STAFF

Hey guys! I’m Madi, president of B-KNWN. Dance has been my world for as long as I can remember! I grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where I spent most of my childhood as a competitive dancer, training in all styles and falling in love with everything about it. But if you catch me in my element, you’ll see that hip-hop is where I feel most like myself!

My journey started in the classroom—teaching elementary school was my first job—but it didn’t take long for me to realize that dance was my true calling. For the past four years, I’ve been coaching dancers, and nothing makes me happier than working side by side with them to clean routines, perfect technique, and get them ready to hit the stage with confidence. I’m passionate about everything I do, but dance? That’s where my heart truly is.

Starting B-KNWN is about more than just dance—it’s about creating a fun, high-energy space where dancers can grow, push their limits, and build lifelong memories. Whether you’re here to compete, train, or just express yourself, I want every dancer to leave feeling stronger, more confident, and part of something special.

Let’s create, train, and B-KNWN. B-Elite.

Originally from Cincinnati Ohio, Riley first began her ballet training at Ballet Tech of Ohio at age 4. While there she studied with director Claudia Rudolf Barrett as well as other teachers including: Sergey Pakharev, Cervilio Amador, Rebecca Rodriguez-Hodory, and Gema Diaz.

Once she turned 17 she joined  De La Dance Company as an apprentice and performed multiple classical and contemporary pieces under the direction of Meridith Benson and Mario De La Nuez. She then spent her senior year of highschool studying at the Hairston School of Dance with Sarah Hairston and Oliver Arana. She was hired as an apprentice with Kentucky Ballet Theater at only 18 and is currently dancing there. Her repertoire includes: Kitri (Don Quixote) Sugar Plum Fairy, Dew Drop, and Snow Queen (Nutcracker), Alice (Alice in Danceland), Gamzatti (La Bayadere), Paquita, and others. Riley has also been a summer intensive scholarship recipient for Ballet Met, Kansas City Ballet and Bolshoi Ballet, and spent two summers training at The Art of Classical Ballet, studying with renown instructor Magaly Suarez.

In the past few years, she has had the opportunity to choreograph several contemporary pieces for solo and ensemble performances.

She has placed at the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) in both the classical and contemporary divisions, and won 1st Place at both the NFMC Ballet and NFMC Contemporary competitions in both the Junior and Senior levels.

Hey everyone! My name is Alyssa and I’m from South Carolina. I attend the University of Kentucky as a Dance & Business major. I started dance when I was 3, started competing in 5th grade and it has been my life ever since. 

I’ve trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, tumble/acro, and have even done some ballroom! Throughout the years I’ve done more conventions, and competitions than I can count. I attended Discovery Spotlight where I was able to work with agents on singing, dancing, and modeling. I have also taken CLI classes, and BDC classes while in New York. All of these things have helped me to further my training, and I’ve learned so much from these experiences.

In high school I started teaching at my studio, and helping teach tumble/acro at a nearby gym. This is when I realized how much I truly love teaching dance. While jazz, and tap are my favorite styles, I really enjoy helping dancers with technique, and choreographing in lots of different styles. I’ve choreographed for dancers in the past, and have created multiple award winning solos, and duets. 

I’m super excited for this opportunity, and can’t wait to dance with you all! My goal is for each dancer to be pushed to their full potential, while creating a positive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and have fun!