Kelly began studying ballet at The School of Canton Ballet on scholarship at the age of ten, training in Vaganova, Cuban and Balanchine techniques. She received scholarships to prestigious ballet schools such as; Pacific Northwest Ballet, The School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and The Chautauqua Institution.
As an international guest principal artist and former member of the Cincinnati Ballet and Sarasota Ballet, Kelly offers personal mentorship for aspiring professionals, and is well versed in teaching all age ranges, ballet technique, pointe technique, variations, pas de deux, contemporary, modern (Horton Technique), choreography, as well as pilates and injury prevention.