Kellese Key

It’s true we haven’t been posting as much as usual, but when we do, it’s meaningful. Like today’s post – on the lovely, ebullient Kellese Key. Learn about Kellese, one of the dance community’s most gracious women, below:

RLTV: What sign are you?
Kellese:100% VIRGO!

RLTV: How did you get started dancing?

Kellese:I have been dancing since the age of 2, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Clogging and Broadway. My Mother, Cher Peadon (ACC), has always fully supported my love for the dance. At the age of 19, my Mother again, invited me into Texas Push lessons… and with the exception of thinking “NO WAY, IT’S ALL OLD PEOPLE”, I have been hooked since… smiles!! She had to show me Barry Jones to keep me in the game.. hahaha…

RLTV: What dances do you do?

Kellese: ANY and ALL!!! I have been trained in the above… but, literally love all dancing and feel like I can do any of them! (I’m still 18 in MY MIND.. hahaha)

RLTV: You are a charismatic person and you have a lot of fans, what is the best part of being a Pro?

Kellese: Just that. I am SUPER BLESSED for people to love my dancing. That is such a blessing… People have the freedom of choice… How LUCKY am I that they love MY DANCING!! Amazing! Thank you God! Thank you Mother! Another huge part for me is the teaching side of it.. I SUPER LOVE teaching this dance and SUPER LOVE the responses I get from it. Nothing feels as good as your student/friend coming to you and thanking you for the best gift ever… the gift of having that feeling on the dance floor! So AMAZING!

RLTV: What is the tough part of being a Pro?

Kellese: The expectations… so hard…

RLTV: Which other Swing Pros or Swing Pro couple do you admire in the Community and why?

Kellese: Barry Jones, for everything he taught me about this dance and for his positive, wonderful attitude! Mario Robau, Jr., for everything he also taught me about this dance and for 7 years of choreography (which played a strong role in our success). Sharlot Bott for being my idol and inspiration for 18 years now along with Annie Hirsch! Kyle Redd and Sarah Vann Drake for their help in creating who I am today through their influence and friendship. I would go to Kyle and Sarah when I needed to know what “I” was doing and they would help me break “me” down.. smiles… so I could be a better teacher! My husband, Brent Key, for teaching me how to move my feet… smiles… Benji Schwimmer for teaching me to reach for the STARS! and honestly many more… I am inspired and influenced everyday by peoples talents!!

RLTV: There are quite a number of amateur competitors whose goal is to become a Professional; what are some tips you can give someone who is trying to go Pro?

Kellese: #1 – Learn everything you can about the dance! #2 – Be YOU, that is the only way YOU will stand out! #3 – Be humble and appreciative! #4 – Dance with the Pros so you can get the true feel of the dance. Introduce yourself. #5 – Always remember where you came from! … with those things, good things will come…

RLTV: Competing can be nerve racking, what is the best way for an Amateur competitor to prepare for comps?

Kellese: GOOD LUCK!! hahahahaha kidding.. but I am THE WORST! I get SO NERVOUS… it stinks!! Remember this… if it’s not fun.. why are you doing it? That’s helps me sometimes… smiles!! Make sure and take care of yourself so your body can produce!

RLTV: Who are some of the younger dancers that you see in your region who you believe are the future of Swing?

Kellese: Trey and Torry Ellington along with several other juniors under Damon and Lisa D’Amico! I am starting to work with a few students but, just struggle so much with lack of time! poop!

RLTV: That being said, how would you like to see the Swing Community grow?

Kellese: We need to get more children involved from Texas! Hopefully, if time ever allows, I would love to contribute to that cause!! In the meantime, I am counting on Damon and Lisa… smiles!!

RLTV: Thanks so much for giving the us the tiniest glimpse of your big heart, and for sharing your warm and generous personality, it certainly shines through even in an interview and we look forward to sharing more about you with the Dance Community! Thanks Kellese!

Kellese: Thank you Asia for caring to have my opinions! That means so much to me! I love this dance so much and would do anything to give back!! Love, Kellese

Kellese Key Titles & Awards
US OPEN Championships
1994 with Barry Jones (showcase)
1998 with Brent Key (classic)
2000 with Brent Key (classic)
2003 with Brent Key (classic)
2007 with Michael Norris (classic)
2008 with Benji Schwimmer (showcase)
2009 with Benji Schwimmer (showcase)

USA Grand Nationals Championships
1996 with Barry Jones (showcase)
1997 with Brent Key (classic)
1998 with Brent Key (classic)
2000 with Brent Key (classic)
2003 with Brent Key (classic)
2007 with Michael Norris (classic)
2008 with Benji Schwimmer (showcase)

Special Awards and Accomplishments
1996 Dancer’s Choice “Feather Award”
1998 First person to win Classic and Showcase titles at the US OPEN
2003 Only Daughter & Mother dancers to win individual US OPEN Titles in the same year
2006 Induction into Dallas Dance Hall of Fame
2007 USA Swing Net “Impact Dancer of the Year”

To read more about Kellese on USA Swingnet go here.