About The Focus Collective
Serious training. Freedom to grow.
The Focus Collective was created around the belief that dancers shouldn’t have to choose between pursuing ambitious goals and having a life outside the studio. With intentional guidance, individualized training, and the right opportunities, serious dancers can continue to grow without believing that more is always better.
It’s about training with purpose, creating space for the things that matter, and giving dancers the freedom to grow into confident, well-rounded artists—and people.
Gretchen Noelle Esch-Kyte
Owner/Director
Gretchen began dancing at the age of three and discovered her love for teaching early on. Growing up in the competitive dance world, she earned scholarships to train with prestigious institutions and master teachers, including Gus Giordano, The Joffrey Ballet, and EDGE Performing Arts Center.
Gretchen earned her B.F.A. in Dance with a concentration in ballet from Point Park University while simultaneously beginning her professional career as a Radio City Rockette. She went on to perform with the Rockettes for 12 years as part of a career that took her around the world through television, international tours, and live productions. Her credits include The Today Show, The Magic of Rick Thomas in Korea, and the Road to Vegas tour with Collective Soul. She has worked with renowned choreographers including Mia Michaels, Randy Duncan, Ray Leeper, and Kenny Ortega.
As a teacher and choreographer, Gretchen has taught dancers at studios across the country, including the Abby Lee Dance Company. Her professional experience also includes working as a dance captain aboard a cruise ship before becoming a production show director, giving her a unique perspective on both performing and the professional world behind the scenes.
After returning to Michigan to raise her family, Gretchen continued teaching while building a successful career as a portrait photographer. Through Gretchen Noelle Photography, she specializes in beauty portraits, personal branding, headshots, and fine art photography. Her experience on both sides of the camera allows her to help dancers present themselves professionally through headshots, audition images, creative dance photography, and portfolio-building imagery.
Today, Gretchen brings the many sides of her experience together through The Focus Collective, where she works with dancers through technique training, private coaching, mentorship, performance mindset, and career preparation—helping dancers develop not only their technique and artistry, but also the confidence and tools to pursue opportunities beyond the studio.
The Collective
Exceptional artists. Individual perspectives. One shared standard.
The Focus Collective gives dancers ongoing access to a rotating collective of working professionals — choreographers, guest artists, and mentors who bring real, current experience straight from the industry. Different artists, different specialties, different areas of focus — all held to the same standard of craft and care that defines this program.