Competition Dance teams at MKDS

Inspiring passion for the performing arts

Miss Kristin’s Dance Studio competition teams are about so much more than dance! Our competition and pre-competition teams teach dancers to balance busy schedules, build healthy relationships with activity and nutrition, find mentorship, create lifelong friendships and so much more. Above all, MKDS strives to instill a lifelong passion and appreciation for the performing arts with committed and focused competition teams.

Pre-Competition Dance team

Dancers ages 5 - 10 that are interested in joining the MKDS competition team can dip their toes into the dance team schedule and lifestyle to make sure that it’s right for them!

Competition dance team

Our team members represent MKDS at dance competitions throughout the country with teammates that uphold commitment, responsibility and dedication. Eligible dancers ages 6-18 may receive an invitation to audition for the MKDS Dance Team.

Pre-competition team

Dancers ages 5 - 10 that may want to join the competition dance team can explore the lifestyle and commitments required to join the MKDS competition team.

For further information,  please email us at info@avonlakedance.com.  

  • Dancers that are interested in joining the pre-competition team must participate in the following classes

    Ballet (1 hour / week) - Ballet is a foundational technique of dance, and will build important strength, flexibility, balance and technique.

    Pre-Competition Jazz (1.5 hours / week) - Dancers learn choreography for the season while refining their technique.

    Optional Summer Pre-Competition Jazz (5-week summer program) - Dancers maintain their skills and technique, and build new skills, ahead of the next dance season.

  • The pre-competition team attends one competition, typically at the end of February. Exact dates and location will be communicated beforehand! The competition serves as an introduction to the world of competitive dance, designed to be a fun and educational experience for both dancers and families as a preview of what life is like as a member of the MKDS competitive dance team.

  • After dancers participate in the pre-competition dance team program, there are three potential paths that they may take:

    • Continue the pre-competition program for another year or two

    • Receive an invitation to join the MKDS dance team

    • Continue on the MKDS recreational dance class path, with special leadership opportunities

  • MKDS encourages pre-competition dance team members to be positive representatives of our studio and the values that we uphold. We expect team members to be accountable to one another, promote positivity and be respectful to every dancer they interact with, at our studio and at competitions.

Competition dance team

Eligible dancers ages 6 - 18 may receive an invitation to audition for the MKDS dance team! Dancers have the opportunity to travel, build meaningful friendships and compete with studios across the country. There are additional costs to Dance Team including, a team fee, costumes, choreography, rehearsals, photos, team apparel, entry fees and convention expenses. There are different payment options to consider for each family.

For further information,  please email us at info@avonlakedance.com.  

  • Dance team members are required to take the following classes:

    • Two ballet classes per week - pointe does not count towards this requirement.

    • Saturday team technique

    • Jazz

    • Acro

    • Hip Hop

    • Any style that the dancer may compete in - excluding lyrical and contemporary.

  • Our Competition Dance Team attends three to five competitions/conventions and showcases per year. Competition weekends are typically Friday - Sunday, and all team members are expected to attend all performances, ceremonies, classes and team activities.

  • Costumes are an important part of competitions! In addition to costumes, all dance team members are required to purchase the team jacket, backpack, earrings and make-up kit.

  • MKDS expects competitive dance team members to be positive representatives of our studio and the values that we uphold. This year’s Dance Team theme is LEVEL UP! The competition dance team will level up our effort, technique, confidence, leadership, etiquette and performance!

Meet the Dance team leadership

  • Mary Grace Geise

    DANCE TEAM DIRECTOR

    Mary Grace Geise is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and fitness instructor based in Cleveland, OH. She graduated from Western Michigan University summa cum laude with a BFA in Dance and an undergraduate certificate in Dance Studio Management. While at WMU, she performed choreographic works by renowned artists such as Yin Yue, Tsai-Hsi Hung, Penny Saunders, Kelsey Paschich, Carolyn Pavlik, and Monique Haley. Mary Grace also has professional experience performing pieces by Alyssa Brutlag and Robyn Mineko-Williams. She is a coach, teacher, and choreographer for the Magnificat High School Dance Team and Barre Dance Academy. She additionally works as a professional fitness instructor certified in Barre and group fitness. Mary Grace is excited to teach at Miss Kristin's Dance Studio this year!

  • CAITLYN GUYER

    DANCE TEAM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PRE-COMP TEAM DIRECTOR

    Caitlyn Guyer is a student, instructor and choreographer based in the Cleveland area. Her dance career started at the early age of two when she began taking class at Miss Kristin’s! When training became more serious, she began assistant teaching at the studio and taking outside intensives and workshops. She was apart of the MKDS company dance team for four years, and is now the assistant coach. She is also responsible for the pre-competition teams, which began in 2022 as just one team. Currently, she’s teaching classes 6 days a week and taking class when she can. Caitlyn believes dance is more than just steps and brings this passion wherever she goes.

  • Lauren Munster

    REHEARSAL ASSISTANT

    Lauren is thrilled to be joining the Miss Kristin's Dance Studio family! Originally from Columbus, Ohio, she discovered her love for dance at the age of 10 and spent the next eight years competing with her dance team in a variety of styles (her favorites being hip hop, tap, and contemporary). Along the way, she developed a passion for teaching and has instructed ballet, tap, lyrical, and hip hop, finding the greatest joy in helping dancers grow in confidence, technique, and creativity. She strives to create a positive, encouraging classroom where every dancer feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. Outside of the studio, Lauren earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio University and works as a Technology Risk professional at Ernst & Young, but dance has always remained one of her greatest passions. She is incredibly excited to join Miss Kristin's Dance Studio and help every dancer build lifelong skills and unforgettable memories.

  • Molly Tennant

    TECHNIQUE TEACHER

    Molly Stanton has taught, coached and choreographed dance professionally since 2016. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a BFA in both Dance and Arts Management in 2020, she returned home to Cleveland, Ohio to receive her Masters in Business Administration from Cleveland State University in 2021. Since moving back to Cleveland Molly has choreographed for studio, high school and college dance team programs across the state. Her work has received numerous regional and national title awards including two Dazzle Awards for best choreography, top 10 placement at NDA College Nationals and numerous first place finishes at regional competitions. Molly is also currently on the coaching staff for the Magnificat High School Dance Team, Avon Lake High School Dance Team and she serves as Co-Director of Miss Kristin’s Dance Studio Competitive Dance Program. In addition to teaching and choreographing dance Molly enjoys teaching group fitness classes and spending time with her family in Avon Lake.