Miss Taylor Jones – Jazz Instructor
With undeniable charisma, explosive energy, and a fierce passion for musicality, Taylor lights up every room she walks into. Her classes are known for being electric, combining precision, strength, and style with a deep-rooted love for the art of performance. Dancers will leave her class feeling empowered, challenged, and artistically recharged.
We are thrilled to welcome Taylor to our masterclass lineup and can’t wait for you to MOVE WITH PURPOSE alongside her.
Bio:
Taylor Jones is from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and has danced her whole life. She started dancing competitively at 7, winning plenty of team awards at conventions such as Urban Jamm, Nuvo, Hollywood Vibe, and others. Her affiliation with her competition team afforded her opportunities to open for music artists like Chingy and Cherish and appear as a regular dancer for WNBA team, the Chicago Sky. Taylor went on to dance at a collegiate level at Ottawa University, winning a national title for NAIA Small Dance in 2014 (led by LJ's mom Ms. Shayla!) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After a stint of coaching and teaching dance, Taylor realized her dance career was not over and pursued her dream to become a professional cheerleader. Taylor became a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader in 2018 and cheered for 6 seasons, participating in 4 Super Bowls, and led as captain for her last 2 seasons and Super Bowls. Cheering has taken Taylor across the world, onto many television programs, military tours, and speaking engagements. She was able to open for or dance background for music artists such as The Zach Brown Band and Motley Crue. While Taylor has found a niche in team dance, she will always have a deep love for ballet and jazz funk. When not dancing, she can be found teaching college students about healthy relationships and consent, doing homework for her Masters in Social Welfare, or with her 2 dogs, Ghost and Bleu!
Miss Andie Stitt – Hip Hop Instructor
Known for her bold choreography, infectious energy, and incredible heart, Miss Andie is one of our most-loved guest instructors. She’s choreographed many of our award-winning competitive routines and continues to inspire dancers with her creative vision and uplifting spirit.
Whether she’s in the studio hyping up a combo or encouraging dancers to push their limits, Miss Andie brings the perfect mix of fun, focus, and fire.
We’re beyond excited to have her join this special event and can’t wait for you to MOVE WITH PURPOSE with her!
Bio:
Andie Stitt grew up in Kansas City where her dance training began at the age of four. She trained under many professional dance educators at studios, conventions, camps and workshops. In high school Andie assisted with nationally ranked companies such as Pulse Dance Conventions, Tremaine Dance Conventions and Monster’s of Hip Hop working hand in hand with their professional master teachers such as Nappytabs, Brian Friedman and Dave Scott. Andie graduated from Wichita State University with a performance dance major as well as later completing a Kinesiology degree to further her knowledge of the human body. During her time in Wichita, Andie was employed by Arts Partners; bringing dance to at risk and low income children in the community. She has completed contracts teaching for both Wichita State University and The University of Kansas working with pre-professional dancers headed into the commercial dance world. She specializes in all things technique as well as injury prevention, alignment and culture building. She continues to guest choreograph for NFL and NBA dance teams nationally. Andie guest teaches and choreographs for over 150 studios and teams across the country each year. She also enjoys teaching and adjudicating for different conventions and talent competitions. Andie is the founder of “Dance on with Diabetes”; a support group for dancers living with Type 1 Diabetes. Andie is known for her explosive energy, the ability to make all dancers feel excited and welcomed and her creative insight for technique in all styles of dance. She is honored and humbled to have the opportunity to continue growing her passion for dance.
Miss Tory Binger– Ballet Instructor
With grace, passion, and years of professional experience, Tory brings refined technique, artistry, and inspiration to every class. Her love for ballet is matched only by her gift for teaching and connecting with dancers of all levels.
We’re honored to have her share her talent at this special event and we can’t wait for you to MOVE WITH PURPOSE alongside her.
Bio:
From pirouettes to productions, Tory’s dance journey has been a lifelong love story with the arts. A proud alum of the University of Kansas and former member of the University Dance Company, Tory has spent years performing, creating, and inspiring through dance. Before making the move to Texas, she taught at Spotlight Dance Academy, where she helped bring The Nutcracker to life on stage for several seasons.
By day, Tory works in the property insurance industry, blending her love of teaching, coaching, creativity, and attention to detail in an unexpected—but totally fun—way. She’s all about encouraging dancers to find their voice, own their style, and bring big energy to every step.
Miss Cathy Patterson – Contemporary Instructor
​
With fearless expression, emotional depth, and a powerful command of movement, Cathy transforms the studio into a space of artistry and authenticity. Her classes invite dancers to explore connection, intention, and storytelling—pushing past comfort zones and into full-body expression.
We are beyond excited to have her join our masterclass lineup and can’t wait for you to MOVE WITH PURPOSE alongside her.
Bio:
​
Cathy Patterson grew up dancing at The Institute of Performing Arts/Dance Factory in Topeka, KS. She graduated from University of Kansas with a degree in Human Biology (pre-med) with a concentration in dance. Cathy trained extensively in ballet, contemporary/lyrical, modern, jazz, and tap - studying under professors Janet Hamburg and Scott Morro. She also spent time living in LA and studying under distinguished industry professionals such as Doug Caldwell and Sally Whalen. Cathy has performed with the Scott Morrow Dance Theatre, the LA based tap/hip hop company – Rhytmatix and worked commercially for The Fine Living Channel and HGTV. Cathy previously owned a
700-plus student dance studio that performed at the highest level in regional and national competitions. Currently, Cathy is the owner and artistic director of Point B Dance (18+ dance studio) and the Point B Dance Company. She has choreographed and produced over 45 professional stage shows for her company
including B Human, PhoBia, Rhapsody in B, as well as the annual Point B Dance Carnival. She also is a frequent guest teacher, choreographer, and adjudicator for studios across the country. She is proud to be the technique coach for the Baker University Dance Team, and finds enjoyment in teaching yoga and group
exercise utilizing her 200-hour Yoga certification and AFAA Group Exercise certification. Cathy has had the pleasure of judging at the Prestige National Talent Competition, West Coast Dance Explosion National Finals, Dance Masters of America, StarQuest, O.N.E. Love Movement in Kansas City, and other competitions across the country. Cathy enjoys teaching dancers of all ages and is certified with the Youth Protection Advocates in Dance which promotes healthy and safe dance environments for children. Cathy is inspired by strong technique coupled with artistic choreography blending the athletic and artistic
parts of dance.
Miss Alexis Close – Musical Theatre Instructor & Event Photographer
From the stage to behind the lens, Alexis brings unmatched versatility, charisma, and creativity to Move With Purpose. Her classes are filled with energy, storytelling, and performance precision; teaching dancers how to command the spotlight with confidence and heart.
And that’s not all, Alexis will also be capturing headshots for all participants, using her photography expertise to help dancers put their best face forward.
We are thrilled to have her share both of her incredible talents at this event, and we can’t wait for you to MOVE WITH PURPOSE alongside her.
Bio:
Alexis Close is a powerhouse in both the performing and visual arts. With over 30 years of experience teaching, choreographing, and coaching in the worlds of dance, gymnastics, and musical theatre, she brings a dynamic and deeply personal approach to every class. She currently serves as the head coach of the Shawnee Mission East Lancer Dancers and has choreographed numerous musicals for Shawnee Mission East and Stage Right Performing Arts, where she also mentors young performers in the Young Professionals Program.
Beyond the stage, Alexis is a talented photographer of 13 years, specializing in headshots, family portraits, seniors, and sports photography. Her artistic eye and ability to capture authentic moments have made her a favorite among performers and families alike.
When she’s not in the studio or behind the camera, Alexis loves spending time with her husband, their two kids, and their three beloved rescue dogs.