Kelly Nelson
Instructor
Kelly is a native of Florida. She graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts with a dance major, where she was privileged to receive training from talented instructors and guest artists including Dr. Phyllis Penney, Rhonda Stampalia, Debra Webb, Mia Michaels, Mark Spivak, Michelle Ottley, and Maya Shinavaskyva. From there she was accepted into the trainee program at Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, Mississippi. There she trained under the direction of Kathy Thibidoux, Rick and Rose Fauscher. She became a member of Ballet Magnificat!II performing locally and then touring with the main company nationally, including a benefit concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Upon returning to her hometown, she became the Co-Director of The Father's Company, a Christian dance ministry consisting of 30 dancers. She led TFC, alongside her instructor and mentor of seventeen years, the beloved Lori Miller. Kelly will always credit Miss Lori as her inspiration to become a dancer; the one who taught her that dance is a gift to be given and a language which speaks from ones heart to another’s soul. During this time Kelly also taught many styles of dance at over 15 different churches, dance studios, and private academies throughout Jacksonville, Orange Park, and the Beaches.
In 2002, Kelly and her family moved to Richmond, Virginia where she taught at Martinique School of Dance for three years and performed with Ballet Petit. Also during that time she was invited to lead the youth Interpretive Movement Ensemble at Bon Air Baptist Church which she led for eight years. There she continued her mentor’s legacy, encouraging the girls to let the light of hope that is within them shine through their dancing. She has also privately coached dancers who have gone on to be accepted into the dance programs of Purchase College New York, The Joffery Ballet's Nutcracker, Braided Light Dance Project, Florida State College, Jacksonville University, East Coast Ballet, The Massive of Chicago, The Rockette Experience workshop at Radio City Music Hall, Ballet Magnificat! summer workshop, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and Thomas Dale High School.
In 2009, Kelly began her life’s dream of directing a dance company. Along with the help of her long time friends and dance partners, Jordan Strader and Whitney Hughes, Radiant Light Ballet was created. Her goal for Radiant Light Ballet is to combine excellent technique with a heart of worship in the sanctuary and on the stage. She also desires to teach the next generation of dancers that this art form can be more than just entertainment; dance moves us not only physically, but also spiritually and emotionally.
In 2010 and 2011, Kelly was asked to stage excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty ballet and La Esmeralda for Legacy’s School of Dance Spring Showcase and taught master classes throughout the year.
Kelly is excited to a part of Legacy’s staff and again having the opportunity to inspire dancers of all ages!
Kelly's home life is full of energy and laughter created by her three boys, her sweet girl, and her ever-loving husband.