Alissa Kellar: Dancing with Creativity and Grace

At 18 years old, Alissa Kellar is a senior dancer who brings a unique blend of creativity, athleticism, and passion to every performance.

Her journey in dance has been shaped by her love for movement, her deep faith, and the influence of her family and peers.

Known for her innovative choreography and thoughtful approach to dance, Alissa’s impact can be felt both on and off the stage.

A Journey Rooted in Family

Alissa’s love for dance began with her older sisters, who performed at NPA and inspired her to join the program in sixth grade.

“I grew up watching my older sisters dancing and performing,” she recalls. “I wanted to be on stage dancing as well when I watched their performances, and I have enjoyed my time in the program ever since.”

This familial connection to dance has fueled her passion and contributed to her unique style.

Challenges and Growth

As a gymnast-turned-dancer, Alissa’s approach to movement is unlike most. She admits that the hardest part of dancing is accepting imperfections.

“Creating choreography is a big part of dance, and many times I can get caught up in making every movement perfect,” she explains. “However, I have learned to accept these imperfections in my dancing as well as in my everyday life. Imperfections are what drive me to become a better dancer in the future.”

Alissa’s coach, Cori Wall, admires her unique perspective.

“She has a very thoughtful way of creating,” says Wall. “She draws from her background in gymnastics and her exposure to different styles of dance through her sisters. Her choreography stands out; you can look at it on stage and immediately know it’s Alissa’s. She doesn’t even have to be the one dancing it—you just know it’s hers.”

Beyond the Dance Floor

Outside of dance, Alissa’s Korean heritage plays a significant role in her identity.

“My grandmother was full Korean, and she exposed my sisters and me to the culture she grew up with,” she shares. “I got to experience another culture because of her, and my family still incorporates those elements into our everyday lives.”

Dance has also shaped her creative outlook on life.

“Without dance, I wouldn’t be as creative as I am,” she reflects. “Dancing pushes me to think outside the box and try different things. It has also influenced my love for music. I have more appreciation for songs and music than I did before I danced.”

A Combination of Hard Work and Faith

Alissa is deeply motivated by her faith, which is a guiding principle.

“A guiding principle that I live by is to love others because God first loved us,” she says. “Loving others doesn’t have to be through extravagant acts, but simple displays of appreciation and compassion that show others they are seen and loved.”

Her work ethic is another defining part of her character. “One thing about myself that a photo can’t capture is my spirit of hard work,” she notes. “I love to challenge myself and set goals, sometimes unrealistic, that push me to the limits.”

Coach Wall echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Alissa’s potential. “Alissa has a unique way of thinking and creating,” Wall explains. “I hope she holds on to that uniqueness but also continues to expand and explore other avenues of movement to be influenced in even more interesting ways.”

Alissa is attending the University of Arizona to earn her undergraduate degree in exercise physiology. She hopes to attend PT school in the future.

In the Words of Alissa Kellar

• “Don’t focus on making everything perfect; all that matters is that you find a style or movement that accurately expresses who you are.”
• “Without dance, I wouldn’t be as creative as I am.”
• “Imperfections are what drive me to become a better dancer in the future.”
•  “Loving others doesn’t have to be through extravagant acts, but simple displays of appreciation and compassion.”

In the Words of Teacher Cori Wall

• “Alissa has a very thoughtful way of creating.”
• “Her choreography stands out; you can look at it on stage and immediately know it’s Alissa’s.”
• “She doesn’t even have to be the one dancing it—you just know it’s hers.”
• “She draws from her background in gymnastics and her exposure to different styles of dance through her sisters.”
•  “I hope she continues to expand and explore other avenues of movement to be influenced in even more interesting ways.”

I’m Sean Openshaw, a photographer and storyteller dedicated to capturing not just what young athletes look like, but who they are and the incredible journeys that have shaped them. Through this series, I pair compelling photos with personal stories to document the transformation from youth to adulthood—highlighting their passions, challenges, and the defining moments that make them extraordinary.