Dancer of the Year
Primary & Secondary
Mikaela Kelley
Primary NHSDA Dancer of the YearWhat’s your favorite Style of Dance? My favorite style of dance is contemporary because I feel I can really express myself as a dancer and it can really be many styles of dance still under the contemporary umbrella.
Who is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspiration in the dance world more recently has been Gracyn French from Project 21. I feel her movement style is very similar to mine and I love watching her perform to get ideas and try new things for me to try.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I see myself dancing at Radio City Music Hall as a Rockette or teaching dance at a dance studio. I will definitely still be something within the dance community.
What do you want to be when you grow up? When I grow up I really want to be a Rockette, dance teacher/choreographer and a dental hygienist.
What do you do when you aren’t dancing or at dance? When I'm not at the dance studio you can't find me either doing my school work or talking on the phone with my friends.
What are some of the biggest lessons dance has taught you so far? Dance has taught me how to work as a team which is helpful in not just dance but your every day life. Being able to dance as a team and work well together is such an important lesson to learn. Most dancers go on to be dancing in groups in a professional career so learning that while you are young is very important.
Adriana Duke
Secondary NSHDA Dancer of the Year
What is your favorite style of dance? Lyrical
Who is your biggest inspiration? Miss Kelsey
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Having a great career and still being involved in Dance.
What do you want to be when you grow up? A Sports Psychologist
What do you do when you aren’t dancing or at dance? I read or cook.
What are some of the biggest lessons that dance has taught you so far? Dance has taught me to be confident and how to not care so much of what others think.
Mikaela Kelley, an Orlando, FL native, is currently training at Upsurge Dance Company. She began dancing at the tender age of three and is now in her eighth year of competitive training and performing across the dance circuit. Over the past few years, she has been fortunate enough to participate in the prestigious PowerPak intensive, hosted by Star Dance Alliance, and to perform in the opening number at Nationals with Dupree Dance and Platinum National Dance Competition. This past summer, she had the privilege of being a part of the Rhythmic Souls Youth Tap Company in Dallas, TX, where she received classes from renowned teachers and performed with the company at the end of the program. Mikaela has also had the opportunity to travel throughout the USA, performing routines and winning numerous overall and special recognition awards while under the guidance of the staff at Upsurge Dance Company.
She is thrilled to represent Upsurge's Primary National Honor Society of Dance Arts as their 2024/2025 Dancer of the Year!