Director
Christina Edwards started dancing when she was 3 years old in her hometown of Roanoke, Virginia. She continued her dance training until she was 18, taking daily classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary styles. At 17, she toured the country with Dance Makers, Inc. as part of an elite company called "The Collective". In 2015, she joined the dance program at the University of The Arts in Philadelphia, focusing on contemporary, modern, and lyrical styles. Soon after, Christina was accepted into the professional program at Mather Dance Company in California gaining insight into the commercial dance world. After completing the program, she worked for several years as a dancer and choreographer, with notable experiences, including being a featured dancer in an Apple Keynote commercial, choreographing for the International Women’s Day Festival, and teaching at the Next Gen Dance Convention. With 10+ years of experience teaching dance and choreographing competitively, Christina's main passion is to inspire the next generation to be their best. She is married to her best friend James, and they recently welcomed their first daughter, Emmersyn. Christina is excited to share her love for dance with Orchesis for another year.
Christina has held this position since 2023.
Assistant Director
Shawni Jackson began dancing at the age of three. She was born to dance since her mom was a professional dancer and her grandmother owned a dance studio. By the age of six, Shawni was dancing in the competitive field and by the time she was sixteen she was teaching jazz, tap and ballet to young dancers. Shawni danced competitively through high school and performed as a member of the Orchesis Dance Team at Corona del Mar. CDMHS and Orchesis are very near and dear to her heart. After high school she danced professionally for several years allowing her to travel the world.
She has always had a passion for dance and is thrilled to be working with the Orchesis Dance Co. and her alma mater. Shawni strives to inspire and teach the girls how important it is to give back while pursuing what you love.
Shawni is married to her high school sweetheart, Bill. They have 3 children.