Board of Directors
As a non-profit, VDT is managed by a board of directors.
Executives:
Executives:
Co-President
Jennifer Sawyer |
Co-President
Melissa Parnell |
Vice President
Melody Hamby |
Secretary
Erin Smith |
Treasurer
Krishan Golden |
Board Members:
- Jim Bergren
- Krishan Golden
- Kristin Nold
- Jonathan Parnell
- Skye Sawyer
Artistic Director
|
Christina Wilder
|
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Christina Wilder began her foundational training at the Academy of Ballet Arts under the guidance of Noreen Kendall. From a young age, she cultivated a versatile background in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, and Character dance, performing frequently in Vancouver Dance Theater’s The Nutcracker and seasonal productions. Her early dedication took her across the country, attending intensive programs from Walla Walla to New York City.
Seeking to master the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, Christina later joined June Taylor’s School of Dance in Tigard, Oregon. Under the mentorship of Tami Walker, she successfully completed her Intermediate RAD examination. While preparing for her Advanced certification, a pivotal car accident altered her path as a performer; however, this challenge paved the way for her true calling: dance education.
A Legacy of Excellence
With years of experience as a teaching assistant already behind her, Christina entered the prestigious three-year RAD teacher training program at age 18. Her studies took her across the United States, Canada, and England, where she trained alongside world-renowned examiners. At just 19 years old, Christina’s journey came full circle when she assumed ownership of the Academy of Ballet Arts from her former mentor.
Holistic Expertise
Throughout her multi-decade teaching career, Christina has remained a lifelong student of movement and pedagogy. Her diverse expertise includes:
Impact and Philosophy
Christina’s greatest professional joy is the success of her students. Under her tutelage, dancers have secured full scholarships to elite summer intensives and universities, transitioned into professional performance careers, and become esteemed dance educators themselves.
Today, Christina continues to teach with passion and heart. She resides in her hometown with her husband, Aaron, and their three children Emmaline, Eli, and Olivia.
Seeking to master the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, Christina later joined June Taylor’s School of Dance in Tigard, Oregon. Under the mentorship of Tami Walker, she successfully completed her Intermediate RAD examination. While preparing for her Advanced certification, a pivotal car accident altered her path as a performer; however, this challenge paved the way for her true calling: dance education.
A Legacy of Excellence
With years of experience as a teaching assistant already behind her, Christina entered the prestigious three-year RAD teacher training program at age 18. Her studies took her across the United States, Canada, and England, where she trained alongside world-renowned examiners. At just 19 years old, Christina’s journey came full circle when she assumed ownership of the Academy of Ballet Arts from her former mentor.
Holistic Expertise
Throughout her multi-decade teaching career, Christina has remained a lifelong student of movement and pedagogy. Her diverse expertise includes:
- Certifications: Progressing Ballet Technique (Level 3 Certified).
- Syllabi: Extensive study in Vaganova and Cecchetti methods.
- Specialized Training: Pilates, Anatomy, Injury Prevention, and Early Childhood Dance.
- Academic & Spiritual Study: Child Development, Dance History, and Dance as Worship.
Impact and Philosophy
Christina’s greatest professional joy is the success of her students. Under her tutelage, dancers have secured full scholarships to elite summer intensives and universities, transitioned into professional performance careers, and become esteemed dance educators themselves.
Today, Christina continues to teach with passion and heart. She resides in her hometown with her husband, Aaron, and their three children Emmaline, Eli, and Olivia.