(573) 760-0560
Our Team
Our instructors are highly qualified, experienced and passionate, providing a high level of technical instruction and fun to all ages and abilities. Our goal is to provide an environment for our students to gain the greatest combination of dance and life skills.
Chelsey Freund
(feat. @Nellie.thebernedoodle)
Co-Owner / Dance Director
Chelsey started her dance training locally in downtown Farmington at the young age of 2 years old. At first, dance was just a hobby, but it wasn't long before she realized it was something she wanted to do forever. After graduating high school in 2010, Chelsey attended Lindenwood University where she studied business prior to being accepted into Mineral Area College's Nursing Program, where she would graduate with her Associate Degree of Science in Nursing in the Spring of 2014. Through the years, Chelsey has attended numerous dance competitions, conventions, and seminars to continue expanding her knowledge base in dance. Chelsey attended Dance Masters of America's "Teacher's Training School" in NY, which is a program with an approach to dance education that ensures dance educators are providing both a creative and structured pathway for quality learning. Chelsey has experience choreographing for students of all ages and levels, as well as several years’ experience as an adjudicator for Triumph National Talent Competition. Her goal as Dance Director is to ensure both students and families have a professional and memorable dance experience.
Kara Montgomery
Company Choreographer
Kara Montgomery is a dance instructor and choreographer. Kara was born and raised in Farmington Missouri. She is a 2002 graduate of Farmington High School. Kara is a proud knightline alumni. She received her associates of arts degree from Mineral Area College and Bachelors of Arts in elementary education from Central Methodist University.
Kara trained in dance for 13 years before opening her own studio, Fredericktown Dance Academy, in 2003. After enjoying 13 years of spreading the joy of dance to students in the Fredericktown area she hung up her ownership hat to spend more time with her family. She continued teaching dance at Triplett and Propst performing arts studio and The Dance Studio of Poplar Bluff before becoming an instructor at FCAC. She also remains on the teaching staff at Trilogy Dance and Tumbling Center in Pevely Missouri. Over the many years of teaching Kara has received numerous awards for her work including; 40 choreography awards both regionally and nationally, 3 awards in technical excellence, her students/routines have received countless overall awards both regionally and nationally. Kara continues to teach workshops and choreograph around the southeast Missouri area. She believes dance is for everyone and that every student can achieve valuable lessons to assist them throughout every aspect of their lives. Kara currently resides in Fredericktown with her husband Paul, daughter Khloe and dog Sophie.
Adrienne Baumer
Company Choreographer / Elite Team Director
Adrienne Baumer is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and began her dance career at the age of three; she has been training and developing her craft for over 20 years. Adrienne has developed that love into creating a space for kids to grow up and develop the same passion. Adrienne has been a professional assistant for Dupree Convention and Dance League Dance Convention. She supplemented her dance training with vocal and acting lessons for the same amount of time. Adrienne has appeared in the music video “Skr Skr” for St. Louis artist Mai Lee and “Just Like We Want It” for the band Cavo. She has appeared in many concept and film videos under the direction of Anthony Redd Williams, Kameron Saunders, Gheremi Clay and Sara Brendel. Adrienne has performed at Ballpark Village in St. Louis, as well as appeared in several fashion show opening numbers. She spent a summer in California learning under the direction of artists like Bill Prudich, Terri Best, and Rony Jacques. While continuing to perform in music and concept videos, as well as performing onstage, Adrienne developed a love for teaching dance and choreography. She has choreographed for several studios within the St. Louis/Illinois area, and began her teaching career with Jane Mannion School of Dance. Her choreography has won many regional and national awards in the short time she has been choreographing. Adrienne previously owned The Dance Project in Farmington, Missouri and is excited to dive deep into choreography & teaching once again! Her goals are to cultivate a love of dance and instill confidence in each young artist that trains underneath her.
Melissa Miller
Company Choreographer + Recreational Instructor
Melissa Miller began her dance training at the age of two at Farmington Creative Arts Centre. While there, she received numerous dance awards including top Missouri State Senior Soloist 2020 and top Star Bound National Dance Competition senior soloist. She has participated in judging the Farmington Dance Invitational and choreographed for school dance teams such as Farmington Senior High, Central High School, Fredericktown High School, St. Pius High School, and several more. Melissa has worked with many outstanding choreographers including Caitlyn Wheeler, Tricia Zweier, Brandon Hudson, Kent Boyd, and Madi Hicks, who gave Melissa the task of performing a live monologue while dancing. In 2022 she performed as the lead dancer for the Veiled Prophet Ball as well as performed in a piece for the 2022 National Dance Week in St. Louis. Melissa graduated from Lindenwood University with a Bachelor of Arts in dance. While there, she had the opportunity to serve as special events chair for the Synergy dance club and set work in the 2022 Synergy Spring Informal dance concert. Melissa traveled with the Lindenwood University Dance Program to attend and perform at the 2023 American College Dance Association Central Conference convention. Melissa has taught classes for Performing Arts Center, The Dance Project, and Fusion Dance Center, and currently teaches full time with Farmington Creative Arts Centre. Since starting her full-time teaching career at FCAC she has been awarded 3 choreography awards and been nominated for choreography of the year by Platinum Dance Competition.
Andi Sparks
Company Choreographer + Recreational Instructor
Andi Sparks is a seasoned dancer and dedicated educator with a lifelong passion for dance. Hailing from Farmington, Missouri, Andi embarked on her dance journey at the young age of three. She honed her skills at a local studio throughout her early years, transitioning to the dance team during middle school where her talent and leadership shone brightly.
Andi's commitment to dance was evident as she assumed the role of choreographer during her 11th-grade year and served as captain in both 8th and 12th grades, demonstrating not only her technical prowess but also her ability to inspire and lead others.
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For the past seven years, Andi has been one of the driving forces behind the Farmington Knightline Dance Team, where she has tirelessly coached and mentored students, nurturing their talent and instilling in them the values of discipline and teamwork. Some of her work has placed in the top five at the national level.
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In addition to her coaching role, Andi has spent the last four years at The Dance Project, where she has shared her expertise by teaching a diverse range of classes including jazz, hip hop, tumbling, recreational and company classes. Her greatest joy lies in working closely with her students, guiding them towards personal growth and artistic excellence. Andi prides herself in forming strong connections with her students as she encourages them towards their goals.
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Since teaching at The Dance Project, her pieces have placed in the top 10, top 5, several 1st overalls, a highest scoring routine of a session, and a multitude of judges awards. Andi loves to create entertaining pieces that engage the crowd.
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With a Bachelor's Degree in K-12 Physical Education from Southeast Missouri State University, Andi brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching to her dance practice. She firmly believes in the transformative power of dance education and is committed to empowering the next generation of dancers to reach their full potential.
Lexie Stamp
Company Choreographer + Recreational Instructor
Lexie Stamp's dance journey began at the age of three in Fredericktown, Missouri. From those early beginnings, her love for dance only grew stronger as she continued to refine her skills in Farmington, Missouri at The Dance Project until she graduated in 2021.
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Driven by her passion for both education and dance, Lexie pursued her studies at Mineral Area College, where she earned her Associates in Elementary Education. She now sets her sights on a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education at Central Methodist University, with graduation set for spring 2025.
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After she graduated high school, Lexie came back to teach at TDP. During her time teaching, Lexie's dedication and talent as a teacher shone brightly as she mentored students for three fulfilling years. Now, as she eagerly anticipates her role at FCAC, Lexie is thrilled for the new chapter in her teaching journey. She looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of her students, guiding them through their own dance journey with enthusiasm and grace.
Amber Hoene
Company Choreographer + Technique
Amber Hoene was born and raised in Alton, IL where she grew up as a competitive dancer. She trained in various styles and won many awards and accolades throughout her competitive journey. She then went on to major in dance in college and graduated cum laude with a Bachelors of Arts from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Theater and Dance with an emphasis Dance. She took a few years to grow as a dance educator and then decided to continue her education at SIUe. She graduated with honors with a Masters in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology in May of 2023. She currently serves as the Head Coach of the McKendree University Dance Team. She still assists and has taught in the Dance Program at SIUE. In addition to teaching at FCAC, she also teaches at Performing Arts Centre in St. Charles, Missouri as well as Turning Pointe Academy of Dance in Maryville, Illinois.
Amber is setting out to specifically work with dancers and share her passion of dance and athleticism to blend them safely and effectively. She wants to help educators and dancers learn safe ways to grow and build strength to ensure their dancers have long, successful careers and bodies. She has had the best time learning and is ready to share her knowledge with all of you!