South Carolina Arts Commission

Arts Directory

Christie Leonard

INDIVIDUAL - SCAD ID - #266



SCAD Designations

SCAC Verified Teaching Artist


Contact

christie@acdanceco.com
864-423-9009
Greenville SC


Discipline

  • Dance


Geographical Availability

  • Upstate

About


Christie began her dance training with Frankie Sherman and immediately developed a love and passion for the arts. Her early years of training included classes with Pat Jackson, Felicia Scherz, Glen Irby and Laurie McAlister. Later, she spent time in New York City taking classes from nationally acclaimed instructors at Steps, Peridance and Broadway Dance Center. She also continued her dance education by attending many dance conventions, workshops and masterclasses. For 14 years, Christie owned and operated two studios in Upstate SC and produced, in addition to yearly recitals, the productions of The Nutcracker, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Willy Wonka and original productions of The Enchanted Toy Shop and Storm the Stage. She is the co-owner of AC Dance & Company with Ashley Pritchett and an Integrated arts specialist with the SmartARTS program in Greenville County Schools. Christie’s students have won local and state pageant titles, won numerous awards at regional and national competitions, performed on cruise ships, attended the Ailey School and Joffrey summer programs, chosen as featured performers in the Miss SC pageant, attended the SC Governor’s School for the Arts, as well as the Greenville Fine Arts Center, and AARMES. Her students are in theater and dance programs at many local high schools and at College of Charleston, Washington and Lee University, University of Georgia, Clemson, Lander and USC. Christie is a former director of the Furman University Dance Team. Christie has worked with the Lander University Dance Team, Hillcrest and Mauldin High Dance Teams, worked as a judge for the National American Miss Pageant, Southern Council of Dance Masters, Marvonna National Dance Competition, Star Talent Productions and the American Dance Championships. Christie was also the choreographer for productions of A Christmas Carol and Westside Story for the theater ensemble FIRE.