By Dawn P. Goff

Each year Talent America, an international model and performing arts competition, recognizes outstanding dance teachers in various states though out the United States.  This year Christine Atamian Bairos owner and director of one Pawtucket’s newest dance studio, Dancin Spirit Performing Arts studio, located in the Hope Artiste Village Complex at 999 Main Street Pawtucket was named Talent America’s Rhode Island  Dance Teacher of the Year.

Talent America’s national judge Thom Testa presented Christine her award at the studio first recital on June 6^th.  Christine was recognized for both her dedication to her students and her out standing teaching abilities.  

According to Jane Eastwood, owner of Lincoln based Talent America, this was the first time in the 35 year history of Talent America that the award had been given to a teacher of a first year dance studio.

Christine grew up in Pawtucket.  Her parents Pat and Stephen Atamian ran a very successful hair salon, Stephan His & Her on Central Ave. in Pawtucket.  She attended Henry J. Winters Elementary, Jenks Jr. High and Tolman High.  At Jenks she was in Drama Club and helped with the choreography of many of the school productions.  At Tolman she was on the Cheerleading team and became the team choreographer, winning the state championship in cheer.

Christine started dancing when she was seven years old at the Gloria Dorais Dance Studio in Pawtucket.  She won her first competition at the Boston Region Talent America. She went on to win numerous local and national titles across New England. By the age of twelve she turned professional and transferred to the Ann Carr Dance Studio where she was exposed to more performing and studying with Special Guest Teachers and Choreographers. She studied acting with the Young People’s School for the Performing Arts, Ballet with Sarazin’s in North Attleboro, advanced tap with Leon Collins in Boston, and jazz at the famous Luigi’s Jazz Center in New York to which she won a scholarship at a  Talent America finals. 

Christine performed and taught in Las Vegas, North Carolina and Florida.  She continues her training by attending dance conventions and taking master classes in New York.

When not at the Studio Christine can be found at home in Lincoln with her husband Joseph Bairos, son Russell, a recent honor graduate of Lincoln High and six-year-old daughter Angelina.