Krista

Krista

Resides:

Blaine, MN

Education:

Bethel University, B.A. in Media Writing, Minor in Small Business Management. Kinesiology Certification, The Kinesiology Institute, Corte Madera, CA. 200hr. Yoga Teaching Certification in Costa Rica

Seven Words That Desribe Me:

Organized, Intuitive, Detail-Oriented, Ambitious, Entrepreneurial, Conscientious, Creative

Best Advice I Ever Received:

If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.

Hobbies:

Although there is now some overlap with work, dance is first and foremost my hobby. My specialty is forms of swing from the 20s & 30s and I travel nationally to teach and compete in balboa, lindy hop and charleston. I also enjoy taking classes in other forms of dance and movement including kizomba, tap, belly dance, afro-modern, zumba and yoga. I am a strong proponent of health and wellness, and enjoy cooking and baking. Since I am gluten-intolerant, I've enjoyed the challenge of experimenting in the kitchen and creating dishes and baked goods that are superior in taste and nutrition to their wheat-based competition.

Something No One Would Guess By Looking At Me:

I played in a handbell choir through college ... it's cooler than you might think.

Favorite Music Artists:

Bruno Mars, John Legend, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Alicia Keys, India Arie, Sam Cooke, Usher, Raphael Saadiq, Musiq Soulchild, The Temptations, Pitbull, Meghan Trainor, Shakira, Maverick City Music, Tauren Wells, Jonathan McReynolds, Stevie Valentine, Kirk Franklin.

Genre Preferences / Specialties:

Anything that makes me want to move. I know a lot about early jazz from the swing era from my experience teaching forms of swing and DJing swing dances. I love classic R&B/Soul and Motown…there's so much good dance music from that era, as well as some great current artists that are producing tracks with a similar feel. Current pop, hip-hop and reggae are also favorites of mine. I also know a lot of Christian worship music. Although not common for dance music, I have put together lists for pre-ceremony and cocktails/dinner time for couples wanting to incorporate faith-based music.

My Relationship with Music:

If silence is golden, in my world music is platinum. No matter what the occasion, there is always some kind of music that can enhance the environment and make each moment more perfect. Whenever possible, I like to have music playing. Even as a child, some of my most memorable gifts were my Fisher Price record player, my red boom box and my first cassette singles. I used to bring the boom box to elementary school to choreograph routines with my friends to great songs from that era such as MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice. Although times have changed, I still cherish my music collection, now digital…and on occasion you can still find me choreographing routines to perform. :)

On Weddings:

Although I'm not married, I have plenty of experience with weddings. My first job in high school was making balloon centerpieces and arches for wedding receptions…back when I lived in rural Michigan and that was the hip thing. I've been a bridesmaid 10 times, I teach dance lessons to couples prepping for their wedding and for a season I designed wedding invitations for couples. So between all of these involvements and DJing with Adagio, I've been a part of over 900 weddings. Each is unique and I would be honored to help you make yours a reflection of yourselves!

Favorite Part About Being a DJ:

Loading equipment. j/k ;) I love achieving a packed floor and seeing people have a good time. I enjoy the challenge of choosing the perfect songs to transition from one genre to another and it's rewarding to see dancers excited about the next song as it starts.

I Want You To Know:

DJing skills are not gender-biased. As a female, it's interesting to find out how many people are out there that think it's a man's job. On the contrary, I think female perception adds an element to my craft and makes me a better DJ.

Additional Questions: