A note from the Director
HAYLEY SMITh, STUDIO OWNER
Hello Element Dance Families,
I am incredibly thankful for the support I've gotten from every teacher, dancer and parent throughout this very different and difficult season. We are all most thankful that we still get to dance every week with your kiddos. Dance is truly a part of who we are and we will do whatever it takes to continue to safely offer dance to our families!
We most definitely have the best studio family and I am humbled and honored to have you as a part of Element.
Lindsey Tincher and I founded Element 12 years ago. We grew up dancing together and both decided to further our dance education and training through the top ranked college dance program at Oklahoma City University. At OCU, I received a bachelor of performing arts in dance performance. OCU is consistently ranked among the best colleges in the country for American dance training.
At OCU I was fortunate enough to receive not only phenomenal technical training and incredible performance opportunities, but I also took class in technical theater, ballet, tap and jazz pedagogy, dance studio management, choreography, dance history and more!
I have been teaching since I was in high school and knew at a very young age that teaching, choreographing and owing a studio would hopefully be in my future! I am so grateful to be able to do what I do and share Element with so many talented teachers, choreographers and friends.
At Element, I get to teach all ages 2-18! I love every style (my favorites to teach are tap, lyrical, musical theater and jazz...see, I do love them all!) and I love setting showcase choreography. I choreograph for and direct the Element Dance Company. Our company travels the Southeast every year learning from top industry professionals and competing with some of the best studios in our region. Our company consistently receives overall awards, judge's awards and our dancer's always receive individual recognition and scholarship awards.
Dance teaches us discipline and the value of a good work ethic. Dance teaches us to think on the spot and dance teaches us how to problem solve in the moment. Our teachers all strive to instill respect, drive and passion in our students. Dance can prepare a child and young adult for so many "real life" situations.
Thank you again for trusting us with your dancers!! I am very excited to introduce to you to the incredible teachers and Staff at Element!
To learn more about our staff members click their head shot and hover over to reveal their bios!
Kristen Wilson, Assistant Director
Kristen danced with the Huntsville Ballet Company and then attended the University of Alabama on a Dance/Theatre scholarship. Her choreography was featured as a finalist in the Southern Association of Colleges in Dance choreography competition, and she's had many lead and supporting roles in theatre/musical theater productions. She danced professionally for the world renown PHILADANCO! based in Philadelphia, touring and working with nationally renown artists and training in Horton and Graham (modern technique). She’s choreographed for various companies and studios across the nation to thousands of children and adults and has been teaching/choreographing for over 20 years. Kristen has additionally stage managed many dance and theater productions across the nation. Kristen travels across the U.S. attending conventions with the Element Huntsville team, learning and developing from leading industry artists. Kristen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, a Master’s Degree in Religion and a Certificate in Behavioral Health Counseling. Kristen is excited to be in her 9th Season with Element Huntsville! Kristen is elated to be full time at Element serving as the Assistant Director. She will continue to teach a variety of styles and ages, help lead the competition teams, and assist administratively, as well. She is so excited about season 12!
