From an idea on our back porch in Los Angeles to a city-wide community in Cincinnati with alumni spanning across the country.
years in the making
Who we are
A simple dream. That’s how it all started. We would train and share knowledge with the next generation of artists and create an environment where people could truly grow.
We thought it would all be so simple. A job. A clock in and clock out. Well, we were wrong!
What we were ultimately creating was a community. A family. A space where we could all connect, achieve lofty goals, lift each other up, fail at times and truly share in a vision. A vision that artists aren’t supposed to look, sound or act a certain way. We are the storytellers. The big thinkers. The authentic connectors. The people that make you reflect hard and feel big.
Our hope is that when you enter Lachey Arts, you feel welcomed, open to trying new things and emboldened in your artistic journey because we now know that a dream is not so simple.
Faculty
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Drew Lachey
Co-Artistic Director
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, is best known for his multi-platinum pop group 98 Degrees, selling over 15 million records worldwide and achieved eight top 40 singles in the United States. He also appeared on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and was crowned Season 2 Champion. A Broadway veteran, Drew starred as Mark Cohen in Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical RENT, and as King Arthur’s right-hand man, Patsy, in Mike Nichol’s Tony award-winning production of MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT. Other onstage work includes Corny Collins in HAIRSPRAY, Charlie in KINKY BOOTS & Zach in Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s A CHORUS LINE. In addition to other roles in television and film, Drew also hosted the Design Network’s “Date My House”, ABC's Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann, HGTV's $250,000 Dollar Challenge, America Sings, The Price is Right-Live, Let’s Make a Deal-Live and the Miss USA Pageant. Drew has written the book for multiple musicals including the Off Broadway show LABEL•LESS.
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Lea Lachey
Co-Artistic Director
Was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and has been working as a professional choreographer and creative director for over 20 years. After being awarded a full dance scholarship to Marymount Manhattan College in NYC she went on to work with the world renowned Radio City Music Hall Rockettes as a dancer and assistant choreographer. Lea's choreography credits include 98 Degrees (Today Show, Good Morning America, Mtv, VH1, Miss Teen USA, NFL ProBowl and NBA All-star game). Her live stage credits include Nickelodeon All That Tour, 98 Degrees “Heat It Up” Tour, 98 Degrees “Revelation” World Tour, NKOTB, 98 Degrees Boyz II Men Package Tour and Creative Director for Jessica Simpson’s “Reality” Tour, My2K tour, This Christmas Tour, Let It Snow Tour and Boyband Christmas Tour. Over the last several years, Lea has had the honor of working as choreographer and dance consultant on multiple films: CAROL staring Academy Award winning actress Cate Blanchett and Kyle Chandler, MILES AHEAD starring Golden Globe winning actor Don Cheadle and Emayatzy Corinealdi and A CHRISTMAS MELODY directed by and starring Grammy winner Mariah Carey and Lacey Chabert. Theatrical choreography credits include productions of Matilda, Hairspray & White Christmas. Lea is also the creator, director and choreographer of the Off Broadway show LABEL•LESS.
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Becca Strand
Having grown up in Ashland, KY., Becca moved away from home at the age of 15 in order to train pre-professionally as a ballet dancer at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts in Torrington, CT. While in Connecticut, she realized her love for musical theatre, which led her to attend Webster University, where she holds a BFA in Musicial Theatre. She has worked both nationally and internationally with award winning directors and choreographers. Most notably, she performed on the Broadway National Tour of WICKED. Becca relocated to Cincinnati from NYC in 2014 and loves calling Cincy home. In addition to raising her 3 daughters with her husband Ryan, Becca also works in the commercial industry and as a teaching artist, and has loved being a part of the Lachey Arts family for the last 10 years.
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Justin Bobbs
A passion for hip hop movement has been apart of Justin’s life since a young age, but he started his training at age 16. After high school, he took his talents and went on to study and major in dance at The Young Americans College of Performing Arts, dancing across all four coasts of the US and internationally throughout Europe and Japan. Through his travel and experiences abroad, Justin gained a love for teaching and making dance an accessible artform for everyone. Following a brief hiatus from live performance to prioritize career advancements in audio, tv, and film production, Justin eventually returned to dance, performing at Disneyland in California and traveling and dancing at gigs with notable acts such as Ludacris, Dom Dolla, DJ Snake, Metro Boomin, and Kaskade. In addition, Justin made his Off Broadway debut in LABEL•LESS NYC 2025. Currently, Justin is living out dreams in his multiple worlds, helping musical artists complete their visions while simultaneously teaching and choreographing hip hop numbers across the country.
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Emily Egner
A Cincinnati native, Emily has been part of Lachey Arts for over five years. After graduating from Pace University in New York City, she joined the dance faculty at both Lachey Arts and Cincinnati Ballet. Emily currently teaches and choreographs a variety of styles throughout the city, including Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, and Theater Dance. She recently served as Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer on the national tour of LABEL•LESS, the new musical by Drew and Lea Lachey. Emily is also passionate about group fitness and is a certified instructor specializing in Pilates, Barre, HIIT, and Cycle, spending most of her days teaching and training at Body Alive. When she’s not dancing or performing, she manages social media for multiple small businesses and high-profile clients. Emily hopes you leave her classes feeling empowered, fulfilled and connected to your inner performing artist!
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Kayla Woods
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio Kayla is a multifaceted dance artist, educator, and choreographer with over a decade of experience in the field. She holds a BFA in Dance from Northern Kentucky University and certification in Pilates. She brings a deep understanding of movement, anatomy, and artistry to every facet of their work.
Kayla has trained extensively with contemporary dance companies and is grounded in a wide range of styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap and musical theatre. Her performance background is matched by a strong commitment to education and choreography, with original works presented in concert dance and studio showcases.
As an educator, Kayla is known for a thoughtful approach that empowers dancers of all levels to move with intention, clarity, and confidence. Whether in the studio, on stage, or in the classroom, Kayla brings a passion for connection, creativity, and lifelong learning.
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Kendall Maley
Dancing since the age of five, Kendall started her journey with hip hop and breakdancing. Her early passion for movement quickly grew into a love for a wide range of styles, ultimately shaping her into a versatile and well-rounded competition dancer. Over the years, she’s immersed herself in experiences that’ve deepened her love for choreography and ignited her passion for storytelling through dance.
In 2023, Kendall joined the teaching staff at Lachey Arts. As an instructor, she’s passionate about crafting choreography that feeds the soul, challenges the mind, and encourages growth. She loves watching small breakthroughs that happen in class—the moments when something finally clicks for a student—and finds deep joy in sharing her love for the arts with others.
Kendall strives in creating a space where dancers of all levels can explore, express, and evolve.
In addition, Kendall made her Off Broadway debut in LABEL•LESS NYC 2025.
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Nick Gundrum
A rising senior at the University of Cincinnati, Nick is studying musical theatre at CCM. Professionally, he’s worked with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, The Lexington Theatre Company, and Theatre Aspen in Colorado. His favorite credits so far include BAT BOY, SOMETHING ROTTEN, SEUSSICAL, SWEET CHARITY, WONDERFUL TOWN, and MAMMA MIA!
Storytelling and musicality are two elements of dance that he strives to focus on in his classes. Having a reason for dancing is the first step in creating a meaningful story and he loves using music to motivate movement and action.
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Diana Hutchinson
Diana Hutchinson is a proud Cincinnati native who discovered her love for performance at the age of three. She is currently studying Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati with aspirations of becoming a clinical psychologist. Beyond the classroom, Diana remains deeply connected to her passion of the arts, performing throughout the city. Most recently, she made her Off-Broadway debut with LABEL•LESS and has also appeared with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and The Carnegie. Diana is thrilled to join Lachey Arts and share her passion with the next generation of performers. In Theatre 101, students will explore what it means to be an artist while building the tools and confidence to tackle their first audition.
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JENNA KHAN
Jenna is a senior with a BFA in dance performance at Northern Kentucky University. With eighteen years of dance experience and ten years of instructional work, Jenna has taught at eight studios in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region across tap, hip hop, and contemporary styles.
Her approach to teaching is grounded and attentive as she values rhythmic clarity and stylistic precision, aiming to offer students individualized, detail‑oriented guidance. After graduation, Jenna plans to continue growing her professional teaching career within her community.
She’s committed to creating learning environments that nurture musicality and confidence, and looks forward to supporting others as they develop their own passion for dance.
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SYDNEY AST
Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Sydney began her dance career at the age of 4. Trained in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, heels, and pointe. Sydney brings a strong technical foundation and creative spirit to every class and performance.
During her time in high school, Sydney traveled to Milan, Italy to perform with an Italian ballet company. She’s also performed in many ballets such as; THE NUTCRACKER, SWAN LAKE, and PETER PAN. After high school, Sydney went on to Northern Kentucky University and received her Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science and Minor in Dance.
For the last 5 years Sydney has been teaching contemporary at Lachey Arts. During the Summer of 2024 Sydney was a part of the Lachey Arts production of LABEL•LESS at Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park.
In addition to being a performer, Sydney is a passionate instructor and choreographer. She has taught students of all ages and levels, specializing in contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. Sydney’s goal is to help every dancer find their unique voice through movement.
Jeremy Katz - President, The Katz Company
“Lachey Arts empowers young performers with rigorous training, creative opportunity, and a real sense of community. I’ve watched their students grow not just as artists, but as confident collaborators and generous humans. Any young person with an interest in the arts would be lucky to have Lachey Arts in their corner.”
Jessica Harris - Visiting Professor of Musical Theater Dance CCM
“The people I’ve met and worked with through this incredibly artistic company have truly changed my life. I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to have taught and choreographed for Lachey Arts”
Jeremy Kushnier - Broadway Performer
“Getting the chance to empower young people to be their authentic selves through the arts is something I’m always glad to be a part of”
Jacquie Wells - Parent
“Knowing my children will use these lessons throughout life is priceless. I can’t thank Drew and Lea enough”
Traci Swain - Creative Director and Podcast Host
“What makes Lachey Arts so special is the balance of excellence and encouragement. The studio pushes students to grow as artists while surrounding them with a culture of inspiration, creativity, and connection. You can feel the impact the moment you walk through the doors.”
Nick Cearly - Actor & Singer