Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenna Miles.
Hi Kenna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hey everyone! I’m Kenna Miles, 14, from Fort Scott, KS. I’ve been dancing since in the womb my mom says, haha! But started taking classes at age 4. Since living in a small town in rural Kansas, I’ve always had to travel a ways to get a good variety of styles and opportunities for dance. The Kansas City dance community has allowed me to create many dance friendships and families. It has helped push me to meet personal goals and achievements.
At age 9, I was given a dream opportunity to sign with Clear Talent Group out of Los Angeles, CA. From there I was able to achieve one of my main goals as a dancer. I booked my first job with Nickelodeon on Lip Sync Battle Shorties. The experience was one I will never forget. It made me hungry! I had to keep pursuing my dance dreams!
That same year, I was selected as a talent winner to represent Claire’s Stores. I traveled to Beverly Hills, CA to do makeup, print, and video work for their upcoming Back to School Ads. Let’s just say this experience was one and a lifetime for this small town midwestern girl!
During the Covid-19 pandemic, I received another amazing opportunity to work with Abby Lee Miller and a tv show. Unfortunately, due to shutdowns of the nation, the show didn’t follow through. I understand sometimes that’s how the process works. It was a big bummer
For the past 4 years, I have been training with my Premier Dance family in Olathe, Ks. I’m thankful for the dance instructors, training, and friends I have made there. The best part about dancing and traveling is meeting and connecting with new people. The amount of friends I have made through dance alone is unbelievable. The support and love makes it worth all the hard days, hard training and trying times.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being from a small town, there aren’t the same opportunities as there are in bigger cities. The struggle to find classes that are beneficial and available are few and far between.
Travel is always something that comes with being a dancer. But having to travel round trip 200 miles for the closest training I receive sometimes get hard.
Injuries! A few years ago, I had food troubles! The top of my foot would hurt while dancing, walking, running, etc. I went to the dr. worried that I had fractured something and we all know dancers’ feet are their life! Luckily, x-rays showed no breaks or injuries. Still to this day, we don’t know for sure what caused the pain. I think it might have just been growing pains.
Being flexible can be good AND bad! My poor back and hip! I’ve always been super flexible, but that doesn’t mean Gumby can’t be sore too! haha! I LOVE going to the chiropractor to get my body back aligned.
Dance is an expensive sport. I’m thankful for all my family and friends have done to make sure I have been able to take this dance journey. Too bad money doesn’t grow on trees, right? lol
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dance is my work. I use dance as an outlet to express myself. During good or bad times, I can always rely on dance to cheer me up and put a smile on my face.
I get recognized a lot from my episode on Nickelodeon Lip Sync Battle Shorties. It’s actually weird to me because people will come up and say “omygosh, you were on Nickelodeon! The JoJo Siwa Episode! You’re famous”. I always laugh because to me, I’m just a small-town girl from Kansas. Nickelodeon was just me doing my job as a dancer and accomplishing one of my personal goals. I don’t think I’m anywhere close to famous! LOL!
I’m currently an ambassador for Russo Photography. Alyssa, the photographer, and I met years ago through dance. We used to dance together at classes and events. Now she is a dance photographer and I am happy to be able to help support her dreams as she helps support mine with amazing pictures and headshots! There’s nothing better than making lifelong friends through dance!
I am most proud of myself being able to make my family proud. I know that they spend lots of time (especially traveling), and money for me to focus on my dreams.
What sets me apart from others? Well… some that know me… think I’m crazy! lol I’m shy at first, but give me a few days and I’ll probably get on your nerves! haha I love comedy and joking around. I’m really just a big goofball! Life’s short… why waste it being so serious!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Always remember to be your BEST self out on the dance floor. Don’t dance for anyone else, dance for YOURSELF! Never be worry about who’s watching. Dance isn’t always technical; dance is where your body and emotions guide you. Tell a story, be the story, open your heart and let others in. BE AMAZING!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenna.miles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennaRaeMiles
- Youtube: youtube.com/kennamiles
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenna.miles
Image Credits
Russo Photography
