Kristi White Boles is a teacher, choreographer and performer from Knoxville, Tennessee. Mrs. Boles received a B.S. in Dance Education from the University of Tennessee. Kristi has done extensive study with the Royal Academy of Dancing Teacher Training Program, has trained with Mr. Al Gilbert and is certified through Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America. Kristi is former faculty of The University of Tennessee Dance Program (2000-2007), is immediate past President of Dance Masters of America, Chapter 41 of the Mid-South and is the Artistic Director of the Academy of Dance Arts. 

Blair Patterson Sitzlar earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Communications from East Tennessee State University with a Minor in Dance and Performing Arts. Blair began dancing at the age of three, dancing competitively since the age of six. She trained at Academy of Dance Arts for ten years while being a part of the ADA Ensemble. While at college, she was a four-year member of the ETSU Dance Team. Blair currently works as the Director of Tourism and Marketing at the Loudon County Chamber of Commerce.

Abbie Wicker has been with the Academy of Dance Arts since 2004. During
this time, she trained in all styles of dance and was also a member of the Ensemble. This is Abbie’s fifth year as a teacher at ADA. She graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan University, where she majored in Secondary Math Education.

Alex Smith trained at the Academy of Dance Arts for twelve years. She was a member of the ADA Ensemble for seven years. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing Management from Lee University in 2021. She was a choreographer at Lee University from 2021-2023. Alex has been teaching and choreographing at ADA for the past three years.

Ashley Rice earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Florida Gulf Coast University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, Emphasis in Reading, from Grand Canyon University. Ashley was a student of dance for 15 years, taught interpretive dance, and was a member of her church dance team for three years at Faith Promise Church. She just completed her fourth year as a teacher at Lenoir City Elementary School and is currently in her ninth year at the Academy of Dance Arts.