Profile
A video audition led Kayla to join the Butler dance team; later, at a dance exchange camp in Las Vegas, she began to think about continuing in professional dance after college.
Kayla began dancing at age three, trained with Darci Ward at DK Dance Productions in St. Louis, and started competing at age seven. From age twelve she received private training from Ward; at fifteen she also began teaching at a local studio.
In 2018, due to other commitments she could not attend the Butler dance team’s in-person audition, so coach Cassia Dean had her submit a video instead. She first met her teammates only at the Dawg Days training camp in August that year. She then spent four years on the team, serving as captain in her junior and senior years, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Critical Communication and Media Studies in May 2022.
She attended Pro-Action Dance twice; one was in summer 2019, representing Butler at Proaction Dance Camp in Las Vegas. Practicing with professional and college dancers made her want to pursue NFL dance. When she applied for DCC in 2022, the second round required her to learn and record a two-minute assigned dance and two kicklines within two days. She entered the training camp starting June 15 and learned on August 4 that she was selected.
She later reflected in her own post that, after not being selected, she nearly decided against submitting a new first-round video, but ultimately auditioned again and returned to the team.
She has played piano and clarinet and took up crochet during an offseason.
Her favourite DCC memories include performing at five FIFA World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium and joining the 87th USO Tour in Norfolk, Virginia. Through DCC's My Cause My Boots charity initiative, she supports mental-health awareness.
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From Butler captain to the DCC stage
Kayla discusses her college dance team and the 2022 DCC auditions.
From DK studio to the Butler dance team
An interview with Kayla and former coach Darci Ward on her early training and start on the Butler dance team.
2026–27 official profile Q&A
Her work, experiences and causes, shared in the club’s individual profile.
Earlier works
Reflection post on returning to the team
In her own post, she reflected on auditioning again and returning to the team after not being selected.
Career history
Learns of DCC selection
The training camp ran from June 15 to August 4; Kayla learned on August 4 that she was selected.
Graduates from Butler
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Critical Communication and Media Studies; four years on the dance team, captain in junior and senior years.
Joins Butler dance team training camp
After being selected through a video audition, Kayla met her teammates for the first time at the Dawg Days training camp.
Follow the performer and team
Profiles and original media (external)
Article sources & photo credits
Updated 2026-10-23
2020-10-27
2022-08-30
2025-06-23
2026-08-28T15:45:35.000Z