Kristy’s Dance Academy Faculty and Staff
Kristy Woodruff Neely-Owner 
Over the past several years, I’ve been so blessed to watch KDA grow into something more than I ever dreamed. What started with a love for teaching dance has blossomed into a place where students can not only dance, but also tumble, train like Ninja Warriors, and discover so many new opportunities. I’m especially proud of how our staff has grown and flourished—each one pouring their hearts into helping every student shine. Most of all, I’m excited for the wonderful year ahead and for the chance to continue encouraging our dancers to believe in themselves while keeping God at the center of it all. I founded Kristy’s Dance Academy in 2018, and since then our dancers have achieved so much—from winning numerous high-score awards and national championships to earning numerous national title holders through both America’s Mr. & Miss Dance and Dance USA programs. Our studio was also honored with the ADCC Studio of Excellence Award at Boogie Fever Nationals in 2023. I’ve been blessed to receive many awards as a choreographer, including the USA National Dance Championships Choreography Award, and our students are constantly winning numerous awards at both regional and national levels—including many 1st place national championships. Beyond competing, my biggest joy is watching students grow in confidence, teamwork, and love for dance. A little about me personally: I studied dance for 14 years at Dance Upstairs, was a competitive dancer for over 10 years, and was crowned Miss Dance USA 2011. I’ve served as National Director for America’s Mr. & Miss Dance National Title Program, judged for multiple competitions, and continue to train and stay certified in the latest teaching methods. I attended Dance Masters of America in New York City in 2012 and the Dance Teacher Summit, and have completed multiple CLI Studios certifications, including:
• Choreography & Composition (2022)
• Intro to Preschool Dance (2022)
• Strength Training & Injury Prevention (2023)
Outside of the studio, I’m happily married to my high school sweetheart, Ethan, and we are parents to two wonderful children—Evan and Kinsley. We love spending time together outdoors and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.
I am so grateful to share my passion for dance with this community, and I cannot wait to see all that this season holds for our dancers at KDA!
Hope Holbrook 
Hope is a talented and passionate instructor at Kristy’s Dance Academy, known for her uplifting spirit, dedication, and genuine care for students. She holds two certifications in Acrobatic Arts and Preschool Dance Certification from CLI Studios, equipping her to teach Acrobatics, Tumbling, and early childhood dance safely and effectively. With over ten years of experience, Hope began as an assistant before stepping into her own as an instructor. For several years, she has led group classes and private lessons, forming strong bonds with her students and encouraging their growth. As a standout member of the KDA Competition Team, Hope earned numerous championship wins and top placements. She was 2nd Top Score at the 2021 National Championships, received multiple awards at the 2024 Dance Machine Title Competition, and was crowned Miss Dance USA 2025 at the Boogie Fever Titles Competition. Beyond the stage, Hope has discovered a true passion for choreography, creating award-winning routines that help dancers grow in both confidence and artistic ability. She also works for ANDC, assisting in the office and traveling to competitions, continuing to support and inspire dancers behind the scenes and on the dance floor. No matter the role, Hope is passionate about making a lasting impact and sharing her love for dance every step of the way.
Michelle Newman
Michelle has been teaching for over 15 years, specializing in children’s and preschool classes, as well as tap. Michelle studied at the former Dance Upstairs and is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where she continued her dance education, and enjoys attending conventions for continuing education. Michelle has judged competitions, taught Pre-School/Children’s Dance Education (to other teachers), and has served as a Director for America’s Mr. & Miss Dance National Titles Program. Michelle has taught Pre-School at Churches and Private Schools and is the mom to Tyler, Tanner, and Trevin, who are all now in college. Michelle is loved by her younger dancers and respected by all dancers, regardless of age, at KDA. She loves sharing the passion that was instilled in her with so many young people.
Molly Gibson
Miss Molly has been in love with dance for as long as she can remember. She spent 15 wonderful years training at Dance Upstairs, Rhythm on Main, and Kristy’s Dance Academy, where she not only learned the art of dance but found her second home. As a competitive dancer for 13 years, she had the honor of performing with nationally award-winning teams and earned titles such as Petite Miss Dance USA 2012 and Miss Dance USA 2021—moments she will always cherish. In addition to her years of training and performing, Miss Molly has been the main assistant in many of Mrs. Kristy’s classes for several years. Through this experience, she developed a deep love for teaching and a strong connection with younger dancers, learning firsthand how to guide and encourage students with care and enthusiasm. While the stage is where her passion began, Miss Molly’s heart also belongs to teaching and working with children. She 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. Miss Molly believes that dance is so much more than just steps—it’s a powerful way for children to express themselves, grow in confidence, and discover joy in movement. Her goal is to create a space where every dancer feels supported, inspired, and part of something special. She brings warmth, patience, and a joyful spirit into every class, and she can’t wait to share her love of dance with each and every child who walks through the studio doors.
Brandon and Cherese Black
Brandon and Cherese are both Marine Veterans. They have two girls, Harley and Ambellina, who are both homeschooled and are dancers here at KDA. Brandon is a horticulturist at Wilkes Community College. Cherese is a stay-at-home mom, studying Animal Science and Agriculture Business. In their free time, they tend to their garden and mini-farm. ” We love teaching Ninja Warrior and helping the kids grow in strength and confidence.”
Rebecca Dodd
Rebecca is a Wilkes County Schools NC Pre-K teacher by day, our KDA front desk secretary by night, and a KDA dance mom on weekends. She has been married to Jonathon, who is a full-time Army National Guard member, for 17 years. They have 2 daughters, Giuliana and Lorelei, and 2 dogs, Olive and Honey. She loves helping and getting to know all our KDA students and families, seeing the students grow throughout the year, and watching her daughter (and soon-to-be daughters) dance on stage. When she isn’t teaching, working at KDA, or being a KDA dance mom, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, and dogs, as well as her church family and occasionally indulging in some retail therapy.
Crystal Nunnemaker
Crystal Nunnemaker is the office manager for Kristy’s Dance Academy. She holds a B.S. degree in Human Development: Daycare Teaching and Administration. She works full-time for Omni Visions Inc. as the Regional Director, overseeing foster care and adults with developmental disabilities. She began as a dance mom for Rhythm on Main when her daughter was 6 years old. Both of her children became involved in dance at a young age with Rhythm on Main, and she started working part-time in the office. She also works part-time for Dance Machine competitions, taking pictures, and is familiar with many aspects of dance studios and competitions. She is married to Jon and has two children, Carson and Jaron. She loves working behind the scenes for the studio and getting to see all the children participate in something they enjoy.
Erin Lozowski
Erin is a substitute instructor at KDA and an Elementary School Teacher. Erin grew up dancing at Dance Upstairs, where she won many awards, including the title of America’s Miss Dance 2007. Erin continued her love of dance by working as a dance instructor during college at Rhythm on Main, where her routines and students won national awards. Erin worked as a competition judge and assistant to the director of Dance Machine competitions. Erin was a Dance Masters of America-certified teacher. Erin is married with two sweet puppies. Erin is excited to work at KDA with all the amazing and talented young dancers.