Why Choose Zion School of Performing Arts?

Our instructors have years of experience in dance and teaching, and they are dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential.

Studio Owner & Artistic Director

 Miss Charity brings over 30 years of extensive experience teaching theater, dance, and acrobatics. In 2011, she founded ZION Performing Arts Studio with the vision of creating a Christian-based performing arts environment that supports both artistic growth and personal development. Over the past 14 years, she has been deeply committed to mentoring and nurturing countless students, helping them develop their skills and confidence. Before founding ZION, Charity owned and operated several performing arts companies and studios, including The Children’s Creative Workshop (1993–1995), The Children’s Christian Workshop (1995–1998), and Lighthouse Productions Studio (1998–2009). Throughout these years, she directed and produced a wide range of musicals such as Annie, Babes in Toyland, Hansel and Gretel, and The Little Match Girl. She also created and produced Sunday School Rock, a children’s Christian television program that aired locally for four years.

Charity’s dedication to excellence in dance education has led to numerous regional and national title winners, as well as award-winning routines, with many of her former students advancing to professional careers in prestigious companies like Cirque du Soleil, major New York City productions, and as founders of successful studios. Most recently, she produced and directed her original musical Orphans, which was adapted into a movie with its soundtrack released on major streaming platforms including Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

Charity holds two associate degrees from Broome Community College in Early Childhood Education and Theater/Liberal Arts. She also dedicated nine years to serving in the Children’s Ministry at Calvary’s Love Church. As ZION celebrates its 15th season, Charity remains passionate about continuing to inspire and cultivate the talents of the next generation of performers.

Staff Instructor

 Miss Abi has been a dedicated dancer at ZION for 12 years and brings 17 years of diverse dance experience across multiple styles. She began teaching at ZION at the age of 16 and has since instructed lyrical, contemporary, jazz, acrobatics, tap, and ballet classes. Miss Abi is thrilled to rejoin the ZION staff this year! Through her extensive experience, she has come to see dance as far more than just a performance or athletic endeavor. She believes that dance education should be an uplifting journey that nurtures self-confidence and self-expression. For her, ZION is a truly special place—a blessing within our community. “At ZION, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, build meaningful relationships, find joy in dance, and embrace kindness and honesty. Most importantly, they are reminded that they are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Outside of dance, Miss Abi works as a Registered Nurse, actively participates in her church’s children’s ministry, and treasures time spent with her family, friends, and husband—her greatest supporter. Dance has been her constant passion and source of joy for many years, and she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing her love of dance with all her students.

Ballet Instructor

 This will be Miss Amanda’s tenth year at ZION. She began dancing at age eleven and has loved it ever since. Her passion for ballet was nurtured at the Yvonne Chouteau School of Ballet (formerly the School of Ballet Oklahoma), where she trained under Artistic Director Bryan Pitts and Principal Dancer Victoria Page. During her time there, Amanda performed a variety of roles, including Clara and the Columbine Doll in The Nutcracker.

She also attended the Virginia School of Ballet summer program for two years and studied at the HARID Conservatory for one summer. Additionally, Amanda danced with the University of Oklahoma and took company classes with the Tulsa Ballet. Beyond dance, Amanda is a certified Pilates Mat Instructor, having earned her certification through Balanced Body. She trained with Zayna Gold at Boston Body Pilates and furthered her studies under Nitza Rotstein at Nitza’s Studio in Jerusalem, Israel. Amanda holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma. She is happily married to her best friend, Shay, and they have four wonderful children, whom she considers her greatest gifts. 

Ballet Instructor

 Blessing’s ballet journey began at Ithaca Academy of Dance, where she first developed her passion for ballet. She further enriched her experience through lessons at community centers and several private sessions. At age 12, she began studying under Sara Chaffee at New Life Dance Ministries, where she received the majority of her formal ballet training.

Blessing served as an assistant teacher at New Life Dance Ministries for four years before teaching pre-ballet, beginner ballet, and private lessons for several additional years. She holds an associate degree in Applied Ministries from Davis College. Outside the studio, Blessing enjoys dancing with her sisters and continues to take adult ballet classes at Ithaca Ballet. A devoted mother of two, she met her husband through their shared love of dance. Blessing is passionate about inspiring her students by instilling a strong foundation in ballet, empowering them to achieve their dance goals and dreams. We are delighted to welcome her back to our ZION team for her fourth year!

Staff Instructor

   This year marks A'Daija’s thirteenth year of dance and her eleventh year at ZION. She served as an assistant teacher for four years prior to joining our staff three years ago as an instructor in acrobatics and jazz. Outside of the studio, A'Daija pursues her passion for the culinary arts. 

Homeschool Ballet Instructor

 Ever since Avery was little, she’s had a deep passion for ballet - sparked the first time she watched a performance of Sleeping Beauty. She remembers being completely mesmerized and knew right then that she wanted to dance. Avery has been dancing at ZION for the past nine years, studying ballet and loving every moment of it. Two years ago, she choreographed and performed a short ballet of Alice in Wonderland with a few friends, right in her garage, using homemade costumes and props. Last summer, she took it a step further by fully choreographing a 25-minute ballet of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. She taught and performed it with a larger group of friends—again, with creative homemade costumes and props. Avery is beyond excited to be teaching here this season!