Kyle Means

Director of Marketing, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Dancing 101

It’s not about saving the last dance. It’s about saving the dance competition altogether for one contestant.

Kyle Means is stepping in for the ailing Dave Griek who bowed out with an ankle injury. Now Kyle takes the lead with his wife, Leslie Means, and the two hope their years of dancing at wedding receptions pays off.  If not for Kyle’s generous offer to replace Griek, Team Leslie would have likely been forced to drop out completely.  Alas, the Means duo prepares to dance like never before.

Kyle claims to be the better dancer in this marriage and he’ll have to work hard to prove his case. Fortunately, working hard is something he’s been known for. After 13 years of working in sports and entertainment, Kyle transitioned to the world of higher education as UNK’s Director of Marketing in 2014.

In addition to his professional life, Kyle has been giving back in a variety of ways, including with the Kearney Area Children’s Museum, United Way and First Lutheran Church.  The hard work on the dance floor begins immediately. Kyle has called upon his daughters, Ella, 7: and Gracie, 5, who have been teaching him new moves from their Kearney School of Dance classes.  

Dancing Experience: “Most recently, the Daddy-Daughter Date Night with my daughter, Ella.”

Favorite dance move: “The Moonwalk.”

Least favorite dance move: “The splits. Don’t go there.”

Words to describe what you look like when you dance: “Probably not as good as I envision in my own mind.”

Personal goal for KDWTS: “Have fun with it. I didn’t expect to be in this position, but I’m thrilled to be paired with my wife. We have a fun relationship and I hope the audience will see that.”

Why fans should vote for you: “Due to the circumstances, we’re getting a much later start than the other teams. So we need all the help we can get! Who doesn’t like an underdog story?”