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Anneliese Troxell
Anneliese Troxell is the owner and Artistic Director of Kanvas Dance Company, where she has spent more than 25 years teaching, choreographing, and developing dancers across the Flint Hills.
A Council Grove native, Anneliese began her dance training with Jill Fitzgerald and later studied dance at Kansas State University while earning a Master’s Degree in Interior Architecture and Product Design. She has trained extensively in ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, tap, hip hop, and modern, with recent emphasis on classical ballet under the artistic mentorship of Joyce Yagerline, Professor Emeritus of Dance at Kansas State University.
Anneliese’s choreography has earned invitations to the Star Alliance World Championships five times, and in 2023 and 2025 Kanvas Dance Company was recognized as an ACDA Studio of Excellence. She has choreographed throughout Kansas and internationally while living in Germany, where she developed the SKIES Unlimited and KMC Dance programs for military families.
In 2025, Anneliese was cast in a principal role as Frau Stahlbaum in a feature dance film directed by acclaimed choreographer Karole Armitage.
Anneliese is passionate about providing exceptional dance education in rural Kansas while inspiring young artists to develop confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance.
Stephanie Sorell-Studio Liason
Stephanie began dancing at age 3 at Beverly Barnardi Dance studio and trained in baton, ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, tap, pointe, and gymnastics. She was Captain for Junior High and High School Cheer/Dance Squad for 6 years. She participated in several UDA camps and UCA camps. She traveled and competed in Florida at Disney World Comps. She has continued to coach Cheer/Dance throughout her Adulthood and main focus on body mechanics.
Stephanie's favorite thing is to encourage young kids to find their passions and live through music and dancing. She loves to bake, party plan, and spend time with Family and Friends. Stephanie is married to her husband Houston and has two girls (twins), Ryli (12) and Rory (12).
Stephanie works behind the scenes to ensure all of the studio's events are nothing short of spectacular. She helps with costumes, recital, and performances.
Gina Ryff
Gina is the Studio Liason and Secretary in Council Grove. Gina is always behind the scenes helping make sure all of the events run smoothly. She assists customers, takes care of the studio facilites, and helps keep the studio calendar organized! Gina loves her community and all of the staff and students at Kanvas and always makes everyone feel welcome and loved!
Hailey Hewitt
Miss Hailey started dancing at the age of 3 at Fusion School of Dance in Topeka, Kansas. Then after moving to Council Grove she continued to dance for 9 years at Kanvas. Miss Hailey competed at competitions with Kanvas for 4 years. During High school she was on the dance team for 4 years and was a co-captain for 2 of those years. During that time she also achieved 2 UDA All-Star awards. Miss Hailey then went to Washburn University where she was on the Washburn Dancing Blues. During that year Miss Hailey performed at all home games and competed at DTU in Orlando, Florida. She is now living in Manhattan where she also works at The Boutique MHK!
Stevie Winters
Miss Stevie has been dancing for over 15 years and brings a strong foundation in both performance and leadership
to the classroom. She has trained at several respected studios throughout Louisiana and is currently studying Dance and the Human Experience at Kansas State University while earning a Leadership Studies certificate. Stevie has experience assisting classes for dancers ages 2–15, choreographing for a high school cheer team, and occasionally teaching at Shreveport Dance Academy. Her passion for dance, positive attitude, and dedication to helping young dancers grow make her an exciting addition to the Kanvas Dance Company faculty.
Abbie Bryan
Abbie Bryan is a student at Kansas State University studying Psychology with a minor in Dance. While at Kansas State, she has been involved in the winter and spring dance shows and Tap To Togetherness Across Populations. She is currently doing Undergraduate Research with TTTAP. In her hometown of Hutchinson, Kansas, Abbie started dance at the age of 2 and trained at Poetry in Motion dance studio for 9 years. She trained and competed in many dance styles including jazz, tap, ballet, and lyrical. Abbie’s greatest dance achievement was being crowned Miss Dance of Central Tri-State 2022 and traveling to Nashville, TN to compete in the Dance Masters of America National Convention for the National title. Abbie also performed on the Salthawk Dance Team at Hutchinson High School for 4 years. Her greatest honors were being named NDA All-American and serving as captain of the team her senior year.
Shelby Wright
Shelby Wright began her dance journey as a competitive dancer at her hometown studio, where she trained for four years before continuing her education at Allen County Community College. While in college, she was a member of the Allen County Community College Dance Team for two years, further developing her technical skills and performance experience.
After spending a few years away from the dance world, Shelby is excited to return to the studio and share her passion for dance with the next generation. She is grateful for the opportunity to join the Kanvas Dance Company faculty and is committed to creating a positive, encouraging classroom where dancers can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a love for the art of dance.
Abby Elliott
Abby is a Kanvas Dance Company alumna from Hope, Kansas, who has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. Having grown up in the Kanvas program, she is excited to give back by sharing her love of dance with the next generation of dancers.
Now entering her third year of teaching, Abby has a special gift for working with young children. Her years of babysitting, combined with her experience as a competitive dancer and instructor, have helped her create a classroom that is patient, nurturing, and full of encouragement. She is passionate about helping every dancer build confidence, develop a strong foundation, and discover the joy that dance can bring.
Charis Mourn
Charis Mourn is a current student at Kansas State University studying kinesiology and dance. She began dancing at ArtisTree at the Forum in Hutchinson, Kansas when she was five and continued there for twelve years. During that time, she was classically
trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and pointe. She began teaching dance in middle school and discovered a passion for passing dance technique on to the next generation. She is currently part of the K-State Tap Ensemble as well as Tap to Togetherness Across Populations.
Kayela Holle
Kayela Holle brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Kanvas Dance Company faculty. A highly accomplished instructor, Kayela has trained extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, pointe, and other dance styles, with a particular passion and strength in classical ballet.
Throughout her career, Kayela has owned and operated her own dance studio, taught at multiple studios, coached award-winning competitive dancers, and served as a competition judge. She has continued to refine her craft by training with renowned instructors through conventions, workshops, and intensive programs across the years, allowing her to bring both technical excellence and a broad perspective to her teaching.
Known for her high standards, encouraging approach, and deep love for the art of dance, Kayela is dedicated to helping dancers reach their fullest potential. She believes in building strong technical foundations while inspiring artistry, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for dance in every student she teaches.
Junior Instructors:
Symone Kohler
Hannah Seymour
Peyton Ryff
Ava Morgan
Grace Ireson
Daphne Troxell