Tamara Kimball

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I’m incredibly excited to continue with Ignition Dance Academy as its new owner! For those I haven’t had the chance to meet yet, I truly look forward to connecting with you soon.

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share why keeping this incredible studio open means so much to me. I’m a proud Lawrence native—born, raised, and educated right here in our community. I graduated from Lawrence High School and later from the University of Kansas before beginning a career in Corporate America. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams at two Fortune 50 companies, with a focus on training, development, and helping individuals achieve their full potential.

My love for dance began in junior high, right here in Lawrence. One of my most memorable experiences was performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at just 15 years old. Dance taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, dedication, and discipline—skills that have shaped my career and personal life in profound ways.

As we move into this exciting new chapter for Ignition Dance Academy, my goal is to keep those values at the heart of everything we do. I’m passionate about creating a space where young dancers can grow not only in their technique, but also in confidence, character, and community. With the support of an outstanding staff and our amazing families, I’m committed to making IDA a place where every dancer can discover who they are and shine both on and off the stage.

Kelly Long

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Kelly has been training in dance for over 18 years in and around her hometown of Overland Park, Kansas. At age 14, she began competing locally and nationally with Above the Barre Dance Academy under the direction of Chelsie Klein. During her time there, she had the privilege of working with renowned choreographers including Talia Favia, Matt Luck, Jenn Freeman, and Hailey Hoffman. One of her most memorable experiences was performing a piece by Talia Favia in her professional show “The Difference Between Actions and Words” at DancerPalooza in Los Angeles, CA.

While attending Blue Valley High School, Kelly was a member of the school’s dance team, directed by Katie Burris. It was during this time that her passion for choreography began to flourish—creating multiple solos, duos, and group routines for competition throughout her three years on the team.

After high school, Kelly earned a spot on the Kansas State University Classy Cats Dance Team, directed by Dr. Frank Tracz and Sara Heptig. During her two years with the team, she performed at the 2019 Liberty Bowl, numerous NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournaments, and in front of crowds of over 50,000 people at collegiate football games.

In the summer of her junior year of college, Kelly auditioned for the prestigious Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Out of more than 1,500 applicants, she was selected as one of just 20 women invited to the DCC Training Camp in 2020.

With five years of teaching and choreographing already under her belt at Ignition Dance Academy, Kelly’s heart is full. She is incredibly excited to return this season as the New Artistic Director and continue sharing her deep love for dance with the next generation of performers.

Madelyn Duncan

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Madelyn began her dance training at Studio 320 Dance in Kearney, MO, under the direction of Tara Meinert. She joined the competition team at the age of five and competed at both local and national levels for 13 seasons. During her time at Studio 320, she had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers including James Tabeek, Ade Obayomi, Amy Shulke, and Ashley Silva.

In 2018, Madelyn traveled to Los Angeles to attend the Rage Dance Complex Summer Intensive, where she trained with industry leaders such as Mark Meismer, Brian Friedman, and Phil Wright. During her senior year of high school, she led her own weekly choreography class at Studio 320, creating and teaching original routines each week. She has choreographed multiple solo pieces, both for herself and others, many of which have earned first-place titles.

Madelyn was also a member of the Kearney Golden Girls dance team, coached by Samantha Anderson and Rachel Cerra. She served as captain her senior year, leading and choreographing for the team, and helped secure two MDTA championship titles.

After graduating high school, Madelyn earned a spot on the University of Kansas Rock Chalk Dancers, coached by Katie Burris and Brooke Beck. During her time on the team, she performed at Allen Fieldhouse, the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, among other high-profile appearances.

Currently entering her junior year at the University of Kansas, Madelyn is pursuing a degree in Social Work. She just completed her first season with Ignition Dance Academy and is thrilled to return for another year of teaching and inspiring young dancers.

Aubree Johnston

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Aubree, originally from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, grew up dancing and competing throughout the Kansas City area, including with the Lee’s Summit West Dance Team. She trained in a wide range of styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, modern/contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. In addition to her studio training, Aubree furthered her education with iPush under Manuel “Lukky” Harvey and Kinfigure under Caleb Brauner and Carly Lawrence.

Aubree is a recent graduate of the University of Kansas, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. During her college career, she performed in numerous university productions and worked in Live Entertainment at Worlds of Fun, part of the Cedar Fair Parks Entertainment Company. While there, she performed in shows such as Grand Carnivale, Retrospect, and Witches Ball.

Her time at Worlds of Fun also opened the door to a position with Dance Out National Dance Competition, expanding her experience in the competitive dance industry. Now based in Kansas City, Aubree works as a freelance instructor throughout the metro area.

As an educator, she specializes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Jazz Funk, Hip Hop, and Strength & Performance. Aubree brings passion, versatility, and industry experience to every class she teaches.

Mady Mikko

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Mady began her dance training at the age of 3 at Starbound Dance Company in her hometown of High Ridge, MO, under the direction of Robyn Ferrell. She quickly became a member of the Starbound Competition Team, competing both locally and nationally, and refining her technique through rigorous training. Throughout her years with the team, Mady had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers, including Caleb Brauner, gaining valuable insight into the professional dance world.

While attending St. Pius X High School, Mady was a dedicated member of the Lancer Dancers, serving as both a performer and a team leader. Her passion and leadership helped elevate the team’s performances and earned her recognition at numerous regional and national competitions.

Mady went on to pursue a degree in Community Health at the University of Kansas, where she continued dancing recreationally and taking classes. Though her academic path took center stage, she never lost her love for the energy, connection, and community that studio dance offers.

Now a proud graduate, Mady is excited to return to the dance world as a teacher at Ignition Dance Academy. This opportunity has reignited her passion for movement and mentorship, and she looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers.

In the fall, Mady will begin law school but remains committed to staying involved in the dance community while pursuing her legal education.