WORKSHOPS + COACHING

Kai mann-robertson

Teaching Artist • Choreographer • Storyteller

Aussie-trained, Broadway-polished, now creating in the PNW

I’ve been the kid scribbling dance ideas on napkins - and the professional choreographer turning those scribbles into Main Stage productions.

Now, I help performers of all ages and experience levels find that same creative spark.

WHY SCHOOLS ++ STUDIOS HIRE ME

With 15+ years as a professional performer (Steps on Broadway, Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular, Beauty & The Beast, Saturday Night Fever), director (NY Theater Festival, Song Contest: The Almost Eurovision Experience), and choreographer (Throttle’s viral music videos 40M+ views, Gilligan’s Island: The Musical – Australian Premiere, UNDERGROUND)


I’ve engaged every type of student – from elite dancers to 800 primary school kids in arena concerts, even dads prepping for a surprise performance at their kids dance showcase. My secret? Blending rigorous technique with playful creativity across all disciplines – whether teaching hip hop, musical theatre choreography, or sneaking literacy lessons, teamwork and problem solving skills into drama games.

At heart, I believe storytelling transforms steps into art. Storytelling gives you the tools to develop empathy through acting scene and improvisation. Through storytelling, a collection of videos on your camera roll can become an industry recognized short film! I embody a mix of charismatic Aussie energy and a NYC precision mentality – stemming from my vast training at Melbourne's Ministry of Dance and performance industry mentorships meeting my intensive NYC training schedule with Steps on Broadway (Independent Artist Program), Broadway Dance Center, and further improv training at Magnet Theater.

MY TEACHING TOOLKIT

  • Hip-hop/Commercial:

    More than just TikTok trends – bring vibrancy, excitement, stunts and stage moments to a studio setting. Work through the fundamentals of isolation, basic breaking, groove and stage presence.

    Breakdance Bootcamp:

    Teaching more than just moves, but the history of the hip hop culture, and the confidence to freestyle and self choreograph. Proven to engage even the most reluctant students in school settings.

    Musical Theatre/Broadway:

    Where character drives every jazz square, high kick and beyond. Can tailor classes to fit a dance only, group vocal or combined “triple-threat” (a combined dance and vocal) lesson plan.

    Jazz + more:

    From retro Disco and old school jazz, to 80s vibrancy and modern tracks – everyone loves a set of jazz hands (jazz hands not always included). Where we honor tradition while finding fresh ways to make classic styles pop for modern audiences.

    Lyrical & Contemporary:

    Where every movement tells a story - combining floor work, emotional musicality, and techniques that make inner feelings visible.

    Partner work:

    From ballroom to contact improv and partner or group lifts – build a connection with other dancers, develop trust and share that with an audience safely and securely.

    Student Choreography Showcase:

    Through games and group activities, students learn to hear music differently, mine their creativity, find choreographic inspiration, and create group dance pieces to surprise song selections- all against a thrilling deadline.

  • Theatresports and Improv:

    Sharpen quick thinking, creative problem solving and team trust – all through the power of “Yes, and…”. These classes develop self-confidence and trusting your gut. No experience needed, just a willingness to play.

    Scene Study:

    Students learn how to craft original characters (no carbon copies!), decide text like pros, and get prep for experiences like open auditions – whether that be a musical theatre or Netflix casting call. By the end, they’re not just performing, but fully realizing stories.

    Drama for Dancers:

    A physical approach to acting for dancers who want to command the stage – not just the steps. We’ll channel that movement confidence into storytelling, character depth, and yes, even public speaking.

    Narrative Performance Coaching:

    For groups or soloists.  Breathe new life into a competition pieces or musical numbers weaving stories into every step. We’ll craft character-driven choices that turn routines into performances—raw, professional, and unmistakably yours.

    "Unstuck" Workshops:

    Private or small-group sessions for when the spotlight feels too bright. We’ll tackle performance anxiety, audition nerves, or even everyday public speaking—in a space where ‘perfect’ isn’t the goal, just progress. Walk in unsure, walk out unshakable.

  • Short Film Labs:

    From smartphone to premiere in 3, 5, or 14 days: Students learn skills like script writing, the stages of production and how to edit together a realized narrative. There has never been a more accessible time in history to take a turn at telling your own story through film. Storyboard like Scorsese, shoot Spielberg-style on a budget, and edit with the flair greater than a TikTok pro. Perfect for schools wanting to launch their own film festivals or teens prepping for media degrees.

    Design for Performances:

    Your program shouldn't look like it was formatted during lunch break. I create visuals that make school productions and dance showcases feel like Broadway openings - because first impressions start before curtain up.

    Need to:
    ✓ Make programs people actually keep (not recycle)?
    ✓ Build a website that doesn't look like a 2000 GeoCities page?
    ✓ Create projections that get gasps, not groans?
    ✓ Film behind-the-scenes content worthy of your hardworking crew and unsung heroes?

    I'll help with:
    - Show posters that stop scrolls
    - Social teasers that get shared
    - Animated backdrops that wow
    - Programs with personality (take that, Times New Roman!)

    As someone who's choreographed 30+ productions and showcases, I know what makes audiences lean forward - and it's not just the dancing. Let's make your show unforgettable from first Instagram tease to final curtain call.

  • From the looks of it, you’d believe that I can even make spreadsheets fun:

    Team-Building Flashmobs:

    Turn your next conference into viral gold with a surprise performance (coached choreo + insider tips on capturing it for LinkedIn glory).

    Improvisation for Leadership:

    'Yes, and...' meets boardroom strategy - perfect for sales teams or managers.

    Dance Detox + Deskercise:

    Like Zumba mainlined espresso and is now working 9 to 5, 6, 7, 8! Invigorate your mornings, boost creative thinking and alleviate stress all whilst having fun and fostering a healthy and vibrant workplace community.

    Public Speaking Through Play:

    Build confidence, creative problemsolving and crowd rapport like you’re the next big TEDx speaker.

I’ve always aimed to be the mentor who turns "I can’t do it" into "Encore!" – whether working with a hoard of excited primary schoolers, reluctant teens, or corporate teams.

Need a guest choreographerregular tutor, production team member, performance coach or heck a whole-program designer?

I can be Your Secret Weapon

I’ve been all these and more for:

CLASSES, PROGRAMS,
WORKSHOPS

+ MASTERCLASSES

view some OF MY recommended tailored programs below – OR Contact Me to Build Your Own!

These selections are categorized into recommended age groups and/or levels within specialist programs and schools. CLICK TO VIEW

SPECIALIST PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS BY AGE GROUP

*Yes… I’m Australian – so my age breakdowns are based on my experience with Aussie schooling ages and groups.
I’ve provided handy age guides to make it a little easier for Americans

Got a Vision? Let’s Chat

Classes, Programs, Workshops + Masterclasses for

PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOLS
+ DANCE STUDIOS

Dance + Musical Theatre

DRAMA + VOICE

Beyond The Stage

Classes, Programs, Workshops + Masterclasses for

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

(TEEN-PRO)

Dance + Musical Theatre

DRAMA + VOICE

Beyond The Stage

CORPORATE PROGRAMMING

ALL PROGRAMS COME WITH A
“NO BORING ICEBREAKERS” POLICY

Classes, Programs, Workshops + Masterclasses for

EARLY CHILDHOOD

(3 months-5 years)

MUSIC & STORY MAGIC Each of these programs are designed to flow from one level to the next and are completely flexible in terms of arrangement.

Classes, Programs, Workshops + Masterclasses for

PRIMARY SCHOOL AGES

(5-12+ years)

Incursions, Guest Workshops + Major Projects/Events

EVENTS + SPECIALTY PROJECTS


All Programs are scalable from “An Introduction To…” Styled Workshops for an inclusive workshop to “Specialist Workshops/Masterclasses” for students studying in these specialized fields.

These more in-depth programs and workshops were developed for Melbourne’s VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) and VET (Vocation Education and Training) dance and drama workshops, and nationally touring arts programs.

Dance + Musical Theatre

DRAMA + VOICE

BEYOND THE STAGE

Classes, Programs, Workshops + Masterclasses for

HIGH SCHOOL AGES

(13-18+ years)

Incursions, Guest Workshops + Major Projects/Events

EVENTS + SPECIALTY PROJECTS


All Programs are scalable from “An Introduction To…” Styled Workshops for an inclusive workshop to “Specialist Workshops/Masterclasses” for students studying in these specialized fields.

These more in-depth programs and workshops were developed for Melbourne’s VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) and VET (Vocation Education and Training) dance and drama workshops, and nationally touring arts programs.

Dance + Musical Theatre

DRAMA + VOICE

BEYOND THE STAGE

PERFORMANCE RELATED PORTFOLIOS

GRAPHIC DESIGN + VIDEOGRAPHY + AUDIO EDITING + SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION

To enter fullscreen - click on the icon that appears on the bottom right corner of each portforlio when you hover - or click here to visit the full portfolio page

Theatrical + Production Credits

They Said nice Things…