Kris started dancing when she was just 9 years old, after being taken along to her first dance class by her mum (who felt Kris needed a hobby!) at the Latin and Ballroom school ’ DC Dance’.

During the 10 years she spent on the Latin and ballroom scene, Kris represented Essex across the country and competed five times at the British National Open Formation Championships, in 2001 achieving 4th place.

At the age of 14 Kris also began assisting in adult classes and teaching classes for children aged 3-16. Whilst at ‘DC Dance‘ Kris achieved Gold Bar Level 2 in both Ballroom and Latin with the IDTA and NDTA.

After splitting with her long term boyfriend & dance partner in 2007, Kris decided to look around for alternative ways to fulfill her need to dance as much as possible - Kris enjoyed teaching, but found it wasn’t enough on it’s own, as dancing was was what she loved doing most!

Whilst looking for something to satisfy her dancing needs Kris stumbled across the ‘Salsa SOS’ website and emailed Stuart to try to get a feel of what to expect.

After a very heated discussion regarding the differences between ballroom and salsa dancers, Kris decided she simply had to go along – even if only to meet ‘that man’ (Stuart) who was sending her those damned emails!

Kris started her beginners classes with Kerry and, despite her dance background, did her obligatory minimum of 4 weeks before progressing very quickly through Nik‘s Improver and Kimmy’s Intermediate level classes to reach Stuart’s advanced level classes in less than 10 months.

Stuart, who had been keeping a keen eye on her progress, then approached Kris to ask her if she would like train to teach with ‘Salsa SOS‘. Although teaching wasn’t her objective when she started learning Salsa, she accepted the offer.

Since Jan 08 Kris has taught on 5 different club nights at 4 different venues for ‘Salsa SOS’ and has rapidly become a very popular and respected teacher and valued team member.

Kris has also now trained with Joe Davids of The Latin Collective and is now also a valued member of the Latin Collective Team too; running Sundays at las Iguanas – Lakeside on their behalf.

Earlier this Year (2010) Kristie also passed her UKA teaching exam – Congratulations!

Kris appreciates and enjoys all styles of salsa as well as merengue, bachata, cha cha cha and many other Latin dances – She just can’t get enough!

To Kris dancing is extremely important, and couldn‘t imagine her life without it… it’s a great way to keep fit, build self confidence and make new friends. If she had her way dancing would be compulsory in the work place!

“Dance like no one is watching!” Kris x

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