Originally from Chicago, Kristen began her dance training at McDonald Dance Academy and Ballet North. She also trained under the direction of Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev at the Joffrey Ballet Chicago Pre-Professional Program and furthered her studies at the intensive programs of Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet Chicago, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Nashville Ballet.
Kristen graduated cum laude with a Bachelor in Fine Arts, Dance Performance, and a minor in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in 2014. While there, she studied under the direction of Jiang Qi, Michael Tevlin, Deirdre Carberry, Ka-Ron B. Lehman and Shellie Cash. Kristen had the pleasure of performing in many ballets, including Serenade, Giselle, Paquita and Sleeping Beauty. She also performed several original contemporary works choreographed by the professors and dancers at CCM. Kristen appeared as a guest artist in the role of the Snow Queen for the Tevlin Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker.
After graduation, Kristen moved to San Diego to begin her professional career with the San Diego Ballet. During her first two seasons, she performed the notable roles of the Shepherdess in The Nutcracker and the Swan in Carnival of the Animals, in addition to dancing in The Seven Beauties, Sweet Synergy Suite, Romeo and Juliet, and An Evening of Jazz and Dance. Kristen is thrilled to begin her third season with the San Diego Ballet.
Who influenced you most to become the dancer you are today?
My family and close friends have been the most incredible influence and support system through every moment of my dance career.
What was the funniest episode(s) you’ve experienced in your career?
I once performed an entire ballet only to find out afterwards that a ticket stub from that performance had been mistakenly placed in my pointe shoe.
What goes through your mind just before you perform?
I clear my mind to focus on delivering my best and enjoying the moment.