Meet the Performing Showcase Teaching Artists

Meet the Performing Showcase Teaching Artists

 

At BAC, our arts program comes to life through the dedication of visiting artists who guide students in creating unique performances for our annual Showcase. “Artist preparation for the Showcase begins eight weeks prior,” explains Lee Sorensen, BAC’s Arts Program Manager. “Visiting artists work with students to write a song or skit, choreograph a dance routine, or create a musical number suitable for each class. Their act is then performed at the Showcase.” These artists inspire creativity and teamwork, helping each student shine on stage.

 

 

“As someone who has been a dancer and performing since the age of 3, I deeply understand the profound effort and immense benefits of stepping onto a stage and feeling the power to reveal your true self,” expressed Kam McCarthy, a visiting teaching artist returning for their fourth Performing Arts Showcase. “When the students stand beneath the stage lights at the King Center, facing the audience, it ignites their self-esteem and confidence, enriching every facet of their education and life. They tell everyone to ‘look’ and see them proudly express who they are. The teaching artists collaborate with the students, and they show us what they like and want to include. It is a celebration of self-expression and allows students to face the world authentically.”

“The performing arts provide opportunities for our students to develop and practice much needed skills such as focusing, listening, following directions, spatial awareness and self-esteem,” stated Lee. “Witnessing the pride in the faces of the performers and their teachers is priceless.”

Performing on the King Center mainstage is often a once in a lifetime experience for many of our students and teachers. The Performing Arts Showcase offers them a platform to highlight their talents and build their self-esteem.

 

Chris Kahl

Chris Kahl Teaching Artist PAS 2024

Chris Kahl is a musician who started performing in the late 1990’s and, after graduating from Rollins College, continued his musical journey in London for several years singing in the subways of the London Underground and performing numerous times on the BBC. Today, Chris works as an Artist in Residence in Central Florida schools, and travels around the state to perform at folk festivals. Chris enjoys singing about Florida’s history and looks forward to carrying on the Florida troubadour tradition for years to come.

The students are so excited to be a part of the Performing Arts Showcase at the King Center.  They love to have a chance to perform for the audience and show what they’ve learned during our class sessions. It’s been such a rewarding experience for them, and for the community as well.  I look forward to continuing my involvement as a teaching artist with this great program.

Chris Kahl

Kam McCarthy

Kam McCarthy Teaching Artist PAS 2024

Kam McCarthy started dancing at the age of 3, and found themselves falling in love with art. They are trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, and hip hop. Now Kam is happy to help others discover the joy of performing and expressing yourself through movement.

The Performing Arts Showcase is helping students express themselves in new ways. The performing arts can seem intimidating, but once someone has the chance to stand on stage, they can feel the joy of standing before the world as their authentic selves. It builds their self-confidence at the same time as introducing them to a new form of self-expression.

Kam McCarthy

Alicia Robin

Alicia Robin Teaching Artist PAS 2024

Alicia Robin began dancing at the age of 3 when she started studying Ballet and Tap. Throughout her childhood she continued studying multiple styles, adding Jazz and Broadway Jazz to her list, while strongly focusing on Tap. In 2005, Alicia joined Precision Dance Company in Rockledge, FL led by Marty (Eyster) Mercado, performed around the county, and continued to further her education into other styles, including Modern, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. During this time, Alicia began to gain experience teaching tap and hip-hop classes to children ages 4-10, and was an assistant teacher to Natalie McKnight-Palmer during her summer musical theater workshops. Alicia spent the next few years performing with Evolution Dance Company at different events, including baseball games at Space Coast Stadium as a part of Space Coast Surge Entertainment. In 2019, Alicia choreographed for the musical “Guys and Dolls” at Eastern Florida State College. Alicia is currently the owner and director of Dance Variations in Rockledge, where she holds an All Abilities dance class for kids and adults with exceptionalities, and is a Certified Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Instructor. She is excited for another residency with the BAC and is looking forward to the upcoming performance!

Katie Parsons

Katie Parsons Teaching Artist PAS 2024
Katie Parsons is a vocalist and actor, and the owner of Beachside Performing Arts. You may have seen her on-stage as Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol or as a member of the ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Henegar. She hopes you enjoy the hard work of these students! Check out her lineup of classes for performers of all ages at BeachsidePerformingArts.com.

Dallas Clark

Dallas Clark Teaching Artist PAS 2024

Dallas Clark, an extraordinary leader, holds the esteemed position of Executive Director and choreographer for DrumLuv and serves as the Director of Dance at Truth Revealed Ministries. With a diverse background encompassing ballet, modern jazz, West African dance, and drumming, Dallas brings a dynamic and lively approach to her work. Hailing from Jamaica, she ardently champions the fusion of music and dance as potent instruments for fostering creativity and personal identity, particularly for individuals with unique abilities. As a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer, Dallas generously shares her expertise by teaching community classes and spearheading cultural and wellness outreach programs at various venues. She has also served as a judge for the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) and a resident artist in Brevard Public Schools for Brevard Cultural Alliance. She is excited to return as a performing artist with BAC’s annual Performing Arts Showcase.

The Performing Arts Showcase at BAC empowers students to boost their confidence and self-esteem. As an instructor, I take pride in fostering an environment that promotes teamwork, communication, and self-expression. Through the art of drumming and dancing, students unleash their creativity in a way that words alone cannot capture. Drumming and dancing give life!

Dallas Clark

Mary Moon

Mary Moon

I am a local Artist that grew up here in Brevard County. Spending most of my time as a child on the barrier islands, exploring the nature, fauna and the natural systems in which they exist. As an adult I continued this passion. I am a surfer, kayaker, scuba diver and an environmentalist. My fascination for our beautiful and delicate wildlife is reflected in my Art.

I work in a variety of artistic mediums ranging from pottery, sculpture, mosaic murals and painted murals and mixed media. For the past 20 years I’ve directed my own Surf Art Camp in the summers. Mixing my love of surfing and the ocean with my passion for art. I love working with young people. I also work with Brevard Cultural Alliance as an Artist in Residence facilitating student art installations on their campuses.

I’ve worked with Brevard Achievement Center for over 15 years as an Artist in Residency. I enjoy working with BAC and their Arts Programs. Having this opportunity to work with Adults and Students with disabilities is a rewarding experience. I love to see everyone’s faces while experiencing and learning through various assorted arts experiences. I am honored to be a part of Together We S.O.A.R – Saving Our Aquatic Resources has been a lifelong aspiration!

Aloha Kair

Kricket Moros

Kricket Moros

Kricket Moros is a professional musician, artist, author and educator residing in the Central Florida area. Her enthusiasm for music has made her a renowned Pied Piper to students young and old.

Makeda Mack

Makeda Mack

Started dancing at age 1 in West African dance styles and later in Ballet and modern dance styles. Dancing has always been a profound source of joy and expression for me. Through dance, I’ve discovered not only a personal passion but also a powerful means of connecting with others and expressing emotions that words alone can’t always convey.

The arts, in general, hold an incredible capacity to support people from all walks of like, offering solace and strength in the face of various challenges. For many, engaging in artistic pursuits like dance, can serve as a form or therapy, providing a positive way to process emotions, build confidence and find community.