CariJoy grew up in Amherst County where she danced at a local studio from ages 3-18. She was trained in a variety of styles including tap, jazz, lyrical/contemporary and ballet. She began dancing competitively at age 12 where she attended Tremaine Dance Convention. Her competition team earned the top awards for their tap and jazz pieces they brought to the stage. By the age of 17 she was asked to become a part of the local studio staff as an instructor. Inspired by her first dance teacher, she decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance at James Madison University where she graduated in 2011. CariJoy had the opportunity to choreograph several dance pieces through her college career with some being featured in concerts.

 

After 4 years in college, CariJoy left her home state of Virginia and moved to Dallas, Texas to become a member of Ingredients Professional Dance Company for two years. The company was a dance program coupled with a discipleship program that taught dancers how to minister to people through movement. Through this dance ministry CariJoy performed nationally, traveled and assisted hundreds of dancers with the dance convention, Dance Revolution, went on mission trips, and ministered through events at Gateway Church. She had the opportunity to work with world renowned choreographers such as Kent Boyd, Robert Roldan and Kathryn McCormick from So You Think You Can Dance. She also performed live with the Christian artist, Kari Jobe.

 

CariJoy taught several dance classes such as tap, contemporary, modern and leaps and turns for Leap of Faith Dance Studio in Arlington, Texas. Since she has been back in Virginia she has been teaching modern/contemporary dance workshops, fitness classes as well as teaching private lessons for growing dancers. CariJoy is excited for her next step in her life in Richmond, Virginia, and is excited for the amazing opportunities that are ahead!