From a very young age, Kristen Dasto had been enamored by her sister’s achievements in dance. At the age of two, Kristen began taking tap and ballet classes as a means of following in her sister’s steps. About two years passed and again, Kristen followed in her sister’s footsteps. She decided to leave the ballet bare behind and instead run head on towards the beam, floor, vault, and bars in gymnastics. After several years of training and competing, Kristen was awarded a spot on the Talent Opportunity Programs (TOPs) team at her local gym in Mississippi. With her new honorable position, Kristen was able to train for a spot on the 2014 Olympics team. However, her local gym closed down, and Kristen’s love of dance soon caught up to her.

Within three years of being in her local dance studio, Kristen discovered her love for the theatre. She found herself in a variety of theatrical productions including Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Gloria), Peter Pan (Tiger Lily), and most recently, The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy Gale). Her outstanding commitment and spectacular performance awarded her several local award nominations. Kristen was nominated for the Northwest Mississippi Theatre Alliance Award a total of three times for her roles of Martha Sowerby in The Secret Garden, Lily St. Regis in Annie, and Babette in Beauty and the Beast. She was presented with the award for Best Featured Actress for her portrayal of Martha Sowerby in The Secret Garden.

Bio

After completing another year of dance training, Kristen was awarded a spot on the competitive team for her local dance studio. She would soon bring home several first-place awards and nationally recognized titles. She soon became an inaugural member of the Mid-South Ballet Company where she starred as Fritz and the Russian soloist in The Nutcracker in 2007.

At the age of 19, Kristen packed her bags and headed to New York City. She would study and flourish in Musical Theatre and Ballet, all the while chasing her dream of becoming a Professional Dancer. "Being a "Pro" and being able to book contract after contract is my ultimate goal, and I have come way too far to let myself give up,” she said.

In 2017, Kristen graduated from Broadway Dance Center’s Training Program. She is also working to expand her knowledge and love of dance to encompass the world of ballroom dancing. Kristen is studying all styles of American and International Latin, Rhythm and Smooth dance at Dance With Me, Midtown.

Kristen was hired by Branson Regional Arts Counsel as a choreographer for a community theatre in Branson, MO. Over the past 18 months, not only has she choreographed such plays as Anything Goes, Aladdin Jr., Legally Blonde and Seussical Jr., she also starred as Lily St Regis (Annie), Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes), Brooke Wyndham (Legally Blonde) and  Babette (Beauty and the Beast).In addition to working for the Arts Counsel, in she was also hired as a featured dancer in Kings Castle Theatre’s Christmas Wonderland for their 2018 season. 

Kristen has also been recruited as a dance teacher for Branson Regional Arts Counsel conducting private lessons, choreographing a Youth Group (Showstoppers) and Staccato (Show Choir) who, in the summer of 2019, was invited to perform in Orland FL.

Kristen knows this is only the beginning to a rewarding career in dance and looks forward to what God has in store for her in the years ahead!