Chrissy Montoya was born in the small town of St. Johns, Arizona but grew up in South Phoenix. Chrissy began her academic journey with the University of Arizona, taking time off periodically to work with professional dance companies. Chrissy started her professional career with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago as a second company member. She continued her career with David Taylor Dance Theatre, Scorpius Dance Theatre, and Center Dance Ensemble, guesting periodically with Queen City Ballet and Legacy Dance Theater. Chrissy also enjoyed dancing on pointe with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, performing as Doris Vidanya around the world, including Japan, Israel, France, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Finland, Spain, and Italy. 

Moving to Seattle in 2011, Chrissy completed her undergraduate degree with Cornish College of the Arts, while also performing with Seattle Dance Project and Men In Dance. While at Cornish, Chrissy’s goals shifted from professional work to teaching dance in higher education, which led her to receive her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Washington. She chose the University of Washington dance department because its curriculum and faculty is one of the best in the country, and she knew the program would prepare her for teaching at the collegiate level while assisting her to understand the importance of dance education. A highlight while attending the University of Washington was working with Chamber Dance Company performing works: To Have and To Hold and Moonlight by Shapiro and Smith, Petrousckha’s Room by Michel Fokine, Cloudless by Susan Marshall, and Center of My Heart by Douglas Elkins. Chrissy is most proud of the class that she developed on the Romantic era of ballet with the assistance of Professor Hannah Wiley.

After graduate school, Chrissy began working with Spectrum Dance Theater as the Ballet Division Head, which then turned into the School Director while also teaching open class for Dance Fremont. After Spectrum, Chrissy served as the Managing Director of Dance Fremont. Moving forward, Chrissy would like to further develop her studies of ballet history and looks forward to teaching future generations of dancers at Dance Conservatory and Dance Theatre Seattle.