Meet Kaylin Shadle of the hit show “Awakening.”

Kaylin commands the stage in “Awakening,” blending strength, precision, and emotion into every movement. Her performance captures the show’s transformative energy, drawing audiences into a powerful, immersive experience night after night.

Kaylin recently shared her dance journey with The 702 Vegas — from the early days as a child to hitting the stage for her first show in “Awakening.”

Kaylin’s Dance Journey began At Age 10

Before Kaylin even stepped foot into a dance studio, she knew she already loved it.

“I started dancing when I was 10, but even before I stepped into a class, I felt like I already loved it,” she said. “I was always spinning around the kitchen, putting on shows, and drawn to performing.”

She realized that dancing was something she wanted to pursue professionally “immediately after” she began dancing. In fact, she said she could never imagine her life without dance.

“At age 14, I started thinking about where I wanted to go with it, but I don’t remember any other career ideas after I started,” she said. “I started my professional career at age 17 with Odyssey Dance Theatre. Since then, I’ve worked across theater, live performance, and television. I’ve appeared in TV shows including ‘High School Musical: The Series,’ ‘The Orville,’ and ‘This Is Us.’”

She also performed at Radio City Music Hall and the Manhattan Center and made her Off-Broadway debut at the Orpheum Theatre in NYC. Kaylin also danced with Royal Caribbean and was a member of the contemporary company Shift Dance Company.

Being Part Of ‘Awakening’

When asked about her current show, “Awakening,” she said the best part is “interacting with the cast and audience on a stage this scale.” She added that it’s “magical being part of this story every night.”

Her first time on the stage for “Awakening” was “unique and incomparable” to any other stage she’s stepped foot on.

“I was excited, nervous, and really grateful,” she said. “It was such a rush to dance on this rotating surface with screens displaying under your feet, lights, props; there’s so much going on, and I was so excited to be a part of it.”

Being A Dancer In Las Vegas

Many might not realize that “Awakening” offers 10 shows a week, every week. For dancers in Vegas, many factors can be challenging, including the schedule and competition.

“It’s such a gift to make your passion and love for something a career, but it’s equally as challenging. We experience a lot of rejection, and we have to continuously put ourselves out there, audition, train,” she shared. “It’s a very competitive industry, so you have to have a deep love for the craft and believe in yourself indefinitely.” She added that being a dancer is a big commitment and “requires longevity both physically and mentally.”

Dance is something that’s gifted Kaylin with continuous growth throughout her ongoing journey. She said she’s always trying to improve and find areas to grow.

Enjoying Las Vegas When Not On Stage

When Kaylin’s not dancing, she enjoys all that Vegas has to offer, including fashion and art of all kinds.

“Vegas has an amazing roster of restaurants and unique artistic atmospheres,” she said. “It’s a place that continues to grow on me the longer I live here.”

In the future, Kaylin hopes to “expand my artistry and challenge myself.” She also said she hopes to be impactful because the guests who go to the show want to feel something and connect.

For more information about “Awakening,” visit the website.