Staff and Board Members
Kathy Lafrenz
Founder, Owner, Board President, Board Treasurer
Kathleen Lafrenz is the Director of the Midwest Academy of Dance and M.A.D. Dance Ensemble, the
studio’s dance company. Kathy holds a B.A. and an M.A. in dance from the University of Iowa.
She studied ballet with Francoise Martinet (former member and ballet mistress with Joffrey Ballet),
Alicia Brown, and modern dance with Bill Evans, Virginia Nicholas, Judy Allen, Pat Catterson, Lenore
Latimer, Patrick Suzeau, and Muriel Cohen. She took master classes in tap from Pat Catterson and
jazz from Frank Hatchet and Fred Benjamin, to name a few. She attended workshops with American
Dance Machine, Gus Giordano, and Bill T. Jones Company. Kathy also received her Certification to teach
Beginning and Intermediate Labanotation (a form of written dance notation).
She was the Dance Coordinator/assistant program Director at Davenport’s Jr Theatre for 20 years
before leaving and moving her studio to a new location. She teaches tap, jazz, ballet,
pointe, and modern dance classes. She served on the Iowa Arts Council Artists in Residence Roster and
remains active in the Iowa Arts Community. She is available for dance and drama workshops for
area schools and organizations.
Kathy is well known for her choreography in community theatres and high schools. Such Shows as
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Damn Yankees, Annie, Godspell, and All Shook Up
are just a few of her accomplishments. She has directed several shows and has performed in
several community theatres. Fiddler on the Roof, Singing in the Rain, and Little Women are a few of her
credits.
Kathy enjoys being with her grandkids, sewing and crafts, video games, reading, and gardening in her spare time.
Kaileen Neff
Director, Teacher, Dancer, Board Member
Kailan's love for dance has been a lifelong journey, starting from the very moment she could move. Her passion for dance is undeniable, just ask her mother who has witnessed her dedication from day one.
Kailan's pursuit of her artistic interests led her to Western Illinois University at Macomb, where she achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Theater.
Alongside her studies, she also delved into the world of music and dance by completing a minor in music and engaging in additional dance studies.
Her diverse academic background has further enriched her artistic abilities and deepened her appreciation for the performing arts.
Emilyne Slagle
Teacher, Dancer, Executive Assistant, Board Secretary
Emilyne's journey as a dancer and gymnast began at the tender age of five. Over the years, she has honed her skills and emerged as an accomplished performer and competitor.
Her passion for dance led her to Iowa State University, where she pursued a minor in dance. During her time there, she was an integral part of the college's modern dance company and contributed her talents as a M.A.D Ensemble dancer.
Since her high school freshman days, Emilyne has been devoted to sharing her knowledge and love for dance through teaching. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers has never wavered.
To Emilyne, dance is more than an art form; it's a transformative experience with a touch of magic. She firmly believes in its power to heal and strengthen individuals, and this belief drives her passion for the craft every day.
Juilett Hunt
Teacher, Dancer, Social Media Marketing Coordinator, Board Member
Juliet's captivating journey in the world of dance commenced as a member of her high school pom pon squad, where she honed her skills and passion for two rewarding years. Upon entering college, she had the opportunity to immerse herself in the art of jazz dance as part of a PE class, and the joy of performing with her classmates left a lasting impression.
Driven by her love for dance, Juliet pursued further classes during the following summer after her junior year. Her dedication bore fruit when she earned a coveted spot in the prestigious Augustana Dance Company during her senior year.
In the pivotal year of 1993, just before graduation, Miss Kathy, conducted a special clinic for the dance company, partnering with another dancer. Inspired by this experience, Juliet embarked on a journey of dance exploration, joining the performance group River Dance Collage.
Throughout the years, Juliet's dance education thrived under the guidance of Miss Kathy, with occasional breaks here and there, but always with the certainty that the Midwest Academy of Dance was an extended family.
Juliet's heartfelt message to aspiring dancers is profound: "Dance becomes an integral part of your essence, ingrained in your heart and soul. Your abilities may evolve, and you might encounter challenges, but the spirit of dance will always reside within you. Embrace the joy of dancing and never let go."
Alexs Lafrenz
Board Member
Jessical Freeeymeyer
Board Member