Gagen Tabbed to Lead Kansas City Dance Team
7/27/2023 11:53:00 AM | Dance
Taylor Gagen will return to the Roos after a five-year career in blue and gold, including two years as a team captain
KANSAS CITY - Kansas City Dance will take new direction in the 2023-24 season, as Taylor Gagen has officially been announced as Head Dance Coach. Gagen brings quality experience to the Roos, including five seasons as dancer in the Roo blue and gold.Â
"After spending five years at the university as a part of the dance team, it began to feel like home," Gagen said. "I fell in love with the community and it's welcoming atmosphere. The Kansas City Roos are one of a kind, and I am honored to take on this new position. Having been on the team, I have a different outlook, and I can't wait to carry on the legacy that has been built since my first few years as a team member. Kansas City will always have a special place in my heart."
As the team's head coach, Gagen will be responsible for teaching, training, demonstrating and evaluating proper dance techniques, as well as taking on choreography and preparation of game routines. One of her largest duties will come in her preparation of the team for the College Nationals each spring.
Most recently, Gagen spent time as a coach at The Knockout All-Stars, a dance studio located in Lenexa, Kan. Throughout her career, she has also spent four years as a teacher at Motion Express in St. Louis, and three years as an instructor for Universal Cheer.
Gagen received her Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Dance from UMKC in 2021, where she was also a five-year member and two-year captain for the dance team. During her time with the Roos, she received several leadership awards and help lead KC to a Jazz National Championship in 2017 as well as top-10 finishes in her other four years. In addition, she earned numerous first place and gold bids at National Dance Alliance camps.
Prior to her schooling at UMKC, Gagen attended high school at Northwest High in Cedar Hill, Mo., lettering in cheer all four years. She had a decorated career, earning the 2015 MVP award at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, four All-American honors and three top-five placements at state cheer competitions. In addition, she danced competitively throughout high school, earning numerous regional and national titles.
Gagen is a USA Cheer and USASF certified coach. Originally from High Ridge, Mo., she currently lives in downtown Kansas City.