Teachers
KP School of Dance students have the unique advantage of training with professional and college educated teachers.
The curriculums are designed to provide excitement and growth within each class. Our goal is to create an environment for dancers to learn the technical skills that can prepare them to further their education at a collegiate level and for a lifetime appreciation of dance.
Kris Pickar
Owner/Director/Teacher
Graduated in 2000 from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a degree in Dance and Business. Upon graduating, Kris came to Sauk Prairie to open the Kris Pickar School of Dance, teaching dancers of all ages. She has been developing dance programs, performing and choreographing for over 25 years.
Shawn Wakup
Teacher/Office Manager
Graduated in 2008 from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a degree in Dance and Business. Upon graduating, Shawn began her career at KP School of Dance, and has done choreography for Sauk Prairie's Middle Level Motion and various high school dance teams throughout Central Wisconsin. Shawn specializes in tap, but also enjoys teaching/choreographing jazz & contemporary.
Livia Konishi
Teacher
Graduated in 2004 from the Royal Academy of Dance. After graduating, she furthered her technical training by attending numerous dance festivals & taking master classes from known ballet masters from around the world. Livia is passionate about teaching the beauty and artistry behind classical ballet. She has been instructing and growing the KP ballet program since 2015.
Abbey Brooks
Teacher
Abbey grew up training in classical/theatre jazz, ballet, and tap. Since moving to Madison for college in 2020, she has expanded her training to include, contemporary, hip-hop, and modern. Currently, she is part of a performance and competition team in Madison that specializes in different urban street styles of dance. In class, she focuses on foundations, and learning proper technique while, most importantly, having fun.
Brady Wagner
Teacher
Brady is a hip hop dancer, choreographer, and educator with a passion for helping dancers grow in both skill and self-expression. He has performed and competed with hip hop teams in Madison & Milwaukee. With years of experience teaching all ages - Brady is excited to build a supportive, engaging space where dancers can explore, and find their own groove. While he specializes in hip hop, he also enjoys musical theater and tap.
Liz Luse
Teacher
Liz graduated with a BS in Ballet Performance from Indiana University. She has danced with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Winifred Haun & Dancers, & Dance in the Parks. Liz's teaching credits include Lou Conte Dance Studio, Visceral Dance Chicago, The University of Chicago, Chicago Ballet Arts, Dance Center Evanston. & she was a long-time faculty member of The Joffrey Academy of Dance.