Welcome to Studio Orange Baton and Dance

About Us

Founder & Director

Christie Puhalla

Christie Puhalla is the visionary founder and director of Studio Orange Baton and Dance. With over 20 years of experience in the worlds of baton twirling and dance, Christie has dedicated her life to fostering a love for the performing arts in her students. Under her leadership, Studio Orange has become a vibrant community where athletes and performers of all levels are encouraged to grow, challenge themselves, and shine. Christie’s passion for the arts goes beyond teaching technique—she strives to instill confidence, discipline, and a sense of joy in every student she works with. As a seasoned professional, Christie has mentored countless athletes and dancers, helping them achieve their goals both on and off the stage. Her dedication to excellence, combined with her deep love for the art of performance, has made Studio Orange a home for creativity and success. Christie is proud to lead a team of talented instructors and to continue inspiring the next generation of twirlers and dancers.

Instructors

Laney Puhalla

Co-Director

Laney serves as the Co-Director at Studio Orange, bringing her exceptional experience and passion for the performing arts to every student she teaches. A recent graduate from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Laney shined as the university's Feature Twirler for four years. Her illustrious baton twirling career includes titles such as Miss Majorette of America, Grand National Twirling Champion, and 13-time World Champion. In addition to her competitive accolades, Laney has made a significant impact by sharing her expertise through instructional videos on her YouTube channel, inspiring twirlers around the world to learn and grow. Beyond baton twirling, Laney has danced competitively for most of her life, earning multiple regional and national titles. She finds immense joy in combining her love for both twirling and dance, and she is dedicated to helping others discover the same passion. Laney is thrilled to teach and mentor the next generation of performers, fostering a love for the arts and a spirit of excellence.

Makayla Farace

Instructor

Makayla is a recent graduate from Stevenson University. With 17 years of competitive twirling experience, she has earned numerous State, Regional, and National titles as both an individual and a team member. Her impressive career includes competing on the world stage at events such as the 2015 WFNBTA Championships, the 2019 Grand Prix, and the 2022 WFNBTA Championships, where she earned a silver medal in Twirling Corps alongside her teammates. In addition to her accomplishments in baton, Makayla is an Elementary School teach and her passion for teaching shines both in the classroom and on the twirling floor. She is committed to sharing her love for baton twirling with the next generation of athletes, inspiring them to pursue excellence and embrace the joy of the sport. Makayla brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping her students grow, both as performers and as individuals.

Mindy Thomas

Instructor

Mindy is a former University of Tennessee Majorette with a celebrated career in baton twirling, earning accolades at the state, regional, and national levels. As the founder and head coach of TriStar Twirl, she built a thriving baton twirling academy known for producing award-winning individuals and teams. Now a proud member of Studio Orange, Mindy has brought her expertise and passion for the sport, along with her talented students, to continue fostering the art of baton twirling in the East Tennessee region. Mindy is dedicated to nurturing her students' skills and confidence while promoting the growth of baton twirling as a sport and art form. She values collaboration with fellow instructors, introducing her students to diverse coaching techniques and perspectives. Her mission is to inspire the next generation of twirlers, helping them achieve excellence while celebrating the joy of performance.

Jordan Strickland

Instructor

Jordan is a passionate and dedicated pom dance coach with over 14 years of experience in cheer and dance, including collegiate-level cheerleading and earning prestigious national titles. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes a strong foundation in technique, strength training, and performance, ensuring her athletes are well-prepared both physically and mentally. Jordan’s love for teamwork and her ability to foster a positive, energetic environment make her a favorite among her students. Beyond teaching choreography, Jordan is deeply committed to helping her athletes build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community. She takes pride in guiding her students to reach their fullest potential, both on the competition floor and in life. As a proud member of the Studio Orange family, Jordan is excited to continue sharing her expertise and passion for pom dance while inspiring the next generation of performers.