe. She graduated from Slippery Rock University (SRU) with Summa Cum Laude and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography and Studio Ownership, and Dance Entrepreneurship. At SRU, she performed in guest and faculty works, including Teena Marie Custer, Jennifer Keller, Nora Ambrosio, Melissa Teodoro, Ryan McMullen, and Lindsay Viatori. Additionally, Samantha has attended various summer programs, including FORGE Summer Dance Intensive and the Bates Dance Festival Professional Dance Program. As a choreographer, her movement creations and artistic direction are inspired by street dance and the athleticism of contemporary floor work. Currently, Samantha teaches and choreographs for various studios and schools throughout Maryland. Most recently, she accepted a company position with Kinetics Professional Dance Company and became Acrobatic Arts Certified.
Carley Powers - All Genres
Carley Powers has over 13 years of dedicated dance training and 10 years of competitive experience, with a strong background in Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, and Tap. Currently continuing her education at Anne Arundel Community College, Carley brings both her passion and expertise to the studio. She is committed to nurturing each student's growth in technique and artistry, fostering a positive and supportive environment for dancers of all ages and skill levels.
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.
Mattie Jackson - Beginner & Petite Combo
Mattie Jackson has been teaching at The Edge Complex for two years. She is a sophomore at Chesapeake High School and has been with The Edge Dance Complex for 11 years. Mattie has been a key instructor for TEDC's Princess Dance Camps and is excited to continue her dance career at TEDC.
Charlotte Amplo - Petite & Level 2/3
Charli is a senior at Severna Park High School’s Senior Dance Company. She has been dancing with The Edge Dance Complex since she moved to Severna Park 5 years ago and is also a member of the The Edge Dance Complex's Elite Dance Company. She looks forward to a great senior year, having fun teaching, and sharing her passion and knowledge for dance.
Caroline Curran, Assistant Instructor
Caroline Curran is a senior at Severna Park High School with over ten years of studio training and four years of competition experience. She is proficient in tap, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and hip hop. She is a part of the Level Five Elite Dance Company at the Edge Dance Complex as well as a part of the Senior Dance Company at Severna Park High School. Caroline is dedicated to creating a positive and encouraging space for all dancers and is looking forward to helping them grow in their dance abilities.
Berkley Lykudis, Assistant Instructor
Berkley Lykudis is a freshman at Severna Park High School. She is also a member of their Senior Dance Team. Berkley has been dancing at The Edge Dance Complex for 10 years. She is so excited to share everything that Mrs. Kelsey has taught her over the years and educated the future dancers at The Edge Dance Complex.