Featured Image by Avery Brunkus
COCA Alum, Kamal Lado, has built a life rooted in passion and persistence. As a true triple threat, Kamal’s artistic journey began at COCA at the age of eight.
“I lived at COCA,” Lado says. “If I wasn’t rehearsing for the school musicals, I was at COCA five days a week, sometimes even weekends.”
Inspired by the artistry of Michael Jackson, Kamal first enrolled in modern dance class at COCA with Alicia Graf Mack. Though initially unsure of the modern dance style, everything changed when taking a jazz class with longtime faculty member, Ms. Lee Nolting.
Kamal began to immerse themself fully in the arts, participating in COCAdance, Ballet Eclectica, and other intensives.
“Every dance class felt like I was already a working artist, […] being on time, wearing the right shoes, and holding myself accountable,” says Lado.
As Kamal’s artistry grew, so did their interests. They expanded into musical theatre, training with Dr. Phil Woodmore, performing in school musicals, and eventually at The Muny.
“COCA taught me rigor, discipline, and the value of being taught by people who care about passing on the tradition of dance.”
A major influence in Kamal’s journey was Ms. Lee Nolting, whose impact extended beyond technique. Ms. Lee set the standard at COCA for providing transportation, clothing, shoes, and scholarships to support growing artists.
“Ms. Lee changed my life. She was incredibly generous and gave everything for her students,” says Lado.
Following high school, Kamal attended Elon University in North Carolina to study musical theatre. After graduating in 2021, Kamal returned to St. Louis to work at The Muny, contributing to casting and education, before moving to New York City to audition professionally.
In the fall of 2023, Kamal joined the Moulin Rouge Intensive, a weeklong program that led to performing for the production on tour. After a year of touring, Kamal chose to step away for personal reasons, choosing what is best for their artistic path.
“You have to take ownership of your life, especially as an artist,” says Lado. “I can’t be pulled by money, security, and stability. As safe as it may feel, I know that I can trust that my decisions are best for my life.”
After returning from the Moulin Rouge tour, Kamal made their Broadway debut. In March 2025, while performing, Kamal tore their ACL. Surgery followed in May, and they have been in recovery since.
“For someone whose life and outlet are movement, the injury feels disorienting. But I am finding new ways to tend to that outlet while I am recovering,” says Lado.
At COCA, we believe in highlighting not just current performing artists, but also those facing transition in their careers. We want to showcase the passion they bring to their artistic journeys despite challenges.
“I am not saying it’s not hard. But to move forward and feel normal again, I have to accept this change. […] The more you adapt and accept that change is constant, the easier it becomes,” says Lado.
Kamal’s journey serves as a reminder that a career in the arts is not just about performing; it is about resilience and recovery. Although an injury has temporarily paused Kamal’s career, passion is what keeps them persistent in returning to where they were.
More of Kamal at COCA:
