Our team.
Christine Fink
Owner + Director
Christine Fink is the owner and director of Christine’s Dance Company, a thriving and highly respected dance studio in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Since opening the studio in 2008, Christine has built a program known for its strong technical training, positive culture, and commitment to developing confident, well-rounded dancers.
Christine began dancing at the age of five and trained at studios in Madison, WI; Dallas, TX; and Marion, OH. She later attended the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where she studied business entrepreneurship and IT while continuing to teach and train. During her time at UW–Eau Claire, she was also a member of the dance team, earning top-six placements in both jazz and hip hop at the UDA National Competition in Orlando, FL.
As a director and instructor, Christine is known for her ability to develop dancers who are not only technically strong, but disciplined, confident, and driven. Her approach emphasizes consistency, attention to detail, and accountability, while creating an environment where dancers feel supported and motivated to grow.
Under Christine’s leadership, Christine’s Dance Company has grown into a program that prioritizes long-term development, strong work ethic, and a positive team culture. She is deeply passionate about helping dancers reach their full potential and creating an experience that leaves a lasting impact on every student and family who walks through the doors.
Maren McMannes
Assistant Director
Maren McMannes is the Assistant Director of Christine’s Dance Company and a Master Competitive Instructor. She brings a high level of training, leadership, and experience to the studio, with a strong background in both studio and competitive dance.
Originally from Minnetonka, MN, Maren trained and competed extensively at Summit Dance Shoppe in a wide range of styles. She went on to dance collegiately at North Dakota State University, where she competed at UDA College Nationals, earning a national championship in Division I Pom.
Maren began teaching and coaching early in her career, working with both studio and high school programs before leading multiple competitive teams in Milwaukee. Her choreography has earned recognition at both regional and national levels, and she is known for developing strong, disciplined, and technically advanced dancers.
Since joining Christine’s Dance Company in 2019, Maren has become an essential part of the leadership team and a driving force behind the growth of the competitive program. She specializes in training Company dancers and is known for her attention to detail, consistency, and ability to push dancers to reach their full potential.
Maren is MuvMethod Certified in safe and effective flexibility practices and holds a Choreography and Composition certification through CLI Studios. She is deeply committed to developing confident, hardworking dancers and creating a training environment that challenges and supports each individual.
Haley Ferguson
Master Instructor
Haley Ferguson is an integral part of both our recreational and competitive programs. She brings a high level of training, creativity, and leadership to the studio, working with dancers of all ages and levels.
Originally from Marshfield, WI, Haley was classically trained in Russian and French ballet technique at Main Street Conservatory of Dance. She went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where she earned her degree in Business Administration and Dance while actively performing, choreographing, and serving on the executive board of the Concert Dance Company.
Haley is known for her exceptional choreography, strong attention to detail, and ability to bring out the very best in her dancers. Whether in a recreational or competitive setting, she focuses on developing strong technique, performance quality, and confidence, helping each dancer reach their full potential.
She creates a focused yet positive classroom environment where dancers are challenged, supported, and inspired to grow. Her impact is seen across all areas of the studio, and her dedication continues to elevate the level of training at Christine’s Dance Company.
Kristel Calkins
Acro Director + Front Desk Manager
Kristel Calkins is the Front Desk Manager and Acro Director, playing a vital role in both the daily operations of the studio and the development of our Acro program. She brings a unique combination of organization, leadership, and teaching expertise that supports both families and dancers at every level.
Kristel holds a degree in Preschool through High School Special Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders. Her educational background gives her a strong understanding of child development, learning styles, and communication, allowing her to create a structured, supportive, and inclusive environment for dancers of all ages and abilities.
As Acro Director, Kristel has fully committed herself to advancing the acro program at CDC. She holds multiple certifications, including Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and Preschool Certification, MuvMethod Safe Stretch Certification, and a Choreography Certification through CLI Studios. She is deeply dedicated to continuing her education and staying current with best practices in both dance and acro training.
Kristel is known for her attention to detail, high expectations, and genuine investment in each dancer’s progress. She is passionate about developing safe, technically strong, and confident athletes while creating an environment where dancers feel supported and motivated to grow. Her commitment to both student development and continued education makes her a driving force behind the success of the acro program at CDC.
Jillian Brunette
Front Desk Manager
Jillian Brunette is the friendly face behind the front desk at Christine’s Dance Company and an essential part of the day-to-day operations of the studio. She plays a key role in keeping everything running smoothly, from managing communication with families to supporting staff and helping ensure each day at CDC stays organized and on track.
Jillian brings a strong background in dance as a former competitive dancer, and her knowledge and experience allow her to step into the classroom as a substitute instructor when needed. Her versatility and willingness to jump in wherever she’s needed make her an invaluable part of the team.
She is known for her incredibly positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to handle anything that comes her way. Jillian brings energy, efficiency, and attention to detail into everything she does, and her behind-the-scenes work is a major part of what allows the studio to operate at such a high level.
Families and staff alike appreciate Jillian’s welcoming presence and willingness to help with anything needed. She is truly one of a kind and a valued part of the CDC team—someone who keeps everything (and everyone) on track.
Rachel Oftedahl
Lead Instructor
Rachel Oftedahl specializes in working with our preschool and early-level dancers. She brings a warm, energetic, and encouraging presence into the classroom, creating an environment where young dancers feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn.
Rachel has an extensive background in both dance and teaching. She trained and competed throughout her youth and went on to dance and choreograph at the collegiate level while earning her degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has also coached high school dance teams, directed youth dance programs, and taught a wide variety of classes across multiple age groups.
Rachel is deeply committed to continuing her education as an instructor. She holds multiple certifications, including Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and Preschool training, as well as additional early childhood dance education through CLI Studios. Her dedication to learning allows her to provide developmentally appropriate, engaging, and effective instruction for young dancers.
Since joining Christine’s Dance Company, Rachel has become a favorite among our youngest dancers and families. She has a natural ability to connect with children while building strong foundational skills in a fun, positive, and structured way. Her classes focus on confidence, coordination, and a love for dance, setting the stage for long-term growth within the program.
Blair Dahlstrom
Lead Instructor
Blair Dahlstrom brings a high level of professional training and performance experience to the studio. She holds a BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia and has trained extensively in ballet, modern, and contemporary techniques.
Blair has performed professionally with companies such as Spectrum Dance Theater in Seattle and Ad Deum Dance Company in Houston, with opportunities to perform both nationally and internationally. Her training includes a strong foundation in modern techniques, including Cunningham-based work, with an emphasis on precision, musicality, and expressive movement.
In addition to her performance career, Blair has several years of experience teaching and choreographing for dancers of all ages. She has taught a wide range of styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, and acrobatics, working with both recreational and competitive dancers.
Blair brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to the classroom, focusing on strong technique, body awareness, and intentional movement. She creates a supportive and focused environment where dancers are encouraged to grow both technically and artistically.
Dana Brettingen
Lead Instructor
Dana Brettingen is a Rice Lake native who brings both experience and a genuine love for working with dancers of all ages. She began dancing at the age of three and has trained in a variety of styles, developing a strong and well-rounded background in both recreational and competitive dance.
Dana was a member of the Rice Lake High School Dance Team, the Warriorettes, and now serves as a coach for the same program, working with dancers in competitive Pom, Jazz, and Kick. Her continued involvement in the dance team world brings valuable insight, energy, and real-world experience into the classroom.
In addition to her work in dance, Dana holds both undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Minnesota Duluth and works as a Speech Language Pathologist for the Rice Lake School District. Her background allows her to connect with students in a thoughtful, supportive, and effective way.
Since joining Christine’s Dance Company, Dana has become a favorite among dancers and families. She is known for her positive energy, strong classroom presence, and ability to make every dancer feel seen and supported. Dana is passionate about helping dancers build confidence, develop strong technique, and enjoy the process of learning and growing.
Rachael Nehring
Lead Instructor
Rachael began her ballet training at the age of four, spending 12 years in a pre-professional company in St. Louis, Missouri before continuing her studies abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia. There, she trained with the Mussorgsky Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the Rimsky-Korsakov School.
Rachael went on to attend Butler University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Pedagogy. Her performance experience includes featured roles such as the Rat Queen (The Nutcracker), Berthe (Giselle), Queen Mother (Sleeping Beauty), and the Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland) with Butler Ballet and the Alexandra Ballet Company.
In addition to performing, Rachael has professionally choreographed original ballet works for St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Dance Repertory Company and Dance Repertory Company II, as well as multiple sections of The Nutcracker.
Since joining Christine’s Dance Company, Rachael has become an integral part of our faculty, bringing a high level of technical training, artistry, and attention to detail to our dancers. She is passionate about developing strong ballet technique while helping dancers grow in confidence, discipline, and performance quality.
Rachael’s experience and dedication continue to elevate the level of ballet training at CDC, and she is a valued leader within our program.
Kacee Evans
Lead Instructor
Kacee Evans is a longtime member of Christine’s Dance Company and a Lead Instructor on staff. She began dancing at CDC at a young age and has grown into a strong, technically trained dancer and a respected leader within the program.
As a competitive dancer, Kacee was known for her consistency, work ethic, and attention to detail. She developed a strong foundation across multiple styles and was a key member of the Company program, earning the respect of both her peers and instructors through her dedication and leadership.
Kacee brings a calm, steady presence into the classroom and is known for her ability to connect with dancers while maintaining high expectations. She is passionate about helping dancers refine their technique, build confidence, and develop the discipline needed to succeed both in and out of the studio.
Kacee will be attending the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where she will be a member of the Blugold Dance Team while pursuing a degree in Exercise Science. She is proud to continue her dance career while also giving back to the program that played such a meaningful role in her development.
Lily Donohue
Lead Instructor
Lily Donohue is a longtime member of Christine’s Dance Company and a Lead Instructor on staff. She grew up training within the CDC program, developing into a strong, versatile dancer known for her performance quality, attention to detail, and consistency.
As a competitive dancer, Lily was a key member of the Company program, where she built a strong technical foundation and gained valuable experience across multiple styles. Her work ethic, leadership, and ability to connect with others made her a respected role model among her peers and younger dancers.
Lily brings a positive, encouraging presence into the classroom and is passionate about helping dancers grow in both confidence and technique. She is especially excited to share her love for dance with the next generation and create an environment where dancers feel supported and motivated to improve.
Lily will be attending the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where she will be a member of the Blugold Dance Team while pursuing a degree in Business Communications. She is proud to continue her dance career while also giving back to the program that played such an important role in her development.
Vanessa Holland
Lead Instructor
Vanessa Holland brings both strong technical training and a warm, positive presence into the classroom. She has an extensive background in dance, training for many years at the American Dance Academy and the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet, where she developed a strong foundation in ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Vanessa has experience teaching and choreographing for a wide range of ages and levels, with a focus on proper technique, alignment, and overall dancer development. She has trained in a variety of methods and styles, including Cecchetti ballet, Graham, Limón, and release techniques, giving her a well-rounded and knowledgeable approach to teaching.
Since joining Christine’s Dance Company, Vanessa has become a favorite among our younger dancers and families. She is known for her kind, patient, and encouraging teaching style, creating a positive environment where dancers feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn. Her classes focus on building strong fundamentals while helping each dancer grow both technically and personally.
Vanessa is passionate about sharing her love of dance and is committed to continuing to grow as an instructor while supporting each dancer’s individual journey.
Jamyne Zappa
Lead Tap Instructor
Jamyne is a Christine’s Dance Company alum and a member of the teaching staff, specializing in tap. She began dancing at CDC at a young age and trained extensively within the program, developing a strong technical foundation, musicality, and a genuine passion for performance.
During her time as a competitive dancer, Jamyne was a standout member of the CDC Tap Crew, known for its precision, rhythm, and award-winning performances. Her attention to detail, work ethic, and consistency set her apart as both a dancer and a leader within the program.
Since stepping into her role as an instructor, Jamyne has brought fresh energy and perspective to the tap program. She is passionate about building strong fundamentals, helping dancers develop confidence, and creating an environment where students feel motivated to grow and improve.
Jamyne is committed to continuing her development as both a dancer and educator and is excited to give back to the program that played such a significant role in her own training.
McKenzie Calkins
Lead + Assistant Instructor
McKenzie Calkins is a dedicated member of our competitive program and also a lead and assistant instructor. She has trained extensively at CDC, developing into a strong, versatile dancer with advanced technical skills and a deep understanding of performance and choreography.
As a competitive dancer, McKenzie is known for her work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to continued growth. She consistently demonstrates discipline, coachability, and a positive attitude—qualities that make her a strong role model for younger dancers.
As she steps into her role as an instructor, McKenzie is excited to begin leading her own classes and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of dancers. She brings energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for helping dancers build confidence, improve their technique, and enjoy the learning process.
McKenzie is committed to continuing her development as both a dancer and educator, and she looks forward to making a positive impact within the CDC community.
Gracie Jensen
Lead + Assistant Instructor
Gracie is an instructor at Christine’s Dance Company and a dedicated member of our competitive program. She has trained extensively at CDC, developing into a strong, well-rounded dancer with excellent technique, performance quality, and versatility across multiple styles.
As a competitive dancer, Gracie is known for her strong work ethic, consistency, and attention to detail. She approaches her training with focus and determination, while also bringing a positive attitude and team-first mindset into every class and rehearsal.
Gracie is excited to step into her role as an instructor and begin leading her own classes. She is passionate about working with younger dancers, helping them build confidence, develop strong foundational skills, and grow in their love for dance.
She is committed to continuing her development as both a dancer and educator and looks forward to making a meaningful impact within the CDC community.
Cadence Gifford
Assistant Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Emma Gifford
Assistant Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Alexa Keown
Assistant Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Bria Moen
Assistant Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Karlee Seifert
Assistant Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Raegan Stearns-Kutyba
Assistant Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Additional staff with photos & bios coming soon:
Genevieve Ayd (Assistant Instructor)
Alaina Chaplin (Assistant Instructor)
Rory Gretschmann (Assistant Instructor)
Kristie Jensen (Front Desk Associate)