THIS IS US
FAITH. COMMUNITY. CREATIVITY.
Elyon's School of Dance (Studio R) was founded as a ministry of Restoration Church in 2014. In 2018, a separate location was established, now known as Elyon's School of Dance and Performing Arts LLC. Our mission at Elyon's School of Dance and Performing Arts is to provide students of all levels with more than just dance classes, but a unique experience in which the student can grow both physically and spiritually as a dancer. Dancing is our vignette, knowing Christ is our destination.
At Elyon's School of Dance we are rooted in Faith, linked through Community, and mobilized by our Creativity. Are you ready to get up and move? Let's Dance! Contact us today to learn more about our studio.
Ariel Foster | Founding Director
Ariel is the Founding Director of Elyon’s School of Dance and is originally from and received most of her formal training in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ariel’s foundational training began at the age of 5 in gymnastics, vault, uneven bars, and beam. Beginning at the Baton Rouge Ballet Academy, Ariel began her 13 years of technical training to include classical ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, pointe, modern, and choreography. For Ariel, dance is a ministry! With over 20 combined years of performance, ministry, and teaching experience; Elyon’s School of Dance will equip the focused student with the skills necessary to execute excellence in dance technique, with a heart of worship.
Kendall Walsingham | Company Director
Ms. Kendall began her journey in dance at Restoration Foursquare Church, where she trained and performed for over seven years as a member of the church’s Dance Ensemble, Spirit and Truth. She later joined Elyon's School of Dance and Performing Arts as its very first student, training under the mentorship of Founding Director Ariel Foster and Nicole Onuszkanycz. Now serving as Company Director at Elyon's, Kendall teaches a wide range of genres, including Preschool/Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Contemporary Worship Arts, Musical Theater, Tap, Jazz, and Pointe. In addition to teaching, she also assists with choreography and training for Elyon’s Missional Company Team. Ms. Kendall is on fire for Christ and is passionate about using her gifts in dance and administration to glorify God and empower others to walk boldly in their calling.
Chanda Crutcher | Creative Director
Chanda Mills Crutcher, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana has called Huntsville home with her Husband and their 5 children for almost 20 years. Mrs. Chanda brings missional focus with a creative flair that was formally cultivated as a thespian, dancer, and ordained minister. Serving Elyon's as our Creative Director for over 6 years, Mrs. Chanda marries pizzaz with purpose to help bring out the very best in each of our students.
Renae Forehand | Dance Instructor
Ms. Renae began dancing at the age of nine at North Alabama Dance Center. She has been a competitive dancer for the last eight years and specializes in contemporary, ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap and acro. She is a three time overall 1st place winner, two time Ms. Huntsville Title winner, and four time improv competition winner. Ms. Renae has also choreographed multiple student choreography pieces and solos at NADC. She also teaches third grade religious education class at her church.
Kirsten Brown | Dance Instructor
Ms. Kirsten has been dancing since the age of four and has been trained in jazz, hip hop, pom, African, modern, contemporary, salsa, ballet and liturgical. Her favorite is liturgical because she loves worshipping the Lord through dance. In 2021, she was awarded the Katie Murphy Dorsey Talent Award for placing 1st place at the Royal Productions by NM talent night. In 2015, Ms. Kirsten was recognized at UAB for the Outstanding Student Athlete award for her overall excellence in her academics and her talents as a UAB Blazerette. Ms. Kirsten danced on several teams that included Sparkman High School Varsity Dance team and was a Lady Rocket for the GDFL Huntsville Rockets. She also held captain titles for several seasons as a UAB Blazerette and AAMU Dancing Jr Bulldog. Ms. Kirsten also trained at Dance Theatre of Huntsville and Ms. Tiffany's Dance. She has choreographed for several events around the state of Alabama for studios and high school dance teams. Her favorite performances include the 2009 Bronner Brothers Hair Show, Daytona 500 and the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Ms. Kirsten is currently a salsa dancer with the Baila Huntsville Student Team.
Samira Hopkinson | Dance Instructor
Ms Samira’s journey with Elyon’s began as a guest artist in our very first recital. Since then, she’s become an integral part of our mission and community, serving as an Advisor with our Missional Company and leading our Pre-Ballet and Jazz classes with grace, skill, and heart. A veteran dancer and passionate educator, Samira brings a nurturing presence to the studio, helping young dancers build strong foundations and a genuine love for movement. Outside of Elyon’s, she serves as a Speech Pathologist in Madison City Schools, continuing her commitment to the growth and development of children both in and out of the arts.