Jayde’s Premiere Choreographic Work Debuts at RhinoFest 2024



Jayde Announced Artistic Director and Choreographer of VOLTA’s Debut Nutcracker
Logan Sqaure, Chicago, IL- Dec 2023
Volta Performing Arts on Milwaukee Ave proudly selects Jayde Kief as Artistic Director and Choreographer for their premiere production of “The Nutcracker.” Known for their innovative approach rooted in science-based dance techniques, Volta invites the young and old to enjoy a twist on the classic holiday tale, while sipping on tea and nibbling on treats from the Land of Sweets.
Kief’s expertise in working with a wide age range of students, while bending and blending character roles aligns perfectly with Volta Performing Arts’ commitment to innovation in dance. This collaboration will showcase Volta’s students in a production that merges tradition with contemporary insight.
The premiere of “The Nutcracker,” infused with Volta Performing Arts’ signature science-based dance technique, will enchant audiences at Irving Hall on December 16th 2023. Tickets will be available starting Dec 1st 2023, offering an unforgettable holiday experience.
Jayde Leads A Fairytale Ballet’s Summer Intensive, 2023
Lakeview, Chicago, Il – August 2023
Jayde Kief leads A Fairytale Ballet’s Summer 2023 Intensive as Director and Choreographer. The week-long curriculum includes ballet, modern, contemporary, acting, and the basics of show-building, culminating in a performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Kief guides the young dancers in choreographing their own solos and duets while choreographing the group pieces herself.
As Director and Lead Choreographer, Kief’s leadership promises to enrich the intensive with creativity and technical expertise. The Summer Intensive aims to foster artistic growth and collaboration among participants, culminating in a vibrant production that celebrates Shakespeare’s timeless comedy.


Jayde’s 2nd Year as AFBRT’s Nutcracker Rehearsal Mistress
Lakeview, Chicago, IL- October 2022
Jayde has been asked to return as Rehearsal Mistress for A Fairytale Ballet’s Nutcracker, 2023. She will lead rehearsals for Ballet 1 & 2, as well choreograph solos for featured dancers: Clara 1, Nutcracker, Mouse Queen, and Drosselmeyer’s Dolls. For the first time, she has been asked to direct and choreograph Act 1’s infamous Party Scene. Jayde is quite proud of A Fairytale Ballet, as this year, they have taken her suggestion of replacing Act 2’s Land of Sweets’ racial caricature dances to… dances about sweets! She is terribly excited to be a part of the team again this year, and is ready to take up this new challenge, while continuing to learn from A Fairytale Ballet Repertoire Theater’s Artistic Director, Wendy Park.


The Wallis Studio Ensemble Presents “Word of Mouth” at Crisis Art Festival in Arezzo, Italy
Arezzo, Italy – August 2017
The Wallis Studio Ensemble is set to make their international debut at the Crisis Art Festival in Arezzo, Italy, with their founding devised theater piece titled “Word of Mouth.” This innovative work explores the intricate connections between rhetoric, politics, and compassion, reflecting the ensemble’s commitment to provocative and thought-provoking storytelling.
Under the artistic direction of Madeline Dahm, “Word of Mouth” delves into contemporary themes with a dynamic fusion of movement, music, and text. The ensemble’s performance at the Crisis Art Festival highlights their dedication to pushing the boundaries of theatrical expression and fostering cultural exchange.

Jayde to Perform in U.S. Premiere of Gareth Jandrell’s Thebes
Jayde Kief Stars as Jocasta and The One in Gareth Jandrell’s “Thebes” at Wallis Annenberg Center
Beverly Hills, CA – June 2017
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts proudly presents the U.S. premiere of Gareth Jandrell’s “Thebes,” a captivating exploration Sophocles’ full trilogy- Oedipus, Seven Against Thebes, and Antigone. Jayde Kief takes center stage, portraying both Jocasta and The One in this compelling narrative.
Directed by Madeleine Dahm, “Thebes” marks the second production of the Wallis Studio Ensemble, promising an evening of theatrical depth and visceral exploration. The production will grace the Goldsmith Theater stage, offering audiences a fresh perspective on timeless Greek mythology.
“Thebes” runs June 10 & 11 with three showtimes at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at TheWallis.org/Thebes



Jayde Featured on Wallis Annenberg Website, The Wallis Studio Ensemble’s Page
Beverley Hills, CA- February 2017


Photos from Word of Mouth, featuring Jayde, used for The Wallis Youth Theatre Company’s official Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Grow Page. The Page is used to promote the Company, post Company updates, and inform the community.
See the full page here:
http://www.thewallis.org/show-info.php?id=258
Wallis Youth Theatre Company’s “Word of Mouth” featured on L.A.’s NPR 89.3 KPCC
Los Angeles, CA- January 2017
Priska Neely of 89.3 KPCC visited a “Word of Mouth” rehearsal, in anticipation for the show’s opening in the Wallis’ Lovelace Theater from January 28-29. Jayde’s infectious laugh and glowing personality is featured in the audio. Listen to the full story here:
http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/01/27/68483/word-of-mouth-a-new-youth-theater-company-puts-pol/
Jayde to Perform in Wallis Youth Theatre Company’s “Word of Mouth”
Beverly Hills, CA- January 9, 2017
After auditioning and cast into The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts’ Wallis Youth Theatre Company, Jayde and 10 other young actors present “Word of Mouth,” (titled by Jayde)- a devised physical theater performance about how words create an atmosphere of empathy and connection, hatred or division. “Word of Mouth” premieres in the Wallis’ Lovelace Theater from January 28-29. Buy tickets and learn more by clicking link below photo.

Buy Tickets Here:
Jayde is Poster Girl for Glendale Community College’s Faculty Alumni Performance
Glendale, CA- December 5, 2016
After a photo shoot with Glendale’s photography program, Glendale Dance Department Artist Director, Dora Krannig, selected the below photo of Jayde to represent the 2016 Fall Semester Faculty Alumni Dance Performance. Show dates are December 9, 10 & 11, 2016. Posters are plastered all over the Glendale College Campus.

Watch the Photo Shoot Bloopers Here:
Watch the first Promo Here:
Watch the Second Promo Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsLeZuIHpcc
Jayde Featured in LA Times
Glendale, CA- October 25, 2016
“On the Town: College dancers in the spotlight at Patrons luncheon,” by Joyce Rudolph. She and Sera Shagolian perform “Drown,” choreographed by the two, at the the Oakmont Country Club, in front of a full house.

Read the Full Article Here:
http://www.latimes.com/socal/glendale-news-press/community/tn-gnp-me-society-20161025-story.html
Jayde’s Choreography featured in LA Times
Glendale, CA- November 9, 2016
“On the Town: Patrons Club changes up fundraiser with much success,” by Joyce Rudolph. Her dancers performed “Grownhood,” in front of a full house of country club guests.

Read the Full Article Here:
http://www.latimes.com/socal/glendale-news-press/community/tn-gnp-me-society-20161108-story.html
Jayde Featured
Beverly Hills, CA- September 12, 2016
in See Dance News article by Jeff Slayton. After performing for the Wallis’ 2016-17 Season Welcome Fest, Jayde was featured as the Girl in the Green Dress in the following article…

Read the Full Article Here:
https://seedance.com/news/welcomfest-weekend-launches-new-season-wallis/
Jayde Dancing at the Wallis Welcome Fest
Beverly Hills, CA- August 26, 2016
Jayde has been re-invited to the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, to perform as a part of their 2016-17 Season Welcome Fest!
She will be choreographing and dancing a sight-specific solo in the Jim and Eleanor Randall Grand Hall/ Bar @ the Wallis, on Saturday, September 10, 2016.
It is the day before her 18th birthday!

More information at: http://thewallis.org/welcomefest
Jayde Featured in The Loosleaf Report
Beverly Hills, CA- April 13, 2016
Victoria Loosleaf writes about the upcoming show, “mo.men.tum,” and features Jayde’s twice in photo.


Read the Full Article Here:
http://www.looseleafreport.com/mo-men-tum-a-dance-concert.html
Jayde Performing on the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Art’s Goldsmith Stage
Beverly Hills, CA- April 1, 2016
Culminating from nine months of work in the Wallis’ Art of Choreography GRoW Program, Jayde will be debuting on the Wallis’ Goldsmith Mainstage. In the show “mo.men.tum,” she will present two dances choreographed by herself, a solo and perform in three dances choreographed by some of her 14 amazing compatriots.

Get Tickets Here!
http://www.thewallis.org/show-info.php?id=191
JULYBALAYA 2015
JULY 3RD-5TH Presented by: Fire Haus Records INC and Freedom2Fit
FIRST ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL KICKS OFF IN BROOKLYN, NY
WHERE: The Kymberle Project Concert Venue, 1332 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
AN INDEPENDENT FESTIVAL FOR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS ON INDEPENDENCE DAY!!
The Kymberle Project promises to deliver an authentic New-York-Art-Scene backdrop for our double-day-dose of non-stop music and creativity.
THE INAUGURAL LINEUP* IS HEAVILY STACKED WITH THE GREATER NEW YORK AREA’S FINEST INDIE TALENT – EVA AND HER VIRGINS, PETE AYRES, AND FRANK KNIGHT. TOURING STARS MERIDIAN LIGHTS AND ARTANKER CONVOY. AND TEEN ARTIST, JAYDE SUNBURST.
Here’s what you need to know:
Friday July 3rd: The evening begins with GLOW YOGA 4pm-5pm (first come first serve) @ the Kymberle Project (1332 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn, NY. FULL BAND LIVE MUSIC starts at 5pm and goes until 3am. Friday night is 18 to enter, 21 to drink. Activities include face painting, photo booth, body paint, raffle, vendor booths and more. Food and Beverages will be available for purchase inside the venue.
Saturday, July 4th: The day begins bright and early with FAMILY YOGA 11a.m to 12p.m (first come first serve) @ The Kymberle Project (1332 Atlantic Ave. Brooklyn NY). FULL BAND LIVE MUSIC starts with Jayde Sunburst, a very special teen pop singer at 12pm and continues with local Indie artists until 5pm. All ages are welcome 11am-5pm. . Youth under 18 must exit the premises between 5-6pm. From 6pm-3am on Saturday July 4th, it will be 18 to enter 21 to drink. Activities include face painting, photo booth, body paint, raffle, vendor booths and more. Food and Beverages will be available for purchase inside the venue. Sunday July 5th Balaya “Bounce Back” Day at the local Boys and Girls High School Athletic Field (1700 Fulton Ave Brooklyn, NY).
This is FREE to the community at large and will run from 3p-7pm. At 5:00, Jayde Sunburst sings the National Anthem then activities include yoga, outdoor fitness class, acoustic music, acrobatic performance, vendor booths, raffle drawing, and more by donation. Refreshments will be available for purchase with a portion of all sales being donated to Freedom2Fit.
***PARKING IS FREE ALL THREE DAYS AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

Contact: Janet Ulrich
Phone: 818-232-2335
Email: J.Ulrich@jaydesunburst.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-DECEMBER 1, 2014
JAYDE KIEF WINS NATIONAL ACTRESS FIRST RUNNER UP TITLE AT THE 2014 NATIONAL AMERICAN MISS NATIONALS PAEGENT
Anaheim, CA – December 1, 2014 Jayde Kief, age 16, daughter of William & Janet Kief, earned the National Jr. Teen Actress First Runner Up title at the 2014 National American Miss Nationals Jr. Teen Pageant on Saturday, November 29, 2014 held at the Anaheim Marriott Convention Center.
Slating her name and waiting for her cue of “Action” and “Cut” on the national stage, she ran her thirty second Macy’s commercial. Miss Kief delivered an award winning read that was streamed live online.
The distinguished judging panel included both pageant and entertainment industry professionals. Pixie Monroe, Monroe Casting & Production Services, Inc. [Burbank CA] Founder & CEO, said, “I hire NAM Girls, I tell them to be themselves and radiate.” Over 130 teenagers took the stage Friday night in competition for the prestigious award. The Actress Competition is the most popular National American Miss optional contest. Only State Queens, State Courts and State Actress Top Five winners are invited to compete for the title of National Actress.
Miss Kief is the reigning 2014 Southern California Jr. Teen Actress Winner, and the reigning 2014 Southern California Jr. Teen Spokesmodel Winner. And as the 2014 Miss Southern California Jr. Teen 2nd Runner Up, she is also a member of the State Queen’s Court.
Miss Kief’s National American Miss Trophy collection is growing, “I’m very excited and humbled when I achieve my goals,” Miss Kief said, “National American Miss is not all about banners and trophies- but it is simply wonderful to reap the rewards of my hard work. I study my craft every day, and feel so blessed to have earned this honor,” she added. She is represented by Carol Lynn Sher, CESD Talent Agency.
Miss Kief is a Connections Academy honors student; she is a member of the National Honor Society and the International National Thespian Society. Miss Kief is also a recording artist, a dancer, a spokesmodel, a screenwriter, a playwright and a novelist – she is a girl with dreams and a proud National American Miss Competitor.
The National American Miss pageants are held for girls ages 4-20. The Pageant program is based on inner-beauty, as well as poise and presentation. Emphasis is put on the importance of developing self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship, and achieving personal goals.
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Contact: Janet Ulrich
Phone: 818-232-2335
Email: J.Ulrich@jaydesunburst.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-AUGUST 5, 2014
JAYDE KIEF WINS 2014 NATIONAL AMERICAN MISS CALIFORNIA JR. TEEN TITLES
Costa Mesa, CA –Jayde Kief, age 15, daughter of William & Janet Ulrich Kief, earned the National American Miss 2014 Miss California Jr. Teen Actress Winner and Jr. Teen Spokesmodel Winner Titles. Jayde also earned 1st Runner Up Jr. Teen Casual Wear Modeling at the 2014 Southern California National American Miss Jr. Teen Pageant held in Costa Mesa, CA on August 3, 2014. Jayde finished the evening and joined the State Queen’s Court as National American Miss 2nd Runner Up 2014 Miss California Jr. Teen.
As a junior at Connections Academy, Jayde is an honor student and is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Thespian Society. She is an Actress, Singer, Dancer, Model, Playwright and Novelist and is a proud National American Miss Competitor.
She received an invitation to compete for the 2014 National All-American Miss Jr. Teen Queen’s title in Anaheim CA this Thanksgiving. She will also compete for National Spokesmodel, National Actress and National Casual Wear Modeling Titles.
The National American Miss pageants are held for girls ages 4-18, and have five different age divisions. The Pageant program is based on inner-beauty, as well as poise and presentation. Emphasis is put on the importance of developing self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship, as well as setting and achieving personal goals. The Pageant recognizes the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for her future.
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