THIS IS US
FAITH. COMMUNITY. CREATIVITY.
Elyon's School of Dance (Studio R) was founded as a ministry of Restoration Church in 2014. In 2018, a separate location was established, now known as Elyon's School of Dance and Performing Arts LLC. Our mission at Elyon's School of Dance and Performing Arts is to provide students of all levels with more than just dance classes, but a unique experience in which the student can grow both physically and spiritually as a dancer. Dancing is our vignette, knowing Christ is our destination.
At Elyon's School of Dance we are rooted in Faith, linked through Community, and mobilized by our Creativity. Are you ready to get up and move? Let's Dance! Contact us today to learn more about our studio.
Ariel Foster | Founding Director
Ariel is the Founding Director of Elyon’s School of Dance and is originally from and received most of her formal training in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ariel’s foundational training began at the age of 5 in gymnastics, vault, uneven bars, and beam. Beginning at the Baton Rouge Ballet Academy, Ariel began her 13 years of technical training to include classical ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, pointe, modern, and choreography. For Ariel, dance is a ministry! With over 20 combined years of performance, ministry, and teaching experience; Elyon’s School of Dance will equip the focused student with the skills necessary to execute excellence in dance technique, with a heart of worship.
Kendall Walsingham | Company Director
Ms. Kendall began her journey in dance while serving as a member of Restoration Church’s Dance Ensemble “Spirit and Truth” where she trained and performed extensively for over 7 years. Ms. Kendall joined Elyon’s as a student where she began training under the direction of Elyon’s Founding Director, Ariel Foster. Ms. Kendall began to serve with the Elyon’s Teaching Staff as Teaching Assistant before officially joining the Elyon’s Staff as an Instructor. Ms. Kendall now teaches Preschool/Pre-Ballet, Ballet 1-3, Contemporary Worship Arts, and Pre-Pointe/Pointe. Ms. Kendall is currently a lead company dancer with Elyon’s and is studying under the direction of Ariel Foster and Nicole Onuskanycz. She is currently on fire for Christ and is passionate about sharing her love for Him through her gifts of worship and empowering others to do the same!
Chanda Crutcher | Creative Director
Chanda Mills Crutcher, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana has called Huntsville home with her Husband and their 5 children for almost 20 years. Mrs. Chanda brings missional focus with a creative flair that was formally cultivated as a thespian, dancer, and ordained minister. Serving Elyon's as our Creative Director for over 6 years, Mrs. Chanda marries pizzaz with purpose to help bring out the very best in each of our students.
Sarah Lawson | Dance Instructor
Ms. Sarah took dance at Steps of Faith Performing Arts Center and then later at Backstage Performing Arts for a combined total of 16 years, and has taught for 3 years. She has experience in tap, ballet, modern, jazz, pointe, and hip hop and competed for 9 years. Sarah wants to share her love for the dance with people in a way that glorifies the Lord.
Kirsten Brown | Dance Instructor
Ms. Kirsten has been dancing since the age of four and has been trained in jazz, hip hop, pom, African, modern, contemporary, salsa, ballet and liturgical. Her favorite is liturgical because she loves worshipping the Lord through dance. In 2021, she was awarded the Katie Murphy Dorsey Talent Award for placing 1st place at the Royal Productions by NM talent night. In 2015, Ms. Kirsten was recognized at UAB for the Outstanding Student Athlete award for her overall excellence in her academics and her talents as a UAB Blazerette. Ms. Kirsten danced on several teams that included Sparkman High School Varsity Dance team and was a Lady Rocket for the GDFL Huntsville Rockets. She also held captain titles for several seasons as a UAB Blazerette and AAMU Dancing Jr Bulldog. Ms. Kirsten also trained at Dance Theatre of Huntsville and Ms. Tiffany's Dance. She has choreographed for several events around the state of Alabama for studios and high school dance teams. Her favorite performances include the 2009 Bronner Brothers Hair Show, Daytona 500 and the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Ms. Kirsten is currently a salsa dancer with the Baila Huntsville Student Team.
Emma Baugh | Dance Instructor
Ms. Emma began dancing at the age of three and has training in ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, and musical theatre. The majority of her dance experience took place at Buffa's Dance Studio in Burke, Virginia, and she competed with them for a total of three years. During college, she participated in an organization called Impact Dance. She was a leadership officer and choreographer for the organization her senior year. After graduating with a degree in education and moving to Alabama, she taught and coached a competitive middle school dance team for two years. Emma is excited to share her love of glorifying Christ through dance and to continue her dance journey.