Since Kristen was very young, she always wanted to be involved with dance. Starting with beginners’ ballet, she quickly moved on to tap. However, after taking lessons for a few years she decided to move on and try something totally different…. Gymnastics! After several years of training and competing, Kristen was awarded a spot on the Talent Opportunity Programs (TOPs) team at her local gym in Mississippi. With her new honorable position, Kristen was able to train for a spot on the 2014 Olympics team. However, her local gym closed its doors and Kristen’s love of dance re-emerged.

 

After completing another year of dance training, Kristen was awarded a spot on the competitive team for her local dance studio. She would soon bring home several first-place awards and nationally recognized titles. She soon became an inaugural member of the Mid-South Ballet Company where she starred as Fritz and the Russian soloist in The Nutcracker in 2007.

 

Within three years of being in her local dance studio, Kristen discovered her love for the theatre. She found herself in a variety of theatrical productions. Her outstanding commitment and spectacular performance awarded her several local award nominations. Kristen was nominated for the Northwest Mississippi Theatre Alliance Award a total of three times for her roles of The Secret Garden (Martha Sowerby), Annie (Lily St. Regis) and Beauty and the Beast (Babette). She was presented with the award for Best Featured Actress for her portrayal of Martha Sowerby in The Secret Garden.

 

At the age of 19, Kristen packed her bags and headed to New York City. She would study and flourish in Musical Theatre and Ballet at AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy), all the while chasing her dream of becoming a Professional Dancer. 

 

After a year at AMDA, Kristen transferred to Broadway Dance Center in New York City where she graduated from their Training Program. She also worked to expand her knowledge and love of dance to encompass the world of ballroom dancing. Kristen studied American and International Latin, Rhythm and Smooth dance at Dance With Me, Midtown.

 

After completing her training in New York, Kristen moved to Branson, MO where she was hired by the Branson Regional Arts Council as a main choreographer and the director of dance studies for the educational department. Kristen was also hired as the Head Dance Coach for Branson High School where she has taken her team to MO State Competition for the last three years. 

 

In addition to teaching for the Arts Council and Branson High School, she was also hired by Dublin’s Worldwide Production as a full time Featured Dancer/Swing in Anthems Of Rock, Dublin's Irish Tenors & the Celtic Ladies, New Jersey Nights, The Ultimate 70's Show, and Christmas Wonderland at Kings Castle Theatre.