Bio

Graceland University proudly welcomes Lacey Kratz as the new Head Coach of the Graceland Dance Team. With a career that spans collegiate coaching, professional performance, and more than a decade of teaching, Kratz brings a wealth of experience and passion to the program.

Most recently, Kratz performed professionally with the Kansas City Comets as a cheerleader during the 2023–24 season, representing the team both on the field and in the community. She continues to share her expertise nationally and internationally as a judge and tabulator for Starpower Talent, where she evaluates dancers and provides professional feedback at competitions, including events abroad.

Raised in New Jersey, Kratz developed a love for dance at an early age under the guidance of her mother, Kelley Larkin, owner of multiple dance studios. That early foundation grew into a lifelong pursuit: since 2010, Kratz has been a dance teacher at Studio L Dance Co., where she has instructed students ages 3 to 18 and overseen the studio’s social media presence.

Her collegiate coaching experience includes serving as Head Dance Team Coach at Marist College, where she choreographed game day routines, led practices, and guided the team through competition at NDA Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida.

A graduate of Ramapo College, Kratz earned her Bachelor’s degree in Law and Society while competing as a member of the Ramapo College Dance Team, performing at sporting events and competing nationally.

Kratz is eager to bring her creativity and leadership to Lamoni. “I am absolutely honored to be the new Head Dance Team Coach of the Graceland University Dance Team,” she said. “I’m excited to bring my creativity and energy to Lamoni and cannot wait to get to work!”

Beyond the dance floor, Kratz enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with her husband and their 3-year-old daughter, Penelope.

With her dynamic background and passion for student development, Lacey Kratz is poised to lead the Graceland Dance Team into a new era of growth and success.