Claire Ward serves as an adjunct instructor of dance and coordinator of the academic dance program. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she trained and competed nationally in ballet, jazz, tap, and musical theater. Upon graduating high school, she toured nationally with the Radio City Rockettes in the 2008 Christmas Spectacular Arena tour. Claire then pursued a BFA in Ballet Performance from the University of Oklahoma School of Dance while dancing with the Oklahoma Festival Ballet, then continued her professional performing career with the Louisville Ballet, Missouri Ballet Theatre, and Common Thread Contemporary Ballet Company. She is a certified mat pilates and yoga instructor, and incorporates her knowledge from these certifications in her classes. Love, faith, and guidance are the foundation of Claire’s teaching, and she is blessed to share her knowledge and passion with the talented students of Missouri Baptist University.