Core Dance Collective

Artistic Director / Founder

 

Kelli started dancing at the age of three and immediately fell in love with dance. She trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and contemporary. Mrs. Leighton studied at the Tueller School of Dance under the direction of Valene Tueller, where she was a member of Company and Competition teams. She later took on responsibilities of assistant student teacher and student choreographer, which then led her to join the faculty. As a dancer, Kelli won top honors at numerous competitions all over the US, including the honor of being featured on “The Today Show”. She was selected for the U.S.A. All Star Team, and was awarded numerous dance training scholarships for schools all over the US, including the prestigious Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles.

 

Kelli was awarded two dance scholarships to Utah State University, where she was a member of the Sunburst Performing Company and had the opportunity to choreograph in addition to performing. She later moved to Los Angeles where she became a member of the Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA working in Film, Television and Industrials. Ms. Leighton has worked with such greats as Gregory Hines, Thommie Walsh, Luigi, Barry Youngblood, Christopher Smith and Robert Alverez just to name a few. She also worked as the Programs and Entertainment Director for UC Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center, where she co-wrote, choreographed and directed many productions and managed multiple entertainment groups.

 

Kelli continues to seek growth and knowledge as a dancer and teacher. After leaving a professional career she has dedicated her summers to continue training. During this time she has studied under such greats as Doug Varone, Abby Fiat (University of Utah), Jan Erkert (University of Illinois), Mia Michaels, Dwana Smallwood (Alvin Ailey), Ana Marie Forsythe, Ronald K. Brown, Carla Maxwell (Jose Limon) and many more.

 

Mrs. Leighton choreographs for soloists, drill and dance teams, as well as dance companies throughout Utah, California, and Idaho. Her choreography has garnered awards at multiple competitions and national conventions. She teaches master classes for various high schools and studios including CSU Sacramento and Utah State University. She is currently on faculty at Step I Dance and Fitness in Sacramento, where she heads the jazz competition teams, and Northern California Dance Conservatory in Roseville.

 

Kelli finds inspiration in the human experience and in the bonds that people form through movement. Her vision for CORE is to promote a healthy professional environment where dancers of all experiences come together to inspire each other and enrich their surrounding community. Her unique athletic contemporary style along with a contagious passion and energy for dance has made her one of the most sought after master teachers and choreographers.