Kelly Barber is a native of Reading, PA. She began studying dance seriously when she was nine at Carol Ennis Dance Arts. Four years later, she became a member of Berks Ballet Theatre, the school’s pre professional company and continued performing through her teen years as a soloist. Kelly spent summers studying at Burklyn Ballet Theatre, the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, and Pennsylvania Ballet.

In 1995, Kelly went on to dance with Ballet Theatre of Maryland under the direction of the late Edward Stewart, rising to the rank of soloist. While in Annapolis, she danced in many classical & contemporary ballets including Swan Lake, Paquita, Dracula, and Carmina Burana. In Swan Lake, Kelly shared the stage with Christine Dunham and Wes Chapman, former principals with American Ballet Theatre. She also danced the role of Snow Queen in the Nutcracker, as well as other leading roles like the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, and the Grand Pas de Deux from Le Corsaire.

Kelly eventually returned to Reading and Berks Ballet Theatre, where she began teaching at the school and performing as a guest artist with the company. She was appointed Associate Director of BBT in 2006, and Artistic Director in 2007. She was honored to be a part of staging many ballets, choreographing original works and carrying on the traditions of the company set forth by founder Carol Ennis. As a choreographer, Kelly has had many pieces premiere at dance festivals in the tri state area, beginning with “Bach Sonata Quartet” at the 2005 Regional Dance America Northeast Festival in Harrisburg and at both the Delaware Dance Festival and the Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest. Her most recent work “La Danza Allegretto” was performed by Providence Creek Ballet Theatre at the 2025 Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest. After 17 seasons at the helm of Berks Ballet Theatre, Kelly stepped down as the company’s Artistic Director in the summer of 2024 to pursue new creative endeavors and branch out as a ballet teacher. She is currently a part of the faculty at Wayne Ballet, Ballet 180 and Kimberton Dance Academy. 

 Kelly’s teaching philosophy is made up of positivity, perfecting the basics and instilling a love of dance artistry in her students. She is always striving to inspire drive, determination and focus and believes that not just dance is taught in the studio, but life lessons as well.