Kristy’s Dance Academy Faculty and Staff

                                                          Kristy Woodruff Neely-Owner                                                         

Over the past several years, I have been incredibly blessed to watch Kristy’s Dance Academy grow into something greater than I ever imagined. What began with my love for teaching dance has grown into a place where students can dance, tumble, train as Ninja Warriors, compete, perform, and discover so many new opportunities. I am especially proud of the amazing staff that has grown alongside KDA. Each member of our team brings their own talents and pours their heart into helping our students learn, grow, and shine. I founded Kristy’s Dance Academy in 2018, and since then, our dancers have accomplished so much. KDA students have earned numerous high-score awards, regional and national championships, and national titles through America’s Mr. & Miss Dance and Dance USA programs. In 2023, our studio was honored to receive the ADCC Studio of Excellence Award at Boogie Fever Nationals. I have also been blessed to receive numerous choreography awards throughout my teaching career, including the USA National Dance Championships Choreography Award. While I am incredibly proud of every trophy, title, and championship our dancers earn, my greatest joy comes from watching them develop confidence, teamwork, determination, friendships, and a genuine love for dance. My own love of dance began at a young age. I trained for 14 years at Dance Upstairs and competed for more than 10 years, culminating in being crowned Miss Dance USA 2011. My experiences as a dancer helped shape the teacher and studio owner I am today. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to serve as National Director for the America’s Mr. & Miss Dance National Title Program and as a judge for multiple dance competitions. Continuing education is very important to me, and I am committed to continuing to learn and grow as an instructor. I attended Dance Masters of America in New York City in 2012 and the Dance Teacher Summit and have completed multiple certifications through CLI Studios, including:

  • Choreography & Composition – 2022
  • Introduction to Preschool Dance – 2022
  • Strength Training & Injury Prevention – 2023

Outside of the studio, I am happily married to my high school sweetheart, Ethan, and we are blessed with two wonderful children, Evan and Kinsley. As a family, we love spending time together outdoors and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.

As KDA continues to grow, my goal remains the same: to provide a place where every student feels welcomed, encouraged, and valued. I want our dancers to believe in themselves, work hard, support one another, and know that their worth reaches far beyond what they accomplish on a stage. I am incredibly grateful for every family who has trusted KDA with their children and for the opportunity to share my passion for dance with this community. I look forward to another wonderful year of watching our students grow, accomplish new goals, and make memories together—all while keeping God at the center of everything we do.

Hope Holbrook 

Hope is a talented and passionate instructor at Kristy’s Dance Academy, known for her positive energy, dedication, and genuine care for her students. With more than 10 years of experience at KDA, she began as a classroom assistant before becoming an instructor and has spent several years teaching group classes and private lessons. She has developed strong relationships with her students and loves encouraging them to grow in their skills, confidence, and love of dance. Hope holds two certifications through Acrobatic Arts as well as a Preschool Dance Certification through CLI Studios, providing her with specialized training to safely and effectively teach Acrobatics, Tumbling, and early childhood dance. As a longtime member of the KDA Competition Team, Hope enjoyed an accomplished competitive dance career, earning numerous championship wins and top placements. She earned the 2nd Top Score at the 2021 National Championships, received multiple honors at the 2024 Dance Machine Title Competition, and achieved one of her most memorable accomplishments when she was crowned Miss Dance USA 2025 at the Boogie Fever Titles Competition. In addition to teaching and performing, Hope has discovered a special passion for choreography. Her award-winning routines allow her to combine creativity with her ability to bring out the best in her dancers, helping them develop not only technically but also as confident and expressive performers. Hope also works with ANDC, assisting in the office and traveling to competitions. This experience has allowed her to see another side of the dance industry while continuing to support dancers both behind the scenes and on the dance floor. Whether she is teaching a young dancer a new skill, choreographing a competition routine, or working behind the scenes at an event, Hope brings enthusiasm and heart to everything she does. She is passionate about making a positive and lasting impact on her students and sharing her love of dance with the next generation of KDA dancers.

Michelle Newman

Michelle has been teaching dance for over 15 years and specializes in preschool and children’s dance, as well as tap. She began her dance training at the former Dance Upstairs and is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where she continued her dance education. She remains committed to growing as an educator and regularly attends dance conventions and continuing education opportunities. Throughout her years in the dance industry, Michelle has served in many roles beyond the classroom. She has judged dance competitions, taught Preschool and Children’s Dance Education to other dance teachers, and served as a Director for the America’s Mr. & Miss Dance National Titles Program. Her extensive experience with young children also includes teaching preschool in both church and private school settings. Michelle is the proud mom of three sons, Tyler, Tanner, and Trevin, who are all now in college. Her experience as both an educator and a mom brings a special combination of patience, encouragement, and understanding to her classes. At Kristy’s Dance Academy, Michelle is especially loved by her youngest dancers and respected by students of all ages. She loves having the opportunity to share the passion for dance that was instilled in her as a young dancer and hopes to pass that same love, confidence, and joy on to each new generation of KDA dancers.

 
 
 

Molly Gibson

Miss Molly has loved dance for as long as she can remember. She spent 15 years training at Dance Upstairs, Rhythm on Main, and Kristy’s Dance Academy, where she not only developed her skills as a dancer but also found a second home. As a competitive dancer for 13 years, Molly performed with nationally award-winning teams and earned numerous honors, including the titles of Petite Miss Dance USA 2012 and Miss Dance USA 2021. Molly has also spent several years as the main assistant in many of Mrs. Kristy’s classes. Through this experience, she discovered her passion for teaching and developed a special connection with younger dancers. Working alongside Mrs. Kristy gave her valuable experience in guiding, encouraging, and supporting students while helping them develop both their dance skills and confidence. Her love for working with children extends beyond the dance studio. Molly holds an Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, along with certifications in Infant/Toddler Care and Early Childhood Preschool. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Birth–Kindergarten Education at Appalachian State University. In 2026, she also earned her AcroDance Pre-School Certification through Acrobatic Arts, further combining her education in early childhood development with her passion for dance and movement. Miss Molly believes dance is about so much more than learning steps. It gives children an opportunity to express themselves, build confidence, develop friendships, and discover the joy of movement. Her goal is to create a positive and encouraging classroom where every dancer feels supported, inspired, and part of something special. With her warmth, patience, and joyful spirit, Miss Molly loves sharing the same passion for dance with her students that began for her as a young dancer.

 

 Cherese Black

Cherese is a Marine Combat Veteran and has been teaching Ninja at Kristy’s Dance Academy since 2023. She is the proud mom of two girls, Harley and Ambellina, who are both homeschooled and dancers at KDA.

In addition to being a stay-at-home mom, Cherese is furthering her education in Animal Science and Agricultural Business. When she isn’t teaching Ninja, studying, or spending time with her family, she enjoys tending to her garden and mini-farm.

Cherese loves teaching Ninja Warrior and enjoys helping her students develop their strength, confidence, and determination while encouraging them to challenge themselves and have fun.

 

 

Crystal Nunnemaker

Crystal Nunnemaker is the Office Manager for Kristy’s Dance Academy. She holds a B.S. degree in Human Development with a concentration in Daycare Teaching and Administration. She works full-time as a Regional Director for Omni Family of Services, Inc., where she oversees foster care services and programs supporting adults with developmental disabilities. Crystal’s involvement in the dance world began when her daughter started dancing with Rhythm on Main at six years old. Both of her children became involved in dance at a young age, and Crystal eventually began working part-time in the studio office. Over the years, her involvement has expanded well beyond the studio. She also works with Dance Machine and Boogie Fever dance competitions, giving her experience with many different aspects of dance studios, competitions, and events. In addition, Crystal is a Travel Advisor with Key to the World Travel, combining her love of travel with her experience coordinating trips, groups, and special events. Crystal is married to Jon and has two children, Carson and Jaron, as well as a granddaughter, Saylor, who brings even more joy to her family. She especially enjoys working behind the scenes at the studio and having the opportunity to watch children grow, build confidence, and participate in something they truly enjoy.