CHRISTINA VANDENBERG (Artistic Director/Choreographer/Dancer) directs the 9th Avenue School of Dance and Aria Dance Company. Her dance career began at age six with Jan Collum School of Classical Ballet, Tacoma, Washington, where she performed with Balletacoma. She later studied with Long Beach City Ballet, Daytona Beach Civic Ballet and locally with Ballet Cascadia, Cornish College of the Arts and Pacific Northwest Ballet. She has performed in “The Bluebird,” “Alice In Wonderland,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “The Adventures of a Little Mermaid,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Spring Repertoire Showcase,” “Divas of the Dance,” “Run On,” “Waking,” and 9th Avenue School’s Nutcracker productions and Aria’s touring shows.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Washington. Presently her duties include directing 9th Avenue School of Dance where she also teaches ballet classes; directing Aria Dance Company as well as choreographing for the company. She loves dance and teaching—the aspects of her life that gives her inspiration, joy and harmony.

ERIN KARALUS (Dancer) joined Aria Dance Comapny in January 2004. Training in dance since age three, she is presently studying ballet and jazz at 9th Avenue School of Dance. Her performing experience includes many dance recitals, Aria Dance Company touring shows and their annual productions at the Knutzen Family Theatre and five Nutcracker productions for 9th Avenue School of Dance. Erin is in Choir at her school and is very active in Girl Scouts and her church.

SHANNON KNOBEN (Dancer) joined Aria July 2003. Her dance training began at age three at Dance Unlimited, later at Ballet Allegre and is now continuing studying ballet, lyrical and jazz at 9th Avenue School of Dance. Her performing experience began in 1995 as a “Lullaby Girl” in Ballet Allegre’s “Nutcracker Excerpts” and she has been a cast member in all of 9th Avenue School’s Nutcracker productions. Shannon was also a member of Showstoppers Dance Group, and has performed with their touring shows and dance competitions. She has danced in all of 9th Avenue School’s recitals and has participated in several LA Dance Force workshops and has performed with Aria in their touring shows and their annual shows at the Knutzen Family Theatre. She is a Sophomore at Decatur High School. Shannon is also Assistant Artistic Director of Showstoppers.

MOLLY LAWSON (Dancer) began dance classes at age three and one-half with Federal Way Parks & Recreation. She continued her dance studies at Evergreen City Ballet for seven years where she performed in their Nutcracker productions and their original ballet “Journey.” Molly has been in several church musicals with solo roles. Now studying ballet and jazz at 9th Avenue School of Dance, she continues to dance in their annual Nutcracker productions. A member of Aria Dance Company since August 2002, she has performed in their touring shows and their annual productions at the Knutzen Family Theatre. She has attended the Summer Dance Labs at Whitman College in Walla Walla and the LA Dance Force workshops in Seattle.

TIFFANY MOORE (dancer) joined Aria Dance Company. in 2006. She has been training in various dance forms since age 10 and is now enrolled in ballet and jazz classes at 9th Avenue School of Dance. She was previously with Mission In Motions, A Pointe Above and Mary Jo Performing Arts Academy in Florida, and has performed in many recitals. She is looking forward to her first show with Aria and also to be performing in their touring shows.

ADRIANNA OPHEIM (Dancer) joined Aria Dance Company September 2006. Studying dance since age three, she is now continuing her studies at 9th Avenue School of Dance. She has performed in recitals, shows and Christmas performances at her previous dance school, British Dancing Academy. “Anna” is now performing in Aria’s touring shows and was cast in 9th Avenue School of Dance’s 2006 Nutcracker production. Her preference in music is most all, but maybe more rock than any other and she never refuses a big dish of blueberry ice cream. College is soon to become a reality for her.

LAURA PITTMAN (Dancer) a member of Aria Dance Company since April 2004. Her entire dance training since age four has taken place at 9th Avenue School of Dance where she is now enrolled in ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and jazz classes. Laura is presently a Sophomore at Tacoma School of the Arts, where she is majoring in drama and dance. Her performing experience includes all of 9th Avenue School’s annual recitals as well as dancing in the school’s Nutcracker productions. She performs with Aria Dance Company in their touring shows and their annual shows at the Knutzen Family Theatre.