S T A F F
Kayla Ellenwood
Owner & Director
Miss Kayla founded Pulse Dance and Performance Center in 2015 with a mission to share her passion for dance and build a positive, family-focused space for dancers of all levels. Her love for dance began in high school, where she competed on Northrop High School’s Varsity Jazz/Lyrical Team and served as a student teacher—an early sign of the educator and leader she would become. She now proudly coaches the same team that helped shape her.
After high school, Kayla trained with studios across Fort Wayne and made the University of Saint Francis dance team. Choosing to follow her dream of creating a dance community, she began building Pulse. Since then, she’s continued her dance education through summer intensives at the University at Buffalo, studying a wide range of styles including ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, and more.
Certified by Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD) and experienced as a competition judge, Miss Kayla brings both professional knowledge and a heart for mentorship. Her dancers and choreography have earned Regional and National Championships, Golden Tickets to the World Dance Championship, and numerous judges’ and choreography awards.
Beyond the studio, Kayla has performed with her adult team at local and regional events and has extended her love of dance globally through mission work in Haiti, hosting dance camps for children in the village of Mizak.
Her goal is simple: to inspire, empower, and create a space where every dancer feels seen, supported, and challenged to grow.
Come dance with Miss Kayla and be part of the Pulse family!
MICHELLE SCRIBNER
Assistant Director
Miss Michelle has been a dedicated part of the Pulse family for over 8 years, growing from student to seasoned instructor and now Assistant Director. Her dance journey began in high school, where she trained at Northrop High School, and has flourished through local and national competitions with Pulse.
To further develop her teaching skills, Michelle has trained alongside Miss Kayla at the University at Buffalo through the Dance Masters of America program, focusing on technique, musicality, and early childhood dance education.
Miss Michelle is especially passionate about working with young dancers, creating a fun and engaging classroom with interactive games and a nurturing approach that makes every child feel excited to learn. Outside the studio, she brings her love for children into her full-time role as a lead teacher at a local daycare, and is also a proud mother of two.
Her energy, creativity, and heart for teaching make her an irreplaceable part of the Pulse team.
Come dance with Miss Michelle and see why our little dancers love her!
CHRIS ALBRIGHT
Breakdance Instructor
Chris Albright brings over 14 years of breaking experience to the Pulse studio and is the leader behind Fort Wayne’s breakdancing program. As an active competitor, Chris continues to battle at events across the U.S., keeping his skills sharp and his passion alive.
With 8 years of teaching experience, Chris creates a class environment that’s all about energy, expression, and personal growth. His unique style blends breaking, popping, and hip hop movement, giving students a true foundation in street dance while encouraging creativity and individuality.
When he’s not in the studio or competing, Chris enjoys gaming and anime, and brings that same excitement and relatability to his teaching. His favorite part of teaching is watching students grow in confidence and master skills they never thought possible.
Chris is dedicated to growing the breaking community in Fort Wayne and sharing this dynamic, cultural art form with the next generation of dancers.
Join his class and experience the freedom of movement through breaking!
Betty Butler-Massey
Ballet Instructor
Miss Betty is a cherished and iconic member of the Pulse faculty, bringing a lifetime of rich experience, international training, and heartfelt passion to every class she teaches. Her dedication to building strong, technically sound dancers is unmatched, and her compassionate teaching style makes her a favorite among students and families alike.
Miss Betty began her training in ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance under Rose Aimee Butler and later advanced her studies with Mr. and Mrs. Tevlin at Fort Wayne Ballet, where she was a member of both the Youth and Apprentice Companies. She completed ballet levels from Pre-Primary through Elementary.
She later expanded her training internationally, studying for three years at the Conservatory of Strasbourg, France, under the direction of Madame Champion, where she took annual ballet exams judged by esteemed instructors from the Paris Opera Ballet. Her summers were spent at Centre Du Marais in Paris, continuing her education in ballet, tap, and jazz.
In addition to ballet, Miss Betty has an extensive background in tap and jazz, having studied the full Al Gilbert Tap syllabus, taken collegiate tap at IPFW, and continued her jazz training through conventions and classes across Europe and the U.S.
Miss Betty believes in teaching proper ballet technique as a foundation for all forms of dance, while making class a joyful and empowering experience for every student.
We are incredibly grateful to have Miss Betty as part of our Pulse family, and we can’t wait for you to experience the inspiration and excellence she brings to the studio.
