Kayla Bartlett began studying ballet at the age of 6 in Longview, Texas at Longview Ballet Theatre. In 2007 Kayla joined the Rock School for Dance Education where she trained with instructors like Christopher Flemming and Mariaelena Ruiz.

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After leaving Philadelphia, Kayla received a spot on the pre-professional program at Miami City Ballet while under the direction of New York City Ballet’s Edward Villella. While at Miami City Ballet Kayla performed in productions such as George Balanchine’s ‘The Four Temperaments’ and ‘Serenade’.

 

In 2011 after leaving Miami City Ballet, Kayla joined Ballet Austin as a Trainee where she received the principal role in Petipa’s ‘Paquita’. In 2012, Kayla left Ballet Austin, joining Ballet Pensacola as a principal artist where she remained for 7 seasons. While at Ballet Pensacola Kayla performed the principal roles in productions such as Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet and The Nutcracker. Alongside Kayla’s career with Ballet Pensacola, she often guested with the Pensacola Opera on productions like Merry Widow and La Traviata.

 

After retiring from ballet in 2018, Kayla moved to Bournemouth, England to study costume at the Arts University Bournemouth. After graduating in 2021, Kayla went on to gain her teaching qualifications with the Royal Academy of Dance while on the Professional Dancers’ Teaching Course. After graduating from the RAD, Kayla went on to teach for Katrina Lyndon School of Ballet, Steppin’ Out Academy of Performance, and Lawlor School of Dance while under the direction of Founder Shelley Lawlor. Kayla is now looking forward to this new chapter as Principal of Lawlor School of Dance.