Kathy Costa McKeown is a dynamic force in dance with over 30 years of experience as a performer, choreographer, educator, and mentor. Holding a BFA in Dance from Montclair State University, she has a strong foundation in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and creative choreography, training dancers to be both versatile and expressive.
Kathy and her beloved DanceWorks Studios made their film debut in "The Housemaid", directed by Paul Feig and starring Sydney Sweeney, which premiered in the United States on December 25, 2025. In a role close to her heart, Kathy portrays a dance teacher, and the studio itself plays a part in the storyline.
As an Artistic Director of DanceWorks & Company, Kathy has led her teen touring company to international stages in London, Barcelona, Milan, Athens, and Rome. Her commitment to dance as a global connector has also taken her to studios in Cape Town, South Africa, and to Syrian refugee camps in Beirut, where she taught movement to children through art-based healing. She is the author of "How to Heal a Cracked Heel; Let's Google It" and a certified Life Coach specializing in youth and young adults. Her credentials also include certifications in Pilates Mat and The Ellové Technique, and she continues to refine her craft through ongoing studies in New York City. Kathy's leadership extends beyond the studio. She serves on the Dance New Jersey Board, the NJPAC Advisory Council for Dance, and the Montclair Dance Festival Board. Her contributions to the arts have earned her the Del Keiffner Award and inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. With humor, heart, and a global vision, Kathy inspires dancers of all ages to move with purpose and live with joy.