Kaeli Ware commands attention the moment you land on her Instagram profile. With over 110,000 followers captivated by her every move, the 19-year-old ballet dancer exudes elegance and grace. But Ware’s journey extends far beyond social media stardom. This phenom has transitioned from dominating dance competitions and captivating audiences on reality TV to joining the prestigious Complexions Contemporary Ballet as a trainee. Currently dividing her time between New York City and Philadelphia, PA, she continues to refine her classical ballet skills at The Rock School for Dance Education.
Kaeli Ware is forging a unique path, defying simple categorization as either a traditional ballerina or a typical social media influencer. Her hybrid career is taking her to remarkable heights, proving that with talent and dedication, dancers can achieve success on their own terms, even after the spotlight of shows like “Dance Moms” fades.
Kaeli Ware, former Dance Moms star, now a ballerina with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, showcasing her elegant lines and long limbs.
Early Spotlight: From Dance Moms to Center Stage
Kaeli Ware was destined for the spotlight from a young age. Her natural talent shone brightly in numerous competitions and high-profile television appearances during her formative years. As the daughter of studio owner and teacher Gloria Hampton, dance was in her blood. Her appearance on the third season of “Dance Moms” catapulted her into the national consciousness, marking the beginning of her social media ascent and introducing her to a wider audience beyond the competitive dance world. Her innate stage presence and charisma translated seamlessly from live performance to the camera.
“I’ve been dancing since I was 18 months old and competing since I was three,” Kaeli recounts. Reflecting on her early exposure to the industry, she adds, “Working on ‘Dance Moms,’ I learned how to be a professional from a very young age. I’m really lucky—not many dancers get the opportunity to do that.” This early experience provided invaluable lessons in professionalism and performance under pressure, setting her apart from many of her peers.
Her journey continued to gain momentum in 2017 when she showcased her talents on NBC’s “World of Dance,” an experience that allowed her to collaborate with industry icons Jennifer Lopez and Derek Hough. Two years later, she competed on Season 16 of “So You Think You Can Dance,” coming close to securing a spot in the Top 20. Despite not reaching the final cut, the experience was transformative. “It was so surreal because I grew up watching the show,” she shares. “To be in such an environment, with the same judges that were on the first season—it was amazing!” These high-profile platforms solidified her reputation as a versatile and dedicated dancer, building upon her “Dance Moms” foundation.
Before these television successes, Ware had already gained exposure to the elite ballet world. As a young student, she trained at American Ballet Theatre’s prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York City. This period was particularly meaningful as it allowed her to meet her childhood idol, Misty Copeland. “I moved to NYC when I was 8 or 9 and got to work with the company sometimes, literally getting to work in the same studios as the principal dancers, which was incredible!” Kaeli remembers. “I got a glimpse of what their life was like, and that really opened my eyes.” This early immersion into the professional ballet environment further fueled her aspirations and provided invaluable insight into the dedication required to succeed at the highest level.
Navigating Setbacks: Height and Ballet Dreams
Despite her television success and clear talent, Kaeli harbored a long-held dream of dancing with ABT (American Ballet Theatre). For a significant period, her path seemed to be leading directly towards this goal. Sascha Radetsky, the artistic director of the ABT Studio Company, recognized her potential after seeing her perform at Youth America Grand Prix in 2017 and expressed immediate interest. However, despite being invited to audition for the Studio Company twice, she received no offer. “I felt like I was ready and had all my eggs in that basket,” Kaeli admits, highlighting the emotional investment she had made in this particular dream.
When she finally had the opportunity to speak with Radetsky, she learned that ABT artistic director Kevin McKenzie had been impressed with her audition. The unexpected hurdle, however, was her height. At 5’10”, the company lacked male dancers tall enough to partner her effectively. This revelation was a significant blow, presenting a challenge that was beyond her control.
Kaeli Ware, reflecting on her journey from Dance Moms to professional ballet, discussing the challenges of height in ballet.
While Kaeli is aware of being a role model for tall dancers globally, she is also open about the insecurities she has faced regarding her height within the often height-restrictive world of ballet. “It’s something I can’t control,” she explains. “I can work on my lines and technique. But my height is something I can’t fix, and it’s really frustrating.” This candid acknowledgement of her struggles resonates with many dancers who face physical limitations or body image pressures within the demanding dance industry. Her experience underscores the importance of perseverance and finding alternative paths when faced with unexpected obstacles in pursuing a dance career after the “Dance Moms” spotlight.
Finding Solid Ground: Training at The Rock School
Kaeli Ware, known for her versatility, spent over a decade on the competitive dance circuit. However, in recent years, she made a conscious decision to step away from competitions and focus intensively on her ballet training. “There’s something special about ballet that I don’t feel with other styles,” she explains, emphasizing her growing passion for classical dance. At The Rock School, she found a supportive and challenging environment, surrounded by inspiring teachers and fellow dancers. Notably, it was also where she met her boyfriend, Cesar Ramirez, one of the talented Cuban triplets studying at the school. “Cesar knows so much about ballet and teaches me something every day!” she enthuses. “He motivates me to go to the gym and watch ballet videos. My mindset has changed since I started dating him.” Their shared passion creates a unique and supportive relationship, very different from typical high school romances. Living in the same building allows them to spend almost all their time together, immersed in their shared love for dance. “But it’s amazing,” Kaeli says, “because we get to do what we love together.”
Stephanie Spassoff, the artistic director of The Rock School, has observed a significant improvement in Kaeli’s ballet technique, particularly noting her more refined footwork. “She’s got a great physique, she’s really flexible, and she turns and jumps really well, which is unusual for someone so tall,” Spassoff comments, highlighting Kaeli’s exceptional physical gifts. While Kaeli can be reserved in the studio setting, Spassoff notes a dramatic transformation during rehearsals and performances: “You just say, Whoa!” This “it” factor, combined with her technical growth, set the stage for her next career move beyond her “Dance Moms” past.
Kaeli Ware training at The Rock School for Dance Education, honing her ballet technique after her Dance Moms experience.
Close-up of Kaeli Ware in ballet class at The Rock School, praised for her technique and stage presence after her time on Dance Moms.
Next Steps: Embracing Complexions and Beyond
That elusive “it” factor is precisely what Dwight Rhoden, co-director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, recognized in Kaeli early on. For several years, Kaeli consistently attended Rhoden’s master classes and workshops in New York City, providing him with a firsthand view of her artistic and technical evolution. Then, last year, he witnessed a significant breakthrough.
“I hadn’t seen her in a few months, and we were doing a really fast combination, working on clarity, speed, and precision,” Rhoden recalls. “Kaeli wasn’t entirely comfortable with the movement, but she was going 150 percent. She was eating it up.” This moment was a revelation for Rhoden. “It wasn’t about technique—she’s always had the technique! It was about development. I knew that she needed an environment where she could take her potential to the limit.” Shortly after this realization, he offered Kaeli a trainee position at Complexions. This marked a pivotal moment in her career, transitioning her from a promising student with a “Dance Moms” background to a professional company member.
At Complexions, Kaeli’s height is no longer a concern. She notes that she’s “probably three inches shorter than the tallest girl there,” indicating a company culture that embraces diverse body types. She also appreciates the company’s diverse repertoire, which blends various dance styles, allowing her to draw upon her broad dance background. “I think that things come when you least expect it, and Complexions was unexpected,” Kaeli reflects. “Now, I’m just hoping to get a full company contract!” Her journey exemplifies the unpredictable yet rewarding path of a dancer who has successfully navigated the transition from reality television to the professional ballet world.
Kaeli Ware performing with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, embracing diverse dance styles after her background in Dance Moms and ballet.
Kaeli Ware, a multifaceted dancer known from Dance Moms to Complexions Ballet, sharing her personal hobbies and interests.
Fast Facts
Favorite musical artist: Ella Mai. “I’ve gotten into chill music, especially before class because it helps me relax and get in the zone.”
Preshow wiggles: “Before I go out onstage, I have to shake my whole body out.”
Day-off indulgence: Watching Netflix in bed all day
Nondance hobbies: “I love art and drawing, and I’m always playing with makeup.”
