Keyla Parker

Keyla Parker's journey in dance began at the tender age of 3 in Puerto Rico. After relocating to California with her family at age 5, she quickly immersed herself in the world of dance, studying Jazz, Tap, and the Cecchetti method of Ballet at Sierra Dance Academy in Roseville. Under the expert guidance of Jean Fulton, Darcy Sellers, and Felicia Fry, Keyla developed a strong foundation in multiple dance forms.

 

At just 11 years old, Keyla advanced her training at Off Broadway in Folsom, where she continued to refine her skills under the tutelage of esteemed instructors Tony Crane, Norine Brown, Lena Logan, and Lisa Wickwire. There, she delved into the intricate Al Gilbert style of tap while deepening her understanding of the Cecchetti method of ballet.

By age 14, Keyla’s dedication and passion for dance led her to Northern California Dance Conservatory (NCDC), where she expanded her repertoire. She received modern dance training from Jen Bradford, ballet instruction from Theodore Constant, contemporary jazz from Kelli Leighton, and advanced tap techniques from Alyson Meador.

 

In 2009, at the age of 17, Keyla joined Hawkins School of Performing Arts and became a member of the prestigious Sound Out Tap Company under Artistic Director Alyson Meador. That December, she had the distinction of performing in the renowned tap show “Tappy Holidays” in New York, where Sound Out Tap Company was awarded the title of New York’s Favorite Tap Group. While at Hawkins, Keyla continued her ballet studies with Deirdre Hawkins and pursued modern dance training with Tony Nguyen until 2013.

 

During her high school years, Keyla was an outstanding student in Advanced Dance classes at Granite Bay High School, where she also served as a Teacher Intern, gaining early experience in teaching and choreography. Her leadership extended to being a member of the Emerald Dancers and the Dance and Drill team, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the art form.

 

Upon graduating from high school, Keyla embarked on her teaching career at Anti-Gravity School of Dance, where she initially focused on Tap but soon expanded to teach Jazz and Contemporary classes. Her tenure there spanned from 2010 to 2016. She also taught at Studio 65 in Rocklin and Step 1 Dance and Fitness between 2016 and 2018. Additionally, Keyla performed as a dancer with Red Bucket Dance Theatre, under the direction of Nolan T’Sani and Lisa Ross, in 2011 and 2012.

 

Keyla’s competitive spirit saw her participate in numerous dance competitions from the age of 8 to 18, traveling across California and Nevada. Her performances have graced prestigious venues such as Disneyland, Mondavi Center in Davis, California State Fair, and Sacramento County Fair. She also played the role of a soldier in the Sacramento Ballet’s Nutcracker. Keyla’s talent and hard work earned her a scholarship from the Sacramento Area Dance Alliance (SADA), where she later auditioned a self-choreographed piece, further highlighting her creative prowess.

 

Throughout her training, Keyla sought to continually elevate her skills by attending master classes in various dance styles, with a particular focus on Tap. Her participation in the LA Tap Fest during the summer of 2019 deepened her connection to the Tap community and inspired her to pursue her artistic vision further.

 

In the fall of 2019, Keyla achieved a significant milestone by becoming the Artistic Director of Hawkins Tap Company at Hawkins School of Performing Arts. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully directed two shows, including a fully virtual production that showcased her adaptability and leadership.

Keyla's passion for the arts extends beyond dance; she graduated from Sacramento State in May 2019 with a BA in Photography and a minor in Dance. She finds great joy in capturing the beauty of movement through her lens and aspires to continue blending these two art forms in innovative ways.

 

Currently, Keyla inspires students of all ages as an instructor at Divergence Dance Conservatory in Roseville and Elevation Dance Center in Rocklin. Her dedication to dance and her ability to nurture talent make her a valued member of the dance community, where she continues to leave a lasting impact.