Faculty

Michelle Kilgus

Founder and Director

Michelle Kilgus is the Owner and Director of Artistic Youth Owned Dance Studio. An artist all of her life, and a dancer from the age of 3, she trained for 10 years in South East Texas under the direction of June Badon, Mary Alice Ingram and her own Mother, a Kilgore Rangerette and studio owner, Cyndy Keith.

Her sons, who have been active in the competition and convention dance world since 2017, are a vital part of why AYO Dance exists. Prior to the pandemic the dance world felt overwhelming and limiting for the advanced dancer in the average studio setting. After months of observing and networking in online dance classes, with many different master choreographers, she recognized the need for an exclusive studio that catered to the Elite Pre Professional dancer.

AYO Dance Studio is a place for dancers and instructors to share not only their knowledge of dance, but also their collective experiences within the industry. We want to see our dancers make a career out of their passion for the arts, if that is their goal; and we intend to see it through with them until they accomplish that dream. When dancers reach the age of 18 they become AYO Collaborative Mentors and always have a place of recognition within the studio.

AYO Collaborative is our exclusive competitive dance team and it is by invitation only. We compete in all major dance conventions and competitions. AYO Collab was founded on the simple premise that in order to be a better dancer, you need to be in the same space as the best dancers in the industry. AYO dancers are not only skilled in their craft but they are taught and encouraged to establish connections, friendships and camaraderie with their peers, in other areas of the country, who may very well be their coworkers or bosses someday.

If you are interested in auditioning for the Collaborative, please reach out via the auditions page to inquire about an in person interview.