Chrissy O’Donnal, the Owner and Director of Chrissy’s Dance Academy in Helotes, Texas, describes their studio as a family! Even though they have over 600 students in their program, they always make a point to say hello and make everyone feel welcome! They pride themselves in having something for everyone. From the 2 year old in their first year to a middle school recreational dancer to an elite competitive dancer that wants to make a career of dance. They have programs that cover it all!
Their highly qualified staff is dedicated to the success and happiness of all of their students. They work hard to keep the balance between strong technique and a fun environment. The academy is currently in its 12th year.
Chrissy believes that what makes them different is having something for everyone. Many studios will have an amazing competitive program but be a small studio where almost the entire studio competes. Or there are studios with a great recreational program and a large facility but do not offer much in the highly competitive world of dance. They offer both and do both extremely well!! With over 600 students in their recreational program to their National Champion competitive teams!
Chrissy’s proudest moment while coaching was when their elite girls won Starbound National Champions for the first time!! Chrissy was so proud of them! She says that their dancers work so hard and it was nice to see their hard work be awarded!
She believes that the biggest mistake that dancers make is their attitude! Technical issues can be fixed. She feels like sometimes dancers don’t appreciate what they have. In the dance world recently, people feel like the grass is greener on the other side. They quickly find out that is not always the case. Even if the dancers have bad attitudes in conventions, they won’t have an open ear or open heart to absorb what’s being taught.
Chrissy’s Dance Academy’s competitive company doubled in size this year! It’s a great blessing but it is important for Chrissy to maintain the family feel where everyone helps each other out. Whether it be helping to fix their hair in the dressing room or rides to rehearsals, she wants the new members to see this and feel like they are a part of the CDA family!
Chrissy finished college at 22 years old. A few weeks before finishing her student teaching, she went into labor with her first daughter. She had to complete her student teaching the following semester while taking care of an infant. When she went back to student teaching with a dance team, she 
quickly realized that this was not the life she wanted with a family. She knew that opening a studio would be a lot of work but she would be able to bring her daughter to work with her and plan her own hours. Even though it was more hours, there were times that worked for her family and that she could create a program in which she would want her own children.
Chrissy’s Dance Academy has been voted Best Dance Studio in Helotes, Texas on nine different occasions! They recently expanded their current location and now have five amazing rooms for their dancers! According to Chrissy, she is a mom of three amazing children and the wife a truly supportive husband! She is very lucky to have a family that not only supports this journey but loves it as well!
If you would like more information about Chrissy’s Dance Academy, visit their website at www.chrissysdanceacademy.com, call them at 210-695-1511 or email them at info@chrisssdanceacademy.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and connect with them on Instagram.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Chrissy O’Donnal of Chrissy’s Dance Academy.
Written By Cyndi Marziani
Owner
BDancewear.com
