Rise Up! is Fairmount's program for interpretive dance for girls and boys from elementary ages through teens. Rise Up! practices Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:15 from September through May and performs at various worship services and other programs, such as the Virginia Preteen Convention. It is led by Kim Moncrief and Beena Shelton.
Kim Moncrief became a member of Fairmount Christian Church when she was 9 years old. She has a BFA in Dance and Choreography along with a BS in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She began her dance career at The Richmond Ballet when she was 8 years old where she received intensive training until graduating from High School. She has been formally trained by notable instructors & choreographers in a variety of dance styles including: Classical Ballet and Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Theater, Cheerleading, AfricanCarribbean, Improvisation, and Yoga.
Kim has traveled the U.S. teaching and choreographing for dancers of all levels and abilities, primarily focused on the competitive circuit. Her strength for directing was apparent early in her career where she quickly received positions such as, Assistant Artistic Director and Ballet Director within the studios she was employed. Since then, Kim has gone on to become Founder, CEO & Artistic Director of Miracles in Motion, a dance troupe for people with special needs. Kim is also Artistic Director of "Joni Fusion dance company" at St. Catherine's School & she is a jazz instructor and free-lance choreographer at School of Dance Arts in Mechanicsville.
Kim's love of dance, inspired a vision for a performance group in Fairmount. In 2010, that vision became reality and with the help of the Fairmount Staff, Kim and Beena Shelton produced "Rise Up!".
Kim is married to her supportive husband, John Moncrief who is also an active member of Fairmount. They have 3 active children. Logan, Isabella & Gibson who have all grown up in Fairmount and aspire to one day be old enough to join "Rise Up!".
Kim always wanted to serve God in her own special way. Through performances with strong messages, "Rise Up!" is Kim's way of spreading the love she has for Christ to our youth, congregation and community.
Beena Shelton immigrated to the United States at the age of 5 with her parents and two other siblings. She became a United States citizen at the age of 9. Her parents instilled the Indian culture in their children. Watching Indian movies inspired Beena and her sister to recreate musicals. Beena and her sister began to choreograph and perform at small Indian events in the 1980’s in Chesterfield, VA. A group of young teenagers, interested in Indian dance, began to form. The group soon began to compete against other groups along the Eastern corridor. They won several trophies including the “Best of the Best” award in Greenville, SC.
In 1996, Beena married Julian and moved to Fredericksburg, VA. In 2000, their daughter, Shyli was born. In 2002, they moved to Midlothian, VA and soon after moved to her husband’s (Julian) hometown of Mechanicsville, VA. Soon after the birth of their son, Jace, in 2006 the entire family joined Fairmount Christian Church.
Beena and Julian volunteered for several years teaching toddlers through 4th grade in Sunday School classes. Beena enjoys working with children and leading them to Christ.
In 2012, Rose Williams (Former Children’s Ministry Director) approached Beena with an idea of offering a program for children to express their love for Christ and introduced her to Kim Moncrief, an established dance instructor. Beena felt that this partnership would allow Jesus to shine through her talents to the children and adults in the church, community and soon the WORLD!