Meet theStaff!

Natalie Robinette

Owner and Director

Natalie began dancing at the age of three, training in classical ballet before expanding into competitive dance at age nine. She competed in all styles throughout high school and served as captain of her high school dance team. She continued her dance education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern and Ballet in 2014. While at UMKC, she also served as captain of the UMKC Roos dance team, leading them to NDA Championship competitions in Florida for three years and placing in the top three each year. Natalie began teaching at 16 and has spent many years as a teacher, choreographer, and studio director. She became the owner of Relevé Performing Arts in 2019, fulfilling a dream she had since she was 12 years old. She has also coached the Grain Valley Dance Team, the Royal Talons, for 12 seasons. Natalie loves inspiring young dancers and helping them develop not only as dancers but also as confident, disciplined individuals. Outside of dance, Natalie and her husband are blessed with two beautiful children, Remi and Boone. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and working out

Kiersten Johnson

Competition Instructor

"I am so excited to be back for my 7th season teaching at RPA! Prior to RPA I have a few additional years of studio teaching, as well being a member of the Blue Springs High School Glitter Girls and dancing at the collegiate level at Avila University. While attending Avila, my team attended UDA Nationals and placed in the top 10 every year. My team was also NAIA Conference Champions for 5 consecutive years. While at Avila I completed my Masters degree in Psychology which has allowed me to work full time supporting adolescents that battle with trauma related mental health. Outside of work and dance I am a mom of (soon to be) two girls, two sweet dogs and a wife to my husband of 5 years! You can catch me spending time with family, exercising or honestly, just doing a good couch rot. I can’t wait for another season of unforgettable memories, connection and fun! "

Andrea Cooper

Recreational and Competition Instructor

Mrs. Andrea is excited to begin her 8th season with Relevé! She started her dance journey at 3 years old and became an assistant instructor at just 12 years old before teaching classes independently at 18. Andrea began teaching at a local dance studio while attending Northwest Missouri State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a minor in Child and Family Studies while also performing as a member of the Northwest Dance Company. Andrea has experience teaching both recreational and competitive dancers in jazz, hip-hop, tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, tumbling, technique, and clogging. Her choreography has been recognized for multiple Overall High Point awards, Special Judges’ Awards, and other competitive honors. Andrea believes every dancer deserves to feel seen, encouraged, and challenged. She strives to create a positive environment where dancers can have fun while developing confidence, strong technique, and a love for dance. She looks forward to another amazing season with the Relevé family!

Leah Finch

Competition Instructor

"I’m so excited to continue sharing my love of dance with the RPA Dance family! I have 20 years of dance training and trained at Steppin’ Out and Reed Performing Arts Company. I competed for four years with the Lee’s Summit High School Varsity Tigerettes, winning two MDTA State Championships and competing at UDA Nationals. I also danced collegiately for two years with the UMKC KC Roos Dance Team, competing at NDA College Nationals. Outside of dance, I work full-time as a Customer Support Specialist in the Merchant Department at Commerce Bank. I love bringing my experience in communication, leadership, and working with others into the studio! I’m passionate about helping dancers build confidence, technique, and a genuine love for dance, and I can’t wait to make another amazing season of memories!"

Emily Adair

Competition Ballet Instructor

Emily Adair is a native of central Missouri and graduated with her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from UMKC. Emily danced professionally with Storling Dance Theater for three years and performed numerous premiere works, including Underground at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Currently, Emily holds her 600-hour Classical Pilates Education comprehensive certification. She teaches Pilates and ballet throughout the KC metro and beyond.

Ali Wyatt

Recreational Teacher

"I am so excited to be a part of your dancer's journey! I have been dancing competitively since I was 9 years old and continued through the age of 18, and I was also proud to be a member of my high school dance team. Throughout my years of dancing, I discovered that while I love performing, my greatest passion is helping others grow and find confidence through dance. I have had the opportunity to teach dancers of many different ages, and I strive to create a positive, encouraging environment where every student feels supported and challenged to do their best. I truly believe that dance is about so much more than learning steps! It teaches confidence, discipline, creativity, and resilience that extend far beyond the studio. I feel incredibly grateful to share something that has meant so much to me, and I can't wait to watch each dancer learn, grow, and fall even more in love with dance!"

Addi Miller

Recreational Teacher

"My name is Addi Miller and I can’t wait to be apart of your dancers journey! I started my dance career at age 3! I quickly fell in love with it and knew that this was a passion of mine. I competitively danced for 10 years. I then joined the Grain Valley Royal Talons dance team starting my freshman year of high school all the way to senior year. I graduated in 2025. I currently am studying at Metropolitan Community College and plan to transfer to get my doctorate in Occupational Therapy. I have always loved kiddos and getting to watch them grow and learn right in front of you. My goal as your dancers teacher is to show compassion and have an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued and cared for while doing something they love. I am so thankful for this opportunity and I cant wait to be at RPA!"

Amara Baty

Recreational Teacher/Diamond tech

"I have been dancing for 16 years, starting at the age of 4. Throughout my dance journey, I’ve trained in Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Pom, Heels, Kick, and Figure Skating. My favorite styles are Hip-Hop and Jazz! My dance experience includes recreational classes, studio competitions, conventions, high school dance team competitions, and performing at game days as a member of the Oak Park Pommies. I am now continuing my dance journey at the collegiate level as a member of the Avila Glitter Girls! Dance has always been a huge part of my life. It fills my heart, fuels my creativity, and allows me to bring my imagination to life through movement. I’m excited to begin teaching and to share my passion, knowledge, and love of dance with the next generation! My goal is to create a positive and encouraging environment where every dancer feels confident, inspired, and excited to grow!"

Samantha Reyes

Recreational Teacher/Private Lessons

"I started dancing at the age of 3 and began competitive dance at the age of 9. My dance background includes many styles: ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, musical theatre, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, acrobatics, kick, and pom. I graduated from Grain Valley High School, where I was on the Royal Talons high school dance team for 4 years. After high school, I danced professionally with the MASL Kansas City Comets Dance Team, the Comets Girls, for 3 years. Then, I cheered in the NFL for 3 years as a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader. I had some really amazing opportunities with the Chiefs, including cheering at an international game in Germany, performing at the first-ever NFL Draft in KC, and cheering at 3 Super Bowls! Now, I am a high school English teacher and dance team coach at Grain Valley High School. I have enjoyed teaching dance over the years, and there is nothing I love more than being able to share my passion for dance with my students.

Harleigh Pouncil

Recreational Teacher

"I’ve been dancing since I was three years old, and dance has been a meaningful part of my life ever since. I also have a background in cheer, and I love tumbling, flipping, and exploring different types of movement. To me, dance is a way to create art through movement and emotion. I love being able to tell a story, express myself, and connect with others without always needing words. I’m passionate about sharing that same love and creativity with my students and helping them grow in confidence while finding their own way to express themselves. Outside of the studio, I work with adults with special needs, which has taught me the importance of patience, encouragement, and celebrating every individual’s progress. I’m so excited to share my knowledge and passion for dance while helping my students experience the same joy that dance has brought me throughout my life."

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