About

This is the part where
I tell you a little about me:

Short Version:
I’m a dance artist and educator based in Fort Worth, Texas.
I’m passionate about the role of dance and dancers in the community.
I teach and choreograph in the styles of ballet and modern/contemporary dance.

I believe in a life well-lived and work well done.


 Long version: I’m originally from Lawrenceville, Georgia where I grew up as an overachieving aspiring ballerina and magazine writer. I moved to Fort Worth, Texas to attend Texas Christian University (Go FROGS!) where I studied Ballet and Modern Dance and Writing. During my time at TCU I produced three arts concerts, graduated summa cum laude, maintained a 4.0 GPA and completed both a BFA and BA with a (fake) minor in time and task management. 

After graduating, my husband and I married, taught dance for a variety of dance programs in the DFW, wrote for a several local and national arts publications and organizations, served as a dancer and resident choreographer for a local dance company, performed in seasonal shows at Six Flags over Texas, provided administrative and event support for the 2009 CORPS de Ballet International annual conference, and found even more reasons to fall in love with Fort Worth, Texas.

In 2010, my husband, Jacob, and I decided it was time for a change. We were hired to work onboard Holland America Line (HAL) cruise ships, working in the hospitality industry while travelling the world. In the three and a half years we cruised we saw Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Hawaii, Tahiti, Mexico, and Northern Europe.  

I started with HAL in an entry level administrative and hostess position and, after only 4 months, was promoted to a teaching position for the Digital Workshop, a unique program powered by Microsoft/Windows found on all HAL ships.  

Seeing the world and working with two great companies was an adventure I would never trade, but we eagerly relocated to our favorite city, Fort Worth, Texas in late 2013.

Once back in Texas, I decided to pursue a teacher’s certification and dive back into my dance and movement teaching career.

Since early 2014 I have danced with two local companies, helped found a service organization for DFW dance professionals, begun work as a barre instructor, become a pointe shoe fitter, taught ballet and contemporary for  several DFW-area programs, and choreographed new dances performed for dance concerts, benefits, and competitions. Currently I work as a member of the dance faculty of the Texas Dance Conservatory and Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts (FWAFA). At FWAFA I serve as the chair of the Department of Dance, sponsor of our chapter of National Honor Society for Dance Arts, and I direct and choreograph for the auditioned student companis, Academy Dance Company and the Academy Dance Company Trainees.  I also create dances independently for festivals and collaborative performances with my project-based endeavor, kjlangford dances.

I’m passionate about the role of dance and dancers in the community. As one of only a few art forms that use the body as its instrument and form of expression, I’m regularly amazed at what dance (in any form) can do for people, and what dance artists can do for the community. I have taught all ages and levels and I see the importance of dance lessons including body awareness, increased mobility and coordination, body-mind-spirit connection, discipline, determination, pursuit of excellence, and freedom of physical expression. 

I’m excited to be a part of the Fort Worth dance community as it grows and develops, and I can’t wait to be a part of its effect on the community at large.

Organizations/People I currently work with/for:

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts – Dance Faculty

Organizations I have worked for:

Laura Barbee –  Web Content Curator & Editor

FurtherDance Fort Worth – Co-Founder, Past Board President, & Digital Content Editor/Contributor

Smart Barre – Barre Instructor for Fort Worth studios

Texas Dance Conservatory – Faculty

imPULSE Dance Project – Dancer/Choreographer

American Classical Ballet Academy – Ballet & Contemporary Instructor/Choreographer

Kids Who Care – Resident Company Ballet Instructor

Texas Ballet Theater School – Adult Ballet and Advanced Modern Instructor

The Dance Shop – Sales Associate/Pointe Shoe Fitter

wild goose chase dance – dancer/collaborator

Since you’re still reading, here are some other, more personal things about me:

I live in west Fort Worth with my husband Jacob, who works as a real estate agent, and our two dogs, Kona, and ESPeN. We love binge-watching the same shows over and over again (Schitt’s Creek, Parks & Rec, Happy Endings), making our way through the FW food scene, splitting a bottle of red, and taking a walk along the Trinity River.

I’m a fan of podcasts, pop culture, puppies, Hamilton, and pretending I’m best friends with Mindy Kaling, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jen Hatmaker, Anna Kendrick, and Eleven.