Kristi Markland-Rice
Studio Owner | Certified Dance Educator | Choreographer

Kristi Markland-Rice is a lifelong dancer and passionate instructor with deep roots in the Jacksonville dance community. A graduate of Ed White High School and Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ), Kristi has dedicated much of her life to dance, both as a performer and mentor.

She trained under local dance icons Bambi Philips and Linda Elchak, and furthered her education through workshops with renowned instructors such as Nilo Toledo, Dorothy Lister, Frank Hatchett, and Henry LeTang. Her performance experience includes memorable roles in the Community Nutcracker, including Party Girl, Bon Bon, Spanish, Russian, and Flower.

Kristi’s talent and determination have earned her numerous accolades:

• Ballet Scholarship to the Joffrey School of Ballet (NYC)

• Tap Scholarships to both the Henry LeTang School of Tap (NYC) and the Al Gilbert Tap School (Montreal, Canada)

• Best All-Around Dancer at the Pensacola Junior College Summer Workshop

In 1995, she competed against more than 800 women to earn a coveted spot on the inaugural Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleading squad, “The Roar.” She was later selected as a Celebrity Cheerleader for the NFL Player’s Party at Super Bowl XXXI and XXXII.

Kristi’s love of working with children extended beyond the studio when she became a cheerleading instructor at Jeff Lageman’s football and cheerleading camp on the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico.

Her competitive dance experience also translated to success in pageantry. While attending FCCJ, she was crowned Miss FCCJ 1996 and proudly represented the college at the Miss Florida Pageant. She was also recognized in Who’s Who in America’s Junior Colleges, nominated by a faculty member for her achievements and leadership.

Now the proud owner of her own dance studio, Kristi continues to share her passion through choreography and mentorship. She has:

• Choreographed the opening number for the Miss Senior High Pageant for many years

• Served as Production Director for the Miss River City Jacksonville Pageant

• Judged numerous national dance competitions

• Received three prestigious choreography awards from Dance Troupe National Competition and the Professional Dance Teacher’s Association

Kristi is also a certified dance educator through Dance Masters of America, Chapter 2.

Through all her accomplishments, Kristi remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of dancers. Her studio motto, “There are NO LIMITS to what you can do,” is not only her guiding philosophy—it’s a true reflection of her journey.