Hailing from San Jose, CA, Kirsten began training with the Jensen School of Performing Arts at the age of 3. She performed and competed as a member the Fancy Dancers having the opportunity to perform all over the U.S. and internationally in France, England, Mexico and on several cruise lines. While training in California, Kirsten’s love of tap grew after taking classes from tap masters such as Sam Weber, Mark Mendonca and Diane Walker. Kirsten came to Illinois by way of college, receiving a BS in Fitness and Sport and a Minor in Dance at Millikin University. At Millikin, she was a member of the Dance Ensemble for all four years and graduated magna cum laude in 2007. Since then, Kirsten has furthered her dance career by teaching with the Decatur Park District & YMCA and choreographing several musicals. She moved to Chicago in the summer of 2009 to pursue her professional dancing career starting with Thodos’ New Dances. She became a member of Cartier Collective (Director Julie Cartier) that fall and started performing all over Chicago doing various freelance works. In 2010, Kirsten had the pleasure of performing with Chicago Tap Theatre as an apprentice, but this year she is delighted to perform as a company member!