About Our Director

Christie Crummel has been a drill team director and Texas-certified dance teacher for thirteen years.  She began her career as drill team director and special education teacher at Cleburne High School in 1997.  At mid-term she was recruited to be the director of the MacArthur Cardette Drill Team in Irving, Texas.  Under Crummel’s direction, the Cardettes won several Marching Auxiliaries Regional and National titles: 

·       Best in Class Team at MA Grapevine Regionals (2001) (2002) (2003) (2004)

·       Best in Class Officers at MA Grapevine Regionals (2001) (2002)

·       MA San Antonio National Champion Jacket Winners (Top Team) (2002)

·       MA San Antonio National Champion 1^st place Hip Hop, 1^st Modern, 3^rd Pom (2003). 

In addition, Christie had over 150 dance students enrolled in her dance program and was the chair/coordinator for all of the Irving ISD Dance/Drill Team Programs.

In 2004, Christie Crummel was recruited by Highland Park High School and is serving her sixth year as PE/Fine Art Dance teacher and director of the Highland Belles.  The Belles have won five Contest of Champion National titles (2005) (2006) (2008) (2009) (2010) and Champion Dance National title (2007) in Orlando, Florida.  The Belles won 1^st place overall at MA Grapevine Regionals (2008).

As an 18-year dance instructor, choreographer, clinic director, and competition judge for Marching Auxiliaries, Christie has touched the lives of more than 100,000 dancers throughout the United States.  She has gained more national exposure as the assistant choreographer and coordinator of the half-time show for the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Florida for 9 years. 

 In 2002 Christie was voted a DTDA (Drill Team Directors of America) Top 10 Director of the Year by her colleagues. Christie has been a member of both the DTDA and TDEA (Texas Dance Educators Association) for the past 13 years.  She attends both annual conventions to further her education in dance and drill team.

Educational Background

Christie received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University in 1994.  To receive her dance certification, she took 22 hours of Dance Education classes from Texas Woman’s University in 1996-97.  Christie completed the Alternative Certification Program at Region XI in 1998.  Christie is currently pursuing  a Masters in School Counseling at Amberton University.  

Family Background

Christie was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas.  She is the daughter of two esteemed educators, Susan and Richard Crummel.  Susan was a professional educator for 30 years, a former drill team director, and is currently retired from her position as math teacher and Director of Student Activities at Ft. Worth Country Day School.  Susan is the author of several children’s picture books including Cook-a-Doodle-Doo!, the Texas Bluebonnet Award winner for 2001 and Help Me Mr. Mutt, the Texas Bluebonnet Award winner for 2010.  Richard has been a professional educator for the past 37 years.  A former band director, Richard was principal of Burleson High School and is currently Director of Public Relations and Student Learning Supports at Burleson ISD.