Choreographing Confidence
At The Dance Element, our instructors are more than teachers. They’re mentors, role models, and artists who believe in the power of dance to inspire confidence and connection. Each member of our team brings a unique background and a shared commitment to creating a positive, passionate, and supportive space for every dancer who walks through our doors.
Lacey Chesser
Owner and Director
Miss Lacey has been connected to dance for as long as she can remember, and The Dance Element is the place where her passion and purpose come to life. Her focus isn’t just on teaching dances – she is committed to shaping confident, kind, and resilient dancers who lift each other up. She believes in the power of a strong studio culture where hard work, teamwork, and positivity all play a part. For Miss Lacey, winning is not only about trophies. It is about growth, joy, and learning to believe in yourself both on and off the stage. Creating this space has been a dream come true, and she is proud to lead a studio where every dancer feels seen, supported, and inspired to shine.
Justin Chesser
Owner and Dancer Advocate
Bio Coming Soon.
Alexa Cackler
Assistant Director, Teacher & Choreographer
Alexa started dancing at age 3 and hasn’t stopped since. She trained at Dance Star Productions under Jillian Blakemore and was a member of the DSP Elite Competition Team, performing at conventions and competitions across the Midwest. In high school, she became an assistant teacher, which sparked her passion for dance education.
Alexa earned a Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University in Human Development and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas. Throughout college and beyond, she continued teaching dance, acrobatics, and tumbling, and choreographed for local high school teams. Alexa hopes to instill a love for dance in her students while having fun along the way.
Tess Gadwood
Teacher and Choreographer
Tess received her BFA with an emphasis in Ballet from UMKC, where she danced on scholarship and was honored with the Conservatory Chancellor’s Scholarship. She’s certified in Progressive Ballet Technique, helping students build strength to support ballet training. Tess has earned scholarships and studied at the School of American Ballet, Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Gus Giordano Dance, and Mid-America Dance Company.
A ballet educator for over 25 years, including 20 with Kansas City Ballet, Tess has taught in the Reach Out and Dance program, bringing dance education to public schools in partnership with Jacques D’Amboise’s National Dance Institute. She also teaches in KCBallet’s Academy, Studio, and Adaptive Program for dancers with disabilities.
She has studied with Tatiana Dukoudovska, Mary Pat Henry, Paula Weber, Gus Giordano, and the late Leni Wylliams. Recognized for her teaching, choreography, and master classes, Tess continues to grow through ABT coursework and ASL studies. She’s grateful for the chance to share her passion for ballet with every student she meets.
Kinsey Cogswell
Teacher & Choreographer
Kinsey began dancing at age 3 and has loved it ever since. She was a three-year captain of the BLHS Dance Team and has choreographed award-winning routines for both the middle and high school teams in Basehor-Linwood. She recently earned a degree in Exercise and Rehabilitation Science with a minor in Leadership Studies from Washburn University, where she was a member of the nationally ranked Dancing Blues.
Kinsey is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She’s passionate about combining her background in dance with her studies in physical therapy, and she loves helping students build strong, healthy movement habits that will support them both on and off the stage.
Amanda Mason
Teacher and Choreographer
Amanda, known to many of her students as Miss Mandy, began dancing at the age of two and hasn’t stopped since. She trained for many years in a wide variety of styles, developing strong technique and a deep love for performing. In high school, she joined a competitive team where she had the chance to travel, compete, and even perform at Disney World, an experience that became one of her favorite dance memories.
At just sixteen, Amanda began teaching and choreographing, and it quickly became clear that sharing her love of dance was just as meaningful to her as performing. She found joy in helping young dancers grow in both skill and confidence, and she’s been passionate about teaching ever since. With her creative spirit and energetic style, Amanda brings both fun and focus to every class she leads.
Audrey Keltner
Teacher and Choreographer
Audrey began dancing in 2007 and quickly fell in love with performing. By age 7, she joined a competitive company and danced at community events and notable venues like the T-Bones stadium and Disney World. Over the years, she completed a teacher training program, served as a demonstrator and assistant, and taught her first class in 2020. She’s been teaching every season since.
After graduating from Lawrence Virtual School in 2021, Audrey earned her degree in Visual Communications with a minor in Dance from the University of Kansas in May 2025. Her time at KU included training with professors from diverse professional backgrounds, enriching her approach to both dance and teaching. Audrey brings a thoughtful, creative energy to every class and is passionate about helping students grow.
Mackenzie Meharry
Teacher and Choreographer
Mackenzie began dancing at just 2 years old and quickly discovered her love for movement and performing. Throughout her childhood and teen years, she trained in a wide range of dance styles and performed across the Kansas City area with several competitive teams. Some of her favorite experiences include dancing at the KC Pride Festival, participating in a flash mob at the Joslyn Art Museum, rooftop performances in downtown Kansas City, and marching in Juneteenth parades as a member of a high school stomp team.
After graduating, Mackenzie danced at Washburn University, where she was a member of the university’s dance team. Her time on the team deepened her love for choreography, teamwork, and performance. Now in her third year of teaching, Mackenzie is passionate about creating a positive and challenging environment for her students. She loves helping young dancers build both strong technique and confidence in themselves.
Maddie Mahoney
Teacher and Choreographer
Maddie took her first dance class at age three and quickly fell in love. She trained and competed with studios, including The Dance Element, for 15 years, dancing at Disney World, in national productions, and learning from choreographers across the country. Her favorite studio memory was winning a national championship for a duo with her sister.
At Tonganoxie High School, she was a four-year member of the Chieftain Stars, earning All-American honors twice and placing 3rd at the state competition in 2022. Maddie now attends Washburn University and danced with the Washburn Dancing Blues. She is also the Assistant Coach for the Chieftain Stars in Tonganoxie. She especially enjoys working with young dancers, helping them build confidence and discover what makes them shine.
Maci Irvin
Teacher and Choreographer
Maci began dancing at the age of 3. She is currently a member of The Dance Element’s competition team. She’s been teaching at The Dance Element for 2 years and demonstrated prior to being a teacher for 4 years. Maci is an ambassador for the P3 Dance Competition and was a National Champion Soloist in 2024. She’s had the opportunity to work with nationally known choreographers and has been part of the Elite Performance group for the DanceOut competition the past 2 seasons. Maci is also a member of the BLHS Dazzlers, performing at high school sporting events as well as other events in the community.
Teaching dance allows Maci to share her passion for dance to young dancers and to help them grow as not only dancers but people as well. Maci strives to create a fun environment where dancers feel loved and appreciated!
Morgan Panovich
Teacher and Choreographer
Morgan began dancing at the age of three and trained with in all styles of dance. In high school, she was a member and senior captain of the Silver Stars Dance Team at Mill Valley. She continued dancing while earning her teaching degree at Pittsburg State University, where she taught and choreographed for the Pittsburg Parks & Recreation Dance Studio.
After college, Morgan became a math teacher at Basehor-Linwood Middle School and coached the Emeralds Dance Team, choreographing award-winning routines and fostering a strong team environment. Now serving as a District Coordinator for an education company, Morgan is excited to return to the studio and share her lifelong love of dance with The Dance Element!
Abby Eberhart
Teacher and Choreographer
With over eight years of teaching experience—four years student teaching and four as a lead instructor—I’m thrilled to join this new dance community! I’ve been dancing my entire life, and sharing that passion with others, especially younger generations, brings me so much joy. I teach all ages and a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, pom, and musical theatre. My goal is to create a safe, positive, and encouraging environment where dancers can grow both technically and confidently. I’ve choreographed routines at both the collegiate and competitive levels and was a proud member of the Wichita State Shockers Dance Team for four years. During that time, I had the opportunity to compete at NDA Division I Pom Nationals—an unforgettable experience that deepened my love for performance and team spirit. I’m so excited to bring my energy, creativity, and passion to this studio and can’t wait to grow with this new studio family!
Madison Balazs
Choreographer
Madison Balazs is from Lenexa, Kansas, and has been dancing since the age of three. She trained and performed throughout her childhood and high school years before continuing her dance journey at the University of Kansas, where she took classes while earning a degree in Unified Early Childhood Education.
Madison joined The Dance Element teaching staff in 2022 and quickly became a beloved part of the TDE family. She has a passion for choreography and a special gift for creating memorable musical theatre pieces that bring energy, storytelling, and character to the stage. Madison loves inspiring young dancers and sharing her joy for movement in every class she teaches.
Kaitlyn VanZuiden
Acrobatics Instructor
Kaitlyn VanZuiden is the acrobatic and tumbling instructor at The Dance Element. Originally from Quincy, Illinois, she began her journey as a competitive dancer and gymnast at just two years old. Kaitlyn went on to compete at the highest level in power tumbling, earning numerous national titles throughout her career. Although an injury eventually brought her time as a competitive athlete to a close, her passion for movement and teaching has never faded.
In addition to sharing her acro expertise with dancers, Kaitlyn teaches ELA to 5th and 6th grade students and finds joy in helping kids grow both inside and outside the classroom. When she’s not at the studio or school, Kaitlyn loves spending time with her amazing husband, their two wonderful children, and their loyal German Shepherd as they enjoy the everyday adventure of family life together.
Katie Kobialka
Acrobatics Instructor
Katie Kobialka is originally from Bonner Springs and now calls Basehor home. She has been the School Counselor at Basehor Elementary for 11 years. Katie began dancing in 1995 and continued through high school on the dance team and in local studios. At Kansas State University, she studied ballet and discovered a passion for teaching dance, which she carried into her professional life. Since returning to Basehor, Katie has taught a wide range of classes including mommy and me, pre-k/kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade combo, 3rd/4th grade combo, and all ages acrobatics. She also spent time co-coaching the Basehor Linwood Dazzlers for two years and the Bonner Springs Dance Team for one year. Today, she continues to share her love of movement by teaching acrobatics in the local dance community.
Amy Irvin
Studio Manager
Amy Irvin is the heart of our studio operations and a trusted, familiar presence to dancers and families alike. As studio manager, she helps everything run smoothly, from organizing costumes and assisting with drop-off and pick-up to managing the flow of backstage during performances. A dedicated dance mom herself, Amy brings warmth, experience, and a steady presence to every part of the studio. The dancers look up to her, parents rely on her, and our staff is endlessly grateful for her support. Amy helps make The Dance Element feel like a true community, and we are so lucky to have her.
Andrea Mason
Studio Manager
Andrea Mason is the friendly face you’ll often see at the front desk and helping with drop-off and pick-up. As our office manager, she keeps things running smoothly and supports our dancers and families with a warm smile and can-do attitude. As a long-time dance mom, Andrea understands the rhythm of studio life and brings that experience to every interaction. Whether she’s answering questions or supporting our dancers, Andrea plays a big part in making The Dance Element a welcoming and organized place for everyone. We’re lucky to have her!