Shanna Kirkpatrick
Academy Director
Ballet & Preschool Instructor
Shanna completed Level 8 of the Sonshine Christian Ballet
Syllabus and attended Texas A&M University receiving a BS in
Sport Management as well as a minor in Dance and in
Business. She has taken classes from Kista Tucker, Kathy
Dunn-Hamrick, Liz Lerman Dance Exchange,Hubbard Street
Dance Chicago, Steve Rooks and Mia Micheals. She was a
member of Texas A&M Dance Repertoire and in 2002
founded Chara Christian Dance Company as a student
organization at Texas A&M where she served as president
Academy Director
Ballet & Preschool Instructor
Shanna completed Level 8 of the Sonshine Christian Ballet
Syllabus and attended Texas A&M University receiving a BS in
Sport Management as well as a minor in Dance and in
Business. She has taken classes from Kista Tucker, Kathy
Dunn-Hamrick, Liz Lerman Dance Exchange,Hubbard Street
Dance Chicago, Steve Rooks and Mia Micheals. She was a
member of Texas A&M Dance Repertoire and in 2002
founded Chara Christian Dance Company as a student
organization at Texas A&M where she served as president
Monica Drew-Jazz, Modern &
Lyrical Instructor, Performance Company
Director
Monica has a BFA in Modern Dance from Texas Christian
University. She started training with Dance Arts in
Friendswood, TX at the age of three. She then trained with
Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Bonnie Siscoe School of
Dance during her teenage years. In high school, she was
selected as a Friendswood High School Wranglerette (drill
team) and as a senior was chosen to be a Wranglerette
dance officer. After high school, Monica was selected to be
one of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for the 2002-2003
season. She performed in front of 60,000 fans each week at
the home games. She was also selected as one of their
show group members and traveled on a USO tour to Korea
Lyrical Instructor, Performance Company
Director
Monica has a BFA in Modern Dance from Texas Christian
University. She started training with Dance Arts in
Friendswood, TX at the age of three. She then trained with
Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Bonnie Siscoe School of
Dance during her teenage years. In high school, she was
selected as a Friendswood High School Wranglerette (drill
team) and as a senior was chosen to be a Wranglerette
dance officer. After high school, Monica was selected to be
one of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for the 2002-2003
season. She performed in front of 60,000 fans each week at
the home games. She was also selected as one of their
show group members and traveled on a USO tour to Korea
Jessica Greenhaw
Ballet & Lyrical Instructor
Jessica Greenhaw has been teaching for the last 12 years
and loves it! She has trained in Ballet, Pointe, Modern,
Contemporary and Jazz at San Jacinto College and Sam
Houston State University. She has been training and
teaching in the Sonshine Christian Ballet Syllabus for 14
years. She has had the privilege to travel internationally to
Russia, Paraguay and Costa Rica to teach workshops and
participate in worship conferences. Jessica has been
married for 8 years and has 2 beautiful children. Her desire
is to see this and future generations of believers trained and
equipped to walk in their Kingdom purpose and destiny. To
see Jesus lifted up through creative artistic expression, that
Ballet & Lyrical Instructor
Jessica Greenhaw has been teaching for the last 12 years
and loves it! She has trained in Ballet, Pointe, Modern,
Contemporary and Jazz at San Jacinto College and Sam
Houston State University. She has been training and
teaching in the Sonshine Christian Ballet Syllabus for 14
years. She has had the privilege to travel internationally to
Russia, Paraguay and Costa Rica to teach workshops and
participate in worship conferences. Jessica has been
married for 8 years and has 2 beautiful children. Her desire
is to see this and future generations of believers trained and
equipped to walk in their Kingdom purpose and destiny. To
see Jesus lifted up through creative artistic expression, that
| Call Today to Get on Our Early Registration List for Summer & Fall! (832)569-4065 Our Mission Statement Chara Christian Dance Academy provides dance classes in Friendswood, Pearland, League City and Alvin by providing families with quality classical and contemporary dance instruction in an uplifting, Christian environment. Our goal is to enhance each student’s self-esteem, confidence and character as well as develop friendships between students, families and staff. Above all, we exist to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, who created us and gives us the gift of movement and self expression to use for His glory! |
Ellen Hickl
Primary & Tap Instructor
Ellen Hickl was born and raised in the Clear Lake Area. She
began dancing at The Jill Rauscher School of Dance at the
age of three and continued through high school graduation.
In 1999 she received her Bachelor of Arts in Corporate
Communications from Southern Methodist University in
Dallas. While in college she continued her dance training at
Meadows School of the Arts and began teaching ballet, tap
and jazz for Preston Center Dance. She signed with a dance
agent in 1996 and performed in industrials and television
commercials for such clients as Zales Jewelers, Mary Kay
Cosmetics, DIFFA, Radio Shack and more. Ellen signed
with The Kim Dawson Modeling agency in 1998 and started
Primary & Tap Instructor
Ellen Hickl was born and raised in the Clear Lake Area. She
began dancing at The Jill Rauscher School of Dance at the
age of three and continued through high school graduation.
In 1999 she received her Bachelor of Arts in Corporate
Communications from Southern Methodist University in
Dallas. While in college she continued her dance training at
Meadows School of the Arts and began teaching ballet, tap
and jazz for Preston Center Dance. She signed with a dance
agent in 1996 and performed in industrials and television
commercials for such clients as Zales Jewelers, Mary Kay
Cosmetics, DIFFA, Radio Shack and more. Ellen signed
with The Kim Dawson Modeling agency in 1998 and started
Rachel Kinchen
Ballet, Jazz, Preschool & Primary Instructor
Performance Company Director
Rachel began dance at an early age in Pasadena and
continued her training at Bonnie Siscoe’s School of Dance
in Friendswood throughout grade school. Her sophomore
year, she began dancing with the Friendswood
Wranglerettes and served as Marshall her senior year.
Rachel attended San Jacinto College as a dance major as
well as taught at area dance studios. In 2003 she married
her husband Jared and they now have a brand new baby
boy named Kallan. Rachel returned to school from a two
year break to study Interior Design and will be graduating
with her Bachelor’s Degree next summer. She is very
excited to be back doing what she loves most, teaching
dance!
Ballet, Jazz, Preschool & Primary Instructor
Performance Company Director
Rachel began dance at an early age in Pasadena and
continued her training at Bonnie Siscoe’s School of Dance
in Friendswood throughout grade school. Her sophomore
year, she began dancing with the Friendswood
Wranglerettes and served as Marshall her senior year.
Rachel attended San Jacinto College as a dance major as
well as taught at area dance studios. In 2003 she married
her husband Jared and they now have a brand new baby
boy named Kallan. Rachel returned to school from a two
year break to study Interior Design and will be graduating
with her Bachelor’s Degree next summer. She is very
excited to be back doing what she loves most, teaching
dance!
Natalie Sinclair
Ballet Instructor
Natalie began her training at Dallas Ballet Academy and
during the summers studied and the School of American
Ballet and Pennsylvania School of Ballet. During her 13 year
professional career, Mrs. Natalie performed principal and
soloist roles at Fort Worth Ballet, Cleveland Ballet and Fort
Worth Dallas Ballet while touring throughout the United
States and Asia. Principal roles included such Balanchine
works as "Rubies", Nutcracker, The Four Temperaments,
and Who Cares?. Her vast repertoire includes such
productions as Les Sylphides, Cinderella, and Swan Lake.
Ballet Instructor
Natalie began her training at Dallas Ballet Academy and
during the summers studied and the School of American
Ballet and Pennsylvania School of Ballet. During her 13 year
professional career, Mrs. Natalie performed principal and
soloist roles at Fort Worth Ballet, Cleveland Ballet and Fort
Worth Dallas Ballet while touring throughout the United
States and Asia. Principal roles included such Balanchine
works as "Rubies", Nutcracker, The Four Temperaments,
and Who Cares?. Her vast repertoire includes such
productions as Les Sylphides, Cinderella, and Swan Lake.
"What we love most
about Chara Dance is
the compassion that is
shared among the girls
and the teachers. It is a
very positive
atmosphere and
everyone is accepted..."
about Chara Dance is
the compassion that is
shared among the girls
and the teachers. It is a
very positive
atmosphere and
everyone is accepted..."
| Chara Christian Dance Academy 2407 W. Parkwood Ave. #100 Friendswood, TX 77546 832-569-4065 |
Hailey Gowen-Hip Hop Instructor
Hailey has received training in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical,
modern, hip hop, and contemporary dancing. She has
studied with Myrta George, Richard D’alton, Jill D’alton,
Manuel Barra, Katrina Wilkes, and Corine Rowe. Hailey
completed several levels in the Sonshine Ballet Curriculum.
In high school, Hailey played the role of an orphan in her
high school’s musical, “Annie”. Also, as a member of her
high school band and drumline, Hailey has performed as a
dance soloist on numerous occasions. Currently, she is a
teacher and performer for The NOIZE, a 150-member
kid/teen performing arts group based out of Houston, TX.
Hailey has received training in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical,
modern, hip hop, and contemporary dancing. She has
studied with Myrta George, Richard D’alton, Jill D’alton,
Manuel Barra, Katrina Wilkes, and Corine Rowe. Hailey
completed several levels in the Sonshine Ballet Curriculum.
In high school, Hailey played the role of an orphan in her
high school’s musical, “Annie”. Also, as a member of her
high school band and drumline, Hailey has performed as a
dance soloist on numerous occasions. Currently, she is a
teacher and performer for The NOIZE, a 150-member
kid/teen performing arts group based out of Houston, TX.
Candace Ratliff
Ballet, Jazz & Hip Hop Instructor
Candace Rattliff graduated from Texas Christian University
with a BFA in Ballet and Modern Dance. Candace began
her dance training with Beverly Torres’ Our Mother of Mercy
Dancers, where she trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical,
and Hip Hop. Candace also trained at Margo Dean School
of Ballet and has performed many summers in Margo
Dean’s Annual Summer Dance Concert. She was a
member of the Nolan Catholic High School Dance
Company, and choreographed Theater Nolan’s production
of Grease the musical. As a dance major at TCU,
Candace worked with many notable choreographers,
including Elizabeth Gillaspy, Christian von Howard, Alonzo
King, and Susan Jaffe. During her four years at TCU,
Ballet, Jazz & Hip Hop Instructor
Candace Rattliff graduated from Texas Christian University
with a BFA in Ballet and Modern Dance. Candace began
her dance training with Beverly Torres’ Our Mother of Mercy
Dancers, where she trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical,
and Hip Hop. Candace also trained at Margo Dean School
of Ballet and has performed many summers in Margo
Dean’s Annual Summer Dance Concert. She was a
member of the Nolan Catholic High School Dance
Company, and choreographed Theater Nolan’s production
of Grease the musical. As a dance major at TCU,
Candace worked with many notable choreographers,
including Elizabeth Gillaspy, Christian von Howard, Alonzo
King, and Susan Jaffe. During her four years at TCU,
and Japan. Following her year with the Cowboys, she was selected as one of the first dance
members and Dance Captain for the original Bally Total Fitness Dance team in Dallas, TX. As a
dance major at TCU, Monica has performed for both faculty and guest artists and has had some
of her own choreography performed in senior concerts. She and her husband Dustin are a
member at Sagemont Church in Houston, TX and is very excited to have the opportunity to teach
one of her greatest passions in an atmosphere that glorifies God.
members and Dance Captain for the original Bally Total Fitness Dance team in Dallas, TX. As a
dance major at TCU, Monica has performed for both faculty and guest artists and has had some
of her own choreography performed in senior concerts. She and her husband Dustin are a
member at Sagemont Church in Houston, TX and is very excited to have the opportunity to teach
one of her greatest passions in an atmosphere that glorifies God.
Rachel Blanco
Ballet, Jazz & Hip Hop Instructor
Rachel thanks God for her opportunity to dance and wants to
always honor Him in her movement and wants to see
children use dance to worship God. She started dancing at
age 3 at Dana’s Dance and Gymnastics and began dancing
in their company in her early teenage years where she won
several competition titles. She started assistant teaching at
age 13, began teaching dance at age 18, and was a
Lieutenant officer of the drill team at Santa Fe High School
where she also won several awards at competitions. She has
performed in the Citrus Bowl during high school and was
invited to dance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She
has worked with several famous choreographers such as
Paula Abdul and the judges from “So You Think You can
Dance.” Rachel has taught recreation classes at Texas A&M
and received her BA in Dance from Sam Houston State
University where she danced with the company, Spectrum
and performed in the Nutcracker.
Ballet, Jazz & Hip Hop Instructor
Rachel thanks God for her opportunity to dance and wants to
always honor Him in her movement and wants to see
children use dance to worship God. She started dancing at
age 3 at Dana’s Dance and Gymnastics and began dancing
in their company in her early teenage years where she won
several competition titles. She started assistant teaching at
age 13, began teaching dance at age 18, and was a
Lieutenant officer of the drill team at Santa Fe High School
where she also won several awards at competitions. She has
performed in the Citrus Bowl during high school and was
invited to dance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She
has worked with several famous choreographers such as
Paula Abdul and the judges from “So You Think You can
Dance.” Rachel has taught recreation classes at Texas A&M
and received her BA in Dance from Sam Houston State
University where she danced with the company, Spectrum
and performed in the Nutcracker.
She also serves as a worship leader for the children’s ministry at Grace Community Church
and really enjoys working with children. At this time, Hailey is pursuing a major in business and
minor in dance.
and really enjoys working with children. At this time, Hailey is pursuing a major in business and
minor in dance.
all men would be drawn to Him. It is her heart desire to be a living sacrifice, so that in all that
she says and does her life would be a clear and accurate reflection of His nature and beauty.
she says and does her life would be a clear and accurate reflection of His nature and beauty.
her career as a runway, print and commercial model and actress. Since college graduation Ellen
has signed with eleven modeling agencies and traveled all over the US and throughout Europe
modeling for such clients as Neiman Marcus, Dillards, JC Penney, Academy, Macy’s and many
more. In 2006 Ellen moved back to Houston and began teaching dance again in the area. Ellen
married Friendswood native Matthew Hickl in March 2007. They are loving their new life together
and welcomed their first child in February 2009.
has signed with eleven modeling agencies and traveled all over the US and throughout Europe
modeling for such clients as Neiman Marcus, Dillards, JC Penney, Academy, Macy’s and many
more. In 2006 Ellen moved back to Houston and began teaching dance again in the area. Ellen
married Friendswood native Matthew Hickl in March 2007. They are loving their new life together
and welcomed their first child in February 2009.
and choreographer for three years. During that time, three of her choreographic works for Chara
were admitted into the A&M Dance Program Concert. As a part of the dance department, she
participated in both student and faculty works and performed at American College Dance
Festival and TAPHERD Conventions. Shanna's love for teaching developed as an assistant
instructor and later as a solo and ensemble choreographer for the Kingwood Strutter's. In
college she was an instructor at Suzanne's School of Dance where she taught all genres and
levels of dance for preschool through college students as well as choreographed for Company
AbunDANCE. Her pieces for AbunDANCE have been performed at Dance Ad Deum Intensives
and Dance Revolution. Shanna has work with the Corporate Development and Client Services
Department of the Houston Texans. She is now a member of Talitha Dance Company for the
Masterpiece Women's Conference, serves on the Alumni Board for Chara Christian Dance
Company, is an adjudicator for American Dance and Drill Team and enjoys being a part of
Friendswood Friends Church where her husband Bobby is the youth pastor.
were admitted into the A&M Dance Program Concert. As a part of the dance department, she
participated in both student and faculty works and performed at American College Dance
Festival and TAPHERD Conventions. Shanna's love for teaching developed as an assistant
instructor and later as a solo and ensemble choreographer for the Kingwood Strutter's. In
college she was an instructor at Suzanne's School of Dance where she taught all genres and
levels of dance for preschool through college students as well as choreographed for Company
AbunDANCE. Her pieces for AbunDANCE have been performed at Dance Ad Deum Intensives
and Dance Revolution. Shanna has work with the Corporate Development and Client Services
Department of the Houston Texans. She is now a member of Talitha Dance Company for the
Masterpiece Women's Conference, serves on the Alumni Board for Chara Christian Dance
Company, is an adjudicator for American Dance and Drill Team and enjoys being a part of
Friendswood Friends Church where her husband Bobby is the youth pastor.
Candace received the TCU Fine Arts Guild Scholarship. She was also cast as the soloist in
Susan Jaffe’s original ballet Uncaged. As a choreographer, her worked was selected for
adjudication at the American College Dance Festival. Candace also studied on scholarship at the
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Summer Intensive for two years, and was selected to perform
in their workshop performance. Candace is currently dancing with Hope Stone Inc., under the
direction of Jane Weiner.
Susan Jaffe’s original ballet Uncaged. As a choreographer, her worked was selected for
adjudication at the American College Dance Festival. Candace also studied on scholarship at the
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Summer Intensive for two years, and was selected to perform
in their workshop performance. Candace is currently dancing with Hope Stone Inc., under the
direction of Jane Weiner.