KAELA FRANCES KAHL-WU
Farmington Hills,MI
Summary
Dynamic dance educator, choreographer, and event management professional dedicated to creating impactful experiences in both artistic and organizational realms.
Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Dance Education at the University of Northern Colorado, with an expected graduation in December 2026, while enhancing expertise in pedagogy, leadership, and dancer-centered education.
Over 20 years of diverse dance experience and more than 8 years of coaching foster technical excellence and artistic growth among students.
Additionally, over 5 years of experience in event management as an Event Manager for Nexstar National Talent Competition, adept at leading large-scale events, coordinating logistics, and nurturing collaborative relationships with stakeholders in fast-paced environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Event Manager-Nexstar National Talent Competition
DanceOne
01.2026 - Current
- Lead on-site management of large-scale regional and national dance competitions, overseeing event flow, scheduling, and operations.
- Supervise and support multidisciplinary event staff to ensure efficient, professional, and positive experiences for all stakeholders.
- Serve as primary point of contact for studio owners, directors, judges, and venue personnel.
- Ensure accurate execution of awards, scoring procedures, and competition standards.
- Proactively troubleshoot logistical challenges to maintain smooth, on-time events.
Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Dance Athletics Competitive Edge
Canton, MI
09.2025 - Current
- Taught jazz techniques to students of all skill levels, tailoring lessons to individual needs.
- Created and choreographed original routines for performances, recitals, and competitions, ensuring creativity and appropriate difficulty.
- Prepared students for performances by refining choreography, offering feedback, and enhancing technique and stage presence. Provided individualized coaching to help dancers improve technique and reach their full potential.
- Managed classrooms, maintaining discipline while fostering a positive, motivating environment.
Junior Varsity Coach
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Dance Team
Canton, MI
05.2018 - Current
- Lead and manage the PCEP JV Dance Team, overseeing a group of up to 14 dancers. Foster a cohesive team dynamic by promoting teamwork, discipline, and respect among team members.
- Design and choreograph routines for various performances and competitions, ensuring that routines are age-appropriate, innovative, and aligned with the team’s strengths. Provide individualized coaching and feedback to enhance each dancer’s performance.
- Prepare the team for competitive events by refining routines, organizing rehearsals, and ensuring that all elements of the performance (including timing, execution, and synchronization) meet competitive standards for both Dance Team Union and Varsity UDA.
- Oversee the selection and fitting of team costumes, ensuring they complement the performance themes and meet competition regulations. Coordinate costume fittings and manage the overall aesthetic of the team’s visual presentation. Provide ongoing mentorship, guidance, and support to dancers, helping them improve both their technical skills and personal development.
- Promote a positive and inclusive environment that encourages personal growth, accountability, and confidence. Implement leadership education for dancers, encouraging the development of strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Use positive reinforcement to cultivate a growth mindset and build resilience on the team. Maintain clear and consistent communication with dancers, parents, and other coaching staff, ensuring that everyone is informed and aligned with team goals and expectations.
Show Assistant and Head Tabulator
Star Dance Alliance - Nexstar National Talent Competition
01.2023 - 01.2026
- Accurately recorded, processed, and organized scores and results in real time during competitive dance events.
- Collaborated closely with judges, event coordinators, and team members to ensure seamless data entry and score tabulation.
- Maintained high attention to detail to prevent errors and promote fairness and transparency in the scoring process.
- Provided timely reports and updates to participants and organizers, contributing to the event's overall success.
- Worked efficiently under pressure while handling sensitive data, promoting accuracy and confidentiality.
- Assisted in loading in and out event equipment, contributing to a smooth setup and breakdown process.
- Organized and distributed awards to dancers, making sure of proper recognition of achievements.
- Managed award counts and organized them for distribution, ensuring accuracy and adherence to event schedules.
Wild Child Faculty, Room Director & Tabulator
Wild Dance Intensive
10.2023 - 01.2026
- Taught age-appropriate dance combinations and techniques to children aged 4-8, focusing on building foundational skills in a fun, supportive environment.
- Fostered a positive learning atmosphere, encouraging creativity, discipline, and teamwork among students.
- Assisted with the smooth setup and breakdown of event equipment, ensuring timely and efficient loading in and out of the venue.
- Collaborated with event staff to accurately tabulate and record scores during competitions, ensuring precise documentation and adherence to event rules.
- Worked closely with other instructors, staff, and organizers to ensure a seamless event experience for both participants and attendees.
Dance Instructor and Choreographer
Gravity Dance Center
Farmington Hills, MI
06.2023 - 07.2024
- Taught jazz techniques to students of all skill levels, tailoring lessons to individual needs.
- Created and choreographed original routines for performances, recitals, and competitions, ensuring creativity and appropriate difficulty.
- Prepared students for performances by refining choreography, offering feedback, and enhancing technique and stage presence.
- Provided individualized coaching to help dancers improve technique and reach their full potential. Managed classrooms, maintaining discipline while fostering a positive, motivating environment.
- Collaborated with other instructors and communicated with parents regarding student progress and goals.
Dance Instructor
Enrich Kids Now - Detroit Public Schools
Detroit, MI
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Taught weekly dance classes to children of various ages, focusing on building fundamental dance skills and fostering creativity.
- Developed age-appropriate choreography for end-of-session performances, encouraging teamwork and self-expression. Provided positive feedback and support, helping students improve their technique and confidence.
- Maintained a safe and engaging environment while promoting discipline and focus during classes.
Onboarding Program Manager
Rocket Central
Detroit, MI
10.2020 - 10.2022
- Managed day-to-day onboarding tasks for new hires, ensuring seamless integration into the Rock Family of Companies. Communicated effectively with new hires, business stakeholders, recruiters, and leaders regarding onboarding procedures.
- Coordinated shipment and setup of remote work equipment for new hires. Maintained and updated the system of record for new hire data, including login and technology troubleshooting.
- Led and closed project initiatives using Agile methodologies, managing TFS (Scrum project management system). Identified and implemented process improvements to streamline onboarding operations.
- Trained four team members on onboarding processes and tasks. Successfully onboarded over 10,000 new hires in 2020, optimizing processes to support scalability.
Human Resources Project Coordinator
Rocket Central
Detroit, MI
08.2020 - 10.2020
- Managed virtual onboarding projects, ensuring timely delivery and successful execution.
- Trained two team members to maintain project momentum and meet deadlines.
- Collaborated with onboarding stakeholders to analyze project scope, impacts, and optimize outcomes. Developed project timelines, set deadlines, and held team members accountable for deliverables.
- Regularly communicated progress and challenges to stakeholders, including executive management, and provided proactive solutions to remove roadblocks.
Human Resources Team Coordinator
Rocket Central
Detroit, MI
05.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed high volumes of internal and external correspondence, ensuring timely distribution and response. Streamlined operations and contributed to the development of new strategies to improve efficiency.
- Coordinated logistics and prepared materials for meetings, ensuring seamless execution. Captured key notes and action items in meetings, distributing them to relevant parties. Managed projects, including drafting email responses on behalf of executive leaders.
- Prepared background briefings, documentation, and periodic reports. Handled scheduling, calendar management, and proactive conflict resolution.
- Prioritized meeting requests and optimized calendar coordination. Developed ad hoc reports, presentations, and other necessary documents.
- Arranged personal and business travel, including itineraries, flights, and accommodations. Provided general administrative and personal support as required
Volunteer Coordinator
Movement Electronic Music Festival - Paxahau
Detroit, MI
05.2018 - 05.2022
- Coordinate volunteer operations, including creating and assigning shifts using FestiVOL software.
- Manage volunteer check-ins, clock-in/out procedures, and assignment of responsibilities.
- Escort volunteers to designated areas, monitor performance and relieve them at shift completion.
- Support overall festival needs, including ensuring backstage supplies are stocked and assisting backstage managers.
Group Camping Coordinator
Electric Forest Music Festival
Rothbury, MI
06.2018 - 07.2019
- Organized and designated group camping areas, including measuring, labeling, and sectioning spots for campers.
- Ensured campers adhered to assigned spots and addressed any camping-related issues or concerns.
- Provided customer service for group camping, assisting lost campers and offering directions as needed
Education
Master of Arts - Dance Education
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO12-2026
Bachelor of Science - Education and Human Development
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green05-2018
No Degree - Tourism, Hospitality And Event Management
International College of Management - Sydney
Manly, NSW, Australia01-2016
Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
- Project Management Software (TFS, Asana, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Planner)
- Events Pro Software and FestiVOL Software
- Able to identify problems and implement corrective process
- Able to take positive feedback and implement change for growth
- Able to take the initiative and lead others on projects and tasks
- Proficient at prioritization and planning
- Staff management
- Exceptional communicator
- People-oriented
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Training and mentoring
Certification
- Rocket Central: Rock Honors Award Nominee - Instrumental Contributions 2020
- Rocket Mortgage: People Operations - Most Amaze Awards in 2020
- 2017 Rocket Mortgage Intern Awards: Expert Executioner Award Nominee
SPECIALIZATIONS
- Project Management and Coordination
- Event Coordination
- Executive Team Support
- Hospitality Coordination
- Team Coaching
- Calendar Management
- Travel Coordination
- Human Resources Coordination
Timeline
Event Manager-Nexstar National Talent Competition
DanceOne
01.2026 - Current
Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Dance Athletics Competitive Edge
09.2025 - Current
Wild Child Faculty, Room Director & Tabulator
Wild Dance Intensive
10.2023 - 01.2026
Dance Instructor and Choreographer
Gravity Dance Center
06.2023 - 07.2024
Show Assistant and Head Tabulator
Star Dance Alliance - Nexstar National Talent Competition
01.2023 - 01.2026
Dance Instructor
Enrich Kids Now - Detroit Public Schools
10.2022 - 06.2023
Onboarding Program Manager
Rocket Central
10.2020 - 10.2022
Human Resources Project Coordinator
Rocket Central
08.2020 - 10.2020
Human Resources Team Coordinator
Rocket Central
05.2019 - 08.2020
Group Camping Coordinator
Electric Forest Music Festival
06.2018 - 07.2019
Junior Varsity Coach
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Dance Team
05.2018 - Current
Volunteer Coordinator
Movement Electronic Music Festival - Paxahau
05.2018 - 05.2022
Master of Arts - Dance Education
University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Science - Education and Human Development
Bowling Green State University
No Degree - Tourism, Hospitality And Event Management
International College of Management - Sydney