Humble Beginnings

Name: Keeghan Alice Lavery

Birthday: July 25th

Hometown: Oakdale, NY

Some people were born to dance, but this twinkle tot was born to entertain. At age three, I found myself a second home at Stage Door School of Dance in Patchogue, NY under the direction of founder Diane Giattino ( Owner 1976-2012). Under current owner Mary Giattino (2012-Present), I became a part of the Elite Company, performing and competing all across the island and east coast. I expanded my training through summer intensives with The Joffrey Ballet School, Radio City Rockettes, and Martha Graham Dance Company while also taking on leadership roles at Stage Door. In July of 2021, I took my final bow after fifteen phenomenal years of the BEST! SHOWS! EVER!

Dancing With the Stars

Major: Dance Performance with Honors

Extracurriculars: OCU Pep Dancers, Production Assistant, CDA Staff, Student Choreographer, Gamma Gamma Superstar

Degree Earned: BFA in Dance Performance, Magna Cum Laude

My journey continued 1500 miles from home with the renowned Ann Lacy School of Dance and Entertainment, at Oklahoma City University! Under the direction of founders Jo Rowan and John Bedford, I found a new appreciation for arts management through deck and wardrobe crew for the American Spirit Dance Company. When current artistic director Tiffany Van der Merwe adopted the company in 2022, now recognized as the Star Dance Company, I started performing with the ensemble and blossomed into several feature roles. My favorite was Santa Clause in the 2024 Holiday Spectacular! Many thanks to everyone that came along for the best four year ride of my life- GO STARS!

There’s No Place Like Kansas

Role: Resident Ensemble, Dance Captain, Swing/U.S

Credits: Gypsy, Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, Disney’s Frozen, Waitress, Crazy for You, Disney’s Newsies, Something Rotten!, Music Theatre Wichita’s Holiday Extravaganza

Favorite Memory: Andy’s Frozen Custard after rehearsals with my Res Fam!

Just over the rainbow… and up I-35 N, I had the privilege of joining the company at Music Theatre Wichita under Brian J. Marcum’s artistic direction. Book-ending my final studies in Oklahoma, I worked with various directors and choreographers, including Chaz Wolcott, Eric Sciotto, Angelique Ilo, Naomi Kakuk, Angie Schworer, and Richard Sabellico. Huge shout out also to music directors Chuck Koslowske and Thomas W. Douglas for their endless support. I served as dance captain on several occasions, choreographed for the Rising Star Youth Ensemble, and did an epic four-show swing on as Albert in Newsies! I am proud to forever remember my musical theater performance debut with this community, and hope that if I click my heels together three times- I can return to the Century II stage someday.

Favorite Food: Paneer Mahkni and a Mango Lassi

Hidden Talent: Accent impressions

Dark Secret: I have a deep fear of and resentment when it comes to cats.

Although life has always seemed to revolve around dance, I enjoyed many other activities in my youth. I played soccer, ran track and field, did gymnastics, and played for the Connetquot Girls JV and Varsity Field Hockey teams in high school. Whilst visions of sugar plum fairies danced in my head, I put my sweet tooth to work in culinary classes, and my passion for music was early-onset. I trained in classical and bluegrass violin for approximately ten years, and continue to play with my cousin(s) at family functions or just for fun!

All those who walk with me down this path of life are considered “chosen family”, but my blood family is my fuel. My sisters Shea and Flynn make for the most perfect trio partners and forever friends. Mom and Dad, I owe all my success to you. I am the woman I am because of your love, support, and sacrifice. To my community of friends, mentors, students, angels above, and “chosen family”- you are each and every one of you, blessings. Thank you for understanding my crazy and holding tightly to my side, while we explore what it means to be wonderfully alive!