Kellé Collection 2026 Catalog - Catalog - Page 132
K E L L É
C A S T
CHOREOGRAPHERS
KIA HILL is an in-demand dancer/
NICK HANDBERG grew up immersed in the
LAURA SUKOWATEY is a Minneapolis-based
choreographer in the Minneapolis/St. Paul
metro area. She has her BA from Loyola
Marymount University of Los Angeles, CA in
Dance and Fine Arts where she studied not
only the technical and performance aspects
of dance, but also the principles of teaching,
training and choreography. Kia has continued her
kinesthetic training with a completed certification
in BodyART(r), as well as functional fitness
methodology training. Kia has performed for and
worked with artists such as Ryan Heffington,
Sonya Tayeh, The Jonas Brothers, Carlie Rae
Jepson and Rascal Flatts to name a few and
is currently the co-artistic director of the
Minneapolis based contemporary company,
Crash Dance Productions, as well as the Director
of Convention at West Coast Dance Explosion.
Kia continues to share her love of dance and
the arts working regionally and nationally as a
teacher, performer and choreographer.
dance world. Following high school he
broadened his dance studies at the University
of Kansas and then the University of Minnesota
where he was afforded the opportunity to work
with local dance talent. Professionally Nick danced,
choreographed and directed the contemporary
dance company, Crash Dance Productions,
for many seasons and is currently teaching
at Genesis Dance Company. Nick values the
athleticism and artistry of dance, and is an indemand choreographer and dancer
in the Minneapolis area.
artist, dancer, and multi-studio owner bridging
performance and production across disciplines.
Rooted in the Minnesota dance community, she
has cultivated her artistry through work with
Black Label Movement, Ruby Josephine Dance
Theater, and a long tenure with Crash Dance
Productions as a director, choreographer, and
performer. Laura’s performance experience
includes renowned venues such as the American
Dance Festival and Walker Art Center, as well
as countless appearances across Minneapolis’s
vibrant performing arts scene. In 2021, she
co-founded Hothouse, a drop-in dance studio
for adult professionals and beginners alike—built
on her belief that dance should be accessible
to everyone, no matter their age or experience.
She currently operates her own creative studio,
STUDIO AURA, which includes seasonal work for
Northrop Auditorium. With her distinctive artistic
voice, compelling storytelling and entrepreneurial
spirit, Laura brings vision and dedication to every
project she takes on.
A special thanks to choreographer LAURA WILKERSON for her creative contribution.
