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Anneliese & Jay Troxell
Jay and Anneliese Troxell are the co-owners of Kanvas. They started the dance programs because of their strong commitment to the dance community in Council Grove, and have expanded throughout the Flint Hills region.
Jay is a USAF Veteran, with a degree from Kansas State University in Geographical Information Systems. He is the tech support for Kanvas, sound director, lighting director, facility manager, resident videographer and CFO for the organization. He is the proud dance dad of two Kanvas dancers, Daphne and Ada.
Anneliese Troxell is the Director of Kanvas Dance Company and has 25 years of dance teaching experience. A former Jill Fitzgerald dancer and instructor, Anneliese has always held a strong connection to her hometown studio, where Kanvas began. She studied dance at Kansas State University and graduated with a Master's Degree in Interior Architecture and Product Design in 2010, with an emphasis of study in Dance and Spanish. Anneliese is proficient in ballet, jazz, musical theater, modern, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop and tap dance styles. Recently Anneliese’s focus has primarily revolved around classical ballet under the artistic advisory of Joyce Yagerline, Emeritus Professor of Dance at Kansas State University. Anneliese's choreography has been showcased in numerous events and celebrations to include: Kansas State Spring Dance, Wildcat Student Spotlight, Drums Alive, African American Heritage Celebration (Germany), and Month of the Military Child (Germany) as well as 21 program recitals world wide. She was selected as a UDA Allstar Dancer from the United Dance Association in 2004. Anneliese has studied dance anatomy and yoga in Europe, Mexico and the US which has helped her to better understand how to protect the dancer's body while also making it stronger. Anneliese's contemporary & jazz choreography has been invited to the Star Alliance World Championships on five occasions. She regularly attends dance conventions and competitions to further her knowledge of dance technique and industry trends. Anneliese developed the SKIES Unlimited and KMC Dance program in Kaiserslautern, Germany for 3 years while living abroad. She studied dance simultaneously in London and throughout Germany as well at numerous conventions in the US. Conventions include: NUVO, Dance Direct, Move It, Dance Teacher Summit Long Beach and UDMA Chicago. Anneliese helped re-instate the Emporia State University dance team, and is heading into her third year as head coach with the ESU Stingers. Anneliese travels to choreograph for high school and college dance teams in Kansas. Anneliese leads the 2 Kanvas dance programs.
Stephanie Sorell
Stephanie began dancing at age 3 at Beverly Barnardi Dance studio and trained in baton, ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, tap, pointe, and gymnastics. She was Captain for Junior High and High School Cheer/Dance Squad for 6 years. She participated in several UDA camps and UCA camps. She traveled and competed in Florida at Disney World Comps. She has continued to coach Cheer/Dance throughout her Adulthood and main focus on body mechanics.
Stephanie's favorite thing is to encourage young kids to find their passions and live through music and dancing. She loves to bake, party plan, and spend time with Family and Friends. Stephanie is married to her husband Houston and has two girls (twins), Ryli (12) and Rory (12).
Stephanie is not only an instructor at Kanvas, she is also our program manager for the Wamego branch.
Jan Troxell
Jan is the Administrative Assistant and Enrollment Officer for Kanvas. She has been an integral part of the Kanvas Dance Program since day 1. Jan helps keep the studio organized and running smoothly. Jan worked for the USD 417 School District as the District Secretary for over 30 years. She is an expert at writing and implementing policy and structure within the education realm. Kanvas is fortunate to have Jan's expertise to keep the studios running efficiently!
Jan is also the owner and operator of SisterAct Photography. SisterAct attends all Kanvas recitals and provides high quality portraits.
Gina Ryff
Gina is the Studio Liason and Secretary in Council Grove. Gina is always behind the scenes helping make sure all of the events run smoothly. She assists customers, takes care of the studio facilites, and helps keep the studio calendar organized! Gina loves her community and all of the staff and students at Kanvas and always makes everyone feel welcome and loved!
Hailey Hewitt
Miss Hailey started dancing at the age of 3 at Fusion School of Dance in Topeka, Kansas. Then after moving to Council Grove she continued to dance for 9 years at Kanvas. Miss Hailey competed at competitions with Kanvas for 4 years. During High school she was on the dance team for 4 years and was a co-captain for 2 of those years. During that time she also achieved 2 UDA All-Star awards. Miss Hailey then went to Washburn University where she was on the Washburn Dancing Blues. During that year Miss Hailey performed at all home games and competed at DTU in Orlando, Florida. She is now living in Manhattan where she also works at The Boutique MHK!
Margot McClain
Margot is a current student at Kansas State University studying Elementary Education and Dance. Margot has been dancing since she was four years old. She danced at the Culture House and then transitioned to Kansas City Ballet, where she danced for six years. During her time at KCB she was involved with numerous shows, including Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker. Additionally, in high school, she was involved in theatre where she both performed and was the Business and Company Manager. Since coming to K-State, she’s been in the annual Winter and Spring showcases, and has gone to the ACDA conference with the dance program. Margot’s excited to join the Kanvas staff and pumped to start working with the dancers!
Abbie Bryan
Abbie Bryan is a student at Kansas State University studying Psychology with a minor in Dance. While at Kansas State, she has been involved in the winter and spring dance shows and Tap To Togetherness Across Populations. She is currently doing Undergraduate Research with TTTAP. In her hometown of Hutchinson, Kansas, Abbie started dance at the age of 2 and trained at Poetry in Motion dance studio for 9 years. She trained and competed in many dance styles including jazz, tap, ballet, and lyrical. Abbie’s greatest dance achievement was being crowned Miss Dance of Central Tri-State 2022 and traveling to Nashville, TN to compete in the Dance Masters of America National Convention for the National title. Abbie also performed on the Salthawk Dance Team at Hutchinson High School for 4 years. Her greatest honors were being named NDA All-American and serving as captain of the team her senior year.
Annika Weibers
Annika Wiebers is a junior at Kansas State University majoring in Agricultural Communications and Journalism with a secondary major in Dance. She grew up dancing at Bates Dance Studio and is now part of the K-State Contemporary Dance Ensemble. She has performed in K-State’s winter and spring dance concerts for the past three years as well as at the ACDA conference and Modern Night at the Gem at the Gem Theater in Kansas City. Annika has also had her own choreography presented at the ACDA conference and in K-State’s Spring Dance Concert. Her favorite style of dance is contemporary and she’s so excited to start working with Kanvas!
Tawnie Talib
Tawnie Talib is a Council Grove native and former Jill Fitzgerald dancer, and instructor. Tawnie was a Bravette and UDA Allstar in Highschool, and continued her passion for dance by teaching and operating her own dance studio for several years. Tawnie is an educator at our local Elementary school, and has 3 children of her own, two of whom dance at the Kanvas! Tawnie is especially skilled in tap, jazz and hip hop. Tawnie leads our Adult Dance program in Council Grove. Miss Tawnie is an important part of the studio culture at Kanvas, she brings a fresh positive energy and dedication to foundational skills and our community’s living legacy, Big Tap.
Brittley King
Brittley is a Council Grove native, former Bravette captain and UDA Allstar. Brittley danced competitively with KDC for 4 years. Miss Brittley loves jazz, hip hop, contemporary but her favorite style is tap! Miss Brittley has a passion for style and fashion, and she brings an upbeat fun energy to everyone she meets. Brittley has trained at numerous conventions over the years as well as guest instructors.
Abigail Buchman
Abby is a Council Grove native, former Bravette and UDA Allstar. Abby danced competitively with KDC for 8 years and is proficient in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and pointe. Mrs. Abby favorite style is ballet! Abby has trained both as a dancer and a teacher at numerous national dance conventions. Miss Abby's choreography was celebrated for the 22-23 Summer Musical for the Council Grove Arts Council. Miss Abby has a heart of gold and loves to help each of her dancers feel special and seen. She cares deeply about her students and helps them grow tremendously in their dance training. Miss Abby brings a positive light to her classroom and encourages dancers to strive to their full potential.
Keeley Honas
Miss Keeley is an instructor and coach at Kanvas. Miss Keeley was born and raised in Council Grove and danced with Kanvas for 7 years. Keeley was the captain of her high school dance team, was announced as a UDA Allstar Dancer, and received numerous awards while competing at competitions. Miss Keeley is a graduate of Manhattan Technical College with a degree in business. Keeley teaches Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theater, Tap, Ballet and is adding Acro to her list of class offerings! Keeley is an outstanding choreographer, a wonderful teacher, and an excellent role model for her students.
Miss Keeley travels with the Kanvas Staff for annual trainings and continued education at regional and national dance conventions. Miss Keeley has received multiple choreography awards for her Hip hop, Jazz and Lyrical routines at competitions with KDC.
Marah Sipes
Miss Marah comes to us from Kansas City, Missouri. She has danced since she was 4 years old at Miss Dianna’s School of Dance. Marah started dancing competitively there at age 8. Marah teaching jazz, tap, ballet, pom, lyrical and acrobatics! Marah was a member of her high school dance team which was ranked at the state and national level. Marah is currently a student at K-State studying engineering. She has a strong passion for creating a positive environment, and has an uplifting attitude! When asked why she loved dance, Miss Marah responded with: “I’ve always loved dance because it not only gave me a happy place to escape to but a sense of belonging and family.”
You will see Miss Marah at our Wamego location this summer teaching a specialty camp called "Pom Squad" with Miss Audrey. They will teach Pom technique and acrobatics. At the end of the camp they will be offering invitations to dancers to join our "Pom Squad" next season, which is a new company team that will attend competitions!
Audrey Henton
Miss Audrey is from Kansas City, Missouri and is a K-State graduate with a degree in dietetics with a minor in Kinesiology. At K-State, she was part of the dance program, where she performed in both the winter and spring shows as well as being a part of the WellCAT ambassador's organization. Audrey studied at Miss Dianna’s School of Dance since the age of 4 and competed since the age of 7. She also taught dance at Miss Dianna’s in various styles including jazz, ballet, tap, and acrobats for boys and girls ages 3-14. Audrey was also a member of the nationally ranked Staley High School dance team for 4 years, where she was named NDA All- American. Miss Audrey loves all styles of dance, but her favorites are Pom and lyrical/contemporary.
Mary Yoder
Mrs. Mary has studied dance she was 3 years old. She is proficient in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical and contemporary. She has attended numerous teacher workshops and trainings across the Midwest and has participated in dance shows at Kansas State University, Cottey College in Nevada Missouri, and at the Kansas Dance Festival in Wichita, KS. Mrs. Mary has won numerous awards for her choreography, including invitations to the World Dance Championships.
Mrs. Mary is a Senior Instructor at Kanvas CG, and she choreographs for our Council Grove and Wamego Shine teams!
Junior Instructors:
Abby Elliott
Marlie Hayes
Peyton Ryff
Ava Morgan
Ryli Sorell