Kathleen O’Melia
Kathleen O’Melia (Kat) began her tap dance journey in 2012 at the Ballet School of Chapel Hill. Shortly after, she joined the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble under the direction of Gene Medler. While she was a member of the Ensemble, she traveled nationally performing and attending rhythm tap festivals and events. Kat has studied with Diane Walker, Brenda Bufalino, Maurice Hines, Michelle Dorrance, Lisa LaTouche and Derrick Grant among many others. Ms. O’Melia began teaching at age 17 and has been teaching ever since, including teaching a tap class at her alma mater, Oberlin College and Conservatory. After graduating in 2023, Kat returned to Chapel Hill and has been teaching rhythm tap to both adults and children throughout the triangle area. She is passionate about teaching improvisation, performance skills and technique fundamentals. She is delighted to join the Ballet School faculty where she hopes to inspire her students to find joy in the art form.