Kari Kohls-Bruch

Studio Owner, Choreographer, Director of Starfire Dance Company

Kari is the director/owner of Kari’s Dance Academy and the national award-winning Starfire Dance Company both based in Emporia, Kansas. She travels extensively instructing master classes and setting choreography throughout the United States. Kari has served as a faculty member for Dance Caravan, Dance Olympus, Nexus and her own dance intensive, Midwest Movement. She has choreographed many opening numbers for national dance competitions and pageants, as well as her personal favorite, Tanzsommer, an international performance held in Germany, Austria and France. Kari currently serves as a judge for a variety of regional and national competitions and considers herself honored to present her opinion to those who commit to the art of dance.

Darian Marie Bruch

Instructor, Choreographer

A 2020 graduate from The University Of Kansas, Darian earned two degrees; a BS in Exercise Science and a BA in Dance. She has received multiple honors and scholarships with her dance/cheer performances including National Performer of the Year. Darian has had the opportunity to perform in various shows/productions including the opening for New Kids On The Block. A four-year member of the KU Rock Chalk Dancers, Darian represented KU at Pro Action Dance and served as choreography captain. She is entering her sixth season as an instructor for NCA and is currently an HI for the organization. Darian was selected as a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader in 2020 and is excited to continue in that role this season. She is currently on three teaching staffs at prominent dance studios and actively travels throughout the United States setting choreography for various competition groups and dance teams. Sharing her love of dance and cheer to others is her biggest passion. 

Mary Ann Kohls

Instructor, Choreographer

Jan (Soeteart) Trelc

Instructor, Choreographer

Bre Johnson

Studio Manager

Harlee Higgins

Instructor, Choreographer

Allie Thomas

Instructor