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Next Level Magic is a one day collegiate dance and cheer preparation experience presented by Kristi's Academy of Dance in partnership with the AIM HIGH Initiative. Designed for aspiring dancers, this event provides elite training, expert guidance, and real insight into the college recruitment process. Participants will leave inspired, informed, and better prepared to take the next step toward their collegiate goals.
A College Prep Experience
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location:
City Center Fitness
Lenexa, Kansas
Dream Bigger. Train Smarter. Lead with Purpose.
Presented by the AIM HIGH Initiative in partnership with Kristi's Academy of Dance
Next Level Magic is a premier college preparation and mentorship experience created to educate, equip, and inspire dancers who dream of performing beyond high school.
Through collegiate-style training, meaningful mentorship, and authentic conversations with accomplished KAD alumni, dancers will gain valuable insight into what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level while building confidence, leadership, and a vision for their future.
Whether your dancer is just beginning to explore college opportunities or is actively preparing for auditions, Next Level Magic provides the training, encouragement, and connections to help them take the next step.
Registration Includes
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Three-and-a-half-hour college prep experience
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Collegiate-style dance training
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Interactive mentorship
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College preparation seminar
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Live alumni panel discussion
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Parent Q&A
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Digital resource materials
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Group photo
Registration is completed securely through Zeffy.
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A portion of every registration supports the Next Level Magic Scholarship Fund through the AIM HIGH Initiative, helping provide future dancers with access to mentorship and college preparation opportunities.
Who Should Attend?
Next Level Magic is designed for dancers ages 10–18 who are interested in learning more about collegiate dance opportunities.
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Ages 10–13
Perfect for dancers beginning to dream about dancing beyond high school while building strong technical and leadership foundations.
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Ages 14–18
Ideal for dancers preparing for college auditions, recruitment opportunities, and the transition into collegiate dance.
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Parents are invited to join us during the Live Panel Discussion and Parent Q&A at the conclusion of the evening.
Event Agenda
5:00–5:20 PM
Welcome & Opening Session
Meet the team, connect with fellow dancers, and kick off an evening focused on growth, excellence, and opportunity.
5:20–6:20 PM
Collegiate-Style Training
Participants will train in age-appropriate groups while experiencing the technique, performance quality, and expectations of collegiate dance team training.
6:20–6:35 PM
Break & Magic Mentor Connections
Take time to meet the Magic Mentors, ask questions, and connect with dancers from across the community.
6:35–7:30 PM
College Prep Seminar
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The college dance team experience
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Selecting the right college
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Preparing for auditions
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Recruiting timelines
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Academic expectations
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Leadership and professionalism
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Balancing dance, academics, and life
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Building confidence on and off the floor
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What college coaches are really looking for
7:30–8:15 PM
Live Alumni Panel & Parent Q&A
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Hear firsthand experiences from dancers who have successfully transitioned from studio life to collegiate dance.
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Parents are encouraged to join this portion of the evening to ask questions and gain valuable insight into the college dance journey.
8:15–9:00 PM
Closing Celebration
Celebrate the evening with photos, networking, encouragement, and a challenge to continue pursuing excellence beyond the studio.
Meet the Leadership Team
Kristi Smith High
Founder & Visionary
Kristi Smith High is the Owner and Artistic Director of Kristi’s Academy of Dance and the Founder of the AIM HIGH Initiative. For more than two decades, she has dedicated her career to developing dancers, building leaders, and creating opportunities that extend far beyond the stage.
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Through her commitment to excellence, mentorship, and community, hundreds of dancers have grown not only as performers but as confident young women prepared to pursue their dreams. Next Level Magic was created from her vision to bridge the gap between studio training and collegiate opportunities by connecting aspiring dancers with those who have successfully walked the path before them.
Keirstyn Reynolds
Assistant Director, Faculty & Magic Mentor
Keirstyn Reynolds is a proud Kristi’s Academy of Dance alumna who continued her dance journey at the collegiate level. As Assistant Director and Faculty Member at Kristi’s Academy of Dance, she is passionate about developing the next generation of dancers through mentorship, leadership, and excellence in training.
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Keirstyn brings firsthand collegiate experience and a heart for encouraging young dancers as they prepare for opportunities beyond high school.
Keena Ford
Assistant Director, Faculty & Magic Mentor
Keena Ford is a proud KAD alumna who continued her dance career at the collegiate level. As Assistant Director and Faculty Member at Kristi’s Academy of Dance, she is dedicated to helping dancers grow both technically and personally.
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Her passion for mentorship and leadership shines through as she equips dancers with the confidence, discipline, and preparation needed to pursue their goals.
Featured Guest Faculty
Our inaugural Next Level Magic experience is honored to welcome accomplished KAD alumni who are currently thriving on collegiate dance teams. These outstanding young women will share their firsthand experiences, provide collegiate-style instruction, and offer valuable insight into the college dance journey.
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Together, they bring current, real-world experience from collegiate dance programs and are excited to encourage, inspire, and mentor the next generation.
More Than One Event
Next Level Magic is designed as an ongoing mentorship and college preparation series that introduces dancers to the many pathways available beyond high school.
Our inaugural experience focuses on the College Dance Team Pathway, led by accomplished KAD alumni who have continued their dance journeys at the collegiate level.
Future experiences will explore additional collegiate opportunities, including the College Dance Program Pathway, featuring KAD alumna Mariyah Roberson, who is currently pursuing her dance education at the collegiate level, alongside Sydney Wimes, a KAD alumna who has graduated and is now building a successful professional career in dance.
As the series grows, participants will continue learning from alumni representing a variety of collegiate and professional experiences, all united by one mission—to inspire, prepare, and empower the next generation.
Our Mission
At Next Level Magic, we believe every dancer deserves access to mentorship, opportunity, and the knowledge needed to confidently pursue her dreams.
We believe:
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Representation matters.
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Preparation matters.
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Mentorship matters.​
Our goal is to help dancers dream boldly, prepare intentionally, and step confidently into every opportunity that lies ahead.
The Next Level Magic
Scholarship Fund
Through the AIM HIGH Initiative, a portion of every registration helps fund future scholarships for aspiring dancers, providing access to mentorship experiences, college preparation events, and future Next Level Magic programming. When you register, you're investing not only in your own journey but also in the dreams of another young dancer. Together, we're creating opportunities, building confidence, and opening doors for the next generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should dancers wear?
Athletic dancewear and jazz shoes or clean tennis shoes, depending on the style of movement. Additional details will be emailed after registration.
Should dancers bring anything?
Bring a water bottle, notebook, and a positive attitude. Come ready to learn, train, and ask questions.
Can parents stay?
Parents are invited to attend the Live Alumni Panel and Parent Q&A beginning around 7:25 PM.
Do dancers have to be planning to dance in college?
Not at all. This experience is perfect for dancers who are curious about collegiate opportunities and want to learn what the journey looks like.
Reserve Your Spot
Space is intentionally limited to create a meaningful, interactive experience for every participant. Join us for the inaugural Next Level Magic: A College Prep Experience and discover what's possible beyond high school.
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Registration is completed securely through Zeffy.
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We can't wait to welcome you to the Next Level Magic family.