Carissa Christensen – Owner
Carissa established Starz Studio of Performing Arts in the fall of 1995. The opening and success of STARZ is the fulfillment of her lifelong dream. “Cari” holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City’s Performing Arts Center. She has an extensive background in both performing and instructing including; Three years with the K.C. Chiefs Cheerleading Squad where she also served as co-captain and choreographer, performing at both Busch Gardens, and Fiesta Texas theme parks, National print modeling, Miss Jackson County and top ten Miss Missouri finalist, Kansas City Chiefettes, and Missouri Repertory Theater. Her enthusiasm for the performing arts is second to none. She is extremely motivated, and totally committed to the success of her students. “Shoot into STARZ and let us make your STARZ shine!”
Jill Beal
Jill has been teaching at STARZ nearly since its inception. She joined Carissa after a fulfilling career as a professional dancer for Princess Cruise Lines, Tokyo Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Busch Gardens. She performed in numerous industrials, trade shows, has done print work and commercials and has even danced for former First Lady, Nancy Raegan. Jill’s background is strongly influenced by ballet where she received 2 full scholarships to the Atlanta Ballet from its director Robert Barnett, acceptance into the School of American Ballet, and several others throughout her years of training. She studied the Checchetti form of ballet and was a member of the Dearborn Ballet Theatre. Jill has been a judge for national dance competitions and has taught several award winning routines and dancers in her career as a teacher. Jill brings a strong knowledge of ballet, jazz, tap, and tumbling to Starz as well as the discipline needed to bring out the best in your dancers.
Mandy Borgelt
Mandy Borgelt (Mandi Marie) holds a B.A. in Dance and Performing Arts from Lindenwood University in St. Louis, Missouri where she pioneered the dance team’s appearances at the UDA college National Championships, quickly evolving the Lion Line dance team toward 6 National titles. Her history with Varsity Brands earned her the title of UDA Head Instructor, State Director, curriculum choreographer, National Dance Team Championships judge, and Performance Cheer Consultant and Official with the International Cheer Union. She coached the collegiate programs at The University of Kansas Rock Chalk Dancers and 5- time National Champion Hawaii Pacific University Dance Team in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Mandi’s fitness career includes an elevated RYT 200 hr. yoga teacher and continuing education provider designation, mat Pilates and barre certifications. She loves exploring the mind-body connection through movement that connects breath and the beat. Currently, Mandi is a faculty member and judge for Dance Champs and Groove National Dance Competition. Her passion project is alchemy G.Y.D.E., an apparel and lifestyle education brand for athletes and artists which fuses dance and yoga, art and science. At home in Kansas City, she enjoys spending time with her beloved son, Bennett, her two doggies Ollie and Dany, and her significant other, Kevin.
Mikayla Gorham
Mikayla began her journey with Starz at the age of 6, and has been with us ever since. Mikayla grew up competing and training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Lyrical. Soon after joining the Starz family, she joined the competition program and continued her dance education through her senior year of high school, graduating in 2015. Following graduation, she completed a Bachelor Degree in General Studies with a minor in child and family development. Mikayla always knew she wanted to keep dance in her life and was thrilled when in 2016 she got the opportunity to join the teaching staff at Starz. Mikayla’s choreography has since received multiple national overall awards, including a career highlight National Grand Champion award. Mikayla is very passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge & love for dance with the students at Starz!
Sarah Fristoe
Sarah Fristoe began her dance training at the age of 3 at Jo Noth’s White Oak Dance Academy. While there she danced competitively for 10 years. She traveled all over the country with her competitive team and got to take classes from some of the most talented artists in the industry. She began assisting classes at her studio at the age of 13 and immediately discovered what she was meant to do with her life.
After graduation from Blue Springs South she went on to attend Stephens College where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in fine arts in dance. While there, she trained with multiple talented teachers, choreographers, and guest artists.
After she graduated, she almost immediately began teaching. She had the privilege of being mentored by an amazing teacher. She owned her own studio for 5 years and in that time, had much success with the students she taught. She and her dancers received multiple choreography, entertainment, overall awards, and more. She is thrilled to begin her 10th year of teaching with the Starz family and is looking forward to watching the students grow as she brings her skills to the Starz faculty.
Alexa Easley
Alexa began dancing at the age of three, joining Starz in 2012. Her passion for dance grew exponentially through her high school graduation in 2018. Alexa danced for the D1 WSU Shockers Dance Team and performed in Grand Carnivale at World’s of Fun. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from UMKC in 2021. Alexa is excited to be in her second year as a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader & a teacher at Starz. She has recently also embarked on a new position as an eye-lash artist in the Oak Grove area. Alexa embodies one of her favorite quotes; “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
