Kelley Saia

Kelley Saia is delighted to return to Hawkins, where she first trained as a young dancer. Kelley was a former principal dancer with the Folsom Lake Civic Ballet Theater under the direction of Deirdre Hawkins. During her time with the company, she also performed as a member of the jazz company, earning recognition including Dance Spirit Magazine’s Technical Skill Award and the KAR Kids NYC Scholarship for her solo work.

She went on to pursue her dual passions, earning a Bachelor of Arts in both English and Dance from Sacramento State. Throughout her college career, Kelley performed works by faculty, student, and guest choreographers, was honored as a four-year ArtsBridge Scholarship recipient, and represented her program at two American College Dance Festivals.

Upon graduation, Kelley discovered her love for teaching. She began her career as a founding faculty member of a now thriving charter school, where she taught English and performing arts. Since then, she has directed multiple contemporary dance programs at studios throughout the region, with her choreography earning numerous awards. Many of her students have gone on to receive university dance scholarships and professional company placements across the country.

In addition to her dance expertise, Kelley is passionate about strength training and actively incorporates it into her teaching methodology. She has been a certified Progressing Ballet Technique instructor since 2022.

Beyond the studio, Kelley enjoys entrepreneurship as the owner of a vacation rental in Arizona and treasures time with her husband and their two active children.