STUDIO OWNER, DIRECTOR, INSTRUCTOR

Miss Charity has been teaching theater, dance, and acrobatics for the past 30 years. She has owned and operated several companies and studios including The Children's Creative Workshop (1993-1995), The Children's Christian Workshop (1995-1998), and her first dance studio, Lighthouse (1998-2009). During those years she directed and produced such musicals as Annie, Babes in Toyland, Hansel and Gretel, and The Little Match Girl, to name a few. She produced and directed, Sunday School Rock, a children's Christian TV program which aired on cable access in Broome County and Ithaca for 4 years. During the 11 years she taught at Lighthouse she produced many regional and national title winners and award-winning routines, and so many of her students have gone on to have careers in dance performing in tours with Cirque Du Soleil, in shows in NYC, or opening their own successful studios. Charity has two associate degrees from BCC, one in Early Childhood Education and the other in Theater/Liberal Arts. She served in the Children's Ministry at Calvary's Love for 9 years and is very excited that ZION is now entering its 14th season! 

This is Miss Amanda's 9th year at ZION. She began dancing at the age of 11 and has loved it ever since. Her love began while studying at the Yvonne Chouteau School of Ballet (previously School of Ballet Oklahoma) where she learned under Artistic Director Bryan Pitts and Principal Dancer Victoria Page. She played various roles in her years there, including Clara and the Columbine Doll in the Nutcracker. Amanda also attended the Virginia School of Ballet summer program for two years and the HARID Conservatory for one summer. In addition, she spent time dancing with the University of Oklahoma and attended company classes with the Tulsa Ballet. Amanda is also a Pilates Mat Instructor and pursued her certification through Balanced Body. She studied with Zayna Gold at Boston Body Pilates and went on to learn under Nitza Rotstein at Nitza’s Studio in Jerusalem, Israel. Amanda also has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma and is married to her best friend, Shay, and has four adorable children - her best gifts! 

Blessing's ballet education began at Ithaca Academy of Dance, from there she gathered her ballet experience from lessons at community centers and a few private lessons. At the age of 12, she began lessons at New Life Dance Ministries under Sara Chaffee, where she received the majority of her ballet education. She was an assistant teacher for 4 years at New Life Dance Ministries and then went on to teach pre-ballet, beginner ballet, and private lessons for several years. Blessing has an associate degree in Applied Ministries from Davis College. She enjoys dancing with her sisters and takes adult ballet lessons at Ithaca Ballet.  She is a mama to two and met her husband through their mutual love of dance.  She is passionate about passing on the love of dance to her students and giving them a strong foundation to accomplish their dance goals and dreams. We are excited that she has joined our team at ZION for a third year!

 Miss Abi has been a dedicated dancer at ZION for 11 years, with 16 years of total dance experience in diverse styles. She became a ZION dance instructor at the age of 16, continuing on to teach lyrical, contemporary, jazz, acrobatics, tap & ballet. After taking a brief pause from teaching to finish her bachelor's degree in nursing from Binghamton University, Miss Abi could not be more thrilled to join the ZION staff once again this year! From her experience, she has found dance to be much more than just a performance or athletic activity. With the belief that dance education should be an uplifting experience which fosters self-confidence and self-expression, she finds ZION to be a special place - a true blessing in our community. "Here, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, build relationships with each other, find enjoyment in dance, promote kindness and honesty, and most importantly, know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made". Outside of dance, Miss Abi works as a Registered Nurse, is an active member in her church's children's ministries, and loves spending time with her family, friends and husband (who is her biggest supporter!). Dance has been her constant passion and joy for many years, and she is grateful for the opportunity to continue in sharing her love for dance with you!   

Brian has been involved in gymnastics for 52 years and has coached for 41. he had the privilege of working with Shannon Miller at team USA Gymnastics for 2 years, taught clinics with Keri Strug, and worked for Cirque Du Soleil in Montreal, Canada. He has trained hundreds of dancers, cheerleaders, and gymnasts over the years and was the owner of Jumping Jungle. He is currently the athletics' director at Ross Corners Christian Academy and is happily married to his wife of 24 years and has three daughters. Brian is very excited to join the ZION family this year. 

This is A'Daija's 12th year of dance and her 11th year at ZION. She was an assistant teacher for 4 years before joining our staff as an acrobatic and jazz instructor three years ago. When she is not at the studio, she enjoys the culinary arts. 

We feel so blessed to have Alyssa join our staff for a third year. She is a home school mom of 4 and was a Special Education Teacher for 9 years.  Her daughter, Abigail has been dancing at Zion for 8 years and she is looking forward to helping Zion continue to grow.