✨ Meghan Kautsch Owner & Director
Meghan Kautsch began her dance journey at the age of 7 at Candy Apples Dance Center, where she trained extensively in ballet, the Cecchetti Method, for 13 years, along with jazz, tap, lyrical, and musical theater. From ages 11–20, she competed both regionally and nationally, earning top overall placements across multiple genres year after year. Throughout her training, Meghan had the opportunity to study under renowned instructors from around the world through organizations such as Dance Masters of America, Moscow Ballet Workshops, and nationally recognized conventions and competitions. These experiences shaped not only her strong technical foundation but also her passion for excellence in dance education.
Meghan’s passion quickly turned into purpose when she began teaching at just 14 years old, continuing through age 20 while still competing and training. She later returned to her childhood studio from ages 27–34 to further develop her teaching career. In 2017, she took a leap of faith and opened her first studio, co-founding Elite Legends of Ohio. The facility became home to both a competitive dance team and a competitive cheerleading program. As both programs grew, Meghan expanded in 2020 by opening Elite Legends Academy of Dance in the Oakwood Square Plaza. Across both studios, her teams earned countless overall awards, specialty judges’ awards, and studio professionalism recognitions, along with multiple “Best Dance Studio” honors in Stark County’s Best of the Best. Through years of growth, challenges, and refinement, Meghan has built what she considers her most meaningful venture yet: Legends In Motion—a studio that reflects everything she has envisioned in her career.
Meghan has dedicated her life to helping dancers of all ages grow not only in technique, but in confidence, discipline, and self-worth. She remains committed to continued education by attending conventions, participating in national teaching workshops, working with accredited syllabi programs, and judging regional and national competitions. Her choreography continues to earn numerous top overall awards, titles, and special recognitions, including Best Choreography, Excellence in Entertaining, Artistic Execution, and invitations to the Dance Worlds.
As a studio owner, Meghan has led her programs to consistent success. Her previous studios received multiple “Best of the Best Dance Studio” awards, and Legends In Motion continues that tradition—earning overall wins, judges’ awards, studio professionalism honors, and being voted Best Dance Studio in North Canton two consecutive years.
Beyond the accolades, Meghan’s mission is deeply personal: to create a positive, structured, and inspiring environment where dancers are encouraged to work hard, believe in themselves, and grow into confident, respectful individuals. A full-time mother, instructor, choreographer, and studio owner, Meghan is passionate about more than dance—she is committed to shaping strong, kind, and driven young people.
Because at Legends In Motion, it’s not just about creating great dancers—it’s about raising great humans!
✨ Mary Vaccani – Choreographer & Instructor
Mary Vaccani is a highly accomplished choreographer and dancer, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from Kent State University. With an extensive and diverse professional background, Mary has shared her expertise across a wide range of respected programs, universities, and performance platforms.
She previously served as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Mount Union from 2014–2019, where she taught ballet, tap, and jazz. She has also taught at Youngstown State University and continues to choreograph for studios, teams, and special events at a high level.
In 2020, Mary was accepted into the prestigious PIMA (Performance Interactive Media Arts) Master’s Program in Brooklyn, New York, further expanding her creative and artistic reach.
Mary’s choreography has been showcased at renowned venues and events including Broadway Dance Center in New York City, the University of Mount Union, and the Orange Bowl Halftime Show. Her work extends beyond the stage into major commercial and entertainment platforms, having choreographed for brands such as AT&T and Adidas.
As a performer, Mary’s credits include appearances on BET’s 106 & Park, NASCAR events with Hendrick Motorsports and Speed Street, MMA events, the Orange Bowl Halftime Show, and Monsters of Hip Hop with the ElekTriK Dance Crew. Her work has also been featured in collaboration with Millennium Dance Crew, NRG Dance Project, and RED Company, and she was selected to be part of the International Jazz World Congress Dance Competition in Costa Rica.
Mary has toured extensively as a professional dancer, performing and teaching at top studios and conventions across the country. She is also a member of the Alpha Psi Omega Choreographer’s Society.
Known for her innovative style, attention to detail, and passion for the art, Mary brings a dynamic and inspiring presence to every class and piece she creates. She is dedicated to challenging dancers to grow, push boundaries, and perform with confidence and purpose.
Layla Kirk began dancing at the age of three, quickly developing a strong passion for ballet and jazz. By age six, she entered the competitive dance world, where she has since trained and performed in a wide range of styles, showcasing her versatility and dedication.
At just 14, Layla stepped into a teaching role, sharing her knowledge and passion with younger dancers. Throughout her competitive career, she has earned numerous regional and national first overall titles, along with many additional overall placements and judges’ specialty awards. She is also the proud titleholder of Miss Teen StarSystems. Layla also had the opportunity to dance at the Cleveland Playhouse Square in the Student Showcase in 2024 for one of her top overall winning routines.
This year marks Layla’s debut in competitive choreography, where she has already made a strong impression—earning overall wins and judges’ awards while proving to be a valuable asset to Legends In Motion.
Layla is the oldest of five siblings and will be graduating from GlenOak High School. She plans to continue her education in college next year, pursuing a degree in nursing.
Mikayla Lewis began her journey in all-star cheer and dance at just two years old. She started her dance training in tap and quickly expanded her versatility across multiple styles. As a freshman at North Canton Hoover High School, she discovered a passion for color guard, which led to her acceptance into the prestigious Bluecoats Color guard Program following graduation.
A dedicated performer, Mikayla has earned top overall placements, scholarships, and special judges’ awards in dance, all-star cheer, and color guard. Her strong work ethic and dynamic performance quality have allowed her to excel across all three disciplines.
Mikayla began teaching dance and color guard at the age of 15 and has since choreographed numerous color guard productions. Now entering her first year choreographing for competitive dance, she has already made a strong impact, earning overalls and judges’ specialty awards. She is especially known for her strengths in contemporary, tap, and acrobatics, bringing both technical precision and creative artistry to her work.
In addition to her performance and teaching career, Mikayla is currently furthering her education at Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture. She is one of seven siblings, a background that has helped shape her strong sense of dedication, leadership, and teamwork.
Riley Elliott brings over 15 years of dance experience and a true passion for teaching to Legends In Motion.
While hip hop has always been her primary focus, Riley expanded her training in high school after meeting Ms. Meghan, adding ballet, tap, and jazz to her repertoire. During this time, she competed in multiple styles and was part of an award-winning team that consistently earned overall placements and judges’ awards.
Riley continued her dance journey in college as a member of the Youngstown State University Hip Hop Team, while also beginning her teaching career. She discovered a love for working with dancers and helping them grow both technically and personally.
She graduated from Youngstown State University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, bringing a unique ability to connect with and support her students positively and encouragingly.
In addition to her work in the studio, Riley has coached the Theta Chi Fraternity for the past five years in the annual Greek Sing competition, leading them to two first-place finishes.
At Legends In Motion, Riley leads hip hop classes and competition choreography with confidence, energy, and pride. Already early in her choreography career being noticed with ove1ralls and judges’ awards. She is dedicated to creating a fun, structured environment where dancers feel motivated, supported, and inspired to work hard and grow.