Teacher…

The Embodied Creative

(Formerly Dance for Artists - DfA)

2020 is my 9th year teaching this magical class in Los Angeles… and now it’s online on YouTube! This happened by necessity (Covid-19,) but something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time.

This class is all about freedom of expression, connecting to your authentic voice and expanding past your limitations— using movement and dance to do so. Here are some photos of the magic over the years…

Kristi and DFA changed my life. No, I’m serious. My whole life I was terrified to dance in public. I always had enough rhythm to mess around at a concert, or clap along in church, but when it came to weddings or parties I would always avoid the dance floor because I was afraid of what people’s opinions might be. And THAT is how DFA changed my life! Am I world class dancer? Absolutely not, Lol, but I now LOVE to dance. I love to get in a circle with my friends at a party and make up stupid dances. I love the challenge of learning a choreographed dance. And most importantly, I love how it’s changed the way I move in auditions and how much more confidant I feel making bigger choices on set. Kristi is a giving, sensitive, and tough teacher! She’s just a REAL person. She knows exactly how much to push and when to ease up. I owe this girl for life...
— Manny Montana (Mule, Good Girls, Graceland)
I’ve been studying with Kristi for a year now and still look forward to every class with her...every week. I always get surprised and she always pushes me in the direction I need to go! She has incredible intuition and knows how to find the best in artists and how to break down their walls. Since last year, did I not only get so comfortable with my body on stage and in life but I have also found comfort in my emotional journey and how to explore every aspect of myself! This class is simply magical.
— Nina Rausch (Mad Men, Orange is the New Black)
Dance for Artists rehabilitated my love of expression through movement. As a retired professional ballerina I had so many triggers when it came to dance. Just the thought of taking a class felt immobilizing. Then I met Kristi. Kristi creates a safe space where she coaxes you to play and discover new elements of your own artistry with every class. She always has awesome music and creative choreography. Dance for Artists gets you in badass shape, invites you to explore who you are, then sends you on your way with a euphoria that lasts all day. I know this expression through movement makes me a better artist and a happier person. Thank you!
— Aviva Baumann (Superbad, Coldcase)

Performer…

I’ve been acting for over twenty years. Performing was my first love and I am an artist and creator at my core. The thing I’ve always loved most about acting is how it opens my mind— and heart— to other people and their stories. Stories I might never have understood had I not had the opportunity to walk in another’s shoes.

drama

comedy

photos


Creator…

For as long as I can remember, I couldn't listen to music with out seeing dances in my head.  I've been blessed to produce and choreograph over 50 flash mobs for my students, create first dances at weddings, surprise engagements, flash mobs for television, music videos, fundraisers and dance films simply for the sake of ART. Here is a peak at some of them…

The One’s We Love

I was asked to choreograph this piece to an original song. These beautiful dancers- Evan Strand and Rebecca Ocampo brought my vision to life.

Flashmob for “The Doctors” - CBS

Click on the link below to watch what I got to create with Flashmob America for the hit CBS show, The Doctors!

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Bring Back Our Girls

Flash Mob America and Dance for Artists joined together with Children's Rescue Alliance to bring awareness to the tragic kidnapping of the over 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria. THANK YOU: Rob Salerno (editor/camera,) Conroe Brooks (camera,) Brian Hammers (camera,) Jordan Marinov (producer,) Anzu Lawson (guitar/vocals.)