848-333-3273
Meet Our Staff
Christina Wright
Owner, Director, Teacher, Choreographer
Miss Christina began dancing at Steppin' Up Dance/First Class Dance Academy, where she was a member of their award-winning competition team, she received scholarships to join the Joffrey ballet trainee program and
Starpower Competition’s Power Pack. She auditioned for Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s
Performing Arts Academy and spent her four years of high school studying the fine arts.
At the young age of fifteen, she started teaching her own classes. She fell in love with the passion her
students showed towards the arts. In 2013, she was recognized by The State Organization on Arts and
Disabilities and was presented with a Governor’s Award and an Arts Excellence Award in dance for
acting as a role model and inspiration to all students with disabilities.
After high school she received a full scholarship to attend Georgian Court University as a dance major.
While there, she performed as a guest dancer with Hee Rah Yoo and Company at the “2015
Choreographers’ Canvas” in New York City. Miss Christina's choreography “1in6” has been showcased at the
American College Dance Association’s Adjudication showcase, That Which Connects, Camden's Festival
of Dance in 2017, and Bridge for Dance Uptown Rising series in 2019. She graduated with her Bachelor
of the Arts in Dance from Georgian Court University.
Since then she has graduated from Rowan University with her masters in Theater Arts Administration
and is currently pursuing her dream of opening her own dance studio.
Miss Christina continues to stay connected to the local arts community by being an active member of
Dance NJ and volunteering with The Strand Theater in Lakewood.
Melanie Luft
Teacher, Choreographer
Miss Mel has loved dance since she hit stage at age four as a mouse and a marshmallow. Competing since
the age of 12, she achieved many placements, titles, and student choreography awards. Mel attended the Grunin Performing Arts Academy high school as a dance major where her love for choreography began. She was part of dance ensemble, chosen to perform with Nimbus Dance Company, and was inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. While attending GPAA, she earned her Associate's Degree in Arts from Ocean County College with honors, and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Currently, Miss Mel is a senior at Georgian Court University, earning two Bachelor's Degrees in dance and psychology (Honors Program). While at GCU she has further developed her choreography skills, creating and performing in solos and groups in many showcases. She is working professionally at Six Flags Great Adventure as a dancer in their "Let's Get Loud" dance party and you can also catch her as a backup dancer for rising pop artist Tess Anthony, appearing in her "Jimmy Choo" music video. Miss Mel loves everything about dance and is thrilled to
bring her skills and creativity to Wright Dance Studio and looks forward to what lies ahead!
Katie Drain
Teacher, Choreographer
Miss Katie brings energy, creativity, and a genuine love for working with young children to our Movement & Music and Preschool classes. Currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education, she is passionate about helping little ones grow, learn, and thrive through play, movement, and exploration. With a lifelong background in working with kids, Miss Katie naturally connects with her students and creates a welcoming and joyful classroom environment.
Her love for dance began as a child when she took ballet and jazz classes at the studio now known as The OC Dance Place. That early experience sparked a lasting appreciation for the arts, which she now brings into her teaching. She believes movement is a powerful tool for learning and self-expression, especially in early childhood.
Outside of teaching, Miss Katie continues to stay active by taking yoga classes, which help her bring mindfulness, balance, and calm energy into the classroom. She is thrilled to be part of each child’s dance journey and is dedicated to making every class a positive and enriching experience. Miss Katie can't wait to dance, sing, and grow with your little ones!
Chloe Grady
Teacher, Choreographer
Miss Chloe is a lifelong lover of dance and the arts. She began her training at the age of 3 at Dance For Joy in Brielle, NJ, where she studied ballet, tap, lyrical, modern, and pointe for 15 years. During her time at DFJ, she was a member of the competition team, performed in nonprofit benefit shows, and attended The Pulse Dance Conventions.
Chloe continued her dance career at Georgian Court University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Education, and Special Education, along with a minor in Dance. For the past nine years, she has taught middle school Language Arts and Special Education, while also developing mental health and physical wellness programs for young girls.
Outside the classroom, Chloe stays active through pilates and yoga. She is thrilled to be joining Wright Dance Studio and looks forward to sharing her passion for dance and the arts with her students.