Staff
PBT, Ballet, Tap, Conditioning
Gabby Brock
She/Her - Owner
Gabby has danced ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical since the age of three at studios in Courtland, Virginia and Columbus, Indiana. She also participated in theater and dance teams in middle and high school. Gabby began teaching during her senior year of high school and returned to Dance by Design in Columbus to teach ballet, tap, lyrical and jazz from 2019-2024. As an adult, Gabby was a founding member at DanceWorks Indy and has taken hundreds of classes and performed in numerous showcases with the studio since 2019. Gabby is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique.
Gabby currently dances and performs with Ballet INitiative, a project-based dance collective including multiple styles with roots in ballet serving the Indianapolis area. She has twice performed the role ‘Nutcracker’ in BIn’s production of “Nutcracker with a Twist”.
Gabby purchased DanceWorks Indy from founder Kerry Kapaku in July of 2024 and currently serves on the Indy Dance Council Marketing Advisory Board and the Pulse Dance Theater Board.
Musical Theatre, Jazz
Kali Libby
She/Her - Studio Manager
Kali Libby grew up in the world of musical theater where began her love of the performing arts. She studied at Columbia College in Chicago, College of Dupage, and Northern Illinois University where she had the opportunity to work with decorated faculty members like Paige Cunningham Caldarella, Jon Sloven, and Paula Franz. Kali has choreographed numerous productions throughout the Midwest as well as been a guest teacher and coach to organizations such as Paramount School of the Arts and Iowa State University’s Orchasis. Kali has a passion for teaching all ages and abilities, as well as creating choreography that highlights each student’s talents and abilities.
Ballet
Ava Bernardo
She/Her - Instructor
Ava Bernardo is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey. She began her dance training at The School of American Ballet where she performed in many productions as a child with New York City Ballet, including The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Swan Lake, Scene De Ballet, and The Most Incredible Thing.
In 2022 and 2023, Ava danced in the New York Choreographic Institute along with New York City Ballet in Balanchine’s Scherzo a la Russe. Before graduating from School of American Ballet she performed in two SAB workshops in the roles of Third Movement principal in George Balanchine’s Symphony in C, August Bournonville’s Napoli, and Third Movement principal in George Balanchine’s Brahms Schoenberg.
In 2023, she joined Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company where she danced several roles with the main company including Jekyll and Hyde by Val Caniparoli, Devon Carney’s Nutcracker and Peter Pan, Balanchine’s Jewels, Septime Weber’s Alice in Wonderland and Anna-Marie Holmes’ Don Quixote. In the summer of 2025, she participated in the Nantucket Dance Festival. Ava will be joining Indianapolis Ballet for the 2025/26 season as a Company Artist.
Heels, Front Desk
Jeinny Burgos
She/Her - Instructor
Jeinny Burgos is a Venezuelan/Brazilian dancer and choreographer, local to Indianapolis for over 7 years now. In her training, she has visited Danceworks often and loves being in a studio space, always finding inspiration in music and in being surrounded by dancers and creatives!
Hip Hop
Canila Carpenter
She/Her - Instructor
Canila Carpenter has been a native Indy dancer since the age of 8. In her earlier years, she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, as well as hip hop, which is the style that spoke to her the most. Her diverse knowledge in cultures and movement within cultures, combined with the originality of hip hop, is what makes her different. Recent feedback from classes has been, “Each class we don’t know what we’re going to get, but the enjoyment we have learning all the various foundations and grooves is what keeps us coming back.” At the age of 16, she became nothing but dedicated and committed to learning her body within her style, what works for her, what doesn’t, the dynamics, all while still having fun and never forgetting why she started dancing.
Stretch & Strength, Leaps & Turns
Arianna (Ari) Davis
She/Her - Instructor
Arianna Davis (better known as Ari) is best known for her experience working as a professional dancer in the industry. Arianna has been traveling across the US and overseas performing at festivals and on tours! She is trained in all styles of dance including but not limited to ballet, tap, Jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and musical theatre. She loves dance because it allows her to express the feelings and emotions that she cannot say with words. Her main goal in life is to spread joy through music and dance. She is so excited to bring her skills to the table at DanceWorks Indy!
Tap
Ryan Galloway
He/Him - Instructor
Ryan Galloway, originally from New Richmond, Indiana, began his training at Dance By Deborah in Crawfordsville. He is a 2015 graduate of Indiana University, where he received a B.S. in Kinesiology with a focus in Contemporary Dance. While at IU, he won the Provost’s Award for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, and performed works by esteemed guest choreographers such as Paul Taylor, David Parsons, Larry Keigwin, and Ishan Rustem. Upon graduation, Ryan began dancing professionally with Giordano Dance Chicago where he danced for 9 seasons. With GDC, he had the privilege of touring around the country and world, performing renowned works by Roni Koresh, Ray Leeper, Peter Chu, and Al Blackstone, as well as choreographing on Giordano II. Ryan is currently dancing for Dance Kaleidoscope in Indianapolis and just finished his 1st season with the company.
Ballet, Modern
Ryan Jaffe
He/Him - Instructor
Ryan Jaffe is originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, where he trained at Bak Middle School of the Arts and A.W. Dreyfoos High School of the Arts. Ryan continued his studies at Southern Methodist University, graduating with a BFA in Dance Performance and a BS in Applied Physiology and Health Management in 2024. He has also attended summer and winter intensives at Jacob’s Pillow, the Martha Graham School, BalletX, and Bruce Wood Dance. Ryan has been able to perform the work of choreographers such as George Balanchine, Martha Graham, Adam Houghland, Stephanie Martinez, and Matthew Neenan. As a choreographer, Ryan has presented work at festivals and companies throughout South Florida and Texas. In addition to performing and choreographing, Ryan has volunteered and shadowed at Neurosport Physical Therapy and Westside Dance Physical Therapy, learning from leaders in performing arts and dance medicine. Ryan is currently in his first season with Dance Kaleidoscope.
K-Pop
Kenya (Jada) Johnson
She/Her - Instructor
A life long dancer, Kenya developed an interest in K-Pop music and culture in high school, and continued on to perform with numerous K-Pop cover groups in Chicago IL, culminating in competing AT a K-Pop Choreography Competition in Korea in 2019 and taking 2nd place with her crew. While she is kick starting her teaching career at DanceWorks Indy, she brings a wealth of knowledge of all things K-Pop and has a deep passion for the culture. Hop into her class and you’ll feel the excitement oozing out of her!
Contemporary, Ballet
Margo Korn
She/Her - Instructor
Margo Korn, originally from Indianapolis, IN, earned her BFA in Dance and BA in Health & Human Physiology from the University of Iowa. During her time at the University of Iowa, she performed works by Rennie Harris, Autumn Eckman, Jennifer Kayle, Melinda Meyers, Marc Macaranus, and Kwame Ross.
After graduating, Margo started as a work-study with Hubbard Street’s Lou Conte Dance Studio and began her professional career as an apprentice with the Cambrians for their 2018-19 season under the direction of Benjamin Holliday-Wardell. While in Chicago, she also freelanced as a performer in the American Dance Guild Festival 2019 (NYC), Emergence Dance Festival (Chicago), and Harvest Dance Festival 2019 (Chicago). Margo has spent summers with various training programs including: chuthis., The Cambrians, DanceWorks Chicago, Joffrey Ballet Chicago, and BalletMet.
Since re-joining the Indianapolis dance community, Margo has performed with Phoenix Rising Dance Company, Pulse Dance Theater, and Flourish: A Modern Dance Showcase. Margo has had the honor to present choreographic work with Phoenix Rising Dance Company, Flourish: A Modern Dance Showcase, and new works in collaboration with Maddie Korn & IUI’s DisEnsemble, directed by Jason Palamara. Margo was a recipient of the Indianapolis Movement Arts Collective OpenStage 2025 artist residency.
Heels
Josalynn Merritt
She/Her - Instructor
Josalynn Merritt, a creative native to Indianapolis, IN, has been dancing since she was single-aged. Through the love of music, her spark for dance came naturally. She has been a part of the Indianapolis dance community since 2015, debuting as a featured dancer at a Benefit concert for the then, Asante Children’s Theatre. Between then and now and through many studios and organizations, Josalynn has gathered extensive experience touring in musical theatre productions under Kaidydid Urban Theatre Company as a Principal Dancer, training under the former company InDanza Dance Company, and performing for events such as the 2024 All Stars Tip Off Ceremony, The Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) All-Star game, and Art and Soul showcase by Indy Arts Council. She has trained specifically in heels since 2017 and is proud to share her love and knowledge for the style at DanceWorks Indy.
Jazz Pop, Cardio Pom
Madison Mitchell
She/Her - Instructor
Originally from Northwest Ohio, Madison Mitchell grew up dancing and competing and began teaching recreational classes in high school. After moving to Indy in 2018, she graduated with an Elementary Education degree from Butler University and taught first grade for two years. Madison began dancing at DanceWorks in 2022, initially focusing on tap. She has since shifted her focus to jazz pop and pom.
Joining the DWI team this past summer has given her opportunities to share her love of pro-style routines and pom technique. She’s excited to be so involved in the community that rekindled her love for dance after college.
Yoga, Jazz
Audrey Surina
She/Her - Instructor
Audrey Surina graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance and a minor in Arts Management. She is from Indianapolis, Indiana where she began dancing at the age of 3. She received her dance training at Indy Dance Academy and A-List Dance Center where she trained in various styles of dance. She received the Pat Wiehe Choral Music Award and the Outstanding Senior Award for both exceptional leadership in performing arts. She has attended the Radio City Rockettes Summer Intensive, Nashville Ballet Summer Intensive, and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee Summer Intensive. At Indiana University, she was cast in original work by Juel D. Lane, Ego (2020), Never Not a Place by Azuki Umeda, and was in the music video for “When the Strong One Cries,” by Kacie Swierk, choreographed by Fiona Schlegel. She has choreographed original work A Woman’s Worth, An Ode to R.B.G (2020), Something Tells Me (2020), and The Big Red Barn (2022). In 2020, she became a 200 RYT Certified Yoga Instructor and teaches various levels. In fall of 2022, she completed the Disney College Program and is now living in Indianapolis looking to dance, create, and entertain.
Contemporary, Ballet
Morgan Thomas
She/Her - Instructor
Morgan has taught both recreational and competitive dance and has led adult masterclasses in contemporary. She previously performed with the professional contemporary company, Elle Vie, for two seasons before taking a break to pursue her career.
Recently, Morgan returned to dance at DanceWorks and has since performed with Ballet Initiative for their 2024 Nutcracker and collaborations with Circle City Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphonic Band. She is also set to perform with Justin Sears at the 2025 Indy Dance Festival.
Morgan is excited to bring her experience and enthusiasm to the studio!
Ballet, Pointe
Macyn Vogt
She/Her - Instructor
Originally from Newburgh, Indiana, Macyn trained with Mark Bush before continuing her training as a trainee at The Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, and finally graduating from the San Francisco Ballet School. Macyn began her professional career with Charlotte Ballet and has since danced with the Sarasota Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet, Alberta Ballet, and English National Ballet in London. In 2021, she choreographed and premiered her first professional choreographic work, Exurgency, on the Sarasota Ballet, earning recognition on Dance Data Project’s Women in Ballet Leader Board. In 2023, she was named a finalist for Indianapolis’ Best and Brightest awards in the arts category.
Macyn’s repertoire includes featured roles such as Princess Florine in The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante, Melancholic Soloist in Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments, Russian Demi Soloist in Balanchine’s Serenade, Derek Deane’s Swan Lake, Map by Alonzo King, Leonce and Lena by Christian Spuck, and Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs. Macyn is thrilled to be back in Indianapolis dancing professionally with the Indianapolis Ballet and teaching at Danceworks!
305 Fitness, Jazz Pop
Kasey Walker
She/Her - Instructor
Kasey is an actor, dancer, singer, and choreographer originally from the Carmel area and is thrilled to be part of the DanceWorks Indy team! After receiving her BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Oklahoma, she lived in NYC for 10 years performing in the national Broadway tours of Legally Blonde and We Will Rock You, the Queen musical, in addition to regional theatres in Hilton Head, Ogunquit, Miami, and Oklahoma City. You can also catch her on screen in episodes ofi Blue Bloods, The Good Fight, Law & Order: SVU, and The Other Two!
While in NYC, Kasey fell in love with and taught 305 Fitness classes, as well as music video-inspired choreography classes (think Britney Spears), heels classes, and children’s ballet, tap, and jazz for ages 18 months to 7 years. Since returning to the Indy area, she’s had the privilege to choreograph for the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre’s Junior summer musicals including Frozen, The Little Mermaid, and Newsies. Kasey is so excited to reconnect with the Indianapolis dance and fitness community and can’t wait to see you in the studio!
SWERK, Cardio Hip Hop
Amanda White
She/Her - Instructor
Originally from Flint, MI, Amanda’s started Ballet, Tap and Jazz at age 8 and kept going until 20. Along the way, if there was a chance to learn a different style, she went for it. From joining the Bollywood dance team in college, getting way too into Kpop after graduating, and most recently after getting her Graduate degree in International Relations dove into Pole Fitness. You can say Amanda just really likes to move!
When she’s not dancing or training, she studies Japanese, has a collection of house plants she cares for and two pairs of skates being criminally underused.
Circuit Conditioning, 305 Fitness
Jillian Wilschke
She/Her - Instructor
Jillian’s love of dance began at age seven in Northwest Indiana, taking ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop classes and dancing competitively at various studios through age 15. She kept her passion for dance alive through community dance classes and opportunities during her time at Ball State University. She was ecstatic to see DanceWorks Indy open shortly after her move to Indianapolis in June 2019 and jumped in as a founding member. Six years later, she’s excited to return the energy, community and movement she’s received as a client back to the studio as an instructor.
Hip Hop
Donta "DJ" Wright
He/Him - Instructor
Dancing since the age of seven Donta Wright (DJ) has been trained in all kinds of styles; from Hip Hop to Tap, to ballet, lyrical, and contemporary giving him a diverse outlook on teaching dance. His dance career has taken him all around the nation allowing him to take in all kinds of different styles of Hip Hop. Donta has been teaching hip hop and contemporary for 7 years and has performed in front of vast audiences including the 2008 orange bowl halftime show, productions of the Nutcracker, countless competition and conventions.
Front Desk
Ariana Fisher
She/Her - Front Desk
Front Desk
Emma Nolan
She/Her - Front Desk
Driven by a creative spirit, Emma has built a career as an interior designer while nurturing lifelong passions for dancing, thrifting, and crafting. DanceWorks has been an incredible space for Emma to stay connected to such an amazing community and continue doing what she loves–especially taking her favorite classes like hip hop and yoga!
Front Desk
Eliza Welton
She/Her - Front Desk
Eliza Welton began dancing at age 5 and grew up training in primarily ballet, tap, jazz, modern and contemporary styles. She graduated from Ball State University in 2024 and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Dance. She performed in and choreographed for numerous productions during her time at Ball State. Her time in college really fostered her passion for improvisation and choreography. In March of 2024, Eliza was involved in a work choreographed by Sidra Bell and performed at Gibney Dance in New York City. Since graduation, she has continued to hone in on her craft. She participated in an improvisational workshop with movement facilitator of Jacobs Pillow, Justin Sears. She also performed with his company Jus10danceCo. at Indy Dance Fest in July 2025. Eliza currently specializes in contemporary, improvisation, modern and ballet techniques and has a passion for choreography and teaching.