Our Team
Train with professionals actively working in the industry.
Kat Xayarath
Co-Founder/Director
Kat Xayarath was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, where she discovered her passion for hip hop dance culture at a young age. After college, she became a dance coach for various All Star dance teams - Xplosion Cheer, Extreme Velocity Cheer and Dance, Empire Elite Athletics, Twisters Elite, Midwest Elite Cheer and Dance Elite - where she helped train and mentor dancers as they worked toward achieving their competitive goals. During her time with All Star Dance, her teams earned bids to compete at prestigious events, including Dance Summit and Dance Worlds in Orlando, Florida.
Her dedication to the art form continued to grow as she trained and took classes. In 2016, she joined Boomcrack, a respected hip hop dance group based in Chicago.
Today, Kat works as a travel agent, helping families plan and create unforgettable dream vacations. Her passion for connecting with people and creating meaningful experiences extends beyond travel and into her love for the dance community.
Kat is incredibly excited to begin this new journey with Seas the Stage Dance Convention. She looks forward to connecting with dancers, families, educators, and fellow members of the dance community while creating an inspiring and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Chris Xayarath
Co-Founder/Artistic Director
Chris Xayarath's dance journey began in the suburbs of Chicago, IL, in 2002. Over the years, he mastered a diverse range of styles including hip hop, jazz, jazz funk, and contemporary.
His talent quickly gained recognition, leading to performances on prestigious stages. In 2008, Chris opened for hip hop artist Soulja Boy at Northern Illinois University and later performed alongside Fat Joe and Bruno Mars at the House of Blues in September 2010. He shared the stage with industry icons like Lil' Jon, Ludacris, and Ciara at Chicago's radio station 103.5 Kiss FM's Fantabuloso concert in 2011 and 2012.
Chris's journey continued with collaborations such as choreographing for the Chicago Bulls Luvabulls dance team and appearing in Chance The Rapper's music video for "Angels."
Currently, he dazzles audiences at Walt Disney World in Orlando, performing in the Festival of Fantasy Parade, the Festival of Lion King show, and Celebracíon Encanto! He also showcases his talents at Universal Orlando Resort, where he served as a Dance Captain for the show Drive In & Dance, and actively performs in the vibrant Latin dance show, Vamos. Chris's remarkable career trajectory reflects his unwavering dedication, versatility, and undeniable talent, captivating audiences and inspiring aspiring dancers worldwide.
Chris is incredibly excited to connect with dancers, educators, and industry professionals from across the country who will be joining Seas the Stage Dance Convention. He is thrilled to bring this unique event to life, combining two of his greatest passions: his love for dance and his enthusiasm for the cruise industry. Through Seas the Stage, Chris looks forward to creating an unforgettable experience that brings people together, inspires creativity, and celebrates the art of dance in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Keenan Cooks
Instructor
Keenan Cooks was born and raised in Boston, MA and began dancing at the age of 14. Just two years later, he became a member of Boston based Nia Dance Troupe where he first began his professional training. In 2008, Keenan moved to New York City to pursue Dance and Choreography professionally . As a dancer, Keenan worked with some of the industries best choreographers such as Rhapsody James, Laurie Ann Gibson, Luam, Kyle Hanagami, Rich & Tone, Danielle Flora, Nappy Tabs, Dani Vitale and Charm La’Donna. He had the privilege of dancing for artist such as Bad Bunny, Big Sean, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Ne-Yo, Flo- Rida, Kendrick Lamar, Prince Royce, Hailee Steinfeld, Halsey, and Dua Lipa. You may have seen him dancing on Super Bowl Halftime Show, Saturday Night Live, America’s Got Talent, Today Show, Good Morning America, MTV Music Video Awards. And most recently, at the Super Bowl Halftime show with Bad Bunny!
As a Choreographer Keenan has choreographed a BET commercial, A Gap commercial, and was the on-site choreographer for an episode of “Blindspot” (Season 2). Keenan has choreographed for Cardi B, David Guetta, J Balvin, Bebe Rexha, Meek Mill, and Yo Gotti. He’s also been on the choreography team on projects for Kelly Rowland, Lizzo, and the Kid’s Choice Awards. You may have seen his choreography on BET Awards, Jimmy Fallon, SNL, Video Music Awards, Coachella, and more. Most recently, he was Movement Director/Choreographer for Ice’s Spice’s section of Fortnite Remix: The Finale. The biggest in-game concert in Fortnite history, with over 14 million people tuned in. Keenan was also the choreographer for Ice Spice’s ‘Y2K World Tour”.
As an instructor, Keenan is on faculty at one of the most popular studios in New York City, Broadway Dance Center. He is also on Guest faculty at Millennium Dance Complex and Movement Lifestyle in Los Angeles. He has had the opportunity to travel internationally traveling to over 20 counties including Japan, South Korea, China,Germany, Paris, Argentina, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Switzerland, and Italy. You can catch Keenan on Netflix’s new Choreographers Competition “Dance 100” streaming now!
Additional Guest Choreographers Will Be Announced Soon!
Redefine the Limits of Land
Reach out to our team with any questions!