Kelsey is excited to be back working in the dance world after a five year break.  She grew up dancing in the Fresno area and traveling the state training with well known teachers and choreographers throughout her 14 years of dance.  After she hung up her dance shoes, Kelsey began teaching dance at In the Spotlight Dance Center in 2007 where she was the assistant director for 8 years helping build the program into what it is today.  Kelsey has trained several dancers who are continuing their dance careers into college and other professional companies.  As well as being the dance director at In The Spotlight Little Dancers, she holds a multiple subject teaching credential and a physical education teaching credential.  She is currently teaching physical education and directing the pep and cheer programs for Kastner Intermediate and Clovis West High School.  She is thrilled to use her teaching background and dance knowledge to help create the best dance education for students of every age where dance is not only fun, but a place where kids can reach their full potential.

Rachel first began her pre-professional dance training when In the Spotlight opened in 2006 under the direction of Ashley Gorden. She danced competitively as an In The Spotlight, Company Member for eight years receiving many high point, technical awards and scholarships. She had the opportunity to travel across the country as a Company Member with LA Dance Magic. Rachel has performed in local shows such as the 2010 St. Agnes Fashion Show and has played numerous lead roles for the Lively Arts Foundation’s Nutcracker. Rachel has taken master classes with many industry professionals and has worked directly with award-winning teachers and choreographers such as Chris Dupre, Jackie Sleight, Tina D’Amato, Duncan Cooper, DJ Guthrie, Christian Vincent, and Dejan Tubic. Additionally, as an ITS Company Member, she has had special performance opportunities such as being in the opening number for the the New York, Radio City Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular and performing as a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz National Tour when these prestigious companies came to Fresno. Rachel was also among the first to be offered the opportunity to audition for America’s Got Talent. She began teaching dance at In the Spotlight in 2013 and started working with the Company Program in 2014. In addition to receiving choreography awards, her routines have been recognized for technical skill, Best in Show, and judge’s standout awards throughout California. While she specializes in jazz, lyrical, and contemporary movement, Rachel has always loved all styles of dance and encourages her students to be the most versatile artists they can be. 

Hunter Mikus began her dance training with In The Spotlight at 8 Years old. Hunter quickly went on to receive regional and national titles competing with the ITS Company throughout the years. After graduating high school she continued her dance education in renowned training programs: Alonzo King LINES Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Professional Program. Hunter’s elite explorative education allows her to bring new dialog and ideas to our current students. She looks forward to sharing her education and her love of dance with the students of ITS.