Kristen has been dancing since the age of three and started competing not long after. When she began winning many awards and getting recognized out of her groups, her parents decided to bring her to Just Plain Dancin' , where she spent most of her training and grew to be more competitive. She also competed on her high school dance team at Santiago High School was captain her last two years. During her senior year, she was recognized out of more than 100 dancers and was awarded “The Magical Performer” of the weekend by LA Dance Magic, receiving a scholarship along with it. Performing for others has always been Kristen’s biggest passion and it shows when she dances. After High school, Kristen went on to compete with the Orange Coast College Dance Team and won two national titles in Orlando, FL.

While Kristen loves performing, she also loves teaching and choreographing. She has taught and choreographed for many studios and schools throughout Southern California. Her choreography has received many overall awards and has been recognized for special awards by judges. While she is trained in all styles, Kristen has a soft spot for lyrical and contemporary. She loves to encourage dancers to really use their emotions along with having great technique. Her ultimate goal is to make people feel something when they take class with her or watch her choreography.

Professionally, Kristen has been honored to work with many well-known choreographers such as Mandy Moore, Napoleon D’umo, D.J. Guthrie, Jackie Sleight, and Dan Karaty.  She has spent the last 8 years at The Disneyland Resort, performing in the Entertainment Department. She has been privileged to perform in many parades, shows, and media events. While teaching and Disney are a big part of Kristen’s life, she is also currently going to school to get her teaching credential. She loves working with children of all ages and is looking forward to sharing her love of dance with everyone here at Odyssey Dance Academy.