___________________ Artistic Director __________________

Kathleen Candales is the Artistic Director and Founder of Higher Ground Performing Arts Studio and Performing Company. This is a studio where the arts of dance, music, and theater are instilled in both children and adults alike. She is a certified Florida Public School Teacher with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance Education from Florida International University. Kathleen has studied hip-hop, jazz, ballet, modern dance, flamenco, African and Caribbean dance, salsa, belly dance and choreography. Besides her extensive experience as a dance teacher, Kathleen, a mother of two, is a professional dancer, choreographer, actress and vocalist. Some highlights in her career include special appearances in such films and music videos as "The Crew," "Random Hearts" with Harrison Ford, and "Music of the Heart" with Gloria Estefan and 'N Sync. She has also graced the stage in such theatre productions as "Mame," "The Fantastiks" and "Sweet Charity." She has choreographed for Miami Dade County Public Schools, College, Television and recording artists of all genres of music.

When not in the classroom or in a TV shoot, you can probably find Kathleen in the recording studio. She has done numerous voice-overs for soap operas and the Miami Herald. She can also be heard in the soundtrack of the movie "Libertad," filmed in Miami. Now in Charlotte County, Kathleen's vision is to have a place where everyone is immersed in the world of the performing arts, in a place where all students, young and old, can come together and use their gifts. Her company has already performed in numerous community events that include the Art Sensation Festival, Relay for Life, Ungala Gala for the Ringling Museum in Sarasota and guest appearances at the Fuzion Dance  Artists Concert in the Historic Asolo Theatre and other private functions at the Charlotte Event Center and Punta  Gorda Isles Yacht Club, "Dancing with the Charlotte Stars" and special guest appearances and other private functions.

Kathleen wants her studio and company performances to take viewers to another level; higher ground emotionally, spiritually and physically. She is a firm believer in education and putting children first. She would like to give back to the community a message of hope, reason and love of life. She believes that anything is possible with God by your side.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others faithfully, administering God's grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10 

______________________ Faculty _______________________

The Higher Ground faculty consists of University-degreed instructors and artists with the knowledge and experience to encourage, inspire, and educate your children in the world of the performing arts.

Combined, they bring over 50 years of experience to the Higher Ground Performing Arts Studio.

Some highlights include:

* Performances at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Center
* Lincoln Center
* Carnegie Hall
* Demetrius Klein Modern Dance Company
* PBA Dance Ensemble
* Canton Players Guild
* Roles in "Sleeping Beauty," "The Nutcracker" and "Alice in Wonderland"
* Hundreds of other performances